ePacket 2025: Costs, Tracking & Alternatives

Discover ePacket costs, delivery times, and tracking. Plus compare shipping alternatives for your business in 2025.

Ever since ecommerce went global, shoppers have been purchasing products from stores outside their home countries. If you’re an ecommerce merchant selling internationally, it’s wise to look into shipping services that improve the experience for your customers globally. 

ePacket is one such shipping service. It’s designed to reduce delivery times and costs for packages sent from China and Hong Kong to more than 40 countries.

If you run an online store or an AliExpress dropshipping business, or are a customer looking to buy a product from a Chinese retailer, you can use ePacket to ship and receive products quickly. 

Read on to learn how ePacket shipping and tracking works, and find answers to common questions about ePacket delivery.

What is ePacket?

ePacket is an affordable international ecommerce shipping service for small packages containing low-cost items sent from China and Hong Kong. Launched in 2011, ePacket is offered by third-party logistics providers and allows online stores that source products from China to provide faster delivery for their customers.

Dropshipping businesses selling products from Chinese suppliers can use ePacket to compete with the delivery times of local manufacturers. While costs vary by weight and destination, if you’re shipping to the US you’re looking at roughly $4 to $27 for up to two kilograms, or about $9 for a 500 gram parcel, based on China Post’s current ePacket rate of 23 CNY per parcel plus 85 CNY/kg.

What is ePacket shipping?

As the “e” in its name implies, ePacket is a shipping and tracking service designed for ecommerce. It lets consumers receive small, lightweight purchases more quickly and affordably from online stores and marketplaces that ship out of China and Hong Kong.

You may see ePacket shipping as a delivery option from Chinese sellers on websites such as eBay, AliExpress, and Alibaba. Any ecommerce merchant in China and Hong Kong can offer ePacket shipping if the package meets the requirements for an ePacket delivery.

ePacket shipping requirements

The USPS ePacket shipping requirements specify that packages must not exceed 24 inches (61 centimeters) in length, with a combined length, height, and thickness not exceeding 36 inches (91 centimeters). 

EPacket shipments must weigh less than 4.4 pounds (2 kilograms).

Additionally, merchandise can’t be worth more than $400, and packages must be shipped from China or Hong Kong to an eligible ePacket country. 

Some eligible items you can ship based on typical specs may include:

• Phone cases: 10 cm x 7 cm x 2 cm, 70 g 
• T-shirt in a poly mailer: 30 cm x 25 cm x 3 cm, 250 g 
• Beanies or hats: 25 cm x 20 cm x 8 cm, 150 g
• Watch band (without battery): 18 cm x 9 cm x 2 cm, 50 g
• Small toys: 15 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm, 140 g 

The above items stay under 2 kilograms and within the 60 centimeters by 90 centimeters size limits. Make sure your final weight includes the product’s packaging and filler, too. 

ePacket shipping costs

Planning to use ePacket and want to calculate shipping costs? Here’s an idea of what to expect. 

Weight	Formula (CNY)	USD equivalent
0.5 kg	23 + (0.5 × 85) = 65.5 CNY	~ $10.10
1.0 kg	23 + (1 × 85) = 108 CNY	~ $16.70
1.5 kg	23 + (1.5 × 85) = 150.5 CNY	~ $23.60
2.0 kg	23 + (2 × 85) = 193 CNY	~ $30.30

What is ePacket delivery?

ePacket delivery began as an affordable solution for Chinese merchants shipping to the United States. Over time, it has expanded to more than 40 other ePacket countries, including Canada, the UK, and Australia.

EPacket delivery to the final destination is handled by a local carrier that operates within the package’s destination country—USPS, Canada Post, Royal Mail, etc.

Each local carrier has its own delivery processes, fees, and package requirements.

Who delivers ePacket?

EPacket delivery is handled by multiple partners across the global fulfillment chain. First, the carrier in China or Hong Kong brings the package to the border and provides initial ePacket tracking. From there, it’s sent to the destination via an international carrier.

After crossing the border of its destination country, the package is picked up by a local carrier. The local carrier is responsible for delivering it to the destination address provided by the customer.

