Hong Kong Post tracking

What is Hong Kong Post?

Hong Kong Post is the official postal service of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, responsible for collecting, transporting and distributing mail and parcels at both local and international levels. Founded on August 28, 1841 during the British colonial period, this postal service has developed over nearly two centuries to become a modern postal administration offering a complete range of services to both individuals and businesses. The first post office, located near the current site of St. John's Cathedral, officially opened its doors on November 12, 1841, responding to complaints from merchants who deplored the lack of appropriate postal services in this emerging colony.

Today, Hong Kong Post operates as a department of the Hong Kong government while functioning under a "Trading Fund" model since 1995. This particular status gives it significant financial autonomy while remaining under state supervision. The organization is led by a Postmaster General and has a network of approximately 124 post offices throughout Hong Kong, supplemented by 27 delivery offices, to serve the local population. The main headquarters of the administration, the Hong Kong Central Post Office, is a building constructed in 1976 located on Connaught Place in the Central district.

• Date of establishment: August 28, 1841, with the opening of the first post office on November 12, 1841
• Legal status: Government department operating as a Trading Fund since 1995
• Headquarters: Hong Kong Central Post Office, Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong
• Network: 124 post offices and 27 delivery offices across the territory
• Annual volume: Approximately 900 million local letters and over 280 million international letters processed annually
• International coverage: More than 220 countries and territories served via the Speedpost network

Hong Kong Post has been an associate member of the Universal Postal Union since 1877, allowing it to collaborate with postal administrations worldwide according to standardized protocols. Despite Hong Kong's return to Chinese sovereignty in 1997, the Hong Kong postal service has retained its own identity and independent operations, remaining a distinct entity from China Post. This operational continuity has allowed Hong Kong Post to maintain its reputation for reliability and efficiency, inherited from nearly two centuries of uninterrupted service.

Hong Kong Post's internal organization comprises several specialized units covering all postal needs. The main unit manages general postal services including mail collection, postal sorting and distribution. Speedpost constitutes the international express branch, offering accelerated deliveries to more than 220 countries. A philatelic unit handles the issuance and sale of postage stamps, regularly producing commemorative editions that contribute to Hong Kong's cultural standing. Finally, a postal savings service allows residents to access certain banking functions directly at participating post offices.

Which countries does Hong Kong Post deliver to?

Hong Kong Post ensures particularly extensive geographic coverage, both within the local territory and internationally. Within Hong Kong's territory, the carrier serves all areas, from the densely populated business districts of Central and Kowloon to the residential areas of the New Territories and outlying islands. Postal workers conduct daily rounds to distribute mail throughout the entire territory, six days a week.

Internationally, Hong Kong Post relies on its membership in the Universal Postal Union and partnerships with national postal operators in each destination country to offer near-worldwide coverage. Through its Speedpost service and international agreements, the carrier extends its reach to more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. This extensive coverage enables individuals and businesses in Hong Kong to send and receive parcels, documents and other items efficiently to virtually any destination.

• Hong Kong: Complete territory coverage including Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories and surrounding islands
• Mainland China: Dedicated services to all Chinese provinces, with solutions adapted to cross-border exchanges
• Asia-Pacific: Delivery to all countries in the region with particularly competitive delivery times due to geographic proximity
• Europe: Service to all European Union countries and beyond, including the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Nordic countries
• Americas: Services to the United States, Canada, Mexico and all Latin American countries
• Africa and Middle East: Coverage of major destinations in these regions via the international postal network

It is important to note that even after its return to Chinese sovereignty, Hong Kong has maintained its postal system distinct from mainland China's. Hong Kong Post operates independently from China Post, while maintaining close relationships to ensure mail delivery between Hong Kong, mainland China and the rest of the world. A parcel sent from Hong Kong abroad is therefore handled directly by Hong Kong Post and then transmitted to the destination country, without going through the Chinese postal system.

Delivery times vary considerably depending on the destination and service chosen. Asia-Pacific countries are generally served more quickly than Europe or North America. For the most remote destinations, delivery times can range from a few days for express services to several weeks for surface mail. Hong Kong Post regularly publishes updates on estimated delivery times to each destination, allowing senders to plan their shipments accordingly.

What are Hong Kong Post's services and delivery times?

Hong Kong Post offers a diverse range of postal services adapted to the varied needs of individuals and businesses. Whether it is urgent local delivery or economical international shipment, the carrier has options covering all speed and budget levels. This diversity allows each user to select the most appropriate service based on the nature of their shipment, urgency and available budget.

