From April 2025, Hong Kong Post suspends surface and air mail services for goods to the U.S., making it critical for individuals and businesses to select compliant logistics solutions for urgent documents, high-value items, or cross-border e-commerce parcels. This article explores the latest policy impacts, detailing updated regulations, tariff calculations, and customs requirements for shipping from Hong Kong to the U.S. It compares mailing options and highlights DHL’s pricing, delivery times, and service advantages, empowering senders to plan effectively and ensure compliant, efficient deliveries.
Hong Kong to U.S. Tariff Policies
Since April 2, 2025, Hong Kong Post has halted surface and air mail services for goods to the U.S., accepting only document mail. Effective May 2, 2025, the U.S. eliminated its “below $800 de minimis exemption” policy, requiring all goods, regardless of value, to undergo customs clearance and tariff payments. From August 29, 2025, the U.S. expanded its global de minimis policy cancellation, imposing a 10% reciprocal tariff on regions including Hong Kong. This raises import thresholds, directly impacting operating costs for cross-border e-commerce, gift trade, and small to medium-sized export businesses.
U.S. Customs Requirements
When shipping from Hong Kong to the U.S., parcels valued between $1 and $2,500 can use simplified customs clearance. Goods exceeding $2,500 require formal clearance, with U.S. Customs assessing tariffs and fees based on product type and value. Items like clothing, electronics, or food incur varying tax rates.
Senders must also account for additional fees:
Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF), approximately 0.3464% of declared value (minimum $32),
Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF), about 0.125%, typically for sea freight.
Customs duties levied on Hong Kong’s parcel shipments to the United States are also affected by the new reciprocal tariff measures implemented by the U.S. starting in August 2025. All countries not listed in the new tariff exemption list, including China and Hong Kong, will be subject to a 10% reciprocal tariff. For example, if a sender ships a package of electronic products from Hong Kong to the U.S. with a declared value of $1,000, in addition to the standard customs duties, an extra $100 reciprocal tariff must be paid.
Shipping Costs and Delivery Times to the U.S.
With Hong Kong Post suspending goods shipments to the U.S., international courier services have become the primary option. Compared to traditional postal services, commercial couriers like DHL offer superior delivery speed, tracking, and customs support.
DHL Hong Kong to U.S. Services
DHL provides flexible solutions for Hong Kong to U.S. shipments. For a 0.5kg A4-sized letter, door-to-door service starts at approximately HK$500. The DHL Express 9:00 service ensures delivery by 9 a.m. the next business day to designated U.S. cities. For less urgent needs, DHL Express Worldwide delivers within the next business day’s office hours.
MyDHL+ system offers real-time tracking, ideal for urgent corporate shipments, research products, high-value goods, or Saturday deliveries. Missing documents can be uploaded online to avoid delays. For businesses, DHL’s Breakbulk solution consolidates multiple parcels for streamlined customs clearance, reducing costs. DHL Express Commerce integrates with platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, enabling one-click label creation, tracking updates, and cost calculations. Businesses can also negotiate bulk rates and On-Demand Delivery options.
Hongkong Post’s Current U.S. Services
Hong Kong Post has suspended all surface and air mail services for goods to the U.S., accepting only documents with a return address. Non-compliant items risk rejection, fines, or confiscation by U.S. Customs, with senders bearing all risks. While Hong Kong Post offers lower rates, it’s unsuitable for goods, samples, or commercial shipments, making couriers like DHL more viable.
For documents, Hong Kong Post’s air mail takes 7–16 business days (from HK$5.4 for small letters), surface mail takes 11–15 weeks (from HK$5), and express mail delivers in 4 business days (HK$375 per 500g).
Restrictions for Shipping to the U.S.
Understanding restrictions and customs requirements is essential to avoid delays, seizures, or legal issues. Thoroughly check item categories and declarations before shipping.
Prohibited Items
Prohibited items include drugs, narcotics, illegal medications, firearms, ammunition, explosives, offensive weapons (e.g., collectible swords), and hazardous chemicals like perfumes, nail polish, compressed gases, or flammable liquids. Food items such as meat, dairy, homemade or unpackaged foods, seafood, fresh fruits, and vegetables are banned. Publications with obscene or violent content, e-cigarettes, tobacco, cigars, plants, animals, seeds, counterfeit goods, valuable antiques, and certain jewelry require import/export permits. DHL will not transport items on its prohibited or restricted lists.
Restricted Items
Some items, while not banned, face strict regulations. Packaged foods must display English labels, ingredients, and expiry dates, complying with FDA standards. Electronics like phones, smartwatches, or wireless earphones must meet FCC and FDA requirements, with lithium battery shipments accurately declared to avoid returns or inspections. Large quantities of identical items may be flagged as commercial goods.
Alcoholic beverages exceeding 24% alcohol content require export permits and tax documents. High-value items like artwork, antiques, jewelry, gold, or currency need proof of legal origin to prevent clearance delays. Pharmaceuticals and herbal medicines require FDA approval, and health supplements with specific claims or ingredients may be rejected.
Accurate declarations of item details, value, and HS Code are critical to meet U.S. import standards and avoid seizures.
DHL Business Accounts for Global Exports
For Hong Kong businesses engaged in cross-border e-commerce, wholesale, or trade, a DHL business account offers stable logistics and cost-effective rates, providing access to tailored solutions for major global markets. Account holders benefit from dedicated customer support and an integrated platform to manage orders and deliveries.
DHL’s team assists with customs clearance, document verification, shipment consolidation, and multi-country tax consultations, simplifying exports and enhancing cost efficiency. Partnering with DHL ensures fast, secure global deliveries, helping businesses seize every opportunity.
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