Does ePacket deliver to your door?

ePacket delivery covers only the journey to customs; it doesn’t guarantee a delivery window with the destination carrier—which is important for dropshipping businesses to remember.

Many local carriers offer doorstep delivery once they’ve received the ePacket shipment. However, some addresses cannot accept this service or may be out of the carrier’s range.

Is there ePacket tracking?

Tracking and delivery confirmation are part of the ePacket shipping solution. It gives customers end-to-end coverage at no additional cost. Businesses and customers can monitor and locate their packages on official websites such as USPS.

Undeliverable mail is also returned at no cost, which helps merchants refund customers who don’t receive their purchases.

ePacket tracking number format

Most ePacket labels use the UPU S10 identifier AA 0000000 9 BB. Two letters represent the service code, eight digits, a 1-digit check digit, and a two-letter ISO country code of the origin post. 

For ePacket, the prefix is typically L because it’s a tracked letter post item. The S10 range LA-LZ is designated for letter post tracking. The suffix is the origin code, for example, CN for China Post or HK for Hongkong Post. 

Here is an example of what an ePacket tracking number may look like: LX123456789CN.

How to find your ePacket tracking number

Check the shipping confirmation email for your order. It should include the tracking number and a link to the order status page. You may also see the number on the order status page itself once the business adds it. 

If you bought on a marketplace like eBay or AliExpress, head to the order details in your admin. When the seller uses a tracked service, the tracking number appears next to the item in a clickable link. 

How to track an ePacket

For customers who require ePacket tracking, there are a few ways to track an ePacket delivery. The first is to use the tracking tools on official postal service websites—China Post or USPS, depending on where your ePacket shipment is in transit.

However, finding official places to track an ePacket while it’s traveling through China can be tricky. If you’re having difficulty using official websites, you can track packages via third-party tracking services.

Here are a few popular third-party tracking service options:

Parcels app

The Parcels app website tracks ePackets across USPS and China Post EMS. It translates any Chinese information into English and provides an estimated delivery time of your package.

Aftership

Aftership is a simple parcel tracking website that provides delivery statuses for up to 50 ePacket tracking numbers at a time.

17Track

17Track is a Shopify app that international merchants can use to allow their customers to track purchases. With 17Track, customers can track ePackets and receive email notifications triggered by their package status.

Along with a clear shipping policy and generous returns agreement, self-service shipment tracking can reduce support inquiries and improve the customer experience.

What happens if my ePacket is lost or damaged?

For inbound international mail, including ePacket small packages, indemnity is paid by the origin post to the sender, not the US recipient. If you face shipping issues like damaged or lost goods, the buyer contacts the seller, and the seller files the claim with the origin post or label provider. 

If you’re a buyer in the US, contact the store you purchased from to request a refund or reshipment. If the parcel is damaged or missing contents, bring the item and packaging to a USPS Post Office. From there, USPS staff can create a PS Form 2856 (a damage report) to support the sender’s claim with the origin post. 

💡 Dealing with a damaged package? No sweat. Here’s what you’ll need to save for any claims or disputes: 

• The tracking number
• Order/label receipt
• Photos of the packaging and contents
• PS Form 2856 if there is damage 

Which countries support ePacket?

According to the China Post, 92 countries support ePacket deliveries as of 2025:

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1. Albania
2. Algeria
3. Argentina
4. Armenia
5. Australia
6. Austria
7. Azerbaijan
8. Bahrain
9. Bangladesh
10. Belarus
11. Belgium
12. Brazil
13. Bulgaria
14. Cambodia
15. Canada
16. Chile
17. Colombia
18. Costa Rica
19. Croatia
20. Cyprus
21. Czech Republic
22. Denmark
23. Egypt
24. El Salvador
25. Estonia
26. Finland
27. France
28. French Polynesia
29. Georgia
30. Germany
31. Greece
32. Guatemala
33. Hungary
34. Iceland
35. India
36. Indonesia
37. Iran
38. Ireland
39. Israel
40. Italy
41. Japan
42. Kazakhstan
43. Kuwait
44. Kyrgyzstan
45. Laos
46. Latvia
47. Lebanon
48. Luxembourg
49. Malaysia
50. Maldives
51. Malta
52. Mexico
53. Moldova
54. Mongolia
55. Morocco
56. Myanmar
57. Netherlands
58. New Zealand
59. Norway
60. Oman
61. Pakistan
62. Peru
63. Poland
64. Portugal
65. Qatar
66. Reunion
67. Romania
68. Russia
69. Saudi Arabia
70. Serbia
71. Seychelles
72. Singapore
73. Slovakia
74. Slovenia
75. South Africa
76. South Korea
77. Spain
78. Sri Lanka
79. Sweden
80. Switzerland
81. Thailand
82. The Philippines
83. Tunisia
84. Türkiye
85. U.K.
86. USA
87. Ukraine
88. United Arab Emirates
89. Uruguay
90. Uzbekistan
91. Vietnam
92. Zambia

 

Expand me!

How long does ePacket take to deliver from China to the US?

On average, ePacket shipping to the US takes seven to 15 working days from the date of the initial shipment. Packages spend around half the shipping duration in transit; the other half is spent routing the package to the right facilities.

Although a multiweek shipping period may seem lengthy, ePacket packages undergo bulk processing and multiple transfers before reaching their destination.

Fortunately, all of this can easily be monitored, thanks to the ePacket tracking service included with deliveries, giving customers confidence that their package is on the way.

ePacket shipping time to other countries

Similar to the US, it’ll take up to 15 business days for an ePacket to arrive in its destination city. 

Shipping times can vary depending on factors such as flight availability, customs, holidays, and other delays. Larger territories like Brazil or Russia can experience longer delivery times.

ePacket vs. other shipping methods from China

ePacket isn’t the only delivery service available from China, but it arguably can be the best. Here’s a comparison breakdown of the top shipping options in the region. 

Shipping method	Best for	Delivery time	Coverage
ePacket	Affordable and fast delivery for lightweight products.	7 to 15 business days.	90+ countries
China Post Registered Small Parcel	Lower cost than ePacket for non-urgent items.	7 to 30 days, depending on region.	200+ countries
China Post Ordinary Small Packet	Cheapest option for low-value, non-time-sensitive goods.	20 to 60 business days.	200+ countries
DHL Express	Urgent deliveries and high-value goods.	2 to 7 business days.	220+ countries
AliExpress Standard Shipping	Selling on AliExpress with integrated tracking.	10 to 45 business days.	Global

ePacket vs China Post

Besides an ePacket service, China Post also offers a standard International Registered Small Parcel service with a loss compensation policy. It also provides an Ordinary Small Packet service, which is the economy version with the lowest price and limited or no tracking. 

Both work with items less than 2 kilograms and can ship to more than 200 destinations. If you need a tracking service, use the Registered service. Choose Ordinary if you want cheaper costs over faster delivery. 

ePacket vs DHL Express

DHL Express is a courier service with defined delivery windows where available. Its express mail services offer next-day delivery in some areas. With DHL, you get door-to-door handling, full tracking and visibility, and insurance—but all at a much higher price point than ePacket. 

For example, a 0 kilogram to 1 kilogram package, which would cost you up to $25 with an ePacket service, can cost you upward of $50 with DHL. 

ePacket vs AliExpress Standard Shipping

AliExpress Standard Shipping is managed by the platform and routes through the Cainiao network, a subsidiary of the Alibaba Group. 

AliExpress’s own guidance frames Standard Shipping as a tracked, mid-priced option with a 10 to 45 day delivery window. Use it when you sell on AliExpress and want tracking integrated into your seller dashboard. 

How ePacket works on AliExpress

When dropshipping products from AliExpress or Alibaba, ePacket shipping lets customers receive their purchases in a reasonable timeframe and track their orders.

It’s also the most consistent option for merchants and customers buying from China and Hong Kong. Other affordable shipping options may not be as reliable.

EPacket is generally a free or inexpensive shipping option. This allows store owners dropshipping with AliExpress to offer free shipping. But it also means dropshippers need to set expectations with shoppers about delivery times. 

