Service launch and strategic purpose

DHL Global Forwarding, the air and ocean freight arm of Deutsche Post DHL, has introduced a consolidated clearance service aimed at simplifying the U.S. import pathway for retailers. The offering is designed to help merchants manage evolving trade rules and tariff complexity while streamlining customs processing for inbound shipments to the United States.

Primary challenges this service addresses

Company officials cited several pressures facing importers, particularly those selling to consumers. The new service targets these issues directly:

• Rising import costs
• Longer customs clearance timelines
• Heightened compliance and regulatory risk
• Operational shifts away from de minimis clearance

Core mechanics of the consolidated clearance

The service consolidates multiple packages into a single customs entry, enabling a more cost-efficient clearance path. It supports businesses that are transitioning from de minimis processing to formal or informal entry formats for U.S. imports and is intended for higher-volume flows.

Information and physical flows are orchestrated end to end. Order and shipment details are integrated from e-commerce sellers so DHL Global Forwarding can file required customs declarations and relay status updates to sellers and U.S. consumers.

The physical chain includes package pickup, origin consolidation, air transport to the United States and secure storage in a bonded warehouse until customs clearance is complete, after which goods move to the final-mile delivery partner.

How the company ensures compliance and speed

DHL Global Forwarding says the new offering maintains strict adherence to customs rules, including accurate duty collection, tariff classification and final consignee reporting. At the same time, it aims to reduce cost and accelerate throughput by tightly integrating systems to automate information exchange and status reporting.

Comments from DHL leadership on retailer benefits

Senior executives framed the service as a way for retailers to achieve cost savings, regulatory certainty and operational efficiency without requiring complex new technology at the merchant level. Company leaders noted the importance of these factors during peak retail periods such as Black Friday and holiday shopping seasons.

Product development and market trigger

Development began quickly in March after early conversations with existing China-based customers who foresaw an immediate need for a compliant import solution. That demand was driven by the removal of the de minimis threshold for U.S. imports, which started with China-origin goods and later extended to goods from other countries.

Target customers and competitive positioning

DHL Global Forwarding positioned the service to capture growth among medium-sized shippers, specifying a minimum threshold of around 1,000 packages per week. By combining its global air freight network, customs expertise and partnerships with last-mile carriers, the company offers a compliant door-to-door proposition intended to attract both new and existing customers.

Trade environment and wider industry trends

The launch comes amid notable shifts in global trade: U.S. tariff levels are at heights not seen since the 1930s, and North America’s trade growth has slowed from roughly 2.7% to about 1.5% annually amid changes in trade policy. Retailers are responding by diversifying supply chains, increasing the use of Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) terms and exploring new U.S. import models.

E-commerce growth and consumer pain points

Cross-border e-commerce continues to expand, with market forecasts projecting the global cross-border e-commerce market to reach approximately $4.81 trillion by 2032. At the same time, unexpected customs charges and complicated returns processes remain key reasons consumers abandon international purchases, reinforcing the demand for customs clearance solutions that provide transparency and predictable costs.