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The global postal and logistics giant DHL Express has announced a temporary suspension of delivery of parcels worth more than $800 to the United States due to a “significant increase in bureaucratic procedures” caused by new customs rules introduced by the Donald Trump administration. This was reported by the BBC.
Starting Monday, the company will suspend shipments from businesses from any country in the world to US consumers. At the same time, delivery between companies will continue, although there may be delays, DHL said.
Prior to the introduction of the new import rules, goods worth up to USD 2,500 could be imported into the US with a minimum package of documents. Since the beginning of the month, this limit has been lowered to $800, and the number of customs checks has increased. DHL noted that they are working non-stop to process the increase in the number of customs declarations.
The company will continue to process cheaper parcels to the US, but deliveries over $800 may be delayed by several days, regardless of the country of origin.
Chinese giants Shein and Temu are under attack
The new restrictions may also affect Shein and Temu, which specialise in low-cost clothing. They have already announced a likely price increase due to “changes in global trade rules and customs tariffs”.
Starting 2 May, the White House plans to close a tax loophole for parcels under $800, including those from China and Hong Kong. This will make trade even more difficult for small shipments.
Washington explains such measures by the need to combat the illegal importation of synthetic opioids, in particular fentanyl, which, according to the United States, are “disguised” in small parcels. China, for its part, has rejected the accusations, saying that “the opioid problem is an internal matter for America” and emphasising its tough national anti-drug policy.
Background: Last week, Hongkong Post already stopped shipping parcels to the US by sea, and from 27 April it will stop accepting all shipments to the US.
