Good News for African Exporters As U.S. Relaxes Policy On $800–$2,500 Shipments
African exporters have something to celebrate this week.
Starting April 28, 2025, shipments valued between $800 and $2,500 headed to the United States can once again go through the faster and less complicated informal entry process.
That’s a big deal, especially for small and mid-sized businesses across the continent that rely on selling to customers in the U.S.
If you’ve been following recent trade policy updates, you’ll know that this category of shipments was hit hard by new regulations rolled out by the U.S.
Recently, the threshold for using informal clearance was lowered from $2,500 to just $800.
Anything above that had to go through a formal entry process, meaning more paperwork, longer wait times, and often higher costs.
Although Sub-Saharan African countries weren’t directly suspended from shipping under this rule, the entire system slowed down.
Transit times dragged as DHL and other carriers tried to manage the sudden flood of customs clearances.
For many African exporters, especially those shipping fashion, handmade goods, and other accessories, this created real headaches.
But now, there’s relief.
After conversations between DHL and U.S. government officials, the informal entry process is back for goods in the $800 to $2,500 range.
An email sent to VendorBeat by DHL said the U.S. government understood how the rules were affecting businesses, not just abroad but also at home, with American buyers waiting on delayed deliveries.
The change means faster customs clearance, less red tape, and smoother shipping experiences for African businesses and their counterparts in other regions.
However, things aren’t completely back to normal just yet.
DHL noted that shipments may still face some delays while the backlog clears and operations adjust to the new clearance guidelines.
But the outlook is bright.
For exporters trying to grow their businesses globally, even a delay of a few days or a bump in costs can make or break a sale.
If you wish to stay informed on trade policy updates, subscribe to the VendorBeat newsletter.