After a break of around four weeks, DHL resumed postal goods shipments to the USA for business customers on 25 September 2025. The reason for the suspension was a far-reaching decision by the US government: the previous de minimis rule, under which goods worth up to US$800 could be imported free of customs duties and taxes, was abolished on 29 August 2025.

This rule change represents a turning point in cross-border trade. Until now, smaller retailers and online shops in particular have taken advantage of the exemption limit to export products to the United States easily and cost-effectively. With its abolition, virtually every shipment of goods will now require a full customs procedure, regardless of the value of the goods.

Exceptions apply to private customers: parcels declared as gifts with a value of up to US$100 can be sent to the United States without the new regulations applying. Personal items worth up to US$200 may also continue to be imported in luggage.

For parcels to the USA, DHL will also offer the add-on service Postal Delivered Duty Paid (PDDP) in future. This procedure is designed to ensure that all relevant data is transmitted in advance and that any import duties due are paid by the sender in advance. This is to prevent recipients in the USA from being confronted with unexpected additional charges upon delivery. Details on the new DHL PDDP procedure can be found here (in English).

Sources: Tagesschau (in German) , GTAI (in German)