Key Takeaways
• DHL suspends shipments over $800 to US individuals from April 21, 2025, citing new customs requirements.
• US Customs reduced informal entry limit from $2,500 to $800, increasing paperwork and delays for high-value global shipments.
• Shipping from business to business (B2B) over $800 is allowed but faces multi-day customs delays, not outright suspension.
Starting April 21, 2025, DHL Express will temporarily stop sending packages that are worth more than $800 to private individuals, or regular people, in the United States 🇺🇸. This big change comes right after new rules from U.S. Customs and Border Protection took effect. Now, any shipment coming to the United States 🇺🇸 that is over $800 requires a lot more paperwork and detailed information. This move is likely to have a huge effect, both for US consumers waiting for global shipments, and for businesses and sellers overseas who depend on DHL to reach these customers.
DHL’s sudden halt of high-value global shipments
The main reason for this sudden stop is a new rule from U.S. Customs and Border Protection that began on April 5, 2025. Before this, you could send something worth up to $2,500 using a simple paperwork process called “informal entry.” Now, only packages valued at $800 or less can use the easy process. Anything higher than $800 needs a full customs process, called a formal entry. DHL has said that this formal process has become so much more time-consuming that it had to stop these shipments, at least for now.
Who’s affected, and who’s not?
This suspension only affects packages sent by businesses to regular people — this is called “business-to-consumer” or B2C shipping. If your DHL package is coming from a business and it’s worth over $800, you will not be able to get it for now. However, anything worth $800 or less is still allowed. If a business is shipping something to another business (called “business-to-business” or B2B), the shipping is not officially stopped, even if it’s worth more than $800. But DHL warns that these high-value B2B shipments might have to wait several extra days for customs processing.
Let’s put this in a simple table:
- For regular people getting deliveries from companies:
- Over $800: Not allowed (suspended).
- $800 or less: Still allowed.
- For businesses getting deliveries from other businesses:
- Over $800: Allowed, but big delays.
- $800 or less: Still allowed, regular processing.
Why these rules are changing, and why now?
The change began when U.S. Customs and Border Protection lowered the simple process, known as the informal entry limit, down from $2,500 to $800. Any item over that now needs formal entry paperwork, which is much longer and more difficult. What does this mean for you? More forms and documents must be prepared, including:
- Proof of where the item is made (the country of origin)
- The recipient’s tax identification number (like a Social Security Number or business number)
- Payment of any import taxes or “duties” that the US government charges on goods coming into the country
With all these extra requirements, DHL waits longer at the border before packages can move forward. According to DHL’s statement, workers are dealing with a much larger number of formal entries than before. The company says, “The outlined above caused an increase in clearances which we [are] handling around [the] clock… While [we] are working diligently… we are experiencing multi-day transit delays…” So even when businesses send high-value packages that are not officially blocked, there are still long delays.
How does this affect global shipments to US consumers?
For US consumers—the people waiting on packages at home—this change could be disappointing. If you are expecting a new phone, expensive shoes, or electronics bought online and the item’s value is over $800, DHL will not deliver those from overseas for the time being. You may have to look for other shipping options, or ask sellers to split purchases into smaller packages worth less than $800 each. This could make it trickier for people who like to shop on global websites.
The business side: Global sellers and US importers
Sellers in other countries who use DHL to reach US buyers will also feel the pressure. If they ship pricey goods that often go to US customers, there’s now a big roadblock. Many companies may have to change how they do business—maybe by lowering the value of each single shipment, or by looking for other shipping companies, though other shippers may have similar challenges. If you run a business in the United States 🇺🇸 and import items using DHL, you are also affected if your shipments are over $800. Even though DHL will still move these shipments between businesses, it warns of potential “multi-day” delays.
A wider trade story: Tensions, tariffs, and further changes coming
This policy change doesn’t just affect DHL or the people who use their services. It’s happening at the same time as bigger fights over trade between the United States 🇺🇸, China 🇨🇳, and Hong Kong 🇭🇰. Recently, all shipments from China 🇨🇳 that are sent to the United States 🇺🇸 and valued under $800—the so-called “de minimis” exemption—have enjoyed no duties, which means no extra import taxes. But that’s about to change, too. Starting in May 2025, the United States 🇺🇸 will scrap this duty-free rule for goods from China 🇨🇳. This will put even more stress on delivery companies like DHL, because they’ll need to do even more formal entries, and more packages will owe tax.
Some carriers are starting to react even before these rules take effect. Hongkong Post, the main postal service in Hong Kong 🇭🇰, has already stopped sending some types of mail to the United States 🇺🇸, saying the new rules are too hard to manage. Other global shipping companies are warning about longer delivery times, and some have announced extra charges, called surcharges, for international packages. Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests these patterns could spread, affecting shoppers and businesses in many countries.
Looking back: What was the old process like?
Before all these new requirements, it was much easier and faster to send packages from around the world to United States 🇺🇸 consumers. As long as the value stayed below $2,500, paperwork was simple, and packages cleared customs quickly. Even expensive online shopping was common and delivery was fast because formal entry was not needed as often. Now, by dropping the informal entry limit to $800, the US government has made it harder for people and companies to get higher value goods from around the world.