Make delivery times clear on your product pages and post-purchase emails. Provide customers with tracking links immediately after fulfillment. Some dropshippers even frame the wait as a trade-off for free shipping, and offer premium express options for those who want faster delivery. 

How do I know if my shipment is an ePacket delivery?

If ordering through AliExpress, look under Orders and click View Detail.

If the package was shipped using ePacket, an ePacket tracking number should be listed under Logistics Information and International Shipping Company.

If you’re not purchasing on AliExpress, you can determine how your package was shipped by looking at the tracking number.

EPacket tracking numbers usually start with the letter “L.” If there is no ePacket tracking number, the package was likely shipped using a different method.

Do customers need to pay customs/duties/taxes with ePacket shipping?

EPacket deliveries go through traditional customs clearances, which may require customers to pay applicable duties and taxes. Check your local laws to see when you need to pay duties and taxes on imported purchases, and for what kinds of items. Understanding how to navigate tariffs and international shipping requirements is essential for both merchants and customers engaged in cross-border commerce.

Ask the merchant shipping the item if any duties or taxes are owed on arrival. They might be experienced in shipping to your country and better understand whether duties and taxes will be owed.

Ultimately, what’s the benefit of ePacket?

If you ship locally, your competitive advantage will always be quick shipping speed. Some customers won’t tolerate a multiple-week wait for products to arrive.

While ePacket doesn’t make shipments from China and Hong Kong as fast as local deliveries, it significantly reduces the gap.

Compared to other shipping services from China, ePacket provides:

• Customs clearance: ePacket shares China Post’s customs clearance, guaranteeing speed.
• Fast shipping speeds: ePacket is faster than China Post Air Mail, and you can also return packages for free.
• Tracking: ePacket tracking and delivery confirmation are included.
• Transparent pricing: No hidden fees, which is uncommon when working with cross-border ecommerce companies.

Navigating tariffs with ePacket shipping

When importing products from China or Hong Kong to the US using ePacket, understanding tariffs and customs requirements is crucial for a smooth international shipping experience. Different product categories have varying tariff rates, and using incorrect Harmonized System (HS) codes can lead to delays, unexpected fees, or penalties.

For merchants importing goods into the US, staying informed about changing trade policies and accurately classifying products can help avoid costly surprises. Shopify offers tools to help merchants calculate duties, collect them at checkout, and identify the correct HS codes for their products, making international shipping more transparent for both businesses and customers.

ePacket and Shopify

ePacket is a great shipping strategy for Shopify merchants to balance speed and cost when selling products from China. While it may not always be the cheapest option, it offers faster delivery times and tracking, making it a reliable choice for many types of ecommerce orders.

When you opt for ePacket delivery with your supplier, you can expect most orders to arrive within seven to 15 days.

ePacket FAQ

What does ePacket shipping mean?

ePacket is a fast, cost efficient global shipping service for small ecommerce packages sent from China and Hong Kong. While it often provides an affordable balance of price and speed, other China Post shipping options may sometimes be cheaper depending on package weight and destination. ePacket is available to customers in more than 40 countries.

How long does ePacket take to deliver?

ePacket parcels are usually delivered in 20 days or sooner. Based on reviews, deliveries typically take seven to 10 days.

Is there ePacket tracking for customers?

ePacket delivery allows customers to track their orders without additional costs. You can track ePacket shipments on official websites like EMS and USPS with a tracking code.

Is ePacket shipped by air?

ePacket is typically faster than other shipping methods from China because it’s air shipping. Historically, packages from China were delivered by sea in containers without any tracking options.

Is ePacket legit?

ePacket is a legit and well-established shipping service, born from a partnership between the United States Postal Service (USPS) and postal services in China and Hong Kong. It was made to provide faster and more reliable delivery of lightweight items shipped from the region.

Who delivers ePacket in the US?

In the US, the final delivery of ePacket shipments is handled by the USPS. Once an ePacket parcel arrives in the US, it’s transferred to the USPS network for domestic delivery to the recipient’s address.