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:
- In an email from the seller or platform — usually arrives 3–7 days after payment
- In 'My Orders' → 'Order Details' on AliExpress
- In the store account if you purchased directly
- In an SMS or email from the carrier
Tip: If the tracking number hasn't appeared yet — wait 5–7 days. Sellers often pack goods first and register the tracking number later.
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 | 20–50 days |
| EE/EA + 8 digits + CN | ePacket (China Post Priority) | 12–25 days |
| LS/UY/LP + 8 digits + CN | AliExpress / Cainiao | 15–40 days |
| JD + 18 digits | Cainiao Premium / JD Logistics | 8–18 days |
| 1Z... (18 chars) | UPS | 3–7 days |
| digits (12 chars) | FedEx | 3–7 days |
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. This stage can last 1–5 days.
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. This is the longest and quietest stage — there may be no updates for 10–20 days.
Tip: If tracking is stuck on 'Departed from place of international exchange' for 10–20 days — don't panic. This is completely normal for budget airmail via China Post.
4. Customs
Statuses: 'Arrived at place of international exchange', 'Passed customs control', 'Inspection'. In EU countries — usually 1–5 days.
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 | 30–60 days | Partial |
| China Post Registered Mail | 20–45 days | Good |
| ePacket | 12–25 days | Good |
| AliExpress Standard | 15–40 days | Full |
| Cainiao Premium / Super | 7–18 days | Full |
| DHL / FedEx / UPS | 3–7 days | 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
- Save parcels in your account with a nickname — after 2 months you won't remember what was in which order
- If the parcel is stuck at customs for more than 30 days — contact customs or ask the seller for help
Note: Don't wait until 60 days expire before opening a dispute on AliExpress! Open a dispute 10–15 days before the buyer protection deadline if the parcel hasn't arrived.