EMS ePacket tracking

What is EMS ePacket?

EMS ePacket is a fast and economical international shipping service specially designed for small parcels from online commerce. Developed by China Post (China Postal Express & Logistics) in partnership with other national postal services, this service allows merchants in China and Hong Kong to ship their lightweight products abroad reliably, with package tracking throughout the journey. Created in the era of cross-border e-commerce, EMS ePacket, sometimes called EUB or e Youbao in Chinese, has become a preferred logistics solution for sellers on platforms like AliExpress, eBay, Wish, Temu and other international marketplaces.

The acronym EMS stands for Express Mail Service, an international express postal service managed by members of the Universal Postal Union (UPU). The EMS Cooperative was created in 1998 within the UPU to promote harmonization and development of express postal services worldwide. This cooperative now includes 182 postal administrations, representing more than 85% of global EMS operators. The ePacket component of this service was specifically adapted to the specific needs of cross-border e-commerce, offering an economical alternative to the traditional EMS service for small shipments.

The history of EMS ePacket dates back to 2011, when an innovative partnership was established between the United States Postal Service (USPS) and Hongkong Post, with support from the eBay platform in China. This founding agreement aimed to accelerate and facilitate the sending of small e-commerce parcels from China and Hong Kong to the United States. By offering faster routing than traditional postal mail, while ensuring tracking until delivery, EMS ePacket immediately met the needs of online sellers and international buyers of that time.

• ePacket service creation date: 2011, with the initial partnership between USPS, Hongkong Post and eBay for shipments to the United States
• Creation of the EMS Cooperative: 1998, within the Universal Postal Union to harmonize international express services
• Primary operator: China Post (China Postal Express & Logistics), in collaboration with national postal services of destination countries
• Headquarters: Beijing, China, for China Post
• Global coverage: More than 44 countries and territories served by the ePacket service, nearly 200 countries for the global EMS network
• Contact: +86 59138129145, email: [email protected]

Building on this initial success in the United States, the ePacket service quickly expanded beyond this first link. Throughout the 2010s, similar agreements were established with an increasing number of countries, allowing EMS ePacket to progressively serve new markets. This international expansion notably included Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Russia, and many other countries in Europe, Asia and the Americas. The shared objective of these extensions was to offer online Chinese merchants simplified access to overseas customers, taking advantage of optimized delivery times and reassuring tracking for consumers.

Today, EMS ePacket is an integral part of shipping solutions for global e-commerce. The service operates in more than forty countries and continues to expand based on demand and international partnerships. This growth has helped strengthen consumer confidence in international online shopping, making parcel delivery from China and Hong Kong more transparent and reliable. EMS ePacket has thus become an essential solution for connecting Chinese sellers to major global destinations, offering an ideal balance between speed, cost and traceability.

Which countries does EMS ePacket deliver to?

The geographic reach of EMS ePacket relies on the vast international postal network of the Universal Postal Union. Initially limited to the link between China/Hong Kong and the United States, the service is now offered in more than forty-four countries spread across all continents. In practical terms, this means that a parcel sent via EMS ePacket from China or Hong Kong can be delivered to regions as diverse as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Oceania or even some parts of the Middle East.

This geographic deployment is made possible by close partnerships between China Post and the national postal services of destination countries. For example, an ePacket shipment to the United States will be handled upon arrival by USPS (United States Postal Service), in the United Kingdom by Royal Mail, in Canada by Canada Post, in Germany by Deutsche Post, in France by La Poste, and so on. EMS ePacket takes advantage of the logistics infrastructure and territorial coverage of these national postal operators to ensure final distribution under the best conditions.

• North America: United States, Canada and Mexico, with optimized delivery times thanks to historical agreements with USPS and Canada Post
• Western Europe: France, Germany, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Ireland, Portugal, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway
• Central and Eastern Europe: Poland, Hungary, Greece, Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan
• Asia-Pacific: Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia
• Oceania: Australia and New Zealand
• Middle East: Israel, Saudi Arabia, Turkey
• Latin America: Brazil and other destinations according to current agreements

This cooperative operation is part of the EMS program of the Universal Postal Union, which encourages post offices worldwide to collaborate on international express mail services. Through this integrated network, EMS ePacket can reach both major metropolises and more remote areas, taking advantage of each postal operator's local experience. Resource pooling allows for a consistent service worldwide: wherever the recipient is located in covered countries, the local post office handles the ePacket parcel upon its arrival in the country.

