China Post offers a variety of shipping services, each designed for different types of packages, delivery speeds, and tracking capabilities. Whether you’re ordering from Chinese e-commerce platforms like AliExpress or importing bulk shipments, choosing the right shipping method is crucial for tracking and delivery efficiency. Understanding the customs inspection process for each service can help you choose the best option for your needs.
Below is a detailed breakdown of China Post’s shipping services and their tracking features:
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Understanding China Post Tracking Services
China Post offers a variety of shipping services, each designed for different types of packages, delivery speeds, and tracking capabilities. Whether you’re ordering from Chinese e-commerce platforms like AliExpress or importing bulk shipments, choosing the right shipping method is crucial for tracking and delivery efficiency.
Below is a detailed breakdown of China Post’s shipping services and their tracking features:
Shipping Service | Tracking Available? | Estimated Delivery Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
China Post Registered Air Mail | ✅ Yes | 2-6 weeks | Small parcels with tracking |
China Post Ordinary Small Packet Plus | ❌ No (limited tracking) | 3-8 weeks | Low-cost items (AliExpress, eBay orders) |
ePacket (China EMS ePacket) | ✅ Yes | 10-30 days | Lightweight e-commerce packages |
China EMS (Express Mail Service) | ✅ Yes | 7-15 days | Fast international shipping |
China Post Surface Mail | ✅ Yes (limited) | 40-90 days | Heavy or bulky shipments |
China Post Shipping Services Explained
China Post Registered Air Mail
Tracking: Yes, full tracking from China to the destination country.
Delivery Time: 2-6 weeks, depending on the destination and customs inspection.
Best For: Small parcels that require tracking at an affordable rate.
Tracking Number Format: Begins with “R” followed by 9 digits and ends with “CN” (e.g., RA123456789CN).
China Post Ordinary Small Packet Plus
Tracking: No full tracking; updates stop once the package leaves China.
Delivery Time: 3-8 weeks, often the slowest shipping option.
Best For: Cheap items from platforms like AliExpress, eBay, Wish.
Tracking Limitations: No tracking updates after departure from China.
ePacket (China EMS ePacket)
Tracking: Yes, detailed tracking available.
Delivery Time: 10-30 days, faster than standard air mail.
Best For: Small e-commerce shipments, often used by AliExpress, Shopify sellers.
Advantages: Faster customs clearance, cost-effective for lightweight packages, customs clearance delay.
China EMS (Express Mail Service)
Tracking: Yes, full tracking with priority handling.
Delivery Time: 7-15 days, significantly faster than standard air mail.
Best For: Urgent shipments, high-value goods, and business orders.
Tracking Number Format: Begins with “E”, followed by 9 digits, ending in “CN” (e.g., EA987654321CN).
China Post Surface Mail (Sea Freight)
Tracking: Yes, but updates are infrequent.
Delivery Time: 40-90 days, depending on the destination.
Best For: Large, heavy shipments that are not time-sensitive.
Limitations: Very slow delivery but highly cost-effective for bulk cargo.
Choosing the Best China Post Shipping Service for Your Needs
If you need tracking and affordability: Choose China Post Registered Air Mail.
If you’re shipping low-cost items: Opt for China Post Ordinary Small Packet Plus, but expect longer transit times.
For faster e-commerce deliveries: Use ePacket for reliable tracking and moderate speed.
For urgent international shipments: China EMS provides the fastest and most secure shipping.
For non-urgent bulk shipments: China Post Surface Mail is the cheapest but slowest option.
For faster delivery times: Ordering from a local warehouse typically results in faster delivery times than international shipping. Sellers on platforms like AliExpress often stock products in local warehouses, reducing delivery times to just a few days for customers in specific regions.
When selecting a China Post service, always consider your budget, tracking requirements, and delivery timeframe. If you require faster shipping with guaranteed tracking, you may need to explore express courier services like DHL, FedEx, or UPS.
How to Track Your China Post Package
Tracking your China Post package is essential for monitoring its progress and ensuring timely delivery. Whether you’re receiving a package from AliExpress, Shein, eBay, or a Chinese supplier, you can track it using your tracking number on China Post’s official website or third-party tracking services. To track an AliExpress package, first secure your tracking number from the ‘My Orders’ section of your account.
Follow these steps to track your shipment effectively:
Find Your Tracking Number
Your China Post tracking number is usually provided by the seller, online store, or shipping receipt. It follows specific formats depending on the shipping service used.
