Shipment Tracking Guide and Frequently Asked Shipping Questions Answered
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I view tracking information?
Once the seller ships your item out, the status on DHgate in the my orders menu will update from “Items being processed” to “Pending delivery confirmation.” From there you can copy and paste the tracking number into a third party app (recommended), or use DHgate.
What app should I use for tracking?
If the shipping method is China Post (ePacket, EMS), SF Express, Yanwen, etcetera:
Most convenient: 17Track.net, Aftership.com, Shop.app
Most detailed: Origin courier (China Post, SF Express, Yanwen, etc.) for tracking within China, and the destination post service (typically your country's national mail service USPS, Canada Post, etc.) within the destination country.
If the shipping method is DHL or FedEx it is best to track directly with them.
| 17Track | AfterShip | Shop | China Post / SF/ Yanwen | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tracking Accuracy | Accurate | Accurate | Accurate | Very Accurate |
| Update Frequency | Delayed | Delayed | Very Delayed | Instant (Within China) |
| Web Tracking | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Android App (Google Play) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| iOS App (Apple App Store) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Clipboard Syncing | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Automatic Gmail Syncing | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Map | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Delivery Date Provided | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Dark Mode | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| CAPTCHA Requirement | No | No | No | Yes |
| Requires Sign-up | No | No | No | No |
| Price | Free* | Free | Free | Free |
Asterisk(*) denotes services with optional paid plans
How long will it take for my package to arrive?
There are a number of factors that will determine how long it will take, such as shipping service, destination country, flight schedule, potential customs bottlenecks, and much more. Keep in mind due to COVID-19 there is a shortage of flights which means less capacity for packages. Below is a table of minimum, average, and maximum delivery times of ePacket and EMS to countries that they serve in Q1 2021.
| Destination Country | Minimum Arrival Time | Average Arrival Time | Maximum Arrival Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albania | 68 days | 83 days | 124 days |
| Argentina | 69 days | 83 days | 120 days |
| Australia | 7 days | 21 days | 40 days |
| Austria | 24 days | 37 days | 46 days |
| Bangladesh | 31 days | 35 days | 88 days |
| Belarus | 49 days | 68 days | 98 days |
| Belgium | 30 days | 42 days | 74 days |
| Bhutan | 38 days | 44 days | 77 days |
| Botswana | 87 days | 87 days | 87 days |
| Brazil | 47 days | 97 days | 127 days |
| Bulgaria | 40 days | 58 days | 100 days |
| Canada | 6 days | 48 days | 108 days |
| Chile | 65 days | 74 days | 93 days |
| Columbia | 43 days | 75 days | 110 days |
| Croatia | 61 days | 83 days | 104 days |
| Czech Republic | 30 days | 51 days | 100 days |
| Denmark | 15 days | 24 days | 36 days |
| Estonia | 55 days | 68 days | 85 days |
| Finland | 23 days | 43 days | 96 days |
| France | 11 days | 41 days | 65 days |
| Germany | 14 days | 29 days | 120 days |
| Greece | 37 days | 65 days | 114 days |
| Hungary | 12 days | 42 days | 92 days |
| India | 34 days | 80 days | 143 days |
| Indonesia | 13 days | 48 days | 159 days |
| Iran | 36 days | 43 days | 58 days |
| Ireland | 21 days | 61 days | 116 days |
| Israel | 31 days | 58 days | 76 days |
| Italy | 11 days | 48 days | 107 days |
| Japan | 11 days | 22 days | 69 days |
| Kazakhstan | 66 days | 66 days | 66 days |
| Kuwait | 33 days | 49 days | 87 days |
| Latvia | 44 days | 51 days | 120 days |
| Lebanon | 25 days | 65 days | 107 days |
| Lithuania | 47 days | 52 days | 89 days |
| Luxembourg | 44 days | 54 days | 71 days |
| Malaysia | 21 days | 30 days | 72 days |
| Mexico | 50 days | 64 days | 84 days |
| Morocco | 51 days | 78 days | 105 days |
| Netherlands | 18 days | 31 days | 51 days |
| New Zealand | 11 days | 56 days | 99 days |
| Nigeria | 59 days | 99 days | 170 days |
| Norway | 20 days | 49 days | 80 days |
| Oman | 26 days | 38 days | 85 days |
| Pakistan | 27 days | 89 days | 189 days |
| Philippines | 19 days | 53 days | 71 days |
| Poland | 5 days | 42 days | 71 days |
| Portugal | 35 days | 60 days | 104 days |
| Qatar | 23 days | 32 days | 67 days |
| Romania | 81 days | 90 days | 105 days |
| Russia | 21 days | 47 days | 62 days |
| Saudi Arabia | 33 days | 38 days | 49 days |
| Serbia | 32 days | 49 days | 79 days |
| Singapore | 7 days | 18 days | 28 days |
| Slovenia | 66 days | 87 days | 114 days |
| South Korea | 12 days | 17 days | 43 days |
| Spain | 17 days | 55 days | 90 days |
| Sweden | 36 days | 46 days | 68 days |
| Switzerland | 20 days | 42 days | 60 days |
| United Arab Emirates | 36 days | 57 days | 76 days |
| United Kingdom | 17 days | 32 days | 76 days |
| USA | 16 days | 40 days | 84 days |
Source: track-chinapost and track-chinapost
A tracking number was provided, but there is no tracking information.
