Shipping carriers are instituting new international inbound fees and, in one case, terminating package delivery to US consumers. The firms cite delays in getting packages through US Customs, which processes and collects tariffs that are undergoing frequent changes by the current administration.
DHL announced last week that as of Monday, April 21st, it would stop shipping B2C shipments to private individuals in the US where the declared customs value exceeded $800. Shipments to US companies are not affected, though they may face delays. (DHL will continue to deliver all packages with a declarable customs value below $800 to businesses and consumers.)
DHL said a change in customs rules disrupted its operations and caused “multi-day transit delays to the US from any origin,” explaining:
“Effective April 5, 2025, all shipments to the U.S. with a declared customs value over USD 800 require formal entry processing – down from the previous USD 2,500 threshold due to new U.S. Customs regulations. This change has caused a surge in formal customs clearances, which we are handling around the clock.”
DHL called the suspension “a temporary measure” and said it would “share updates as the situation evolves.”
Meanwhile, UPS and FedEx introduced new fees in April. FedEx “U.S. Import Demand Surcharges” are in effect from April 15 through May 2, 2025 and impose a per-pound charge on packages from Hong Kong, China, Philippines, with a minimum charge of $1 per shipment. And UPS added a “surge fee” on packages from China, Hong Kong, and Macau.
Since early February, when the US Postal Service had briefly banned all packages from China and Hong Kong Posts, tariff rules and regulations have been changing frequently. Now, Hong Kong’s postal service will no longer accept packages destined for the US, as we previously reported. The policy is already in effect for items sent surface mail and will go into effect for Airmail service on April 27. Hongkong Post blamed US tariffs and the elimination of the de minimis that allows duty-free shipments into the US on packages under $800.
Supply Chain Dive keeps up with tariff news. EcommerceBytes also update tariff news in the editorial of Newsflash email newsletters.
Update 4/28/2025: DHL announced it has withdrawn its temporary suspension of business-to-consumer shipments with a customs value over $800 as of April 28, 2025. An excerpt of the carrier’s announcement follows:
“This decision follows constructive dialogue between DHL and the U.S. government, who demonstrated a strong willingness to understand our operational and technical challenges, and who agreed that it was imperative to act quickly in the interest of U.S. consumers.
- “Starting April 28th, 2025, the value thresholds for shipments being sent to the U.S. have been adjusted. Shipments valued between USD 800 and USD 2,500 can once again be cleared using the expedited informal entry process. This positive development will enable us to resume normal operations.
- “Your shipments to the U.S. may still experience transit delays as we navigate the reintroduction of the service and while we clear the current backlog as soon as possible.
- “DHL Express remains committed to processing inbound shipments to the United States in full compliance with applicable customs rules and regulations.”
