DHL Global Forwarding launches consolidated clearance service to simplify U.S. import process for retailers

Earlier this month, DHL Global Forwarding, a subsidiary of global logistics and express delivery provider Deutsche Post DHL focused on air and ocean freight, announced it has rolled out a new consolidated clearance service, which it said is geared towards U.S. imports to support retailers as they deal with trade shifts and tariff complexity.

Company officials explained that with importers, notably those in consumer-focused sectors, are dealing with various challenges, including rising costs, longer clearance times, and increased compliance risks. And this new service, they said, helps to counter those challenges through a streamlined, cost-efficient customs clearing process that consolidates multiple shipments under a single entry. What’s more, the company noted that it supports businesses with high-volume operations that are moving from de minimis clearance for their U.S. imports to clearance via format and informal entry.

“Retailers are under pressure to deliver faster, more cost-effectively, and in full compliance with shifting trade regulations,” said Greg Nichols, Senior Vice President, Global Customs, DHL Global Forwarding. “This service helps them do just that-by simplifying customs processes, reducing costs, and ensuring they stay ahead of regulatory changes, without the need for an advanced technology set-up. Cost, certainty and compliance are sources of advantage in the increasingly competitive retail sector and are likely to be especially critical during peak seasons like Black Friday and the holidays, and we believe that DHL Consolidated Clearance Service will help deliver that advantage.”

Jan Gora, Senior Director CDZ Product and Development. DHL Global Forwarding, Americas, told LM that the development of this new offering was a direct, proactive response to emerging market demand driven by the elimination of the de minimis threshold for U.S. imports, initially for China-origin goods and subsequently for the rest of the world. Work commenced swiftly in March, following early discussions with DHL Global Forwarding’s existing China-based customers who anticipated the immediate need for a robust, compliant import clearance solution, he said.

“This solution ensures absolute adherence to all Customs regulations—including accurate duty collection, goods classification, and final consignee reporting—while simultaneously minimizing costs and maximizing speed through robust systems integration,” explained Gora. “It provides comprehensive end-to-end orchestration of both the information and physical goods flow. Order details are seamlessly integrated from the e-commerce seller, enabling DGF (DHL Global Forwarding) to file Customs declarations and provide real-time status updates back to the seller and the US shoppers. The physical process involves package pickup, origin consolidation, air transport to the US, and secure storage in a bonded warehouse until customs clearance is complete, ensuring a smooth transition to the final-mile delivery partner.”

When asked about the main competitive benefits, or advantages, of this service, from a DHL Global Forwarding perspective, Gora observed that it strategically positions DGF to capture the high-growth medium-sized customer segment (minimum 1,000 packages/week).

“By integrating our global Air Freight network and deep customs expertise with last-mile partnerships, we offer a compliant, full Door-to-Door service,” he said. “This complete offering leverages our core strengths to drive significant growth with both new and existing customers.”

The company also pointed out that this service is being introduced at a time when global trade patterns continue to shift, with U.S. tariffs at levels they have not seen, going back to the 1930s, coupled with North America's trade growth decreasing from 2.7% to 1.5% annually amid trade policy shifts.

“Retailers are responding by diversifying sourcing, increasing use of Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) terms to streamline cross-border operations and utilizing new import models to the U.S.,” the company said. “At the same time, e-commerce continues to expand internationally. The notes that the global cross-border e-commerce market is expected to reach $4.81 trillion by 2032, highlighting sustained long-term growth. However, with consumers citing unexpected customs charges and complex returns processes among the top reasons shoppers abandon cross-border purchases, the need for customs clearance platforms that simplify processes at the border and provide transparency and certainty on costs has never been higher.”