China Post, officially China Post Group Corporation Limited, is China's national postal operator and provides a broad range of postal, delivery and logistics services. Its network handles letters, documents, domestic packages, international postal items and express deliveries, while the wider China Post group is also active in financial services and e-commerce. For shoppers and recipients, China Post package tracking makes it possible to Track many registered packages as they move from acceptance in China through export processing and onward to their destination.
China Post's delivery portfolio includes domestic postal packages, express services through China Postal Express & Logistics and international services for customers sending goods overseas. International options include EMS, international parcels, ePacket and other products designed for different combinations of speed, price, package size and destination coverage. China Post works with postal operators in destination countries, so an international package may begin its journey with China Post and later be delivered by the local postal service.
China Post has a major role in cross-border e-commerce and provides services for lightweight online orders as well as larger international packages. International EMS is intended for faster, time-sensitive delivery, while ePacket was developed as an economical international express option for lightweight cross-border e-commerce goods. China Post also offers international parcels with different transportation methods and service levels. From January 1, 2026, China Postal Express & Logistics discontinued item-type international registered mail and advised customers requiring Tracking and delivery confirmation to use alternatives such as international parcels or international EMS.
You can use 4Tracking to Track China Post packages by entering the tracking number provided by the seller, sender or China Post. Package tracking can display available events from posting and processing in China through export, arrival in the destination country, customs procedures, local delivery and final delivery. The amount of Tracking information varies according to the postal product and the destination postal operator, so some packages show detailed scans throughout the journey while others have longer gaps between updates.
How China Post package tracking works
To Track a China Post package, enter its tracking number in the tracking field on 4Tracking. The system uses the available Tracking information associated with that number to show the package's latest status and previous movement. For an international order, the history may begin when China Post accepts the package or receives electronic shipment information from the sender.
As the package moves through the network, Tracking events may be recorded when it is accepted, sorted, transferred to another processing facility, sent to an international mail exchange office, prepared for export or dispatched from China. After arrival abroad, additional events can be generated by the destination country's postal operator, including customs processing, arrival at a delivery office, departure for delivery and successful delivery.
A China Post package can continue moving even when Tracking does not change for several days. International packages often have gaps between an export event in China and the first scan in the destination country. The package may be travelling by air, road, rail or another transport method during that period, and a new event may not appear until it reaches the next postal processing point.
China Post tracking number formats
Many China Post international tracking numbers use the UPU S10 postal format. These numbers contain 13 characters: two letters, nine digits and two final letters representing the issuing country code. China Post identifiers issued under this format commonly end in CN, for example RR123456789CN, CP123456789CN or EE123456789CN. These numbers are examples of the format only and are not active packages.
The first letters can vary according to the postal product. International EMS tracking numbers commonly use an identifier beginning with E, while international parcels and registered postal products may use other service indicators. The final CN indicates that the postal identifier was issued under China's postal administration; it does not mean that China is necessarily the final destination.
Not every China Post-related Tracking number has exactly the same format. E-commerce and specialized logistics products may use different identifiers, and sellers may initially provide an order number that is not the actual postal tracking number. For the best package tracking result, copy the complete tracking code supplied after the package has been handed to the postal or logistics network.
Common China Post Tracking statuses
Package accepted
This usually means China Post has received the package and registered it in the postal network. It is often one of the first physical Tracking events after posting.
Electronic information received
Shipment information has been created or transmitted electronically, but this status does not always mean China Post has physically received the package yet. If it remains unchanged for an extended period, contact the seller or sender.
Package in transit
The package is moving between China Post processing facilities or transportation points. Several transit events may appear while the package travels through China toward the export facility.
Arrival at outward office of exchange
The package has reached an international mail processing facility in China where outbound postal items are prepared for export.
Departure from outward office of exchange
The package has been processed for export and dispatched from the international postal exchange operation. The next Tracking update may not appear until transportation progresses or the package is received in the destination country.
Airline or transportation departure
This type of status indicates that the package has entered an international transportation stage. Transit time can vary significantly depending on available routes, connections and the service used.
