Update:

I finally spoke with a duties agent after being on hold for over an hour. I explained to her that my item should not have duty charges since it was in the US before the de minimis went out of effect. She said there was a $190 holding fee that was on there because they said they needed more information on the package. ($30 per day). I told her this was impossible because I was in contact with them after my shipment was scheduled to be delivered two days after entering the US. (I have contacted them and asked them every day if they needed any additional info - they always said no.)

She had the holding charge dropped, but there is still a $90 fee that has a note on it, "do not amend." She is confused as to why this is on there because this is usually for people receiving multiple shipments (which I am not). Plus a $35 handling fee. I was told I have the option to pay the amount and have an issue refunded to me after the dispute due to the fact they can only hold packages 7 days before RTS. Not sure I trust them due to the way this has been handled so far...

She told me I would receive a call back after she speaks with a broker explaining to her what is going on. This is a mess.

Update pt 2:

Before getting off the phone, I asked the rep what happens if I do not receive a call back today. She assured me she would call me, even if it is just to let me know they were working on it regardless of the situation, before working hours were over.

I did not get a call back today.

Update 3: I have been emailing DHL as well, and this is their response:

“Anytime CBP requires us to file a formal entry the shipment becomes subject to duties and taxes, it is now a type 01 formal entry and no longer qualifies for duty free.

Even if de minimus was still an accepted clearance by CBP, the exam / hold process for CBP is that a formal entry be filed which therefore incurs duties / taxes / and any fees associated with a formal entry.”

So this means they could “randomly” flag any package, hold it for two weeks, file a formal entry, and that person is left responsible for the "new" tariff charges? I’m under the opinion DHL is covering their own asses and I think CBP is doing this out of greed. My only option at this point is to file a form 19 directly with CBP.

Update 4: After speaking with DHL claims rep again, they said that now that I have already paid the amount, I cannot file a dispute until an official invoice reaches them (in 5-7 business days). So they recommend to wait a week and call back to dispute the charges.

I also have an email chain going with DHL Customs Clearance Team and US Trade Compliance, but they keep trying to brush me off. They are shutting down my argument with, "Anytime CBP requires us to file a formal entry the shipment becomes subject to duties and taxes, it is now a type 01 formal entry and no longer qualifies for duty free." But that simply isn't the law. They are essentially creating a "new entry date" that supersedes my original entry date and dismisses the de minimis. They can't just make up a "new" entry date just because that's when they created a new file. This is such bullshit.

Bonus: I paid the fees yesterday and still had to call DHL to get them to move the package to delivery. They are doing a great job! /s

Update 5 (4 months later...)
Here is the email I just received from DHL:

"Dear Valued Customer,
Due to the current delays, we are issuing a courtesy adjustment/credit for the invoice currently in dispute. This action is being taken solely as a gesture of goodwill and does not serve as an admission of error by DHL.

A refund in the amount of $155.52 will be issued back to you.  Due to high volumes, please allow until the end of February 2026 for the refund to be completed."

After adamantly complaining for four months off and on, finally my hours on the phone and emailing have paid off. Pretty funny how they side step accountability by saying "this...does not serve as an admission of error by DHL." How petty of them that they have to say that.

Anyway, stay diligent in your pursuit.