Key requirements for formal entry in plain language
If you or your business want to ship an item to the United States 🇺🇸 and it’s worth more than $800, here’s what you now need:
- The country where the item was made (proof of origin, like a document or label)
- The tax ID for the person or business receiving the item (for example, Social Security Number for people, or Employer Identification Number for a company)
- Payment of any extra import costs (these are called “duties” or tariffs)
All this paperwork means higher costs for shippers and longer wait times for those hoping to enjoy their global shipments.
What can consumers and businesses do now?
- For US consumers: If you’re planning to buy something from another country that costs more than $800, ask the seller about shipping. Be aware that with DHL, packages above this value won’t be delivered for now. Check if the seller can use a different shipper or split your order into smaller packages.
- For global sellers: Businesses should review their shipping policies, especially if the United States 🇺🇸 is a key market. You may need to consider sending multiple low-value packages, talk to other couriers, or give US consumers clear information about potential delays or blocked deliveries.
- For US businesses importing goods: You can still use DHL, but plan for slow processing if your package values are high. Make sure you have all your formal entry paperwork ready to avoid further delays.
Looking at the future: Will the rules stay?
DHL calls the suspension only a “temporary” step. The company says it is working to hire more customs experts and wants to ramp up (increase) its ability to process all the new formal entries. They plan to provide updates as they figure out how to handle the spike in paperwork. But, with even more rule changes coming in May 2025 for Chinese-origin goods, it may be tough for DHL—and other shipping companies—to go back to the way things were.
What about other shipping and postal companies?
The story is bigger than just DHL. According to DHL’s public updates, many shipments handled by other global shippers or postal services are also likely to be delayed. Some have started charging extra fees, or even stopped certain services altogether, just like Hongkong Post did with its mail to the United States 🇺🇸. US consumers should expect more delays, and possibly higher shipping costs, until delivery firms can handle the new customs burden.
Controversies and different viewpoints
Some people argue these changes are needed to make sure all imports pay fair taxes, especially as online shopping from overseas grows. Supporters say it keeps global shipments safe and stops items from being undervalued to dodge taxes. Others think the $800 limit is too low and slows down trade, hurts small businesses, and makes it harder for Americans to buy from the world’s marketplaces.
For businesses, the new rules mean spending more time and money preparing customs documents and possibly dealing with unhappy US customers whose goods are now stuck or undelivered. For the US government, the new limits are meant to help collect more tariff money and give more control over what comes into the country.
Key takeaways for shippers and US consumers
- If you’re a US consumer waiting for international purchases worth over $800: DHL will not deliver those for the time being, starting April 21, 2025.
- For businesses shipping high-value items to US homes: These packages are blocked if you use DHL. Try low-value shipments or other carriers, though delays and rules may be similar.
- For B2B shippers and importers: Shipping is still possible with DHL, but expect slowing and delays while extra paperwork is handled.
- Shipments below $800: These can still go through with standard DHL service for now.
- Future changes: Next month’s rules will remove duty-free status for Chinese-origin low-value packages, which may add even more complexity.
For official updates on these shipping changes, you can visit the official DHL information page, which contains all the current announcements and guidance for US consumers, global shipments, business shippers, and anyone involved in importing to the United States 🇺🇸.
Conclusion
DHL’s move to stop high-value global shipments to US consumers shows just how quickly trade rules can change—and how much they depend on detailed customs procedures. With the new $800 threshold, both businesses and private buyers will have to rethink how they send and receive global shipments. The situation is still changing, especially with more rules coming for shipments from China 🇨🇳. Keeping up with these rules and checking with companies like DHL will be essential, especially if you rely on international shipping for your shopping or business. For regular updates, US consumers and senders should use reliable sources like DHL’s public announcements or turn to platforms such as VisaVerge.com for ongoing analysis and guidance in these unpredictable times.
Learn Today
Informal Entry → A simplified customs clearance process for packages under a certain value limit; requires less paperwork and is faster.
Formal Entry → A comprehensive customs process for higher-value imports, needing detailed documents and agent review before release.
De minimis Exemption → A policy allowing imported goods below a set value to enter without paying import duties or tariffs.
B2C (Business-to-Consumer) → Shipments sent from a company directly to an individual consumer.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) → US government agency overseeing imports, exports, and enforcing international trade regulations.
This Article in a Nutshell
DHL will pause shipments valued above $800 to US consumers starting April 21, 2025, due to stricter customs rules. Increased paperwork, reduced informal entry limits, and heavy delays will impact both consumers and international sellers. B2B shipments face lengthy waits. All eyes are on future regulatory updates and company adjustments.
— By VisaVerge.com
Read more:
• Hongkong Post halts shipments to US after tariff hikes
• Airbus assesses impact of new U.S. tariffs on industry
• CBP enforces U.S. trade laws to protect economy and agriculture
• Beijing Grapples with Flight Chaos as Sandstorms Sweep From Gobi
• Tariff surcharges adding hidden costs at checkout