For shipments within Hong Kong's territory, the postal service offers several options ranging from economical standard mail to express messaging. Standard local mail is suitable for low-importance shipments that do not require proof of delivery, while registered local mail offers tracking and signature upon delivery for sensitive documents. The Local CourierPost service ensures accelerated delivery of urgent documents and parcels, typically the next business day depending on deposit time. Local parcels are delivered within 2 business days for Hong Kong, Kowloon and main commercial and industrial areas of the New Territories, and 3 business days for other areas.

• Standard local mail: Economical service for letters and small shipments without tracking, delivered within standard timeframes
• Registered local mail: Shipment with tracking and recipient signature, ideal for important documents
• Local CourierPost: Express messaging service for urgent shipments within Hong Kong, next business day delivery
• Local parcel: For larger shipments, delivery in 2-3 business days depending on area

For international shipments, Hong Kong Post offers a range of services from standard airmail to express solutions via Speedpost. Standard international airmail represents the most commonly used option for regular mail, offering a good balance between speed and cost. Delivery times range from 7 to 14 business days depending on destination for standard services. For larger or less urgent parcels, surface mail delivery is a cost-effective alternative, although delivery times are significantly longer, potentially reaching several weeks.

• International airmail: Average delivery time of 7-14 business days depending on destination
• Surface mail parcel: Cost-effective option for non-urgent shipments, delivery times of several weeks
• e-Express: Intermediate service for lightweight parcels intended for e-commerce, with basic tracking
• Speedpost Standard: Express service with good balance between speed and cost, typically 3-7 business days
• Speedpost Economy: Economical express option, slightly slower but more affordable
• Speedpost Express: The fastest service, next-day delivery possible to major cities worldwide

The Speedpost service deserves special attention as it constitutes Hong Kong Post's premium solution for urgent international shipments. Integrated into the global EMS network overseen by the Universal Postal Union, Speedpost benefits from collaboration by postal administrations in more than 220 countries to ensure priority handling of shipments. Delivery times are significantly reduced compared to standard services, with delivery possible in 3-5 business days to most major destinations. For extremely urgent shipments, Speedpost Express can deliver documents and parcels to major world cities as early as the same day or next day.

Weekend delivery is generally not provided by Hong Kong Post for standard services, with distribution occurring Monday through Saturday. However, certain express options may offer Saturday delivery depending on destinations. Public holidays are also excluded from distribution days, which can extend apparent delivery times for shipments made close to holiday periods. It is recommended to take these factors into account when planning urgent shipments.

What are Hong Kong Post's rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

Hong Kong Post's rates vary based on several factors including the type of service chosen, shipment weight, dimensions and destination. The carrier has established a progressive rate structure that allows users to find an option suited to their budget while meeting their needs for speed and security. Rate revisions are made periodically to adapt to operational costs.

For international shipments via Speedpost, rates start at approximately 200 HKD for a 1 kg parcel to worldwide destinations. By way of example, sending a 1 kg parcel to the United States costs approximately 280 HKD via Speedpost with a 3-7 day delivery time, compared to 120 HKD via standard airmail with a 10-30 day delivery time. A 5 to 15% rate increase has been observed recently due to fuel and operational costs. Speedpost has the advantage of not applying fuel surcharges or additional fees for remote areas, unlike many private carriers.

• Speedpost Express EMS: Starting at approximately 200 HKD for 1 kg to worldwide destinations
• Speedpost to the United States: Approximately 280 HKD for 1 kg, delivery in 3-7 days
• Standard airmail to the United States: Approximately 120 HKD for 1 kg, delivery in 10-30 days
• Billing: Based on actual weight, with volumetric weight applied if it exceeds actual weight

Regarding maximum dimensions and weight, Hong Kong Post applies limits that vary based on service type and destination. For international shipments via Speedpost, the maximum authorized weight is 30 kg per parcel, although some destination countries may impose lower restrictions. Maximum dimensions are limited to a total sum of length, width and height not exceeding 2 meters. Minimum dimensions are set at 14 cm length and 9 cm width.

• Maximum international weight: 30 kg per parcel (varies by destination)
• Maximum international dimensions: Sum of length + width + height not exceeding 2 meters
• Minimum dimensions: 14 cm (length) x 9 cm (width)
• Small local letters: Maximum 165 mm x 245 mm x 5 mm thickness
• Large local letters: Maximum 305 mm x 381 mm x 20 mm thickness
• Local parcels: Maximum 900 mm (length + width + depth combined), maximum single dimension of 600 mm, weight up to 2 kg
• Local CourierPost: Standard limit of 1 kg per item, up to 5 kg for office deposit
• Surface mail parcels: Weight from 3 kg to 20 kg

For rolled formats, specific rules apply: the length plus twice the diameter must not exceed 1,040 mm, and the largest dimension must not exceed 900 mm. Minimum dimensions for rolls require that length plus twice the diameter be no less than 304 mm, with a maximum dimension of at least 210 mm.

It is important to note that the final cost of a shipment can be calculated based on volumetric weight if it exceeds actual weight. This practice, standard in the shipping industry, aims to reflect the space occupied by lightweight but bulky parcels. Users can use the rate calculator available on Hong Kong Post's official website to obtain an accurate estimate of the shipping cost to a specific destination.

What are Hong Kong Post's delivery options?

Hong Kong Post offers various delivery options allowing recipients to receive their shipments in the most convenient way possible. These flexibility options address modern lifestyles where recipients are not always available at home during distribution hours. The carrier has developed several alternatives to adapt to everyone's constraints.

Home delivery constitutes the standard option for most shipments. Postal workers conduct daily rounds Monday through Saturday to deliver mail and parcels directly to recipient addresses. For registered shipments and parcels requiring a signature, the postal worker delivers the item in person against signature. If the recipient is absent, a delivery notice is left indicating procedures for picking up the shipment.

• Home delivery: Standard distribution to recipient address, Monday through Saturday
• Signature required: For registered shipments and valuable parcels, personal delivery against signature
• Delivery notice: If absent, notification with pickup instructions
• Mailbox delivery: For small shipments not requiring signature, direct deposit in mailbox

For recipients who prefer to pick up their mail at their convenience, Hong Kong Post provides a network of post offices where parcels can be collected. When a recipient is unavailable during the delivery attempt, the shipment is typically deposited at the nearest post office for pickup within a specified timeframe. Mailboxes are also available at many post offices for users who wish to have a permanent pickup address.

Hong Kong Post has also deployed a network of automated postal stations, iPostal Stations, which allow self-service parcel pickup 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These automated lockers offer maximum flexibility to recipients who can collect their shipments at any time, even outside post office hours. After successful delivery to a locker, the recipient receives a notification via SMS or email with a unique code allowing them to access the compartment.

• Post office pickup: Parcel collection at designated post office during business hours
• Mailboxes: Permanent pickup address for regular users
• iPostal Stations: Automated lockers accessible 24/7 for self-service pickup
• Retention period: Parcels are generally held for a specified period before return to sender

Hong Kong Post also offers the option to modify the collection point or delivery date for certain shipments. If the recipient knows they will be absent during the scheduled delivery, they can request that their parcel be delivered on another date or directly deposited at a post office or locker of their choice. This flexibility can be requested via Hong Kong Post's website using the shipment's tracking number.

Notifications are an important element of the delivery service. For tracked shipments, Hong Kong Post sends email or SMS updates to recipients to inform them of their parcel's progress. These notifications include parcel arrival on the territory, delivery scheduling and delivery confirmation or pickup instructions if absent. This proactive communication allows recipients to organize themselves for receiving their shipments.

What if my Hong Kong Post parcel is lost or damaged?

In case of loss or damage to a parcel sent via Hong Kong Post, a claims procedure is available to allow senders and recipients to report the problem and potentially obtain compensation. Responsiveness in reporting the problem is essential to maximize chances of a favorable resolution. Hong Kong Post has a specialized office, the Mail Tracing Office, dedicated to processing these claims.

To submit a claim, several channels are available. The sender can log into the EC-ship online portal and complete the online inquiry form, which is the fastest method. Alternatively, the claim can be sent by email to [email protected] or by postal mail to Hong Kong Post's Mail Tracing Office. It is recommended to keep all documents related to the shipment, including the shipping receipt and tracking number, to facilitate processing of the request.

• EC-ship online portal: Online inquiry form for quick submission
• Email: Send claim to [email protected]
• Postal mail: Send documents to Hong Kong Post's Mail Tracing Office
• Required documents: Purchase invoice, receipt or transaction statement proving content value

Supporting documents to provide include the purchase invoice or receipt attesting to the content value, as well as the transaction statement if applicable. In case of replacement of lost documents, the replacement invoice or receipt can be submitted to justify the cost incurred. This information must match that indicated on the shipping label. A complete and well-documented file significantly accelerates claim processing.