It will take a few days to update and you’ll see a message that says Shipping Label Created when using DHL, FedEx , or UPS, or there will be an update that the package is picked up for ePacket, EMS, SF Express, etc.
Will my package be seized by customs? / How do I avoid my package being seized by customs?
There is no way to tell if your package will be seized, nor is there a way to prevent it. If your package contains anything customs workers find suspicious or they believe contains a restricted item then the package will be held for further examination.
There are a few different methods to reduce the likelihood that your package does get seized:
- If you need fast delivery, use DHL for shipping to most countries in Europe, and use EMS if you are shipping to the US or Canada
- Try to minimize the size and weight of the package, customs are more suspicious of a 20KG package declared at $14 than a package with only 2 shirts; so, for example, if you wanted to order 4 shoes, it would be best to order 2 at once without a box, then another 2 without the box separately.
- Ask the seller to wrap your package with lots of tape, shrink wrap, and/or vacuum seal. It is policy in most countries for customs workers to put a package back together exactly how it was, and they will be too lazy to go through the effort.
My package has been returned to sender in China.
Very rarely, the contents of the package will not be allowed to be exported and will be returned to the seller. This can happen for various reasons including improper/missing customs details, or the package being opened and seized for counterfeit items. If this happens, contact the seller and ask them to resend the package.
I chose DHL shipping, but it is coming by UPS or FedEx?
Occasionally sellers have issues with DHL and seizures so they opt into using UPS or FedEx.
I chose a Tier 1 shipping method, but it is coming by ePacket?
Message the seller as soon as possible and attempt to sort the issue out. If the package has already been sent out, or the seller does not reply apply for a partial refund for the difference in shipping cost after the item is received.
What is the fastest shipping method?
Tier 1 (3-5 days estimated delivery time): DHL, FedEx, UPS
Tier 2 (5-10 days estimated delivery time): EMS
Tier 3 (10-30 days estimated delivery time): ePacket, SF Express, Yanwen
Tier 4 (30-60 days estimated delivery time): China Post Surface Mail
Below is a list of delivery times that I have personally experienced to Toronto:
| Courier | City of Origin | Days in Transit (CN) | City of Departure | Days in Transit to CA Custom | City of Arrival | Custom Clearance Time | Days in Transit (CA) | Total Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ePacket | Guangzhou | 14 days | Shanghai | 4 days | Toronto | 1 day | 3 days | 22 days |
| ePacket | Guangzhou | 14 days | Shanghai | 4 days | Toronto | 1 day | 3 days | 22 days |
| ePacket | Putain | 2 days | Fuzhou | 9 days | Vancouver | 1 day | 5 days | 17 days |
| Yanwen | Henan | 4 days | 5 days | Toronto | 1 day | 5 days | 13 days | |
| ePacket | Dongguan | 6 days | Guangzhou | 2 days | Vancouver | 1 day | 6 days | 15 days |
| ePacket | Nanchang | 4 days | Beijing | 14 days | Toronto | 18 hours | 1 day | 20 days |
| ePacket | Dongguan | 7 days | Guangzhou | 2 day | Vancouver | 5 days | 14 days | |
| ePacket | Guangzhou | 11 days | Shanghai | 7 days | Toronto | 2 days | 2 days | 22 days |
| ePacket | Yuncheng | 4 days | Beijing | 13 days | Toronto | 5 hours | 1 day | 18 days |
| ePacket | Foshan | 5 days | Guangzhou | 3 days | Toronto | 14 hours | 3 day | 11 days |
| ePacket | Guangzhou | 11 days | Guangzhou | 7 days | Toronto | 10 hours | 1 day | 19 days |
| ePacket | Dongguan | 4 days | Guangzhou | 4 days | Toronto | 1 day | 1 day | 10 days |
| ePacket | Putian | 4 days | Xiamen | 10 days | Vancouver | 1 day | 1 day | 10 days |