China Post Tracking Number Formats:
Registered Air Mail & ePacket: Starts with “R” or “L”, followed by 9 digits, ending in “CN” (e.g., RL123456789CN).
EMS & Express Parcels: Starts with “E”, followed by 9 digits, ending in “CN” (e.g., EA987654321CN).
Surface Mail & Economy Parcels: Starts with “C”, followed by 9 digits, ending in “CN” (e.g., CP876543210CN).
Note: If your package was sent via China Post Ordinary Small Packet Plus, it may not have a trackable number, or tracking will only be available until it leaves China.
Track Your Package on China Post’s Official Website
For accurate tracking updates, use China Post’s official tracking system:
Visit the China Post Tracking Website: China Post Tracking.
Enter your tracking number in the search box.
Click “Track” to check your package status. Once you have the tracking number, you can track your order on the AliExpress website or app by clicking ‘Track Order’.
You will see real-time updates on your package’s journey, including its current location, customs clearance status, and expected delivery date.
Use Third-Party Tracking Sites for More Information
If China Post’s website is slow or unresponsive, you can track your package using alternative tracking services that support multiple carriers:
- 17Track – Tracks parcels from China Post and over 700 global carriers.
- ParcelApp – Provides multi-language support and live status updates.
Cainiao Tracking – Best for AliExpress, Shein, and Wish orders.
Parcel Monitor – Offers detailed insights into package tracking, especially when shipments switch carriers, enhancing transparency and managing customer expectations.
These third-party sites consolidate tracking information from multiple postal and courier services, providing a more detailed view of your package’s journey.
Additional Tips for Effective China Post Tracking
Check with Your Seller: If the tracking number isn‘’t working, contact the seller for confirmation.
Allow Processing Time: Some shipments take a few days to appear in the tracking system, especially economy parcels.
Monitor for Customs Delays: If your package is stuck at customs, it may require additional processing time or import duties. You might need to provide the actual invoice to prove the value of the item during customs processing. If a package is stuck at customs, it can require additional documents to be released. Customs delays, or even a customs hold, can significantly impact delivery times.
Use Local Carrier Websites: Once your package reaches your country, track it through your local postal service (USPS, Royal Mail, Canada Post, Australia Post, etc.).
By following these steps, you can easily track your China Post package and stay updated on its delivery status.
Understanding China Post Tracking Status Updates
When tracking your China Post shipment, you will see various status updates that indicate your package’s location and progress. These updates help you understand whether your package is still in China, in transit, or undergoing customs clearance in the destination country.
Below is a detailed explanation of common China Post tracking statuses:
Tracking Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
Package Received | China Post has accepted the package from the sender. It is now in the system and awaiting processing. |
Departure from Outward Office of Exchange | The package has left China and is en route to the destination country. |
Arrival at Destination Country | The package has reached the recipient’s country and is now in the local postal system. |
Held by Customs | The package is being inspected by customs authorities and may require additional documents, import taxes, or clearance. |
Customs Clearance in Progress | Customs officials are reviewing the package. It may take a few hours to a few days. |
Customs Released | The package has successfully cleared customs and is now moving to the next stage of delivery. |
Handed Over to Local Carrier | The package is now under the responsibility of the recipient’s postal service (e.g., USPS, Royal Mail, Canada Post). |
Out for Delivery | The package is with the local courier and is expected to be delivered soon. |
Delivered | The recipient has received the package, and the tracking is now complete. |
Handling Customs Delays with China Post
What to Do If Tracking Status Does Not Update?
If your China Post tracking status is not updating, it may be due to:
Customs Delays – Some shipments may be held for additional clearance checks or require import duties to be paid. For customs issues, it’s important to know the reason why the parcel was held.
International Transfer Processing – Standard mail and economy shipping may take longer to scan at transit hubs.
Missing or Incomplete Tracking – Some services, such as China Post Ordinary Small Packet Plus, only offer tracking until departure from China.
Peak Season Delays – Shipments during Chinese New Year, holiday sales (Black Friday, Christmas), or major shopping events may experience backlogs.
Shipping Carriers Challenges – During peak shopping periods, shipping carriers often struggle to manage the increased volume of orders, which can affect tracking updates.
What to Do If Your China Post Tracking Isn't Updating?
It can be frustrating when your China Post package tracking status doesn’t update, but there are several possible reasons and solutions to resolve the issue. Some shipments, especially economy or unregistered mail, take longer to process and may not provide real-time tracking.
