Dhl Global Forwarding announced on 5 December 2025 the introduction of its consolidated customs clearance service for exports to the United States, designed to support companies operating in e-commerce and retail at a time of higher tariffs, more complex administrative procedures and tighter compliance requirements. The service allows multiple shipments to be combined in a single customs declaration through a simplified process aimed at lowering operating costs and speeding up clearance.
According to the company, the ongoing evolution of US tariff policies is having a marked impact on consumer goods in particular. Many importers, especially those with substantial volumes, are moving from de minimis entries to formal and informal declarations, directly increasing documentation requirements. In this context, the ability to consolidate filings is presented as a way to keep costs under control and reduce the risk of non-compliance. Greg Nichols, senior vice president Global Customs at Dhl Global Forwarding, emphasises that the offering has been designed to streamline inbound flows without additional technological configurations, a key aspect during peak seasons such as Black Friday and the holidays.
The service comes as international trade models undergo a phase of adjustment. US tariffs have reached levels not seen since the 1930s, while forecasts for North American trade growth have been revised down from 2.7% to 1.5% annually. At the same time, many retailers are diversifying sourcing, increasing the use of delivered duty paid terms to simplify cross-border procedures and adopting new import schemes for the United States.
Cross-border e-commerce continues its global expansion. Dhl’s E-Commerce Trends Report 2025 estimates that the value of international online trade will reach 4.81 trillion dollars (around 4.43 trillion euro) by 2032. However, unexpected customs charges and complex returns remain significant deterrents for cross-border purchases, reinforcing the need for more transparent and predictable clearance processes.