This extended reach gives EMS ePacket a definite advantage for online sellers seeking to deliver their products internationally without having to deal separately with a multitude of private carriers. The unified service simplifies logistics for e-commerce merchants while guaranteeing buyers a consistent delivery experience regardless of their geographic location. It should be noted, however, that delivery times and conditions may vary by country, depending on the efficiency of local postal services and customs procedures specific to each destination.

For destinations not covered by the ePacket service, shippers can turn to the standard EMS service, which serves nearly 200 countries and territories worldwide. This premium service offers even shorter delivery times but at a higher cost, suitable for urgent shipments or more valuable items.

What are the EMS ePacket services and delivery times?

EMS ePacket offers a range of services adapted to the different needs of online sellers and international buyers. The service positions itself as a middle ground between economical standard postal mail and the premium EMS express service, offering an excellent balance between speed and cost for small e-commerce parcels.

The standard ePacket service is the main offering, specially designed for small lightweight e-commerce parcels. Delivery times generally range from 7 to 20 business days depending on the destination, which represents a significant improvement over economical traditional postal shipments from China that can take 45 days or more. This speed is explained by priority air routing and accelerated processing in postal centers in both countries.

• ePacket Standard: Delivery times of 7 to 20 business days for most destinations, end-to-end tracking included, economical solution for small parcels up to 2 kg
• EMS Express (premium service): Delivery times of 3 to 7 business days, priority service for urgent shipments, maximum weight higher up to 30-40 kg depending on destinations
• Delivery times to the United States: 10 to 15 business days on average for ePacket, 3 to 5 days for EMS Express
• Delivery times to France: 10 to 20 business days on average for ePacket, 5 to 7 days for EMS Express
• Delivery times to the United Kingdom: 7 to 15 business days on average for ePacket
• Delivery times to Russia and Saudi Arabia: 15 to 25 business days on average, longer destinations to serve

It is important to note that these delivery times are average estimates and may vary depending on several factors. Peak periods such as Chinese New Year, Black Friday or year-end holidays can significantly extend shipping times. Similarly, exceptional weather conditions, strikes or disruptions in international air transport can impact delivery times. Customs processing in the destination country is also an important variable that can delay delivery by several days.

The EMS Express service, meanwhile, offers significantly shorter delivery times, generally between 3 and 7 business days for major global destinations. This premium service is particularly suitable for urgent shipments or valuable merchandise requiring fast and reliable delivery. Rates are higher than ePacket, but remain competitive compared to international private express carriers such as DHL, FedEx or UPS.

Weekend delivery is generally not offered by default for ePacket shipments, with final distribution provided by local postal services that follow their own operating schedules. Most national postal operators distribute Monday through Saturday, but Saturday deliveries may be limited depending on geographic areas and countries. For holiday deliveries, local postal services apply their usual rules, with distribution suspended on national holidays.

Online sellers particularly appreciate the relative predictability of ePacket delivery times, which allows them to communicate reliable delivery estimates to their customers. This transparency strengthens the trust of international buyers and helps improve the overall customer experience of cross-border e-commerce.

What are the rates and maximum dimensions accepted by EMS ePacket?

The EMS ePacket service is specifically designed for small lightweight shipments, with strict limitations in terms of weight, dimensions and value. These restrictions allow for competitive rates while ensuring fast routing suited to air transport constraints.

The maximum weight allowed for an ePacket shipment is generally set at 2 kilograms, including packaging. This weight limit includes the product itself, protective materials, shipping box or envelope and any other packaging elements. However, certain destinations benefit from notable exceptions: parcels sent to Israel may weigh up to 3 kilograms, while those to the United Kingdom and Russia may reach 5 kilograms.

• Standard maximum weight: 2 kg for most global destinations
• Maximum weight to Israel: Up to 3 kg allowed
• Maximum weight to the United Kingdom and Russia: Up to 5 kg allowed
• Maximum length: 60 cm for the longest side of the parcel
• Combined dimensions: The sum of length, width and height must not exceed 90 cm
• Maximum declared value: 400 US dollars for the parcel contents

Regarding rates, EMS ePacket stands out for its excellent value for money. Shipping fees are calculated based on the weight and destination of the parcel, with rates often under 3 US dollars for the lightest shipments. This price accessibility has greatly contributed to the success of cross-border e-commerce from China, allowing merchants to offer reduced shipping costs, even free shipping, on small-volume items.