Arrival in destination country
The package has reached the destination country's postal network or an international processing facility. It may still need customs clearance and domestic sorting before delivery.
Package presented to customs
The package has entered customs processing. Customs authorities may inspect the contents, review documentation, assess duties or taxes or request additional information before releasing it.
Package out for delivery
The destination postal operator has sent the package with a delivery route for final delivery to the recipient. Delivery is normally expected soon, although local operating conditions can occasionally result in another attempt.
Package delivered
The Tracking system indicates that the package has completed delivery. If you cannot locate it, check the delivery address and with household members or the local delivery office before opening an inquiry.
How long does China Post delivery take?
China Post delivery time depends on the service, origin, destination, transportation method, customs clearance and local postal network. There is no single delivery time that applies to every China Post package. Express products are generally prioritized, while economical international products can take longer, particularly when they use indirect transportation routes or lower-priority capacity.
For domestic express delivery, China Post EMS is designed for fast transportation within China. As an indication of network performance rather than a guarantee for an individual package, official China Post information for the fourth quarter of 2025 reported an average end-to-end EMS delivery time of 44.38 hours for inter-city shipments among 50 major Chinese cities, with 91.88 percent delivered within 72 hours. Actual delivery time still depends on the specific origin and destination.
International delivery normally requires more time. As route examples, official China Postal Express & Logistics service announcements have listed reference times of 7-15 business days for ePacket services to countries including Croatia, Latvia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia and Slovakia, while a Chile ePacket service announcement listed a reference time of 10-15 business days. These examples illustrate how international ePacket delivery can vary by route and should not be treated as a current guarantee for every package.
For faster international commercial express services operated through China Postal Express & Logistics and partner networks, an official product description lists a general service level of approximately 3-7 days to supported destinations. International EMS, international parcels and ePacket have different service standards, so customers should check the current estimated delivery time for their specific country and product before shipping.
Why China Post international packages can take longer
An international package passes through more stages than a typical domestic delivery. It can require export processing in China, international transportation, arrival processing in another country, customs clearance and handover to the destination postal operator. Each stage can affect the overall delivery time.
Delays can also occur because of limited transport capacity, flight changes, peak shopping seasons, public holidays, customs inspections, incorrect addresses or disruptions in the destination postal network. Economical packages may wait longer for available transportation than premium express products. This is why two China Post packages posted on the same day can arrive at very different times when they are travelling to different countries or using different services.
Why China Post tracking may not update
If China Post Tracking has not changed, the package may simply be travelling between facilities without a new scan. This is particularly common after an international package has been dispatched from an outward office of exchange. It may remain without a visible update until it is processed by an airline, transit facility or the destination country's postal operator.
Another possibility is that the sender has generated the tracking information but has not yet handed over the package. In this situation, the tracking number may exist while no physical postal event is available. Contact the seller if the first acceptance event does not appear after a reasonable period.
Tracking can also pause during customs processing. Customs procedures are handled by the relevant authorities rather than China Post alone, and the recipient may need to provide information or pay import duties or taxes according to the destination country's rules. Continue checking package tracking and any official notifications from the local postal or customs service.
How to contact China Post about a package
If a China Post package is delayed, missing or showing an unusual Tracking status, first verify the tracking number and review the complete Tracking history. China Post's official website is available at [http://www.chinapost.com.cn](http://www.chinapost.com.cn), and its official information lists 11185 for postal business customer service in China. For express delivery and logistics services, including EMS, China Post lists the 11183 customer-service hotline.
China Post's English-language corporate information lists the postal business contact as +86 10 11185 and the logistics and EMS contact as +86 10 11183. Availability when calling from outside China can depend on the telephone network. If you are the recipient outside China, your local postal operator may also be able to provide information after the package has entered the destination country's postal network.
For international letter-post and parcel-post Tracking, China Post's official contact guidance directs customers to its international mail Track and Trace service, while international EMS items can be checked through the official EMS service. For a formal inquiry concerning an international postal item, China Post states that the sender should go to the local post office and complete the required inquiry procedures. This means the sender may need to start the formal investigation when a package is seriously delayed or missing.
