Waiting for a package from China and wondering where it is? You’re not alone—thousands of people turn to China Post for international shipping every day, eager to follow their shipment’s journey.
Tracking your parcel can bring peace of mind, help you plan for delivery, and flag any issues early. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to track your China Post package step by step, share useful tips, and help you stay updated every mile of the way.
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How Do You Track China Post Packages?
Tracking a parcel shipped via China Post might seem complicated, especially when your order is making its way across continents. Fortunately, with the right information and tools, following your parcel’s journey can be simple and even reassuring. This guide will walk you step-by-step through the process, outline best practices, and address common challenges and questions around tracking China Post shipments.
Understanding China Post and Its Tracking System
China Post is the official postal service of China, handling a huge volume of both domestic and international mail and parcels. It works with various shipping methods, including:
- Ordinary Small Packet Plus (cheapest, basic tracking)
- China Post Registered Air Mail (registered, trackable)
- EMS (Express Mail Service, faster, detailed tracking)
- E-packet (popular for e-commerce, reliable tracking)
The kind of tracking available for your shipment depends on the service used. Registered and express services come with detailed tracking, while basic, unregistered options offer minimal to no online updates.
Step-By-Step Guide: How to Track Your China Post Shipment
1. Retrieve Your Tracking Number
Every trackable China Post parcel is assigned a unique tracking number. Common formats are:
- 13-character codes (e.g., RV123456789CN)
- Codes starting with two capital letters, followed by nine digits and ending with “CN”
Tip: You can usually find your tracking number on your order confirmation, shipping notification email, or by contacting your seller.
2. Choose a Tracking Platform
Several online platforms let you track China Post shipments anywhere in the world. Here’s how these options typically work:
- China Post’s Official Site: Offers basic tracking in English and Chinese, with updates from dispatch until leaving China.
- Global Tracking Services: Sites like 17TRACK, Ship24, Parcel Monitor, Postal Ninja, or AfterShip aggregate tracking data from China Post and partnering carriers. They continue to provide updates even after the package enters another country.
Why use multi-tracking platforms?
Because parcels often switch hands during their journey (transferring from China Post to your local postal service), these platforms help track your package from dispatch to final delivery.
3. Enter Your Tracking Number
On your chosen tracking site:
- Locate the tracking search bar or field.
- Type or paste your tracking number.
- Click “Track” or “Search.”
You’ll see a timeline or list of tracking events, showing every update from posting to delivery.
4. Interpreting Tracking Statuses
Tracking updates can be cryptic. Common statuses you might see include:
- Collection/Acceptance: China Post has received the parcel.
- Departure from originating country: Parcel has left China, en route to destination country.
- Arrival at inward office of exchange: Arrived in your country, waiting for customs clearance.
- Handed over to airline: Parcel is on the plane departing China.
- Customs clearance: Undergoing or completed customs checks.
- Delivered: Package has reached its final destination.
5. Continued Tracking in Your Country
Once your parcel arrives in your country, your local postal provider (like USPS, Royal Mail, Canada Post) takes over. Some platforms continue to track your item, but you can also enter the same tracking number on your local postal website for more timely updates.
Benefits of Tracking China Post Shipments
- Peace of mind: See real-time progress and reduce anxiety.
- Plan ahead: Know when to expect your package and prepare for delivery.
- Solve problems: Spot delays, customs holds, or address issues early.
- Proof for buyers/sellers: Tracking serves as evidence in disputes or lost parcel claims.
Challenges You Might Encounter
Tracking China Post parcels isn’t always flawless. Be aware of:
- Delay in updates: Sometimes tracking statuses aren’t updated in real time, especially when parcels are in transit between countries.
- Language barriers: Some tracking info may appear in Chinese, though most platforms offer English translations.
- Limited tracking for unregistered parcels: Very inexpensive shipping methods may not offer full tracking—only confirming dispatch and delivery (if at all).
- Customs holds: Packages can be stuck at customs, sometimes for days or weeks, with limited visibility during this period.
- Package number changes: Occasionally, the tracking number assigned by China Post may change when your parcel enters another country, especially via partner carriers.
Practical Tips and Advice
- Double-check tracking numbers: Typos can lead to “not found” errors. Copy and paste carefully!
- Be patient: Economy shipping from China may take 2–8 weeks, sometimes longer during holidays or peak times.
- Set up notifications: Many tracking sites let you sign up for automatic email or app alerts.
- Contact the seller for help: If updates stop for more than two weeks, reach out to the shipper or online store for assistance.
- Check with your local postal service: If your package has entered your country but isn’t updating, call or check your postal provider’s site for more info.
Cost-Saving Shipping Tips
While cheaper shipping can be tempting, balance this against your need for secure, trackable delivery:
- Opt for registered shipping: It’s usually just a few dollars more than unregistered options and adds full tracking and insurance.
- Consider shipping speed: Faster options like EMS cost more, but offer quicker delivery and more detailed tracking.
- Group your orders: Consolidating multiple purchases into one shipment may save on shipping fees and tracking hassles.
- Be wary of “free shipping”: Sometimes free shipping offers no tracking, which can make resolving delivery issues challenging.
- Use e-packet when possible: E-packet is affordable, reliable, and widely supported by e-commerce stores, making it a good compromise.
Best Practices for Seamless China Post Tracking
- Save your tracking number immediately. Screenshot the order confirmation or email with your parcel details.
- Choose reputable sellers. They are more likely to use registered or e-packet services and provide accurate tracking.
- Track proactively. Don’t just wait for your package. Monitor your tracking and investigate if there are unexplained delays.
- Communicate clearly with your post office. For customs or delivery issues, provide your tracking number and relevant details.
- Understand coverage. Know what kind of tracking you’re getting with your chosen shipping method.
Involving Multi-Platform Tracking
Why use several tracking platforms? Parcels can sometimes “disappear” for days as they switch carriers. Multi-platform tracking services, popular ones being 17TRACK, Ordertracker, Ship24, and Parcel Monitor, aggregate data from numerous carriers and local post offices. This often gives you more detailed, up-to-date info than China Post’s own tracking.
- For cross-border parcels, these sites update tracking as your package enters new regions or changes hands.
- AfterShip and similar apps help manage multiple parcels at once—especially handy if you shop online frequently.
Understanding Tracking Codes and Common Statuses
Here’s a summary table of what to expect from your tracking number and typical updates:
| Code Example | Shipping Type | Tracking Detail |
|---|---|---|
| UC123456789CN | Economy, unregistered | Limited or no tracking |
| RV123456789CN | Registered Air Mail | Full tracking, in and out of China |
| LP123456789CN | E-packet | Full tracking |
| EE123456789CN | EMS (Express Mail Service) | Full tracking, fastest |
| Number-only | Domestic/informal, not trackable | No global tracking |
Common Statuses:
- Posting, Collection, or Acceptance: China Post receives the parcel.
- Dispatch from outward office of exchange: Parcel leaves China.
- Arrival at the destination country: Parcel enters local postal system.
- Customs clearance: Going through local customs checks.
- Out for delivery: Parcel is en route to your address.
- Delivered: Package has been delivered.
Special Considerations for E-commerce Orders
Ordering from popular marketplaces (like AliExpress, Wish, or eBay)? Your tracking experience may differ:
- Many sellers on these platforms use registered mail or e-packet, ensuring tracking coverage.
- Tracking updates posted on your order page often sync with those from multi-platform tracking sites.
- You can contact customer support and provide your tracking number for extra help if an order is delayed.
What To Do If Your Tracking Stops Updating
Don’t panic if there are gaps in your tracking updates! Here’s what you can do:
- Wait a few days: Cross-border shipping sometimes causes tracking lag.
- Check with both tracking platforms and your local postal service’s website.
- Ask the seller: They may be able to initiate a trace or open a postal claim.
- Prepare for customs delays: Holidays, new regulations, or busy periods can slow things down.
- File a missing mail inquiry: If your shipment is overdue, contact your local postal service with your tracking number.
Conclusion
Tracking a China Post package doesn’t have to be confusing. By saving your tracking number, using cross-border tracking platforms, and being proactive, you’ll maximize your visibility and peace of mind. While unexpected delays or gaps in tracking can occur, understanding the process and knowing your options ensures your shipment arrives as smoothly as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take for China Post tracking to update?
Tracking updates typically appear within 1-5 business days, but delays happen, especially as parcels transfer between carriers. International shipment stages may not update in real time.
Why does my China Post tracking show “No Information” or “Not Found”?
This often happens if your seller hasn’t shipped the package yet, the tracking number is new and not in the system, or there’s a typo in the number entered. For unregistered parcels, detailed tracking may not be available.
Can I track my China Post package after it leaves China?
Yes, but updates may slow down or show different statuses if the package is with a new logistics partner or your country’s local postal service. Multi-platform tracking sites provide the best coverage.
What should I do if my package is stuck in customs?
If tracking hasn’t updated since arriving in your country and says “customs clearance,” contact your local postal service or customs office. You may need to provide extra information or pay fees.
Is it possible to speed up my China Post delivery?
You can’t speed up a package that’s already shipped. For future orders, choose faster services like EMS or e-packet, or pay extra for express shipping at checkout to ensure quicker delivery and better tracking.
With these steps, tips, and insights, you’ll be well-equipped to track your China Post parcel every step of the way. Happy shopping and tracking!
