China Post is the official postal service of mainland China, playing a pivotal role in global e-commerce by handling a massive volume of parcel deliveries, especially from popular online marketplaces like AliExpress, eBay, and Banggood. If you’re waiting for a package shipped via China Post, understanding how to track your shipment is essential. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Chinese Postal Service Tracking, ensuring you stay informed every step of the way.
When a package is registered with China Post, it receives a unique tracking number, adhering to the Universal Postal Union (UPU) S10 standard. This tracking code, typically 13 characters long, allows you to monitor your package’s journey from origin to destination.
Understanding China Post Air Mail
China Post Air Mail, also known as China Post Registered Airmail, is a widely used, economical option for international shipping. While generally slower than express services, it offers a reliable and cost-effective way to send and receive packages. Delivery times typically range from 2 to 4 weeks after leaving China, but can vary based on the destination country and customs processing. China Post Registered Airmail tracking numbers are easily identifiable by their format: they begin with the letter “R” and end with “CN”.
How to Track China Post Air Mail Shipments
Tracking your China Post Air Mail package is straightforward. Simply enter your tracking number into the search bar on a dedicated tracking website like ours or the official China Post tracking portal. Once you input the number and click “Track Package,” you’ll gain access to the latest updates on your parcel’s whereabouts. This real-time tracking capability provides peace of mind and allows you to anticipate your delivery.
Tracking Unregistered China Post Packages
China Post also offers unregistered package services, often indicated by tracking numbers starting with “U” (e.g., UG533573760CN). These packages are more economical but come with limited tracking capabilities. Typically, unregistered packages are only trackable while they are within China. Once the package departs Chinese territory for international destinations, tracking updates usually cease as it’s considered an economy service without registration at international transit points. A notable exception is KazPost, Kazakhstan’s postal service, which does support tracking of unregistered items entering Kazakhstan.
Exploring China Post International Services
Beyond Air Mail, China Post offers a range of international services to cater to diverse shipping needs:
- Small Parcel: Designed for lightweight items under 2 kilograms, this service is further divided into registered and ordinary options. Registered Small Parcels provide tracking, while Ordinary Small Parcels offer lower rates without tracking. Transportation methods include Air Parcel, Surface Air Lift (SAL) Parcel, and Surface Parcel, with Air Parcel being the most popular for its balance of cost and speed.
- Large Package: For items exceeding 2kg (up to 20kg, 30kg, or 40kg depending on the destination), the Large Package service is a cost-effective solution for heavier shipments that are not time-sensitive. Similar to Small Parcels, Large Packages can be registered for tracking.
- EMS (Express Mail Service): China Post EMS is a faster but more expensive option compared to standard China Post Mail. It provides expedited delivery for urgent documents and packages both domestically and internationally.
China Post Small Packet in Detail
China Post International Small Parcel service is a favored choice for e-commerce businesses and individuals shipping small, lightweight items internationally. Its affordability and global reach make it ideal for items like accessories, clothing, and small parts.
Key Features of China Post Small Parcel:
- Weight Limit: Maximum 2kg (4.4 lbs).
- Size Restrictions: Total dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 90cm (35 inches), with no single dimension exceeding 60cm (24 inches).
- Tracking: Registered Small Parcels offer tracking capabilities, providing shipment status updates.
- Delivery Time: Varies by destination and transportation method:
- Air Parcel: 5-10 days to neighboring Asian countries, 7-15 days to America and Europe, 7-30 days to other countries.
- SAL (Surface Air Lifted) Parcel: Approximately 15-20 days.
- Surface Parcel: 40-70 days.
Types of China Post Small Packet:
- China Post Ordinary Small Packet Plus (Unregistered): The most economical option, but lacks tracking and compensation for loss.
- Registered Mail: Offers online tracking for a slightly higher fee, widely used for e-commerce shipments of electronics, accessories, and crafts.
China Post Small Packet Tracking Number Format
- Registered Small Parcel: Starts with “R” followed by another letter, nine digits, and ends with “CN” (e.g., RS123456789CN).
