About China Post
China Post Group Corporation, commonly known as China Post, is mainland China’s official state-owned postal service provider. It delivers various services, including domestic and international mail, parcel delivery, money transfers, postal savings, and logistics solutions. Thanks to its vast network and active participation in the Universal Postal Union (UPU), China Post plays a key role in handling international small packages and parcels shipped from China to destinations worldwide.
Learn more: MSC Container Tracking System: Ultimate Guide
China Post Tracking Number Format
China Post’s international tracking numbers follow the Universal Postal Union’s (UPU) S10 format. This format comprises 13 characters: typically 2 letters + 9 digits + 2 letters (ending in “CN”).
- First letter: Indicates the type of service
- R – Registered small package
- C – Standard Parcel
- L – ePacket or EUB
- E – Express Mail Service (EMS)
- A – May represent unregistered items (often with limited tracking)
- Second letter: Typically random
- 9 digits: Unique parcel identifier
- Last two letters (CN): Indicate the package originated in China
Examples:
- RA123456789CN – Registered Airmail
- CP123456789CN – China Post Surface Parcel
- LX123456789CN or LN123456789CN – ePacket / EUB
- EA123456789CN – EMS (Express Mail Service)
Note:
Economical shipping methods like China Post Ordinary Small Packet Plus may use tracking numbers starting with “U” (e.g., UA123456789CN). These often only provide tracking within China and typically stop updating once the package leaves the country.
Where to Find Your China Post Tracking Number
You can locate your China Post tracking number in several places, depending on how the package was sent:
- Order Details from the Seller: If you purchased an item online—such as from AliExpress, eBay, Wish, or similar platforms—the seller will usually provide the tracking number in your order details, via in-app messages, or in a follow-up email after the item has been shipped.
- Shipping Confirmation Email: Many e-commerce platforms and independent sellers send a shipping confirmation email with your tracking number.
- Mailing Receipt: If the package was mailed directly from a China Post office—by you or someone else—the tracking number will be printed on the official mailing receipt.
- Package Label: Sometimes, the tracking number is also printed on the shipping label attached to the outside of the package.
How to Track China Post Packages
Tracking your China Post package is simple and can be done in several ways:
1. China Post Official Tracking Website
Use China Post’s official international tracking page:
- Search for “China Post tracking” and ensure you visit the official website.
- Enter your 13-digit tracking number.
- Click the “Track” button.
This method provides the most authoritative and up-to-date tracking information while the package is still in China.
2. Destination Country’s Postal Service
Once your package leaves China, it is usually handed over to the local postal carrier in the destination country. For continued updates, you can use the same tracking number on that country’s official postal service website.
Examples of local carriers:
- USPS – United States
- Royal Mail – United Kingdom
- Canada Post – Canada
- Deutsche Post / DHL – Germany
These sites often provide more detailed local tracking, including customs clearance and final delivery status.
3. Third-Party Tracking Platforms
Third-party tracking tools aggregate tracking data from multiple carriers, allowing you to see your package’s full journey in one place.
Popular platforms include:
- 17TRACK
- Parcel Monitor
- ParcelsApp
- AfterShip
These platforms are especially helpful if you’re tracking multiple packages or need both international and local updates in one view.
China Post Tracking Status
Tracking updates show the current location and processing stage of your package. Here are some common status messages and what they typically mean:
| China Post Statuses | Description |
| Package Received | China Post has accepted your package. |
| Departure from Local Sorting Center | The parcel has left its initial sorting location. |
| Arrival at Regional Sorting Center | It has reached a larger sorting facility. |
| Departure from Regional Sorting Center | The package has been sent internationally. |
| Dispatched from Office of Exchange | The parcel is being processed for international shipment. |
| Handed over to the Carrier | A delivery partner now has your package. |
| Arrival at Destination | The parcel has reached the destination country. |
| Arrival at Processing Center | It has arrived at a place where it will be prepared for final delivery. |
| Item Presented to Customs | Your shipment is being inspected by customs. |
| Item Returned from Customs | Customs has finished checking and has sent it on. |
| Departure from International Sorting Center | It has left the center that deals with packages coming from other countries. |
| Arrival at Delivery Office | It’s at the local office from where it will be delivered to you. |
| Scheduled for Delivery | The company handling your package has planned when to deliver your package. |
| Out for Delivery | The parcel is en route to your address. |
| Delivered | Your package has arrived at its final destination. |
How long is China Post Delivery Time?
Tracking updates show the current location and processing stage of your package. Here are some common status messages and what they typically mean:
China Post Airmail Packet ETA
| Destination | Avg. Arrival Time | Avg. Arrival Days |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 7-60 Days | 30 |
| Brazil | 7-50 Days | 25 |
| Canada | 10-60 Days | 30 |
| Denmark | 7-25 Days | 12 |
| Egypt | 25-30 Days | 28 |
| Finland | 7-40 Days | 13 |
| France | 7-50 Days | 20 |
| Germany | 10-25 Days | 18 |
| 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 |
| Pakistan | 12-50 Days | 25 |
| Philippines | 10-20 Days | 15 |
| 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 |
| UK | 7-40 Days | 15 |
| USA | 7-60 Days | 20 |
| Uzbekistan | 20-40 Days | 30 |
| Vietnam | 10-25 Days | 18 |
How to Handle Delays with China Post Packages
International shipping—especially when using economy services—can sometimes experience delays. Here are some helpful tips on how to manage and respond to them:
1. Be Patient
Shipping from China can take time, especially during peak seasons (like holidays) or unforeseen events (such as bad weather, pandemics, or postal strikes).
- Economy shipping methods—like registered small packets—may take several weeks or over a month to arrive.
2. Know the Estimated Delivery Time
Check the estimated delivery window provided by the seller.
- Don’t worry too soon—delays are only a concern if the package exceeds the expected timeframe.
3. Monitor Tracking Updates
Keep an eye on your tracking number.
- If the status hasn’t changed for 1–2 weeks or more, especially if it’s stuck on “Departed from China” or “Arrived in the destination country,” it might be time to act.
4. Understand Where Delays Happen
Several points in the shipping process can cause slowdowns:
- Export Processing: The package may be waiting for a flight or shipping space to leave China.
- In Transit: Packages sent by sea or land travel much slower than by air.
- Customs Clearance: Depending on the country and package contents, this can take from a few hours to several weeks.
- Local Delivery: The destination country’s postal service may experience delays, especially in remote areas or during busy seasons.
5. Contact the Seller or Shipper
If you’re a buyer and your package is severely delayed or showing unusual tracking activity:
- Contact the seller first. They are the official shipper and can open an inquiry with China Post if needed.
6. Contact Your Local Postal Service
If the tracking shows your package has arrived in your country but hasn’t moved:
- Contact your country’s national postal service (like USPS, Royal Mail, etc.).
- Provide the tracking number to check for local delivery updates.
7. Check Buyer Protection Policies
If you ordered through an e-commerce platform:
- Keep an eye on the buyer protection period.
- If your package hasn’t arrived by the deadline, contact the seller or request a refund or an extension through the platform.
