DHL introduces consolidated customs clearance to streamline US imports amid trade upheaval

DHL Global Forwarding launches a new Consolidated Clearance Service to aid US importers facing rising tariffs and complex customs regulations, aiming to boost efficiency and compliance amid global trade uncertainties.

DHL Global Forwarding has launched a significant new service to support e-commerce and retail businesses importing goods into the United States amid an increasingly complex trade environment. The DHL Consolidated Clearance Service is designed to streamline...

customs procedures by consolidating multiple shipments under a single customs entry, simplifying clearance processes, reducing costs, and helping retailers stay compliant with evolving U.S. tariff and regulatory policies.

The service targets retailers and importers—especially those in fast-moving consumer goods sectors—with high-volume shipments transitioning from de minimis clearance to formal or informal entry. As Greg Nichols, Senior Vice President of Global Customs at DHL Global Forwarding, explained, the service offers a simplified customs process that does not require advanced technology infrastructure. Nichols emphasised in an official DHL statement that retailers face mounting pressure to deliver faster and more cost-effectively while remaining fully compliant with shifting trade rules. He suggested that the service would provide crucial advantages in cost efficiency, certainty, and compliance—particularly important during peak shopping seasons like Black Friday and the holidays.

This launch is timely given the broader challenges affecting global trade. U.S. tariffs have surged to levels not seen since the 1930s, compounding rising costs and longer clearance times for importers, while North America’s trade growth forecast has been downgraded from 2.7% to 1.5% annually amid ongoing trade policy shifts. Retailers are adapting by diversifying sourcing strategies, increasing the use of Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) terms to smooth cross-border transactions, and experimenting with new U.S. import models. Meanwhile, international e-commerce continues to expand at a rapid pace—the DHL 2025 E-Commerce Trends Report forecasts the global cross-border e-commerce market will reach $4.81 trillion by 2032. Yet, unexpected customs charges and complicated returns processes remain significant deterrents for consumers, often causing them to abandon purchases. DHL’s consolidated clearance platform aims to tackle these pain points by offering greater transparency and border process simplicity.

The service also brings operational efficiencies. It maintains last-mile labelling at the point of origin to speed transit times, and incorporates a fully automated system for manifest processing rather than relying on manual inputs. This enhances speed, accuracy, and compliance. DHL Global Forwarding emphasises its broader commitment to customs innovation, including its DHL TradeConnect digital customs environment, which offers comprehensive visibility, analytics, and control over customs activities globally.

In parallel with this product launch, DHL is strengthening its U.S. operations for the volatile 2025 peak season by hiring additional customs experts and expanding its customs teams across its business units. This move is part of a strategic approach to manage fluctuating volumes and evolving customer expectations in the face of shifting trade lanes and tariff regimes. For example, DHL Express has noticed a 30% year-over-year drop in volumes from China and Hong Kong, offset by growth from countries such as Vietnam, India, Malaysia, and Mexico.

Overall, DHL’s Consolidated Clearance Service appears positioned to help U.S. importers navigate the challenging landscape of rising tariffs and regulatory complexity while enabling faster, more cost-effective, and fully compliant delivery. It forms part of a wider, tech-enabled logistics strategy designed to provide resilience and transparency for retailers responding to global trade volatility and evolving consumer demands. As cross-border e-commerce continues its long-term growth trajectory, solutions like these will be vital in simplifying customs complexities and maintaining competitive advantage.

Source: Noah Wire Services