One of the changes resulting from the revision of US tariffs is the lowering of the maximum exemption threshold for customs clearance from $2,500 to $800. This has caused a sharp increase in clearance procedures, resulting in significant delays in the delivery of imported goods. For this reason, DHL has announced that from Monday 21 April 2025, it has suspended the acceptance and delivery of parcels with a declared customs value exceeding $800 (approximately €694). This measure, which will remain in effect indefinitely, concerns only shipments destined for private individuals (B2C), which may still experience delays, while shipments between businesses (B2B) will continue as normal. All shipments with a declared customs value below $800, whether B2B or B2C, are unaffected by the suspension.
According to German media reports, DHL’s suspension will particularly impact US consumers who purchase valuable goods online from abroad. Sellers relying on the German logistics firm will need to redesign their shipping strategies. On 16 April, China’s Hongkong Post suspended all sea freight postal services to the United States and will extend the suspension to air freight from 27 April. For now, other global courier services have not announced similar measures, but their B2B shipments are already being affected by delays and increased costs due to the customs procedures. FedEx and UPS have already introduced surcharges for shipments from China to the US.
It should be noted that on 2 May 2025, the de minimis exemption (which waives duties for goods valued up to $800) will be eliminated for items arriving in the US from China and Hong Kong. After this date, these goods will be subject to a 30% duty or a flat fee of $25, whichever is higher. For example, a parcel worth $60 will incur the minimum fee of $25, while one worth $200 will be subject to a 30% duty, amounting to $60. On 1 June, the minimum fee will rise to $50. In addition to duties, parcels will face more rigorous customs inspections, potentially leading to further delays and additional checks.
According to figures from US Customs, de minimis imports have surged from $92 billion in 2019 to $545 billion in 2023, with around 60% of these shipments originating from China. This growth has prompted the US administration to revise the regulations, also citing concerns about the entry of fentanyl and its precursors through such shipments.
