Every year, millions of shoppers order goods from China — through AliExpress, Taobao, Shein and other platforms. The order is placed and paid for, but now comes the waiting. Let's break down how to track delivery correctly and what those mysterious statuses mean.
Step 1: Find your tracking number
A tracking number is a unique code assigned to your parcel. You can find it in several places:
- Check the estimate for the selected service and route in the order or on the carrier's official website. Transit and customs processing vary; an estimate is not a guarantee.
- In 'My Orders' → 'Order Details' on AliExpress
- In the store account if you purchased directly
- In an SMS or email from the carrier
Tip: Sellers often pack goods first and register the tracking number later. Check the estimate for the selected service and route in the order or on the carrier's official website. Transit and customs processing vary; an estimate is not a guarantee.
Step 2: Identify your carrier
The format of the tracking number reveals which company is shipping your parcel:
| Format | Carrier | Estimated delivery |
|---|---|---|
| RA/RB/RC/RL + 8 digits + CN | China Post Registered | Check the selected carrier service and route |
| EE/EA + 8 digits + CN | ePacket (China Post Priority) | Check the selected carrier service and route |
| LS/UY/LP + 8 digits + CN | AliExpress / Cainiao | Check the selected carrier service and route |
| JD + 18 digits | Cainiao Premium / JD Logistics | Check the selected carrier service and route |
| 1Z... (18 chars) | UPS | Check the selected carrier service and route |
| digits (12 chars) | FedEx | Check the selected carrier service and route |
Step 3: Understand the statuses
Your parcel passes through several stages, each with characteristic statuses:
1. Accepted for shipping
Statuses: 'Accepted for shipping', 'Information passed to the post', 'Label Created'. The parcel is still with the seller or at a sorting warehouse in China. Check the estimate for the selected service and route in the order or on the carrier's official website. Transit and customs processing vary; an estimate is not a guarantee.
2. In transit within China
Statuses: 'Arrived at exchange place', 'Passed export control', 'Left country of origin'. The parcel is heading to an international airport or seaport.
3. International transit
Status: 'Departed from place of international exchange' or 'In Transit'. The parcel is on a plane or at a transit warehouse. Check the estimate for the selected service and route in the order or on the carrier's official website. Transit and customs processing vary; an estimate is not a guarantee.
Tip: This is completely normal for budget airmail via China Post. Check the estimate for the selected service and route in the order or on the carrier's official website. Transit and customs processing vary; an estimate is not a guarantee.
4. Customs
Statuses: 'Arrived at place of international exchange', 'Passed customs control', 'Inspection'. Check the estimate for the selected service and route in the order or on the carrier's official website. Transit and customs processing vary; an estimate is not a guarantee.
5. Last mile
Statuses: 'Transferred to branch', 'Transferred to courier', 'Out for delivery'. The parcel is already in your city and will be delivered soon.
How long to wait
| Shipping method | Timeframe | Tracking |
|---|---|---|
| China Post Ordinary Mail | Check the estimate for the selected service and route in the order or on the carrier's official website. Transit and customs processing vary; an estimate is not a guarantee. | Partial |
| China Post Registered Mail | Check the estimate for the selected service and route in the order or on the carrier's official website. Transit and customs processing vary; an estimate is not a guarantee. | Good |
| ePacket | Check the estimate for the selected service and route in the order or on the carrier's official website. Transit and customs processing vary; an estimate is not a guarantee. | Good |
| AliExpress Standard | Check the estimate for the selected service and route in the order or on the carrier's official website. Transit and customs processing vary; an estimate is not a guarantee. | Full |
| Cainiao Premium / Super | Check the estimate for the selected service and route in the order or on the carrier's official website. Transit and customs processing vary; an estimate is not a guarantee. | Full |
| DHL / FedEx / UPS | Check the estimate for the selected service and route in the order or on the carrier's official website. Transit and customs processing vary; an estimate is not a guarantee. | Detailed |
Tracking tips
- Use a service that aggregates multiple carriers — your parcel may be handed from China Post to local mail, and you need to track both
- Enable notifications — you'll know about status changes immediately without manual checking
- Check the estimate for the selected service and route in the order or on the carrier's official website. Transit and customs processing vary; an estimate is not a guarantee.
- Check the estimate for the selected service and route in the order or on the carrier's official website. Transit and customs processing vary; an estimate is not a guarantee.
Note: Check the estimate for the selected service and route in the order or on the carrier's official website. Transit and customs processing vary; an estimate is not a guarantee.