Global shipping leader DHL said it is suspending shipping parcels valued over NZ$1,300 from businesses to individuals in the United States. The company cited delays in US customs clearances as the reason for this decision.
“Effective Monday, April 21st, 2025, and until further notice, we will temporarily suspend the collection and shipping of business-to-consumer (B2C) shipments to private individuals in the United States where the declared customs value exceeds USD 800,” DHL said in a statement.
“As a result of recent US Customs regulatory updates: we are experiencing multi-day transit delays to the US from any origin for shipments with a declared customs value exceeding USD 800.”
“Shipments – both B2B & B2C – with a declarable customs value below USD 800 are not affected by the suspension,” DHL added.
Since taking office, US President Donald Trump has initiated an expansive trade war, imposing steep tariffs on both allies and adversaries in an effort to address US trade deficits with individual countries.
These changes involve the government decreasing the value threshold for parcels requiring formal US Customs entry processing for individuals—from NZ$4,500 down to NZ$1,300 (USD 800).
DHL said this regulatory change has led to an increase in formal customs clearances, which their teams are managing continuously around the clock.
The shipping giant described the adjustment as an interim measure, and “will share updates as the situation evolves.”