This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. If you want to stay informed, consider becoming an Insider and start reading right now.

In a significant development for international shipping, DHL has announced a temporary halt on the delivery of packages valued at more than $800 to customers in the United States. This decision comes in response to the implementation of new and more stringent customs regulations, which are part of President Donald Trump's tariffs framework aimed at tightening border security.

The suspension, effective from Monday and remaining in place until further notice, impacts consumer shipments coming into the US from any international location, as well as the collections process. Its important to note that while business-to-business deliveries will continue, DHL has cautioned that these shipments may encounter considerable delays as customs officials increase their scrutiny at the border.

A fundamental change in customs enforcement has resulted in a lowered threshold for simplified import procedures. Previously, packages valued at up to $2,500 could pass through US customs with minimal documentation, but under the new guidelines, any packages worth more than $800 will require formal clearance. This adjustment took effect on April 5 and has overwhelmed DHLs operational systems, leading to widespread delays in deliveries across various channels.

In a statement on its website, DHL acknowledged the situation: "While we are working diligently to scale up and manage this increase, shipments over USD 800 regardless of origin may experience multi-day delays." The company emphasized that the delivery suspension is a temporary measure and promised to keep customers updated as conditions change.

For packages valued at less than $800, quicker processing remains available. However, these shipments could still be impacted by a potential crackdown on the de minimis rule. This longstanding exemption allows low-cost imports to bypass duties and inspections, serving as a significant advantage for online retailers such as Shein and Temu. Unfortunately, this exemption is set to expire on May 2.

Both Shein and Temu have already alerted their customers about the likelihood of price increases resulting from these regulatory changes. The rollback of the de minimis threshold is particularly expected to affect goods shipped from China and Hong Kong, as the US attempts to close what officials view as a loophole that has permitted certain shippers to evade tariffs and customs examinations.

The Trump Administration has positioned these changes as part of a broader national security initiative. Officials are particularly concerned about curbing the influx of synthetic opioids, alleging that certain exporters have mislabelled shipments to obscure illicit substances.

In a reciprocal move, Hong Kong's postal service recently announced that it would temporarily cease the delivery of postal items from the US. The service criticized the US government's decision to terminate the duty-free de minimis treatment for postal items dispatched from Hong Kong to the US, as well as the increase in tariffs for postal items containing goods shipped to the US, which will commence from May 2.