In view of uncertainties surrounding new US customs regulations, DHL is severely restricting its shipment of goods from Germany to the US. “As of August 22, Deutsche Post and DHL Paket will no longer be able to accept and transport international parcels and goods mail from business customers to the US for the time being,” the company announced on Friday. The reason for this is new regulations from the US authorities, in which, however, “significant questions remain unresolved.”
Private parcels and packages that are declared as gifts and have a value of up to $100 (around €86) are not affected. However, the company warns that these shipments “will be subject to even stricter controls than before in order to prevent the misuse of private gift shipments for the shipment of commercial goods.” Documents can still be sent to the US, DHL added.
Shipping goods with DHL Express is also still possible and the commercial import of goods into the USA will continue to be possible, subject to the currently applicable customs duties. These also apply to private customer packages with a value of goods exceeding $100.
The background to this is an order issued by US President Donald Trump. It stipulates that, as of August 29, customs exemptions for parcels with a value of less than $800 (around €690) from all over the world will be suspended. However, DHL explained that it is currently unclear how the new postal shipping processes will work, in particular “how and by whom customs duties will be levied in future, what additional data will be required, and how data will be transmitted” to the US customs authorities.
The company is in contact with the US authorities in order to “resume postal shipments to the US as quickly as possible.” Other European postal service providers, such as those in Austria, Belgium, and the Czech Republic, have also already announced restrictions.
From breaking news to thought-provoking opinion pieces, our newsletter keeps you informed & engaged.