Compensation amounts vary based on the service type used and are capped according to specific rules. For registered items, compensation is calculated according to the Universal Postal Convention and its regulations, with a maximum amount of 320 HKD plus postage paid. For uninsured parcels, the effective compensation shall not exceed the declared value of the item, the value shown on the purchase invoice, or the amount of damage suffered, whichever is lowest.

• Registered items: Maximum 320 HKD plus postage paid
• e-Express+ service (500g or more): Maximum 1,000 HKD
• e-Express+ service (less than 500g): Maximum 500 HKD
• Speedpost: Compensation up to 1,500 HKD in case of loss, damage or delay of 7 or more business days proven
• Uninsured parcels: Compensation capped at declared value or damage amount (whichever is lower)

It is important to note certain limitations in the compensation policy. No refund of postage is made under any circumstances. Indirect losses and loss of profit are not covered. No compensation is paid for simple delay for registered items. Additionally, Hong Kong Post reserves the right to recover the full compensation amount if the item is ultimately delivered to the recipient or returned to the sender after compensation payment.

For shipments of significant value, optional insurance is available. This insurance service offers coverage against loss, partial loss or damage, beyond what is covered by the standard registration service, for amounts up to 46,000 HKD. This service is available to many destinations, although some countries only accept insured parcels and lower indemnification limits than the maximum may apply depending on destinations. Subscription to this insurance is strongly recommended for high-value shipments.

Does Hong Kong Post handle international shipments and customs procedures?

Hong Kong Post offers a comprehensive range of services for international shipments and assists senders in managing customs procedures. As a member of the Universal Postal Union since 1877, the carrier benefits from international agreements that facilitate mail delivery to virtually any country in the world. Managing customs aspects is an integral part of the international services offering.

Hong Kong benefits from a particularly advantageous customs status. As a free port, the Special Administrative Region does not levy customs duties on imports or exports. This status, maintained since the return to Chinese sovereignty in 1997, makes Hong Kong a separate customs territory from the rest of China. This particularity facilitates trade and positions Hong Kong as a privileged logistics platform for international commerce.

• Free port status: No customs duties on imports or exports to Hong Kong
• Separate customs territory: Hong Kong maintains separate customs regulations from mainland China
• Import/export declarations: Required within 14 days for non-exempt items
• Declaration fees: From 0.2 to 200 HKD depending on form type and nature of goods

For outgoing international shipments, Hong Kong Post has implemented advanced electronic transmission of customs information, which significantly accelerates customs clearance procedures in destination countries. Since January 1, 2021, customs documents must be submitted electronically for shipments to 32 designated destinations, including mainland China, the 27 European Union countries, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Brazil. This digitalization reduces waiting times at borders and minimizes the risk of parcel retention by customs.

Hong Kong Post collaborates with Tradelink, one of the government-designated service providers, to offer commercial declaration services at 26 designated post offices. This service facilitates the submission of commercial declaration forms to the government in electronic form. Professional shippers can thus manage their declaration obligations directly through the postal network, significantly simplifying their export operations.

• Electronic transmission of customs data: Mandatory for 32 destinations since January 2021
• Tradelink service: Available at 26 post offices for commercial declarations
• Available forms: 1A (food import), 2 (export/re-export), 2A (clothing manufactured in HK)
• ATA carnet: Accepted for temporary import of commercial samples

Documents required to facilitate customs clearance include the manifest, import/export license or withdrawal permit if necessary, as well as supporting documents such as the bill of lading, air transport letter, invoice and packing list. Certain products are subject to specific import and export controls, including dangerous drugs, psychotropic substances, controlled chemicals, antibiotics, firearms, ammunition, fireworks, strategic products, rough diamonds, and animals, plants and endangered species.

It is important to note that customs fees and taxes in the destination country remain the responsibility of the recipient in most cases. These fees are determined by the customs authorities of the arrival country and vary based on the nature of the goods, their declared value and local regulations. Hong Kong Post cannot guarantee the absence of customs fees for international shipments, even if the country of origin is a free port. Senders are encouraged to inform recipients of this possibility and fill out customs declarations correctly to avoid customs clearance delays.

Understanding tracking statuses

When you track a Hong Kong Post parcel online, different statuses may appear to inform you of your shipment's progress at each stage of the delivery process. Here are the main statuses and their meaning: