us customs regulations

DHL Express will temporarily halt B2C shipments over $800 to the US starting April 21 due to stricter customs regulations. The new rules, effective April 5, lowered the formal entry processing threshold from $2,500. While B2B shipments continue, delays are expected, and shipments under $800 remain unaffected as DHL adapts to the changing compliance landscape.

DHL has temporarily halted package deliveries exceeding $800 from businesses to individual customers in the U.S. This decision comes in response to U.S. customs regulatory updates that lowered the threshold for mandatory formal customs processing, leading to significant delays. The new rules, part of broader trade measures, aim to reduce trade imbalances and target budget e-commerce platforms.

An Oregon federal judge has intervened in the case of two international students. The judge has temporarily blocked their deportation. This follows visa terminations. The students, from Oregon State University and University of Oregon, filed lawsuits. The American Civil Liberties Union supported them. Similar cases are emerging nationwide. Judges in other states have also issued restraining orders.

Indian and US officials have commenced formal discussions in Washington on a proposed bilateral trade agreement, aiming to resolve outstanding issues across 19 chapters. The US seeks enhanced market access and lower tariffs, addressing its trade deficit with India, which reached USD 45.7 billion in 2024.

The European Union has fined Apple and Meta for violating the Digital Market Act (DMA), imposing penalties of 500 million and 200 million euros, respectively. Apple is penalized for restricting app developers from directing users to cheaper options outside the App Store. Meta faces fines for forcing users to consent to personalized ads or pay to avoid them.

Ivorian cocoa farmers, already grappling with adverse weather and plant diseases impacting harvests, now face further uncertainty due to potential US tariffs. While temporarily suspended, the proposed tariffs threaten to destabilize the local cocoa market and increase prices. Farmers fear reduced profits amidst existing challenges of decreasing yields and limited funding, potentially shifting cocoa towards European markets.

A US judge ruled that Google holds illegal monopolies in its ad tech business, potentially leading to a breakup of its ad operations. Google plans to appeal, arguing its success stems from superior technology, not anti-competitive behavior.

To mitigate the impact of potential tariffs, market diversification strategies are essential. Indian pharmaceutical firms can explore opportunities in regions such as Europe, Africa, and Latin America, focusing on high-margin products while optimizing their supply chains.

A federal judge has ruled that Google illegally monopolized the publisher ad server and ad exchange markets, marking a significant setback in its antitrust battle with the US government. While the judge didn't find a monopoly in advertiser ad networks, this ruling opens the door for potential remedies, including a forced breakup of Google's advertising business.

AI, regulation, and innovation: The future of India's insurance sector

A US district court has temporarily protected 133 international students from deportation by reinstating their SEVIS records after sudden termination. The court's order prevents federal authorities from misusing the students' data and compels government agencies to comply. This action addresses alleged unlawful actions by immigration authorities, emphasizing the importance of adhering to legal procedures and preventing irreparable harm to students.

Autorickshaw drivers on the Rapido app in Pune are now demanding metered fares, similar to Uber, causing confusion among commuters. This shift to a SaaS model, where drivers receive full payment directly, has led to fare discrepancies and confrontations. Passengers are blaming the RTO for lack of information and clarity regarding these policy changes, leading to increased costs and frustration.

Skoda Auto Volkswagen India expressed reservations about the US reciprocal tariffs, despite a temporary pause, suggesting they could ultimately benefit Indian industries by accelerating free trade agreements with the EU. The company also launched the Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line amidst an ongoing tax dispute regarding alleged customs duty fraud related to imported car parts.

Anmol and Puneet Jaggi were celebrated as the poster boys of India’s cleantech revolution for being the face of the much-loved cab service BluSmart. But behind the scenes, they were allegedly misleading investors, lenders and regulators

US and China trade war continues. In the latest salvo, the US has added 12 American companies to its banned export list. This means that the export of dual-use items to these 12 US companies is prohibited. Ans in case, if export is really necessary under special circumstances, the export operator needs to apply to the China's Ministry of Commerce.

Legal challenges are mounting against US agencies for terminating international students' SEVIS records, with courts increasingly granting temporary restraining orders. Immigration attorneys are discussing the agencies' attempts to downplay the irreparable harm caused to students.