China Post is the official postal service of China, handling a massive volume of parcel deliveries both within China and internationally. It’s a primary carrier for goods shipped from popular online marketplaces like AliExpress, making efficient and reliable China Post Service Tracking essential for customers worldwide. When you ship or expect a delivery via China Post, understanding their tracking system is key to monitoring your package’s journey.
Understanding China Post Tracking
Upon processing your package, China Post assigns a unique tracking number, a 13-character identifier compliant with the Universal Postal Union S10 standard. This tracking number is your key to accessing real-time updates on your shipment’s location and status. Sellers on platforms such as AliExpress, eBay, Banggood, and GearBest frequently utilize China Post for their cost-effective delivery solutions.
China Post Air Mail Tracking
China Post Registered Airmail is a widely used, economical option for international shipping, although it’s known for its longer delivery times, typically ranging from 2 to 4 weeks. The tracking number for Registered Airmail begins with the letter “R” and ends with “CN,” providing detailed tracking information throughout its journey. To track your China Post Air Mail package, simply enter this tracking number into a reliable tracking tool.
Tracking China Post Registered Mail
Tracking registered mail is straightforward with the China Post tracking system. By entering your tracking number on the official China Post tracking website or a universal tracking service, you can stay informed about each stage of your parcel’s delivery process.
China Post Unregistered Mail Tracking
China Post also offers unregistered package services, often identified by a 13-character alphanumeric tracking code starting with “U”. However, tracking capabilities for unregistered packages are limited. You can typically track them while they are within China, but tracking often ceases once the package leaves Chinese territory for international destinations. This is because unregistered mail is an economy service and lacks registration at international transit points. A notable exception is KazPost, the postal service of Kazakhstan, which does support tracking of unregistered items entering Kazakhstan.
Exploring China Post Service Options
China Post offers a range of international services beyond standard mail, including:
- China Post Small Parcel: Ideal for lightweight items under two kilograms, this service is economical and trackable when registered.
- China Post Large Package: For heavier items, this service handles packages between 2kg and 20kg (or up to 30kg/40kg depending on destination), offering both registered and unregistered options.
- China Post EMS (Express Mail Service): For faster delivery, EMS is available, though it comes at a higher cost than standard China Post mail.
Within Small Parcel and Large Package services, you can further choose between transportation methods:
- Air Parcel: The most popular option, balancing cost and speed.
- Surface Air Lift (SAL) Parcel: A mid-range option, often more economical than Air Parcel but slower.
- Surface Parcel: The most economical but slowest option, utilizing surface transportation methods like sea or land.
Delving into China Post Small Packet Service
The China Post International Small Parcel service is designed for small, lightweight shipments under 2kg. It’s a favored option for e-commerce businesses and individuals due to its cost-effectiveness compared to express courier services. Items suitable for Small Parcel delivery include accessories, clothing, and everyday items.
Key Features of China Post Small Packet:
- Weight Limit: Up to 4.4 lbs (2 kg).
- Size Restrictions: Total dimensions (length + width + height) under 35 inches (90 cm), with no single dimension exceeding 24 inches (60 cm).
- Cost-Effective: Especially affordable for international shipping.
- Global Reach: Services nearly every country with a post office.
- Tracking Availability: Trackable when sent as Registered Mail.
- Delivery Time:
- Asian countries: 5-10 days (Air Parcel)
- America and Europe: 7-15 days (Air Parcel)
- Other countries: 7-30 days (Air Parcel)
- SAL Mail: Approximately 30 days
- Surface Mail: 1-2 months
China Post Small Packet offers two main types:
- China Post Ordinary Small Packet Plus (Unregistered): Cheaper, but without tracking or compensation for loss.
- Registered Mail: Offers online tracking for a slightly higher fee, commonly used by online sellers for items like electronics and crafts.
China Post Small Packet Tracking Number Formats:
- Registered Small Parcel: 13 characters, starting with “R” followed by another letter, 9 digits, and ending with “CN” (e.g., RS123456789CN).
- Ordinary Small Packet Plus (Unregistered): 9 digits or 13 characters starting with “U” followed by another letter, 9 digits, and ending with “CN” (e.g., 123456789, UN123456789CN).
China Post Small Packet Delivery Time Expectations
Delivery times are influenced by postal processing and customs clearance. The following are typical estimates:
- Air Parcel:
- Neighboring countries: 5-10 days
- Europe & America: 7-15 days
- Other regions: 7-30 days
- Surface Air Lift (SAL) Parcel: 15-20 days
- Surface Parcel: 40-70 days
Estimated Arrival Time for China Post Airmail Packet (Table)
| Destination | Avg. Arrival Time | Avg. Arrival Days |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 7-60 Days | 20 |
| UK | 7-40 Days | 15 |
| Canada | 10-60 Days | 30 |
| Australia | 7-60 Days | 30 |
| Germany | 10-25 Days | 18 |
| France | 7-50 Days | 20 |
| Egypt | 25-30 Days | 28 |
| Brazil | 7-50 Days | 25 |
| Denmark | 7-25 Days | 12 |
| Finland | 7-40 Days | 13 |
| India | 10-50 Days | 20 |
| Indonesia | 10-25 Days | 15 |
| Ireland | 10-30 Days | 20 |
| Italy | 10-30 Days | 18 |
| Japan | 5-20 Days | 10 |
| Malaysia | 12-30 Days | 20 |
| New Zealand | 7-15 Days | 12 |
| Norway | 7-30 Days | 15 |
| Philippines | 10-20 Days | 15 |
| Pakistan | 12-50 Days | 25 |
| Poland | 7-18 Days | 10 |
| Portugal | 10-30 Days | 20 |
| Russia | 7-40 Days | 20 |
| Saudi Arabia | 15-50 Days | 28 |
| Singapore | 7-15 Days | 9 |
| South Africa | 40-90 Days | 55 |
| South Korea | 7-20 Days | 12 |
| Spain | 10-35 Days | 20 |
| Sweden | 7-20 Days | 15 |
| Switzerland | 7-15 Days | 12 |
| Thailand | 5-15 Days | 10 |
| Turkey | 10-35 Days | 20 |
| UAE | 10-30 Days | 18 |
| Uzbekistan | 20-40 Days | 30 |
| Vietnam | 10-25 Days | 18 |
Compensation Policies
- Registered Parcels: Eligible for compensation if loss is confirmed. Compensation is typically two to three times the shipping fee, but registration fees are non-refundable.
- Normal Mail (Unregistered): No compensation is provided for unregistered mail.
China Post International Large Package Service
For items exceeding 2kg but under 20kg, 30kg, or 40kg, China Post International Large Package is a cost-effective solution, especially for non-urgent shipments. Registered Large Packages offer tracking.
Similar to Small Parcel service, Large Package options include:
- Normal Mail & Registered Mail: Registered mail offers tracking.
- Transportation Types: Air Parcel, SAL Parcel, and Surface Parcel, with varying transit times and costs.
China Post Large Package Tracking Number Format:
- 13 characters, starting with “CP,” followed by 9 digits, and ending with “CN” (e.g., CP123456789CN).
Delivery Time Estimates for Large Packages:
- Air Parcel:
- Neighboring countries: 5-10 days
- Developed Europe/America: 7-15 days
- South America: 10-20 days
- Africa & other regions: 15-30 days
- Surface Air Lift (SAL) Parcel: 15-20 days
- Surface Parcel: 1-2 months
For detailed inquiries about tracking or pricing, contact the China Post hotline: 11185 (within China) or +86 10 11185 (outside China), and press 8 for English service.
China EMS (Express Mail Service) and China International Express
China EMS: A faster, more reliable service for urgent documents and goods, operated by China Postal Express & Logistics and global postal partners.
China International Express: In partnership with TNT, this service reaches over 200 countries, offering prioritized handling, customs clearance, and distribution. It includes “Global Express” (fastest, door-to-door) and “Economy Express” (cheaper for shipments over 45kg, slightly slower).
China Express Tracking Number Format:
- 13 characters, starting with “CT” and ending with “CN,” with 9 digits in between (e.g., CT123456789CN).
Troubleshooting Common China Post Tracking Issues
“Departure from outward office of exchange” Status Stuck:
This may indicate a delay in tracking updates or that your package has left China and further tracking is unavailable because the destination country’s postal service doesn’t fully integrate with China Post’s tracking system.
Delivery Time Uncertainty:
Arrival times vary based on the chosen service. Air and SAL mail typically take 7-20 working days, while surface mail can take 40-70 days, with potential delays up to 180 days. Use online tracking tools for status updates.
Airport Codes in Tracking (PVG/PEK/FOC/CAN):
These are IATA airport codes:
- PVG: Shanghai Pudong Airport
- PEK: Beijing Capital International Airport
- FOC: Fuzhou Changle International Airport
- CAN: Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
“Opening” Tracking Status:
In China Post tracking, “Opening” typically refers to customs inspection processes, not that your individual parcel is being opened, but rather the larger shipment containing it is being checked.
No Tracking Records:
- Incorrect Number: Double-check the tracking number for errors.
- System Delay: Allow 1-2 days for information to appear after shipment.
- Contact Customer Service: If no records appear after a few days, contact China Post customer service.
No Tracking Updates for Extended Periods:
- China Post Ordinary Packet: Tracking is often limited within China.
- Tracking Stops After Export: Common for ordinary packets.
- Transit Time: Updates may be infrequent during international transit (3-60 days depending on method).
- Carrier Omission: Rarely, tracking information might not be entered.
- Potential Loss: While less common, loss is possible.
“Customs Rejected” or “Safety Check Rejected” Status:
- Forbidden Items: Parcel may contain prohibited items (check China Post prohibited items list).
- Machine Error: Rejections can sometimes occur by mistake.
If you believe a rejection is an error and your items are permitted, allow 2-5 weeks for potential resubmission. If buyer protection is expiring, open a dispute for a lost parcel.
“Delivery Failed” Status:
Indicates an attempted delivery failure due to address issues or inability to contact the recipient. Contact the local carrier immediately to arrange redelivery or the parcel may be returned to sender after about two weeks.
Tracking Status Meanings:
- Collection: Parcel received by post office.
- Dispatching: Parcel leaving for the export port.
- Opening: Parcel at a processing center or customs inspection of a larger shipment.
- Departure from outward office of exchange: Parcel ready for international shipment.
- Arrival at inward office exchange: Parcel arrived in the destination country.
“Successfully Delivered” but Not Received:
- Check P.O. Box/Neighbors: Someone else may have received it on your behalf.
- Contact Courier: Inquire with the delivery courier about the delivery details.
Address Change After Shipping:
Address changes are generally not possible once shipped. Upon arrival in the destination country, contact the local carrier for potential address modification.
Unpredictable Arrival Times:
China Post utilizes the Global Postal Union network, involving multiple postal services. Tracking updates may be intermittent as parcels move between postal systems. Delays can be caused by various factors, including customs, weather, and peak seasons.
Official China Post Tracking Resources
- Official Tracking Website: yjcx.chinapost.com.cn/qps/english/yjcx
- Corporate Website: www.chinapost.com.cn
About China Post – An Overview
China Post Group Corporation is the state-owned postal service of China, offering a wide array of services from mail delivery to logistics and financial services. While other courier options exist in China, China Post remains the most economical for international shipping, albeit generally slower. For online shoppers, using reputable postal services and confirming payment upon receipt of parcels is advisable for a secure transaction. Despite potential delays, most China Post parcels are successfully delivered, with delivery times ranging from a few days to several months depending on service and destination.
Utilize reliable tracking tools like ParcelsApp to monitor your China Post shipments and packages from various origins, ensuring you stay informed throughout the delivery process.