| Yanwen | Henan | 3 days | 10 days | Toronto | 1 day | 3 days | 18 days | |
| SF Express | 2 days | Dongguan | 10 days | 1 day | 2 days | 15 days | ||
| Yanwen | Henan | 2 days | 7 days | Toronto | 1 day | 5 days | 15 days | |
| Yanwen | Henan | 7 days | 1 day | Vancouver | 1 day | 4 days | 13 days | |
| SF Express | 5 days | Shenzhen | 4 days | 18 hours | 3 days | 12 days | ||
| EMS | Huizhou | 2 day | Guangzhou | 2 days | Toronto | 1 minute | 1 day | 5 days |
| EMS | Huizhou | 2 day | Guangzhou | 1 days | Toronto | 1 minute | 1 day | 4 days |
My package has not been updated in a long time?
Simply wait, there is nothing that can be done to speed up the process. If the shipment has not been updated in a very long time (over a month), contact the seller to find out more.
Shipping Process from China to International Destinations
Tier 1 Services
- Your package is picked up or dropped off by/to the postal service in China
- The package makes its way through processing centres until it reaches an airport in China, where it will be inspected (scanned and x-rayed) to ensure there is no contraband by Chinese customs
- After the package clears customs it is moved into a cargo warehouse, planned for loading on an aircraft
- Your package will then be boarded onto a plane and begin it’s journey to your country
- Once your package arrives in the destination country, it will be unloaded from the plane and taken to customs in your country, where it will be inspected for the final time
- After the package is cleared by customs in is handed back to DHL/FedEx/ UPS and continues the process to be delivered to you like a typical local delivery
Tier 2 - 4 Services
- Your package is picked up or dropped off by/to the postal service in China
- The package makes its way through processing centres until it reaches an airport in China, where it will be inspected (scanned and x-rayed) to ensure there is no contraband by Chinese customs
- After the package clears customs it is moved into a cargo warehouse, planned for loading on a passenger aircraft
- Once a flight with available room is available, your package will be boarded onto a plane and begin it’s journey to your country
- Once your package arrives in the destination country, it will be unloaded from the plane and taken to customs in your country, where it will be inspected for the final time
- Your package is then handed over to the last-mile delivery service
(USPS: USA, Canada Post: Canada, Royal Mail: UK, An Post: Ireland, etc.), and continue the process to be delivered to you like a typical local delivery
In-depth Explanation of Tracking Information
China Post ePacket 11183.com.cn
Average delivery time (personally): 17 days
ePacket is a shipping option available for most items on DHgate as long as it is under the maximum weight of 2kg (4.4lbs). ePacket offers delivery in a reasonable amount of time, door-to-door real-time tracking, and a low cost which often results in free shipping to 44 countries (see below).
<City>, "Provincial International Business Department" has received, touting the caster: <Sender name>, telephone: <Telephone number>
The package has been picked up by China Post and is on its way to a mail processing centre.
<City>, leaving the "<City> Business Department of <City> International", the next stop <City> International
The package has been processed and is on it’s way to a mail processing centre.
<City>, <City> International Mail Processing Center has been exported straight
The package has arrived at the mail processing centre.
<City>, leaving <City> International Mail Processing Center, the next stop of <City> International Mail Exchange Station (transit)
The package has left the mail processing centre and is on it’s way to the airport.
<City>, arrive at <City> International Mail Exchange Station (via transfer)
The package has arrived at an airport in China.