The factors influencing the final price of an ePacket shipment mainly include the actual weight of the parcel, the destination zone and any additional options. Volumetric weight, commonly used by private express carriers, is generally not applied for standard ePacket shipments, which benefits bulky but lightweight parcels. China Post offers an online rate calculator allowing shippers to obtain accurate estimates of shipping costs to each destination.

For shipments exceeding ePacket limits, shippers should turn to the standard EMS service, which accepts significantly heavier and bulkier parcels. With EMS, the sum of length, width and height must not exceed 3 meters (the maximum length allowed for a single side being 1.5 meters), and weight can reach 20 to 40 kilograms depending on destinations. EMS rates are logically higher but remain competitive compared to market alternatives.

Certain goods are subject to shipping restrictions or are completely prohibited, regardless of their weight or dimensions. Large-capacity lithium batteries, flammable liquids, pressurized aerosols, weapons, explosives, illicit substances and counterfeits are among the prohibited items. Shippers are required to strictly comply with these restrictions or risk having their parcels seized and destroyed by customs authorities.

What are the EMS ePacket delivery options?

The delivery options available for an EMS ePacket parcel depend largely on the postal service of the destination country, which handles final distribution once the parcel arrives on its territory. The delivery arrangements therefore vary by country and local agreements, but generally follow the standard practices of national postal operators.

Home delivery is the main distribution method for EMS ePacket shipments. Once the parcel arrives in the destination country and is cleared by customs, it is routed to the local distribution center closest to the recipient's address. A postal worker or delivery person then handles the delivery to the specified address. For EMS Express shipments, a signature is generally required upon receipt, guaranteeing complete delivery traceability.

• Home delivery: Standard distribution method to the address specified by the recipient, with or without signature depending on the service
• Post office deposit: In case of the recipient's absence, the parcel can be held at the local post office for later collection upon presentation of a delivery notice
• Pickup points: Possibility to collect at a retail pickup point in certain countries according to options offered by the local postal service
• Automated lockers: Available in certain urban areas equipped with automated parcel lockers accessible 24/7
• Tracking notifications: Automatic alerts at key delivery stages via tracking platforms

In each destination country, EMS and ePacket parcels are handled by the national postal operator upon arrival on the territory. Recipients can thus benefit from the usual options offered by their local postal service. In case of absence during the first delivery attempt, a delivery notice is generally deposited in the mailbox, inviting the recipient to collect their parcel at the nearest post office or to reschedule a new delivery. The parcel is held for a variable period depending on the country (often between 7 and 15 days) before being returned to the sender.

Rescheduling delivery is possible once the parcel arrives in the destination country. Depending on the country, recipients can change the delivery location or date via their local postal operator's online services, provided this is done before the initial delivery attempt. This flexibility helps avoid delivery failures due to the recipient's absence and allows for optimal parcel receipt based on individual availability.

Real-time tracking is one of EMS ePacket's major strengths. Each parcel has a unique tracking number in the standard format of the Universal Postal Union, consisting of 13 characters. This number allows you to track the parcel's progress at each stage, from pickup in China to final delivery. Tracking information is accessible on the official EMS/China Post website, on the websites of destination postal services, as well as on many universal online tracking platforms.

For undeliverable parcels, EMS ePacket provides free return to the sender. If, despite several attempts, delivery is unsuccessful, or if the address is wrong or incomplete, the parcel enters the return circuit to China at no additional cost to the sender. This return guarantee is a significant advantage over other international shipping methods where return can be complicated or expensive.

What should I do if my EMS ePacket parcel is lost or damaged?

The loss or damage of a parcel shipped via EMS ePacket can occur, although such incidents remain relatively rare given the considerable volumes handled by the service. In case of a problem, several remedies are available, but the procedure can be complex due to the international nature of the shipment involving multiple postal operators.

To initiate a claim, the first step is generally to contact the seller or shipper who sent the parcel. They have established the transport contract with China Post and have detailed information about the shipment. If you ordered on an e-commerce platform like AliExpress, eBay or Wish, these platforms offer buyer protection mechanisms allowing you to obtain a refund in case of non-delivery or damaged goods.

