Hong Kong Post tracking

Official postal service of Hong Kong since 1841

Hong Kong Post is the official postal service of Hong Kong, responsible for the collection, routing, and distribution of mail and parcels both locally and internationally. Founded in 1841 during the British colonial period, Hong Kong Post has developed into a modern postal administration offering a full range of postal services to individuals and businesses. Today, it operates as a department of the Hong Kong government while functioning under a Trading Fund model since 1995, granting it financial autonomy while remaining under state supervision. The organization is headed by a Postmaster General and has a network of about 120 post offices across Hong Kong (including mobile post offices) to serve the local population.

With nearly two centuries of existence, Hong Kong Post has built a reputation for reliability and efficiency. It not only ensures the delivery of regular mail, parcels, and express shipments but also offers complementary services such as the issuance of commemorative stamps and certain financial services. In the following sections, we will present the history of this institution, its internal organization, its domestic and international postal services, the operation of its tracking system, and its role on the global postal scene.

Historical evolution of the postal service

The postal service in Hong Kong has a rich history dating back to the early days of Hong Kong as a British colony. The first postal administration was established in 1841 by the British authorities to facilitate communications for a growing local population. In its early days, the postal service (then known as the Post Office Department) was operated by the British colonial government and played an essential role in linking Hong Kong with the rest of the world. The exchange of letters and parcels thus contributed to the economic and social development of the colony.

Over time, Hong Kong Post has evolved and adapted to the changing needs of the community. New services have been introduced in response to technological advances and user expectations, such as electronic shipment tracking or specialized services for businesses. In 1997, during the handover of Hong Kong to China, Hong Kong Post came under the administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government. Despite this change in sovereignty, Hong Kong's postal service has retained its own identity and autonomous operation. Since then, Hong Kong Post continues to provide reliable and efficient postal services to the entire Hong Kong population, perpetuating a tradition of excellence while modernizing its operations.

Organizational structure and specialized units

Hong Kong Post is a public administration operating as a service business. It is a government department that operates commercially, with its revenues funding its current operations. The internal organization is structured into several specialized units or services, each with a specific area of activity:

• Hongkong Post: This is the main operating unit, responsible for general postal services. This branch manages mail collection, postal sorting, and the distribution of letters and parcels throughout Hong Kong. It encompasses basic services for both local and international mail.
• Speedpost: Speedpost is the international express mail service of Hong Kong Post. This unit offers expedited and priority deliveries abroad. It ensures fast and reliable delivery of urgent documents and parcels to more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, offering full shipment tracking.
• Philatelic services: The philatelic unit is responsible for the issuance and sale of Hong Kong postage stamps. It produces a wide range of stamps for regular postage and for collectors, often issued on the occasion of significant events, in honor of historical figures, or illustrating cultural themes. These philatelic issues contribute to the cultural influence of Hong Kong while satisfying stamp enthusiasts.
• Postal savings service: Hong Kong Post operates a postal savings service that allows residents to access certain banking functions at post offices. In post offices participating in this program, users can deposit money into a postal savings account, make withdrawals, and perform other basic financial transactions. This service, inherited from the tradition of postal savings banks, aims to provide additional banking accessibility to the community.

In addition to these main units, Hong Kong Post has developed digital services to meet modern needs. For example, the Hong Kong Post offers online platforms (such as the e-Post service) to facilitate postage and mail preparation via the Internet, as well as an electronic certification service (Hongkong Post e-Cert) that issues digital certificates to secure online transactions. All these structures and services demonstrate Hong Kong Post's desire to diversify its offerings while remaining focused on its primary mission: to deliver mail and shipments efficiently.

Service options for local mail

For the territory of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Post offers a variety of domestic postal services tailored to the needs of local individuals and businesses. Whether sending a simple letter across the city or delivering an urgent parcel the next day, the Hong Kong Post has appropriate options:

• Ordinary mail: Ordinary mail allows letters, postcards, and small shipments to be sent within Hong Kong economically. These shipments are franked with standard stamps and distributed within usual timeframes. Domestic ordinary mail does not include online tracking and is suitable for low-importance shipments that do not require proof of delivery.
• Local registered mail: For more sensitive or valuable shipments to a recipient in Hong Kong, the local registered mail service is available. This service offers shipment tracking and requires a recipient's signature upon delivery, providing additional security. Although slightly more expensive than ordinary mail, registered mail ensures better traceability and proof of delivery, making it ideal for important documents or small parcels sent within the territory.
• Local courier service - Local CourierPost: Hong Kong Post also offers an express courier service for urgent shipments within Hong Kong. Known as Local CourierPost, this service ensures expedited delivery of urgent documents and parcels, often as early as the next business day (depending on the time of deposit). Shipments via Local CourierPost receive priority handling and tracking, allowing senders and recipients to know the delivery status in real-time. This service is particularly popular with local businesses having important documents to deliver quickly in the Hong Kong metropolitan area.

