By Eva Richardson – The Logistic News
DHL has announced the suspension of all direct-to-consumer deliveries to the United States for shipments exceeding $800 in declared value. The decision, which took effect on April 21, is a reaction to stricter enforcement measures recently introduced by U.S. customs authorities.
The temporary halt affects a wide range of international exporters, particularly small and mid-sized businesses that rely on express logistics to serve the U.S. market. According to industry sources, the move stems from increasing delays and risks associated with high-value parcels entering under the U.S. de minimis exemption, which allows goods below $800 to enter duty-free.
Tightened Controls Create Operational Pressure
Over the past month, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has intensified checks on imported shipments, especially those approaching or slightly exceeding the threshold. As a result, DHL is pausing B2C shipments above the limit until its compliance systems can align with the updated inspection protocols.
“We’ve seen a marked increase in customs interventions,” said a senior logistics manager based in Frankfurt. “For high-value items, even minor discrepancies in documentation can now lead to costly delays or outright returns.”
The suspension does not affect business-to-business deliveries, which follow different regulatory pathways. However, for exporters operating primarily in the B2C space, the implications are immediate.
E-Commerce Brands Rethink Fulfillment Models
Many affected companies are now considering alternative solutions, such as transitioning to fulfillment services within the U.S., rerouting orders through intermediary hubs, or restructuring shipments to stay within legal limits.
For firms operating in electronics, fashion, cosmetics, and other high-value sectors, these changes represent more than a logistical adjustment—they may require a complete reconfiguration of their sales and delivery infrastructure.
“We’ve had to halt a full product line targeting U.S. customers,” explained Lena Morisot, who manages cross-border logistics for a Paris-based beauty brand. “We’re not just rerouting boxes. We’re rewriting our operating plan.”
Long-Term Effects Still Unclear
DHL has not indicated when it expects to lift the suspension. In the meantime, trade specialists are watching closely to see whether other major carriers adopt similar policies, especially if U.S. customs continues to scrutinize de minimis shipments more aggressively.
This development adds to growing evidence that customs compliance is no longer a back-office issue. It’s becoming a central factor in global trade strategy—particularly for companies engaged in cross-border e-commerce.
Until a new framework is agreed upon, exporters will need to adapt quickly. In the current regulatory climate, speed alone is no longer enough. Precision matters more than ever.