• Watch period: If tracking hasn't updated in 15 days, start worrying and contact the seller for information
• Deadline to file a claim: Generally between 20 and 45 days after shipment or expected delivery date
• Required documents: Complete tracking number, proof of purchase, tracking screenshots, photos of damage if applicable
• China Post contact: Customer service accessible at +86 20 11185 Monday to Sunday from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm (China time)
• Email for international claims: [email protected], messages preferably written in English

To contact China Post directly, the international customer service is reachable at +86 20 11185, with an option for English. This service is available Monday to Sunday from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm, China time. It is also possible to send a claim by email to [email protected]. The message should be written in English, clearly and factually, indicating the complete tracking number, shipment date, last status displayed and information about the recipient and sender.

It should be noted that the response rate to email claims remains relatively low, around 30% according to user feedback. When a response is obtained, it generally arrives within 5 to 10 business days. To maximize the chances of success, it is recommended to attach all available supporting documents and follow up regularly if no response is received.

In case of a damaged parcel upon receipt, it is crucial to act quickly and preserve evidence. If visible damage appears on the packaging at the time of delivery, it is recommended to make written reservations on the delivery slip before signing. Take detailed photos of the external packaging, internal packaging and damaged contents. Keep all packaging materials, as they may be requested in the event of expert assessment by the postal service or insurance.

Compensation for lost or damaged EMS ePacket parcels depends on the type of service used and the declared value of the shipment. Compensation amounts are generally capped and may not cover the full value of lost goods. For valuable shipments, it is strongly recommended to purchase additional insurance at the time of shipment or to opt for EMS Express service which offers more extensive guarantees.

If the problem occurs on the territory of the destination country, a claim can be filed directly with the local postal service. Compensation is generally limited according to the general conditions of each national postal operator. The deadline to act varies by country, but it is recommended to initiate the claim as soon as possible after discovering the problem.

Does EMS ePacket handle international shipments and customs procedures?

EMS ePacket is by nature an international shipping service, specially designed to facilitate the transport of small parcels from China and Hong Kong to dozens of destinations worldwide. Managing customs procedures is an unavoidable step in this process, involving both Chinese authorities on export and authorities of the destination country on import.

For any international shipment via EMS ePacket, customs declaration is mandatory. This declaration is generally completed by the shipper when preparing the parcel and includes essential information about the shipment contents: detailed description of items, quantity, declared value and country of origin of goods. This information is entered on international customs forms CN22 (for low-value shipments) or CN23 (for larger shipments) which accompany the parcel throughout its journey.

• CN22 Form: Simplified declaration for small shipments with value generally under 300-380 euros, affixed directly to the parcel
• CN23 Form: Detailed declaration for higher-value shipments, accompanied by a commercial invoice or proforma
• HS Code (Harmonized System): International goods classification allowing determination of applicable customs duties
• Additional documents: Commercial invoice, certificate of origin if required, export licenses for certain regulated products

On the export side from China, ePacket parcels pass through China Post's international exchange centers, located near major Chinese air hubs such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. At this stage, customs declarations are verified and parcels may be inspected by Chinese customs authorities before being authorized to leave the territory. Once export formalities are completed, parcels are routed to airports and handed over to airlines for international transport.

On the import side in the destination country, parcels are subject to local customs controls upon arrival. In the European Union, since July 2021, all imported goods are subject to VAT from the first euro, ending the former exemption for low-value shipments. European recipients are therefore likely to pay VAT (with the rate varying by member state) on their purchases from China, as well as customs duties if the value exceeds 150 euros. Similar regulations apply in other countries and regions worldwide.

Customs fees and taxes are generally the responsibility of the recipient. When a parcel is held in customs for payment of duties and taxes, the recipient receives a notification asking them to settle the amounts owed before the parcel can be released for delivery. Local postal services may charge additional processing fees for customs clearance formalities, independent of the customs taxes themselves.

Customs clearance times vary by country and the complexity of each shipment. A parcel with documents in order and clearly declared value will generally pass customs within hours or a few days. However, a parcel with vague description, manifestly under-declared value or suspicious contents may be held for thorough inspection, significantly extending delivery times. In some cases, customs authorities may request additional documents from the recipient before releasing the parcel.

Certain goods are prohibited or restricted for import depending on the country. Counterfeits, food products not complying with health standards, non-approved cosmetics, unauthorized medicines and large-capacity lithium batteries are among the items frequently seized or refused by customs. It is essential to check the regulations applicable in the destination country before making a purchase to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Understanding tracking statuses

When you track an EMS ePacket parcel online, different statuses may appear throughout its journey from China to your delivery address. These statuses reflect the various stages of the logistics journey and allow you to understand exactly where your parcel is and what the next event will be. Here are the main statuses and their meanings: