Shipments to the U.S. Temporarily Suspended – DHL International Parcel and International Parcel Post Affected

On July 30, 2025, U.S. authorities issued the executive order “Suspending Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment For All Countries.” This measure eliminates the previous duty-free threshold of $800 for merchandise shipments sent via postal services and has direct consequences for postal shipments to the U.S., particularly for products shipped via DHL Paket International and Warenpost International. Due to unresolved procedural issues and processes that have not yet been finalized, DHL has had to temporarily suspend the shipment of merchandise-containing mail to the U.S. and Puerto Rico effective August 25, 2025.

The Executive Order effectively suspends the de minimis treatment. Starting at 12:01 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) on August 29, 2025, all shipments of goods sent by business customers and arriving in the U.S. will generally be subject to import duties. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the United States Postal Service (USPS) are currently working on implementing the new processes. Key issues remain unresolved:

• Who will collect the duties and fees in the future (shipper, recipient, postal service provider, customs broker)?
• How will data be transmitted to CBP (expanded electronic customs data, interfaces, deadlines)?
• What technical or organizational requirements apply to the classification and valuation of shipments?

The change primarily affects the movement of goods via postal services. Commercial import channels via courier and freight services (e.g., DHL Express) are already subject to existing customs regulations and are not affected by this Executive Order in the same way. Practical consequences for online retailers and fulfillment service providers:

• Suspension of postal shipping options: No shipments of goods to the U.S. via DHL Paket International and Warenpost International after August 25, 2025.
• Return risk: Shipments handed over after the deadline will be returned to the sender.
• Communication requirements: Adjust shop checkout, shipping information, and customer communications to avoid unexpected returns, delays, and customs charges.
• Process adjustments: IT and shipping processes must be prepared for potentially expanded customs data (product descriptions, HS codes, merchandise value, recipient information).

Postal networks hand over very large volumes of small shipments to the USPS. The previous de minimis regulations reduced administrative burdens and border controls. The elimination of this regulation means:

1. Significant additional effort in the customs processing of many small shipments;
2. The requirement for supplementary electronic data records for each shipment;
3. Possible new regulations requiring the pre-collection of customs duties prior to delivery or the engagement of customs brokers by postal companies.

Until CBP and the USPS clarify these procedures, postal service providers cannot guarantee reliable processing. For this reason, several European providers (e.g., PostNord, BPost, ÖPAG) are taking similar steps.

To minimize risk, DHL recommends taking the following steps immediately:

• Plan a shipping halt: Ensure that no shipments of goods are delivered to the U.S. after August 25, 2025.
• Update checkout and store information: Temporarily disable shipping options to the U.S. or clearly indicate delays and potential customs duties.
• Prepare systems for expanded customs data: Enter HS codes, precise product descriptions, and declared values into your systems.
• Customer Communication: Proactively inform recipients about potential changes, customs fees, and alternative shipping methods.
• Explore alternatives: Use courier services such as DHL Express for time-sensitive shipments; review costs, delivery times, and customs solutions.
• Sales contact: Talk to your sales representative to review contracts and terms for alternative shipping solutions.

Commercial courier services offer established customs solutions (e.g., Delivered Duty Paid / Delivered Duty Unpaid), electronic interfaces, and professional customs clearance. DHL Express remains available as a shipping alternative. Information and contract sign-ups are available at the following link:

https://express-resource.dhl.com/DHLExpress-weltweiter-Versand.html

Several European postal companies and the PostEurop association have already announced that postal shipments to the U.S. must be temporarily restricted or suspended. DHL is in communication with European partners and U.S. authorities to understand future requirements early on and implement technical solutions.

• Expand inventory/ERP systems to include additional customs data.
• Notify logistics and fulfillment providers and coordinate action plans.
• Seek legal advice on Incoterms and customs responsibilities.
• Update frequently asked questions on store websites; incorporate automated notifications during checkout.

DHL is continuously monitoring the situation and will implement CBP/USPS technical requirements immediately once they are officially published. The goal is to resume shipping goods to the U.S. via mail as soon as possible, once reliable processes and billing mechanisms are in place.

If you have questions or need assistance with the transition, please contact DHL. For companies that need immediate shipping alternatives, DHL recommends contacting DHL Express directly.

Further details and contract information can be found here: DHL Express Global Shipping.

The elimination of the de minimis rule represents a structural shift for the shipment of goods via postal services to the U.S. In the short term, restrictions and additional administrative burdens are to be expected; in the medium term, technical interfaces and new process chains are expected to be developed to once again enable the standardized handling of small shipments. DHL is preparing its systems and processes for both scenarios and will keep you informed of all relevant changes.