China Post is the national postal service operator of the People’s Republic of China, operating under the State Post Bureau. As the world’s largest postal administration by volume, China Post handles billions of shipments annually, connecting China with over 160 countries and territories worldwide. The postal network includes hundreds of thousands of post offices throughout China, providing comprehensive postal services to the world’s largest population and serving as the backbone for international e-commerce shipping from China.
How to Track China Post Shipments
Tracking your China Post shipment through our China Post Tracking platform provides comprehensive visibility into your package’s journey from China to destinations worldwide. China Post tracking numbers follow specific formats depending on the service used, with prefixes indicating different service types.
Registered Airmail (ePacket, Tracking Registered Air Mail) tracking numbers typically begin with “RA,” “RB,” “RC,” “LA,” or “LV” followed by 13 digits. Example format: RA123456789CN. These tracking numbers are used for tracked international packages and small packets.
EMS (Express Mail Service) tracking numbers typically begin with “EE” or “EM” followed by digits, or may use the “E” prefix with various formats. These numbers provide detailed tracking throughout the EMS delivery process.
Surface Parcel tracking numbers may use different formats depending on the specific service, but typically include country prefixes and tracking sequences that enable monitoring throughout the shipping process.
Enter your complete China Post tracking number (including the country suffix “CN”) in our search interface to receive comprehensive tracking updates. Our system connects to China Post’s tracking databases and integrates with destination country postal tracking systems for end-to-end visibility.
Understanding China Post International Tracking Formats
China Post uses various tracking number formats depending on the service selected, and understanding these formats helps ensure accurate tracking entry and expectations for tracking visibility.
ePacket tracking numbers typically begin with “RA” or “LA” followed by 13 digits and ending with “CN.” ePacket is a popular service for small e-commerce shipments from China, offering tracking throughout the journey to select countries with delivery typically within 10 to 20 business days.
Registered Airmail tracking numbers use various prefixes including “RA,” “RB,” “RC,” “LV,” “LR,” and “LA,” followed by 13 digits and ending with “CN.” This service provides basic tracking at major processing points with delivery typically within 15 to 45 business days.
China Post EMS tracking numbers may begin with “EE,” “EM,” or “E” prefixes, providing comprehensive tracking with delivery typically within 7 to 15 business days to international destinations.
When tracking China Post shipments internationally, remember that tracking visibility may be limited after the package leaves China. Once the package arrives in the destination country, tracking updates depend on that country’s postal service integration and tracking capabilities.
China Post International Delivery Timeframes
International delivery through China Post varies significantly based on the service selected, destination country, and operational factors affecting cross-border shipments.
ePacket service provides relatively fast delivery to supported countries, typically completing within 10 to 20 business days. This service is available for small packages under 2 kg to select countries including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and many European nations.
Registered Airmail delivery typically requires 15 to 45 business days depending on destination. European and North American destinations generally arrive within 20 to 35 days, while more distant destinations may require the full timeframe or longer.
EMS (Express Mail Service) provides faster international delivery within 7 to 15 business days to supported destinations. This premium service includes comprehensive tracking, expedited customs clearance, and guaranteed delivery timeframes.
Delivery times may be extended during peak periods, particularly before major holidays in China or destination countries when e-commerce volumes surge significantly. Weather conditions and transportation disruptions may also affect delivery times.
Understanding “Sent to Destination Country” Status
The tracking status “Sent to Destination Country” (sometimes displayed as “Despatched to Destination” or “Export” status) indicates that your China Post package has completed processing in China and has been dispatched to the destination country.
This status confirms that your package has cleared Chinese customs and is now being processed by the destination country’s postal service. The package may be in transit to the destination country, arriving at destination country facilities, or undergoing customs clearance at the destination.
After “Export” status appears, tracking updates depend on the destination country’s postal tracking systems and their integration with international tracking databases. Some countries provide detailed tracking updates while others may have more limited visibility.
If tracking appears to stop after “Export” status, this is often normal and does not necessarily indicate a problem. Many countries have processing delays between receiving international packages and updating tracking systems. We recommend waiting 5 to 10 business days after the last tracking update before assuming delays.
Why China Post Tracking May Not Update After Export
Many China Post package trackers experience periods of apparent tracking inactivity after packages leave China, leading to concerns about package status. Understanding why this occurs helps set appropriate expectations.
The primary reason for tracking gaps is that China Post tracking and destination country tracking operate as separate systems with limited integration. When your package leaves China, Chinese tracking stops, and tracking updates depend entirely on the destination country’s postal service updating their systems.
Some destination countries have slower tracking update cycles, with packages progressing through their systems without immediate tracking scans. This is particularly common in countries with less developed postal tracking infrastructure.
Customs processing at the destination may occur without generating tracking updates. Packages can spend several days in customs facilities before being released and processed for delivery, during which time no tracking updates may appear.
For packages showing no tracking updates after extended periods (more than the expected delivery timeframe), we recommend contacting the destination country’s postal service directly with the tracking number to investigate package status.
EMS vs Registered Airmail: Which China Post Service to Choose?
China Post offers multiple international shipping options with different characteristics for speed, tracking, and cost. Understanding the differences helps select the most appropriate service for your needs.
EMS (Express Mail Service) represents the premium option with fastest delivery (7 to 15 business days), comprehensive tracking throughout the journey, customs clearance support, and insurance coverage included. EMS is recommended for valuable items, time-sensitive packages, and shipments where tracking visibility is important.
Registered Airmail provides an economical middle-ground option with slower delivery (15 to 45 business days) but basic tracking at major processing points. This service is suitable for lower-value items where cost is a primary consideration and delivery time is not critical.
ePacket offers a balance of tracking and speed for small packages (under 2 kg) to select countries. With delivery typically within 10 to 20 business days and tracking throughout the journey, ePacket has become popular for e-commerce shipments from China.
Consider the value of contents, urgency of delivery, destination country, and budget when selecting a service. For valuable items, the additional cost of EMS provides valuable protection and peace of mind.
China Post International Shipping Restrictions
China Post maintains specific restrictions on items that can be shipped internationally, ensuring compliance with Chinese and international postal regulations, as well as destination country requirements.
Prohibited items include lithium batteries (in most international services), magnets, liquids, perishable items, flammable materials, explosives, firearms and weapon parts, counterfeit goods, pornography and prohibited publications, and items that may pose hazards during transport.
Many everyday items are restricted or prohibited due to specific international regulations, including certain electronics, food products, plant materials, and animal products. Always verify that items are permitted before shipping.
Additional restrictions apply for specific service types. For example, many international postal services prohibit lithium batteries due to fire risks during air transport. This affects shipping options for many electronic devices and items.