Whether through ordinary mail, registered mail, or the CourierPost service, Hong Kong Post strives to deliver domestic mail reliably. Postmen make daily rounds to distribute mail throughout the city, and post office boxes are available in many post offices for recipients who prefer to collect their mail at their convenience. Thanks to this dense network and these different levels of service, the entire territory of Hong Kong is covered by a postal infrastructure capable of meeting local needs, from the most common to the most urgent.

Solutions for sending mail abroad

Hong Kong Post allows mail and parcels to be sent worldwide by offering several types of international services tailored to the nature of the shipment, the degree of urgency, and the sender's budget. Regardless of the destination country, the Hong Kong Post has options ranging from non-urgent economical shipping to priority express delivery:

• Standard international mail - by air: This service delivers letters, documents, and small packages to foreign destinations by air. It is the most commonly used option for regular international mail. It offers a good compromise between speed and cost. Standard international mail is generally treated as "Priority" for air transport. The sender can choose a simple shipment (without tracking) for unimportant letters and printed matter or opt for international registered mail to obtain tracking and delivery confirmation. The delivery time depends on the destination: Asia-Pacific countries are generally reached faster than more distant destinations like Europe or America, but in general, standard airmail represents an economical solution with a reasonable transit time.
• International parcels and packages: For larger or heavier shipments abroad, Hong Kong Post offers an international parcel service. These parcels can be sent either by air (priority airmail) for faster delivery or by surface (ship) for a more economical option. Surface shipping, when available, is suitable for bulky or less urgent items, as maritime transport is significantly slower than air transport. International parcels, whether sent by air or ship, can also be registered to benefit from tracking and, if applicable, compensation in case of loss or damage. Hong Kong Post relies on the global postal network for the final distribution of these parcels in the destination country.
• International express service - Speedpost: For shipments requiring urgent delivery abroad, Hong Kong Post offers its Speedpost express mail service. Speedpost ensures priority transport of urgent letters and parcels to most countries worldwide, with real-time tracking and significantly reduced delivery times compared to standard services. (See the section dedicated to the Speedpost service below for more details.)
• e-Express service: Hong Kong Post also offers, to certain countries and territories, an intermediate service called e-Express. This service is designed for the international shipment of light parcels, particularly to customers of online shopping sites. The e-Express offers basic online tracking and advantageous rates for small packages, thus providing an economical alternative between standard airmail and the Speedpost service. Although delivery times are longer than express shipping, e-Express allows senders to benefit from partial tracking and proof of delivery at a lower cost, which is appreciated for shipping small-sized goods.

Thanks to this range of international services, Hong Kong Post is able to handle all types of shipments abroad, from simple airmail to bulky parcels, and from economical service to express service. All outgoing international shipments leave Hong Kong via appropriate routes (air or ship) and are handed over to the postal service of the destination country for final distribution, in accordance with international postal agreements. Similarly, shipments entering Hong Kong from abroad are handled by Hong Kong Post upon arrival in the territory. It should be noted that delivery times for international services vary depending on the chosen formula and destination: a Speedpost shipment will arrive much faster than a parcel sent by ship, for example. The sender can therefore select the most appropriate service according to the urgency and nature of their shipment.

Express mail for international

Speedpost is the international express mail service offered by Hong Kong Post. Launched to meet the fast shipping needs of documents and goods abroad, Speedpost is an integral part of the global EMS (Express Mail Service) network supervised by the Universal Postal Union. As a member of the EMS network, Hong Kong Post benefits from the collaboration of other postal administrations to ensure priority handling of Speedpost shipments in destination countries. Speedpost serves more than 220 countries and territories, thus offering near-global logistical coverage for urgent shipments from or to Hong Kong.

The Speedpost service is characterized by much shorter delivery times than standard postal shipments and by detailed tracking of each step. All parcels and letters sent via Speedpost have a tracking number and are regularly updated from deposit to delivery. In general, a Speedpost shipment will be delivered in just a few business days, depending on the destination, making it the preferred option for urgent commercial shipments or documents that need to arrive quickly.

Hong Kong Post offers several variations of Speedpost to provide flexibility in terms of time and cost:

• Speedpost Standard: the standard express service, which ensures a very good level of speed for a moderate rate. This formula is suitable for most destinations and offers a balance between speed and shipping cost.
• Speedpost Economy: an economical version of the Speedpost service. Although slightly slower than Speedpost Standard, it allows express parcels to be sent at a more affordable rate, while retaining the tracking and reliability of the Speedpost service. It is an interesting solution for slightly less urgent shipments.
• Speedpost Express: the fastest and premium Speedpost service. This option maximizes delivery speed and is used for extremely urgent international shipments. The cost is higher, but it guarantees the shortest possible time for the given destination.

Each Speedpost shipment, regardless of the chosen formula, is treated as a priority. Customs procedures for these parcels are expedited thanks to the prior electronic submission of customs information, which reduces waiting times at the border. Furthermore, Speedpost accepts large-sized shipments: generally, a Speedpost parcel can weigh up to 30 kg (depending on the limits imposed by the destination country) and benefit from ad valorem insurance options to protect the shipped value. In case of the recipient's absence during delivery, Speedpost parcels follow the same delivery protocols as the local postal services of the concerned country (new delivery attempt, delivery notice, etc.), thus ensuring efficient distribution. Thanks to its international network and speed, Speedpost plays a crucial role in Hong Kong's commercial and logistical exchanges, offering a fast connection with the rest of the world.

Processing and delivery process

The journey of a letter or parcel entrusted to Hong Kong Post involves several key logistical steps, from the collection of the shipment to its final distribution. This process, which involves both human resources and automated systems, ensures that each postal item is handled in an orderly manner and arrives at its destination. Here are the main phases of the postal flow:

• Collection: Postal shipments are first collected from the public. Individuals and businesses can deposit their letters and parcels in public mailboxes scattered throughout Hong Kong or directly at a post office counter. Hong Kong Post operates an extensive network of recognizable red mailboxes, collected one or more times a day depending on their location. At the same time, post offices accept the deposit of shipments and offer postage services as well as advice on choosing the appropriate service. Once collected, mail and parcel bags are transferred to postal sorting centers for processing.
• Sorting and processing: The sorting phase involves grouping shipments by destination and service type. Hong Kong Post has modernized sorting centers, where mail is sorted both manually and using automated sorting machines for letters. The main sorting center, located in the city and near the airport for international mail, acts as an "exchange office" for shipments to or from abroad. At this stage, local letters are separated by distribution districts, while international shipments are grouped by destination country. Registered parcels and letters are recorded in the tracking system, and barcodes or tracking labels are affixed if not already done. This initial sorting and subsequent processing (checking proper postage, dimension control, etc.) prepare each batch of mail for transport to the next stage.
• Routing and transport: Once sorted, shipments begin their journey to their final destination. For domestic mail, Hong Kong Post transports mailbags and parcels to local distribution post offices using its land transport network (fleet of postal trucks and vans). Hong Kong being a relatively dense territory, distances are short, and internal transport is fast. As for international shipments, the main routing is generally by air. Shipments destined for abroad are grouped and transported to Hong Kong International Airport, where they are loaded onto cargo flights or commercial flights to the concerned country. Parcels sent by Speedpost or priority airmail take the fastest available routes. For economical shipments by ship (surface), Hong Kong Post transfers parcels to appropriate port facilities to be loaded onto ships bound for the receiving country's ports (a maritime journey can take several weeks). During this transport phase, shipments remain under the responsibility of Hong Kong Post or its partners transporting the postal item to the destination territory's entry.
• Customs clearance - for international shipments: Shipments crossing international borders are subject to customs regulations. Before export, Hong Kong Post electronically transmits the required information (content, value, origin, recipient) for each parcel to customs authorities, in accordance with new international security standards. Similarly, upon arrival in the destination country, the parcel or package is inspected by local customs. If customs duties or import taxes are applicable, the recipient will be notified of any amounts to be paid. Hong Kong Post works closely with customs services: both Hong Kong and foreign (to facilitate the clearance of shipments. A "cleared" parcel means it has been released by customs and can continue its journey to the recipient. This control step can add a variable delay to transit, but it is essential to ensure the compliance of international shipments with the laws and regulations of each country.
• Final distribution: The last step is the delivery of the shipment to the recipient. For local mail in Hong Kong, once the items have reached the district post office, postmen make their rounds and deliver letters to individuals' or businesses' mailboxes. Parcels are delivered in person to the recipient or a third party present at the address, against signature if it is a registered or Speedpost shipment. In case of absence during a parcel delivery attempt, a delivery notice is usually left, inviting the recipient to reschedule delivery or collect their parcel at the nearest post office. For international shipments, the final distribution is carried out by the postal administration of the destination country, according to comparable modalities. Thanks to reciprocal agreements between posts, a parcel sent from Hong Kong will be distributed, for example, by La Poste in France or by USPS in the United States, as if it were a local parcel. Once delivery is made (or the item is collected at the counter if that was the chosen option), the delivery cycle is completed. Hong Kong Post then receives, via tracking systems, confirmation that the item has been delivered, which closes the tracking of this shipment.