- China Post Ordinary Small Packet Plus: Composed of nine digits or starts with “U” followed by another letter, nine digits, and ends with “CN” (e.g., 123456789, UN123456789CN).
Estimated Delivery Times for China Post Airmail Packet
| 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 for China Post Registered Parcels
For registered parcels, China Post offers compensation for confirmed losses. The compensation amount is typically two to three times the shipping fee, based on the declared value of the goods. The registration fee itself is non-refundable. Unregistered mail does not qualify for compensation.
China Post International Large Package Service
The International Large Package service is suitable for items exceeding the Small Parcel weight limit, ranging from 2kg to 20kg, 30kg, or 40kg. It’s a more economical option for larger, less urgent shipments compared to express services. Registered Large Packages are trackable, offering shipment status updates.
Key Features of China Post Large Package:
- Weight Limit: Over 2kg, up to 20kg/30kg/40kg (destination dependent).
- Tracking: Registered Large Packages provide shipment tracking.
- Transportation Methods: Air Parcel, SAL (Surface Air Lift), and Surface Parcel, with varying delivery times and costs.
- Delivery Time:
- Air Parcel: 5-10 days to neighboring countries, 7-15 days to developed countries in Europe and America, 10-20 days to South America, 15-30 days to Africa and other regions.
- SAL Parcel: 15-20 days.
- Surface Parcel: 1-2 months.
China Post Large Package Tracking Number Format
Tracking numbers for China Post Large Packages begin with “CP,” followed by nine digits, and end with “CN” (e.g., CP123456789CN).
China EMS (Express Mail Service) and China International Express
China Post EMS is a premium express service offering faster delivery for urgent shipments. China International Express, a collaboration with TNT, provides an even faster international express service to over 200 countries, prioritizing speed and reliability.
China Express Services:
- Global Express: Fastest door-to-door service, leveraging the TNT network, with guaranteed delivery times and comprehensive tracking.
- Economy Express: More economical for shipments over 45kg, with slightly longer delivery times than Global Express, serving Asia, Australia, the Middle East, the USA, and major European countries.
China Express Tracking Number Format
China Express tracking numbers start with “CT,” followed by nine digits, and end with “CN” (e.g., CT123456789CN).
Troubleshooting Common China Post Tracking Issues
Encountering issues with your Chinese postal service tracking is not uncommon. Here are answers to frequently asked questions:
Q: Why is my parcel status stuck at “Departure from outward office of exchange”?
A: This status indicates your parcel has left China. Delays in updates can occur due to several reasons:
- Tracking System Delays: Information updates may not be instantaneous.
- Destination Tracking Limitations: The destination country’s postal service might not provide tracking updates for China Post packages, especially for ordinary or unregistered mail.
Q: When can I expect to receive my parcel?
A: Delivery time depends on the chosen China Post service. Air and SAL mail typically take 7-20 working days, while Surface mail can take 40-70 days. Delays can extend delivery up to 180 days. Use our tracking tool for status updates. For urgent deliveries, opt for Air mail.
Q: What do PVG/PEK/FOC/CAN locations mean in tracking?
A: These are IATA airport codes:
- PVG: Shanghai Pudong Airport.
- PEK: Beijing Capital International Airport.
- FOC: Fuzhou Changle International Airport.
- CAN: Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.
Q: My tracking shows “Opening.” What does it mean?
A: China Post’s English tracking terms can be unclear.
- Collection: Post office received the parcel.
- Opening: Customs check process.
- Departure from outward office of exchange: Parcel is ready for international shipment.
Q: Why are there no tracking records for my number?
A: Possible reasons include:
- Incorrect Tracking Number: Double-check the number for errors.
- System Update Delay: Allow 1-2 days for information to appear after shipment.
- Unregistered Mail: Ordinary Small Packets may not have comprehensive tracking.
- Contact Customer Service: If issues persist, contact China Post customer service.
Q: My tracking hasn’t updated for days. Is my parcel lost?
A: Lack of updates doesn’t necessarily mean loss. Reasons include:
- China Post Ordinary Packet: Limited tracking after leaving China.
- Tracking Stops After Export: Updates may resume only upon arrival in the destination country (can take 3-60 days).
- Carrier Update Omission: Tracking information might be missed by the carrier.
- Potential Loss: While less common, packages can be lost in transit.
Q: My parcel is stuck at a location. Can you update the information?
A: We are a tracking website and rely on courier data updates. We cannot directly influence delivery. Contact the local courier if your parcel is stuck for over ten days.
Q: What if tracking shows “Customs Rejected” or “Safety Check Rejected”?
A: This usually indicates:
- Forbidden Items: Parcel contains prohibited items (e.g., phones, iPads – check China Post’s prohibited items list). Forbidden items are typically not returned. Dispute with the seller for a refund.
- Machine Mistake: Rejection might be an error, especially for items resembling prohibited goods (phone cases, toys). Rejected parcels may be resubmitted for checks, causing delays.
If you believe rejection is an error, wait 2-5 weeks (before buyer protection expires). If undelivered by then, open a dispute.
Q: What should I do if package delivery failed?
A: “Delivery failed” means attempted delivery was unsuccessful due to address issues or inability to contact the recipient. The carrier will hold the package at the post office for about two weeks. Contact the carrier for redelivery or the package will be returned to sender.
Q: What do “collection,” “opening,” “dispatching,” “departure from outward office of exchange,” and “arrival at inward office exchange” statuses mean?
- Collection: Parcel received by the post office.
- Dispatching: Parcel leaving for China Post export port in another city.
- Opening: Parcel at local processing center for processing or customs check of a larger package containing your parcel. (Your individual parcel is not opened).
- Departure from outward office of exchange: Parcel ready for shipment to the destination country.
- Arrival at inward office exchange: Parcel arrived in the destination country.
Q: Tracking shows “successfully delivered” but I didn’t receive it.
A: Verify:
- P.O. Box: Check your P.O. box.
- Neighbors/Friends: Ask if someone else received it for you.
- Local Courier: Contact the delivering courier to inquire about the delivery details and recipient.
Q: Can I change the package address after shipping?
A: Address changes are generally not possible after shipment. Once the parcel reaches the destination country, contact the local carrier to inquire about potential address modifications.
Q: How long will China Post take to arrive and update tracking?
A: Exact arrival times are unpredictable due to the Global Postal Union network. China Post parcels transit through multiple member countries. Destination country post companies handle final delivery.
After China Post hands over the parcel to customs or airlines, they lose direct control and real-time tracking visibility until the next member country scans it. Status updates may freeze for 2-4 weeks (or 4-8 weeks in peak seasons) with statuses like “Sent to airline,” “Export Security Scan,” etc. Updates resume when the next postal union member scans and transmits data back to China Post.
If the destination country doesn’t scan or send scan results, tracking may freeze indefinitely. Frozen status for weeks doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem. Delivery times can double or triple in peak seasons due to various factors like national events, port traffic, etc.
Official China Post Tracking and Website
For direct tracking, visit the official China Post tracking website: yjcx.chinapost.com.cn/qps/english/yjcx. The corporate website is www.chinapost.com.cn.
About China Post: China’s Official Postal Service
China Post Group Corporation, a state-owned enterprise, is the official postal service of China. Overseen by the State Post Bureau, it provides a wide array of services, including domestic and international mail, express delivery, logistics, financial services, and more.
While other postal services like DHL, UPS, and FedEx operate in China, China Post remains the most economical option for international shipping, albeit typically slower. When ordering from Chinese suppliers, various postal services are available, but China Post is a frequently chosen option.
Delivery times are estimates and can be affected by factors such as weather, customs inspections, and address inaccuracies. Delays are possible, and actual delivery times may exceed initial estimates.
For online shoppers, using reputable postal services is advisable. Payment confirmation after parcel receipt is recommended. While delays can occur, most China Post parcels are successfully delivered. Delivery times can range from 3 to 180 days, but most arrive without issue.
With our tracking service, you can monitor China Post shipments and packages from various origins including China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia, ensuring you’re always informed about your delivery’s progress.
