US Customs to Charge Import Duty on All Small Packages

US Customs will be charging import duty on all small packages effective May 2. Image by Editor.

Impact on Gift-Giving and Online Shopping

Christmas and birthdays may never be the same again in the US, as Trump tariffs red tape may prevent US residents from getting gifts from family members overseas.

DHL Express says it is stopping delivering packages worth more than $800 to people in the US. This is because new rules under Donald Trump’s tariff plan have made customs processing much more complicated.

DHL’s Response to New Customs Rules

Starting Monday, DHL will pause all shipments from businesses in any country to US customers if the items are over $800 in value. This pause will last “until further notice.”

Shipments from one business to another will still go ahead, but these may also be delayed.

Before, packages worth up to $2,500 could be sent to the US with little paperwork. But new customs checks have lowered this limit to $800. DHL says it is now dealing with many more customs checks and delays.

DHL is still delivering packages under $800, which don’t need as many checks.

Changes to Low-Value Packages and Taxation

However, in two weeks’ time, starting May 2, the US will close a loophole that let low-value packages (under $800) enter the country without taxes. This change mainly targets deliveries from China and Hong Kong.

This will affect popular discount retailers like Shein and Temu. Both have said they will have to raise prices because of the new trade rules.

Rationale Behind the New Rules

The Trump administration claims some Chinese shippers have sent illegal items by lying about what is inside their packages. A new executive order says the rules aim to fight the flow of synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which are a big part of the US drug crisis.

China disagrees. It says fentanyl abuse is a US problem and claims China already has very strict drug laws.

Reactions from Other Countries and Companies

Last week, Hongkong Post said it would stop sending packages by sea to the US. Starting April 27, it won’t accept any parcels going to the US at all. It said the US is being “unreasonable” and “bullying” with these new tariffs.

Exceptions to the New Rules

Documents and Christmas cards sent from China to the US are not subject to import taxes because paper mail that doesn’t have resale value is not affected.

These items still pass through customs, but they usually clear without delays or taxes — especially if they’re in envelopes and clearly marked as personal or non-commercial.

So if you’re sending or receiving cards or simple paper documents, you’re in the clear — no import tax.

If you’re in a CARICOM country (like St. Kitts and Nevis, Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, etc.), this ban should not stop you from receiving packages from abroad — it only affects items addressed to consumers in the US, especially those worth over $800 or coming from China and Hong Kong.

Sources: BBC, CNN, DHL, Hong Kong Post Office.

Conclusion

The new customs rules and tariffs imposed by the US will have a significant impact on gift-giving and online shopping, particularly for packages valued over $800. While some exceptions apply, such as documents and Christmas cards, the changes will affect many consumers and businesses, leading to potential delays and increased costs.