Fuzhou City, has been delivered to the carrier transport
The package has been given to an airline to be transported to the destination country.
<City>, <City> International Mail Processing Center return, note:security return
The plane that the package was scheduled to board is full, and it was returned to the holding facility until another flight is available.
Airline reception
The package was confirmed to be received by the airline.
The airline is shipping
The package is on a plane and on it’s way to the destination.
The plane entered the port
The package has arrived at it’s destination airport
<City>, arrive at the consignment center
The package has arrived at the destination country’s customs center and will be inspected
Finally if your package clears customs you will see an update along the lines of “Item processed” (varies by country), and the rest of the journey is exactly like receiving a domestic shipment. From here it is best to use the website of the delivery service to get real-time updates, and scheduled delivery dates, and other services they may offer.
EMS (Express Mail Service) ems.com.cn
Average delivery time (personally): 4.5 days
<City>, <City>, the same city business department has received, touting the caster:<Sender>, telephone: <Telephone number>
The package has been picked up by China Post and is on its way to a mail processing centre.
<City>, leaving the "<City> Business Department of <City> International", the next stop <City> International
The package has been processed and is on it’s way to a mail processing centre.
<City>, Arriving at <City> Mail Processing Class
The package has arrived at the mail processing centre.
<City>, leaving <City> Mail Processing Class, Next Stop <City> Aviation Center
The package has left the mail processing centre and is on it’s way to the airport.
<City>, Arriving at <City> Aviation Center (via)
The package has arrived at an airport in China.
<City>, <City> International Mail Processing Center has been exported straight
The package has arrived at the mail processing centre.
<City>, leaving the <City> International Processing Center, the next stop of the <City> International Mail Exchange Station (via transfer)
The package has arrived at an airport in China.
FedEx fedex.com
Packages Details Received – Awaiting Dispatch
The seller has created a shipping label, and FedEx is awaiting the package's pickup or drop off.
Departed Origin Country
The package has departed from China.
Arrived Destination Region/Country
The package has arrived in the destination country.
Customs Released
The package has cleared customs and will be handed back to FedEx.
In Transit
The package is in transit to the final processing facility.
Out for Delivery
The package has left a local facility and is on route to be delivered to you that day.
Delivered
The package has been delivered.
SF eParcel sf-express.com/cn/en/
Average delivery time (personally): 14 days
S.F. Express has picked up the shipment
The shipment has been picked up by SF eParcel and is on the way to the first warehouse.
Shipment transiting to next station / Shipment loaded at [<City> Service Point], prepare to send to[<City>]
The package is on it’s way to another warehouse.
Shipment arrive at <City> distribution center
The package has arrived at an SF Express warehouse.
Shipment ready for leaving the warehouse
The package has finished processing at the current warehouse and is ready to leave.
<City>,The package has arrived at the <City> Sorting Center, and has been sorted and shipped out.
The package has reached the airport in China.
Collect by Agent
The package has arrived at the delivery agent in China and will be boarded onto the next available flight.
Depart from country of origin
The package is on it’s way to the destination country.
Arrived at the destination country
The package has arrived at the destination country.
Your parcel has been released by customs
The package has cleared customs and is on it’s way.
The shipment is being forwarded, please wait patiently
The package is in transit to be delivered to you.
Out for Delivery
The package is out for delivery.
Delivered
The package has been delivered.
Yanwen yw56.com.cn
Average delivery time (personally): 15 days
Yanwen Pickup scan
Yanwen has picked up the package and it is on it’s way to a processing facility
Processing information input
The package is being processed at a Yanwen facility.
Electronic information submitted by shipper / Last mile number
A shipping label was created for the destination courier (Canada Post: Canada, USPS: USA, etc.), this is the tracking number they will use once it arrives.
Yanwen facility - Outbound
The package has departed the processing facility and is on it’s way to the airport.
Port of departure - Departure
The package has departed from the airport in China.
Port of destination - Arrival
The package has arrived at the airport in the destination country.
International shipment release - Import
The package has cleared customs.
The rest of the journey is exactly like receiving a domestic shipment. From here it is best to use the tracking number of the last mile delivery service on their website to get real-time updates, and scheduled delivery dates, and other services they may offer.
Posted Sep 8, 2021, 5:48 PM UTC · edited · locked