Buying products from China, especially through AliExpress, is extremely popular worldwide. After placing an order, buyers usually want to know where their package is, when it will arrive, how long shipping takes, and whether they need to pay VAT, customs duty or clearance fees.
To track a package, you normally only need the tracking number shown in your order details.
How to Track a Package from China?
First, find the tracking number in your AliExpress order. You can then check it using several popular tracking services:
- 17TRACK — an international package tracking service supporting many carriers.
- Cainiao Global Tracking — Alibaba’s logistics tracking system, used for many AliExpress shipments.
- AliExpress — check the order status directly through your account.
How to track your package:
- Open your order details on AliExpress.
- Copy the tracking number.
- Enter it into a tracking website.
- Start the search.
- Check the latest status and recorded location.
If no information appears immediately, this does not necessarily mean there is a problem. It can take several days for the first tracking scan to appear.
Where Will an AliExpress Package Be Delivered?
The delivery location depends on the address entered when placing the order and the selected shipping method.
A package may be delivered:
- to your home address;
- to a post office;
- to a pickup point;
- to a parcel locker;
- by a courier service.
After the package reaches the destination country, it is also worth checking the tracking number with the local delivery company. Some international shipments receive a new local tracking number after arrival.
How Long Does Shipping from China Take?
Delivery times depend on the shipping method, seller, transport route, carrier and customs procedures.
Approximate delivery times:
| Shipping method | Estimated delivery time |
|---|---|
| Express shipping | 5–10 days |
| Standard shipping | 12–25 days |
| Economy shipping | 20–45 days |
| Cheapest shipping | 30–60+ days |
During major sales, holidays or periods of high international shipping volume, delivery may take longer.
For a specific order, the best information is the estimated delivery date shown by AliExpress and the current tracking status.
How Much Are VAT and Customs Duties on Packages from China?
When buying from China, it is important to distinguish between VAT, customs duties and possible customs clearance fees.
VAT on Goods from China
The VAT rate depends on the destination country. For example:
- United Kingdom: generally 20%
- United States: no federal VAT; sales tax may apply depending on the state
- Canada: GST/HST or other applicable taxes
- Australia: generally 10% GST
- European Union: VAT rates vary by country
AliExpress may collect applicable taxes at checkout depending on the destination, product value and applicable import rules.
Customs Duties
Customs duty depends on the destination country, product category, declared value and applicable customs tariff.
For many destinations, low-value shipments may have simplified tax or customs rules, while higher-value goods can be subject to additional import charges.
| Possible charge | Depends on |
|---|---|
| VAT / sales tax | Destination country and transaction |
| Customs duty | Product type and customs value |
| Customs clearance fee | Carrier and clearance procedure |
| Import charges | Local regulations |
For expensive products, it is advisable to check the current customs regulations of the destination country before ordering.
Do You Have to Pay a Customs Clearance Fee?
In some cases, the postal operator, courier company or customs broker may charge a customs clearance or administrative processing fee.
The amount varies depending on the carrier, destination country and type of customs procedure.
What Do the Tracking Statuses Mean?
International shipments commonly display the following English statuses:
Order information received — the shipment information has been registered.
Accepted by carrier — the carrier has received the package.
Departed from origin country — the package has left the country of origin.
In transit — the package is being transported.
Arrived at destination country — the package has reached the destination country.
Customs clearance — the package is undergoing customs processing.
Out for delivery — the package is being delivered.
Delivered — the package has been delivered.
If the In transit status does not change for several days, it does not necessarily mean that the package is lost. International shipments can go several days between tracking scans.
What to Do If a Package from China Cannot Be Tracked?
First, check that the tracking number has been entered correctly. If there is still no information, try again after a few days.
You can check the tracking number through:
AliExpress → Cainiao → 17TRACK → the local postal or courier company
If the estimated delivery date has passed and there have been no updates for a long time, contact the seller. If necessary, you can also use AliExpress Buyer Protection according to the platform’s rules.