DHL suspends Business-to-Customer shipments to U.S. amid new Customs rule 

The company announced this via a statement posted on its website over the weekend.

According to the statement, effective April 5, 2025, all shipments entering the U.S. with a declared value above $800 now require formal customs clearance, a steep drop from the previous threshold of $2,500.

This change, enforced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), has triggered a wave of additional paperwork and inspections at ports of entry.

DHL says the regulation has caused a surge in formal entry processing, stretching its resources and causing multi-day delivery delays for high-value shipments.

“To manage this, starting Monday, April 21, 2025, and until further notice, we will temporarily suspend B2C shipments to private individuals in the U.S. where the declared value exceeds USD 800,” the company stated.

The company, however, noted that business-to-business shipments would not be suspended but could face delays.

Shipments under $800 to either businesses or consumers were not affected by the changes.

“Business-to-business (B2B) shipments to U.S. companies with a declarable value above USD 800 are not affected by the temporary suspension, though they may also face delays. 

“This is a temporary measure, and we will share updates as the situation evolves,” DHL stated.

For Nigerian exporters, e-commerce sellers, and SMEs that rely on DHL to ship goods directly to U.S. consumers, this change could disrupt operations and delay deliveries.

The U.S. is one of Nigeria’s key trade and remittance partners, and the growing appetite for African-made products in North America has been fueling cross-border online retail.

This policy shift adds a new compliance layer and temporary constraint for businesses tapping into that market.

DHL’s announcement comes as another fallout of the ongoing tariff between the U.S. and other large economies.

Last Wednesday, Hong Kong Post said it had suspended mail services for goods sent by sea to the United States, accusing the U.S. of “bullying” after Washington cancelled tariff-free trade provisions for packages from China and Hong Kong.

A trade war between the world’s two largest economies is intensifying, with President Donald Trump imposing additional tariffs totalling 145% on China and Hong Kong, while China has responded with additional import taxes of 125% on the U.S.

A trade war between the world’s two largest economies is intensifying, with President Donald Trump imposing additional tariffs totalling 145% on China and Hong Kong, while China has responded with additional import taxes of 125% on the U.S.