This well-established and optimized logistical process allows Hong Kong Post to deliver a large volume of mail and goods reliably every day. The combination of human intervention (postmen, sorting agents, counter clerks) and technology (automated sorting, computerized tracking, mechanized transport) ensures an efficient delivery of the Hong Kong postal service, from initial collection to distribution to the final recipient.

Tracking system and tracking numbers

To enhance transparency and trust in postal delivery, Hong Kong Post provides a shipment tracking system that allows senders and recipients to track the progress of a registered letter or parcel. Shipment tracking relies on the use of unique tracking numbers and the updating of events (statuses) at each important stage of the parcel's journey.

A Hong Kong Post tracking number is a unique alphanumeric code assigned to each shipment eligible for the tracking service. The classic format used complies with the international standards of the Universal Postal Union: it generally consists of 13 characters, starting with two letters, followed by nine digits, and ending with two letters. For example, a typical tracking number may take the form RC123456789HK or EE987654321HK. In this system, the first two letters indicate the type of service or shipment category: for example, "RC…HK" will start with R (indicating a Registered shipment, often a parcel or small package) while "EE…HK" will start with E (indicating an Express shipment, such as Speedpost). The nine digits that follow constitute a unique identifier for the shipment in question. Finally, the last two letters correspond to the ISO code of the country of origin) "HK" meaning Hong Kong. This universal format allows postal systems in different countries to easily recognize and process the tracking number when exchanging information.

It is important to note that only shipments benefiting from a tracking service (such as registered mail, registered packages, and Speedpost shipments) receive a tracking number. Ordinary letters and some unregistered economical shipments do not have this code and therefore cannot be tracked online. For shipments that have it, the tracking number can be entered on the Hong Kong Post website (or on the tracking portal of the destination country's post) to view tracking statuses. At each key stage (for example, deposit of the shipment at the post office, departure from the sorting center, arrival in the destination country, customs clearance, out for delivery, etc.) the Hong Kong Post system records a timestamped status. This information is updated in real-time or near real-time and allows the customer to know where their shipment is and what the last action taken was.

Shipment tracking is particularly detailed for express and registered services. For example, a parcel sent via Speedpost generates multiple statuses: taken over in Hong Kong, departure of the flight, arrival in the destination country, customs clearance, out for delivery, and delivery made, among others. The following sections present a list of the most commonly encountered tracking statuses, translated into English, with their precise meaning. This lexicon helps to better understand the notifications received when tracking a parcel sent with Hong Kong Post.

Global network and international collaborations

As the national postal service, Hong Kong Post operates primarily within the territory of Hong Kong to meet the needs of the local population. Nevertheless, its influence and operations extend far beyond the city's borders thanks to its integration into the global postal network. Hong Kong Post has been a member of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) since 1877, allowing it to collaborate with postal administrations in most countries worldwide according to standardized protocols. Thus, a letter or parcel sent from Hong Kong can reach virtually any destination across the globe via the interconnected network of posts.

Even after its return to Chinese sovereignty, Hong Kong has retained its postal system distinct from that of mainland China. Hong Kong Post operates autonomously from China Post while maintaining close relations to ensure the delivery of mail between Hong Kong, mainland China, and the rest of the world. Concretely, this means that a letter sent from Hong Kong abroad will be handled directly by Hong Kong Post and then transmitted to the destination country, without transiting through the Chinese postal system, and vice versa for incoming mail.

Thanks to its Speedpost service and international partnerships, Hong Kong Post extends its reach to more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. This vast global network allows individuals and businesses in Hong Kong to send and receive parcels, documents, and other items efficiently beyond borders. Whether for shipping commercial goods, business documents, or personal parcels, Hong Kong Post plays a facilitating role in international exchanges. Its international operations contribute to the dynamism of Hong Kong's trade and communications with the outside world. For example, a Hong Kong company can ship its products to customers in Europe or America by relying on the services of Hong Kong Post, illustrating the importance of the post in integrating Hong Kong into the global economy.

Finally, Hong Kong Post participates in various international initiatives and agreements aimed at improving the global postal service, whether it is the security of shipments (electronic customs information exchanges), the reliability of tracking (EMS tracking cooperation program), or the improvement of delivery times. In summary, although operating from a geographically limited territory, Hong Kong Post has a remarkable international logistical reach, connecting Hong Kong to the five continents through the universal postal network.

Interpretation of tracking statuses

When you track a Hong Kong Post shipment online, you will see different status notifications that describe the condition and location of your parcel throughout the delivery process. Below is a table listing the main tracking statuses used by Hong Kong Post, translated into English, along with their description to help understand their exact meaning: