The suspension lasted one week and affected only B2C (business-to-consumer) shipments where the declared value of goods exceeded the duty-free threshold of $800 (approximately €703). The US customs authorities had withdrawn the simplified import procedure for such shipments, instead requiring more complex formal clearance. As a result, DHL had stopped accepting these parcels from 21 April.
DHL says it has now reached a solution in “constructive discussions” with the relevant US authorities to streamline customs procedures. As of 28 April, the shipping of affected parcels has resumed, although some delays may still occur due to backlogs.
B2B shipments and lower-value B2C parcels were not affected by the temporary suspension.