What to do if a China Post package is delayed or missing
Start by comparing the latest Tracking event with the normal stage of the journey. If the package has recently departed China, a period without updates can be normal while it is transported internationally. If it has already reached the destination country, check the local postal operator because that operator may have more detailed information about customs processing or final delivery.
If the package has exceeded the expected delivery period by a significant amount, contact the sender and China Post or EMS as appropriate. Keep the complete tracking number, posting date, sender and recipient information and purchase or posting records available. For international packages, the sender may have to submit the formal postal inquiry at the post office where the package was accepted.
Frequently asked questions about China Post package tracking issues
How can I Track a China Post package?
Enter the tracking number supplied by the sender, seller or China Post into 4Tracking. The package tracking results will display the available Tracking events and latest known status for the package.
Why is my China Post tracking number not working?
The tracking number may have been created recently, entered incorrectly or not yet activated by a physical postal scan. Check every letter and digit and ask the sender to confirm that the package has actually been handed over if no Tracking information appears.
What does a China Post tracking number look like?
Many international China Post tracking numbers contain 13 characters in the UPU S10 format, with two letters, nine digits and two final letters. A typical format example is RR123456789CN or EE123456789CN. The exact format can vary according to the service.
Why does my China Post package tracking say it departed China but nothing has changed?
This commonly happens during international transportation. The package may be travelling between countries without a new customer-visible scan. The next Tracking event can appear only after it reaches a transit point or the destination postal network.
Does a China Post tracking number ending in CN mean the package is going to China?
No. CN at the end of a standard international postal tracking number generally indicates that the identifier was issued under China's postal administration. It does not identify the package's destination country.
How long does China Post international delivery take?
There is no single delivery time for all international packages. Delivery depends on the product, destination, transportation route, customs processing and destination postal operator. Some faster services can take several days, while economical postal products can require one or more weeks.
Why is my China Post package held at customs?
Customs authorities may need to inspect the package, verify its declaration, calculate duties or taxes or request additional information. Continue checking Tracking and follow instructions from the customs authority or destination postal operator if action is required.
Who delivers China Post packages after they arrive in another country?
Many international postal packages are handed over to the postal operator responsible for delivery in the destination country. This is why the package may begin with China Post and later receive Tracking events from a different postal service.
Can I Track a China Post package after it leaves China?
Yes, many registered China Post international packages continue to provide Tracking after export. The detail available depends on the service and the information provided by the destination postal operator.
What should I do if China Post says my package was delivered but I did not receive it?
Check the delivery address, mailbox, reception area and other people at the address. If the package cannot be found, contact the postal operator that performed final delivery and provide the tracking number. You should also notify the sender or seller if the issue remains unresolved.
How do I contact China Post about a delayed international package?
China Post lists 11185 for postal business customer service and 11183 for logistics and EMS. For a formal inquiry about an international item, China Post's official guidance states that the sender should visit the local post office and complete the relevant inquiry procedures.
Is China Post EMS the same as regular China Post delivery?
EMS is the express delivery service associated with China Postal Express & Logistics and is designed for faster delivery and detailed Tracking. Regular China Post postal products can use different transportation priorities, delivery standards and package tracking capabilities.
Can international merchandise still be sent as registered mail through China Post?
China Postal Express & Logistics announced that item-type international registered mail was discontinued from January 1, 2026. Customers who need to send merchandise internationally with Tracking can use eligible alternatives such as China Post international parcels or international EMS, depending on destination and service availability.
Monthly Delivery Performance for China Post – August 2026
Our comprehensive monthly delivery report for China Post in August 2026 is based exclusively on shipments confirmed as delivered, detailing the fastest, average, and slowest transit times from origin to destination. Shipments still in transit are excluded to ensure accurate and reliable insights.
| From | To | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|
China | Unknown |
|
China | United States |
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China | Hong Kong |
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China | Japan |
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Unknown | Unknown |
|
China | Brazil |
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China | Germany |
|
China | France |
|
China | United Kingdom |
|
China | Netherlands |
|
China | Italy |
|
China | Canada |
|
China | South Korea |
|
China | Saint Helena |
|
Germany | Unknown |
|