DHL is temporarily halting collection and shipment of business-to-consumer imports to private individuals in the U.S. if the declared customs value of the shipment exceeds $800. This comes as a response from the multinational logistics company as it scrambles to keep up with changing import rules from the Trump administration.

While DHL is continuing business-to-business shipments with declarable value above $800, such shipments may experience delays given the overall strain on DHL’s operations, the company said.

The issue is rooted in U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) beginning to require a formal entry process for all imported shipments valued above $800. Previously, if a shipment was between $800 and $2,500, it could pass through customs using a quicker, simpler process. CBP made the change as part of trade and tariff initiatives President Donald Trump announced in April.

“This change has caused a surge in formal customs clearances, which we are handling around the clock,” DHL said in a statement to customers. “While we are working diligently to scale up and manage this increase, shipments over USD 800 – regardless of origin – may experience multi-day delays.”

DHL said the suspension of B2C shipments valued above $800 is indefinite and couldn’t put a timeframe on when things might change. “This is a temporary measure, and we will share updates as the situation evolves,” the company added.

On the Horizon

Logistics providers, as well as CBP and importers, could face additional heavy workload tied to some importing beginning May 2. Starting that day, importers will no longer be able to claim the de minimis exemption on items being brought stateside from China and Hong Kong, per a Trump order.

Previously, the de minimis rule had allowed overseas shipments valued at less than $800 per person per day to enter the U.S. free of tariffs. But come May 2, such shipments will reportedly be subject to a 120% tariff and will have to undergo formal importing procedures, making it a costlier, more time-consuming process to get the goods into the U.S.

China-based e-commerce sellers like Temu and Shein had used the exemption to sell huge quantities of low-cost goods directly to American consumers, which the Trump administration branded an unfair exploitation of a loophole that hurt U.S.-based competitors. Both suppliers and distributors in the promotional products industry have benefitted from the exemption, too, using it to bring product stateside tariff-free.

“The elimination of this exception will be extremely impactful for promo,” Josh King, CEO of Counselor Best Place to Work distributor You Name It Specialties (asi/365123), said recently. “It will soon be cost-prohibitive for small orders of lapel pins, table covers, sublimated apparel, feather flags and event tents.”

Add to that changes in shipments by logistics companies like DHL, and it’s just more uncertainty across the supply chain.