DHL Express, a global logistics giant, has suspended business-to-consumer (B2C) shipments valued over $800 to U.S. individuals starting April 21, 2025, citing new U.S. customs regulations that complicate high-value deliveries. This decision, announced in a Fox Business report, could disrupt direct purchases of DJI drones from DJI.com, particularly models exceeding the $800 threshold. For drone professionals and enthusiasts, this raises critical questions about supply chains and whether retailers like Amazon or B&H Photo are viable alternatives to the official DJI Store.

U.S. Customs Rules Reshape Global Shipping

On April 5, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reduced the threshold for formal entry processing from $2,500 to $800, as outlined in a DHL statement. Formal entry requires detailed documentation, including proof of origin and recipient tax identification numbers, increasing processing times.

DHL explained, “The changes outlined above have caused a significant increase in formal entry clearances, which we are handling around the clock.”

The company described the suspension as a “temporary measure” to scale up clearance capacity, noting that business-to-business (B2B) shipments will continue but may face delays. Shipments under $800, whether B2C or B2B, remain unaffected. The suspension covers all origins, including Hong Kong, a key hub for DJI’s distribution.

DHL also committed to working with customers to adapt to changes planned for May 2, stating, “We will continue to process shipments from Hong Kong to the U.S. in accordance with the applicable customs rules and regulations.”

DJI Drones Caught in the Crosshairs

DJI, commanding over 70% of the U.S. drone market per, relies heavily on direct-to-consumer sales through its website. Popular models like the DJI Air 3S, priced at $1,099 for the base model and $1,399 for the Fly More Combo, exceed the $800 threshold, making them vulnerable to DHL’s suspension. The Mavic 3 Pro ($2,199) and Mini 4 Pro Fly More Combo ($1,099) are similarly affected.

This development compounds existing challenges for DJI. Since October 2024, CBP has blocked some DJI drone imports under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), as reported by Reuters. DJI refuted these allegations in a blog post, asserting, “DJI does not manufacture anything – in whole or in part – in Xinjiang.” While some individual orders from DJI.com have cleared customs, larger shipments to retailers remain stalled.

The DHL suspension could halt or delay direct deliveries of high-value DJI drones, potentially leading to order cancellations or returns to Hong Kong. Consumers may face wait times stretching weeks, especially for newly released models like the Air 3S, which features a dual-camera system and 42-minute flight time.

Retailers as a Workaround: A Limited Option

Purchasing from U.S. retailers like Amazon or B&H Photo could theoretically bypass DHL’s B2C suspension, as these involve B2B shipments, which DHL confirmed will continue. However, ongoing CBP restrictions severely limit this workaround. As of April 2025, major retailers struggle to stock DJI drones due to import holds, according to The Verge. B&H Photo lists the Air 3S as “pre-order only,” while Amazon lacks listings entirely.

Retailers rely on DJI’s U.S. distributors, which face the same CBP scrutiny. A Mavic Pilots forum thread noted that retailers like Best Buy typically receive stock shortly after DJI releases, but customs delays have disrupted this cycle. Some users reported success purchasing from smaller dealers like Drone Nerds, with one order shipped from Florida via eBay. However, Drone Nerds’ website lists the Air 3S as backordered, indicating inconsistent supply.

Regulatory Context and Market Ripple Effects

The DHL suspension aligns with broader U.S.-China trade tensions, intensified by the Trump administration’s April 2025 decision to end duty-free exemptions for low-value shipments from China. Effective May 2, 2025, this policy aims to curb fentanyl smuggling and protect U.S. retailers but adds logistical burdens. The lowered $800 threshold increases documentation costs, potentially raising prices for consumers as duties apply.

For the Setor de drones, these restrictions challenge DJI’s dominance, potentially opening doors for competitors if there were any when it comes to consumers drones. Supply shortages could fuel price hikes or a scalper market, with some Air 3S units already appearing on eBay at 20% markups, per Mavic Pilots.

Regulatory scrutiny also raises questions about long-term access. A potential DJI ban, speculated for December 2025 could further restrict supply, pushing professionals toward leasing or second-hand markets.

DroneXL’s Take

The convergence of DHL’s suspension and CBP’s import holds creates a precarious situation for DJI consumers, threatening access to industry-leading drones like the Air 3S. DroneXL advises against ordering from DJI.com until customs processes stabilize, as high-value shipments risk delays or returns. Retailers like Amazon or B&H Photo are not reliable workarounds, given widespread stock shortages. Instead, professionals should explore authorized U.S. dealers with existing inventory, such as Drone Nerds, but confirm availability first.

For aerial photographers and surveyors, buying used DJI drones or sourcing refurbished units from trusted resellers offers a hedge against supply chain volatility. Recreational pilots may benefit from waiting until mid-2025, when DJI’s ongoing compliance efforts could resolve customs disputes. DroneXL views the $800 threshold and UFLPA holds with skepticism, given DJI’s documented labor standards, and urges CBP to streamline processes to balance security with market access. The drone industry must diversify supply chains to withstand geopolitical disruptions, ensuring innovation reaches consumers without delay.

Photos courtesy of Billy Kyle and Rafael Suarez.