If your tracking number hasn’t updated for several days or weeks, follow these steps:
Check with Your Seller or Online Store
If you ordered from AliExpress, eBay, Shein, DHgate, or another e-commerce platform, contact the seller for an update.
Some sellers provide alternative tracking links (e.g., Cainiao tracking for AliExpress).
Confirm with the seller whether the package was actually shipped or just a label created.
Wait for International Transit Updates
Standard mail and economy shipments often take longer to process than express services.
If your package is in transit between China and the destination country, it may take several days or weeks before the next update appears. Additionally, some shipments may take a few extra days to appear in the tracking system.
Customs clearance can also cause delays, particularly if additional inspection is required, leading to a customs clearance delay.
Tip: If you need faster and more reliable shipping, consider using China EMS, DHL, or FedEx instead of standard China Post services. Payment methods can influence how quickly a seller processes an order on AliExpress, so choosing a faster payment option may expedite the shipping process.
Contact China Post or Your Local Post Office
For lost or significantly delayed packages, you can call China Post’s international helpline: +86 10 11185.
If the package has arrived in your country but hasn’t been delivered, check with your local postal carrier:
| Country | Local Postal Carrier Contact |
|---|---|
| USA | USPS – www.usps.com |
| UK | Royal Mail – www.royalmail.com |
| Canada | Canada Post – www.canadapost.ca |
| Australia | Australia Post – auspost.com.au |
- Provide your tracking number and request an update.
File a Dispute or Open a Claim
If the package is severely delayed or lost, you may need to take further action:
- If purchased through AliExpress, eBay, or PayPal, open a dispute to request a refund.
- If your package was insured, file a claim with China Post or the seller.
- Some credit card companies also offer purchase protection, which can help recover lost funds.
Consider Alternative Shipping Methods for Future Orders
If you frequently experience delays with China Post, consider faster shipping solutions, such as:
- China EMS (Express Mail Service)
- DHL, FedEx, UPS (for urgent shipments)
- Freight forwarding services for bulk orders
For business shipments, e-commerce imports, or high-value goods, check out professional freight forwarding solutions for more reliable and efficient shipping options.
Common Issues with China Post Tracking and How to Fix Them
Tracking your China Post package can sometimes lead to unexpected delays or confusing updates. Here are the most common tracking issues and solutions to ensure your shipment arrives safely.
| Issue | Possible Reason | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No tracking updates | Delay in system updates or package not scanned yet | Wait a few days, then check again; contact the seller if no updates for over 10 days |
| Package stuck in transit | Customs inspection, logistics backlog, or flight delays | Contact the seller or local post office for further information |
| Tracking shows “Delivered” but not received | Misdelivery, wrong address, or held at the post office | Contact your local postal service immediately and check with neighbors |
| Long transit time | Economy shipping takes longer than expected | Upgrade to faster shipping methods like EMS, DHL, or FedEx for future shipments |
| Customs clearance delay | Import duties, missing documentation, or customs inspections | If necessary, provide additional documents or pay import duties to release the package |
What to Do If Your Package Is Lost or Stuck for an Extended Period?
If your package is stuck in transit for over 30 days, reach out to your seller or online store to request an update.
For lost packages, open a dispute on platforms like AliExpress, eBay, or PayPal to request a refund. If your order does not arrive within the Buyer Protection period, you can request a refund from AliExpress.
Contact China Post (+86 10 11185) or your local postal carrier (USPS, Royal Mail, Canada Post) for further tracking assistance.
Final Thoughts on China Post Tracking
Tracking a package with China Post is generally straightforward, but standard mail shipments can take weeks to arrive, particularly when using economy shipping methods. Delays, customs processing, and international transit times can all impact delivery speed, making it important to stay informed and patient.
For faster delivery, consider EMS (Express Mail Service) or premium couriers like DHL, FedEx, or UPS, which offer shorter transit times and real-time tracking updates.
To ensure a smooth China-to-international shipping experience:
- Use reliable tracking tools to monitor your package’s journey.
- Stay in touch with sellers and postal carriers for shipment updates.
- Consider alternative shipping options if standard China Post delivery is too slow for your needs.
For businesses and importers looking for a more efficient, cost-effective alternative to China Post, explore professional freight forwarding services for bulk shipments, door-to-door delivery, and optimized logistics solutions.
