Sending a parcel to China
Prices, delivery times, customs rules and the best carriers for shipping a parcel to China. Independent comparison updated 2026.
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Summary
At a glance
A parcel to China arrives in 10–15 days (standard) or 4–6 days (express). Non-EU country — VAT from 0 €, customs duty from 1000 €. Best carriers: dhl-express, fedex, ups.
Quick facts
Sending a parcel to China
schedule Updated
Summary
A parcel to China arrives in 10–15 days (standard) or 4–6 days (express). Non-EU country — VAT from 0 €, customs duty from 1000 €. Best carriers: dhl-express, fedex, ups.
- Region
- asia
- EU
- No
- Currency
- CNY
- Standard delivery
- 10–15 days
- Express delivery
- 4–6 days
- Customs duty from
- 1000 €
- VAT
- from 0 €
- CN23 required
- Yes
Carrier comparison
Carriers for China
| Carrier | Business days from carrier pickup. Does not include weekends or public holidays. | Indicative price for a 10 kg parcel. Calculated from average market rates — varies by season, volume and fuel surcharges. | Key strengths | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 DHL Express Carrier — own fleet and branch network. Picks up and delivers directly. | 1–2 days | 220 € | Fastest for non-EU destinations · Door-to-door in 72h worldwide | Detailsarrow_forward |
 FedEx Carrier — own fleet and branch network. Picks up and delivers directly. | 1–3 days | 202 € | Strong USA and Asia network · Fast intercontinental delivery (2–4 days) | Detailsarrow_forward |
 UPS Carrier — own fleet and branch network. Picks up and delivers directly. | 1–3 days | 194 € | Worldwide coverage in 220+ countries · UPS Saver express service (1–3 days outside EU) | Detailsarrow_forward |
 Česká pošta Carrier — own fleet and branch network. Picks up and delivers directly. | 3–5 days | 79 € | Pokrývá celý svět · Nejlevnější pro zásilky nad 2 kg mimo EU | Detailsarrow_forward |
Price by weight
Price by weight
Price curve for a parcel to China
Values are averages of the cheapest standard and fastest express service. Actual price depends on the carrier.
Prices by weight
Indicative prices and delivery time
| Weight | Standard shipping — balanced choice. Parcel typically arrives in 2–5 business days. Includes tracking. | Express shipping — priority handling and delivery in 1–2 business days. Surcharge is typically 50–150 % over standard. |
|---|---|---|
| 2 kg | 32 € | 72 € |
| 5 kg | 52 € | 110 € |
| 10 kg | 88 € | 168 € |
| 20 kg | 148 € | 278 € |
Prices are indicative, the actual amount depends on the carrier, exchange rate and seasonal surcharges. See the carrier comparison table below for exact numbers.
Customs
China is outside the EU with a complex customs regime. The recipient pays VAT (13% standard rate), customs duty (0–100% depending on category), and in some cases consumption tax. The Chinese CBEC (Cross-Border E-Commerce) system has specific thresholds — for direct postal shipments, standard import rules apply where the value and type of goods determine the duty rate. Commercial shipments require a licensed Chinese importer. Exact limits vary by CBEC channel — verify current rules with the Chinese customs authority. Postal tracking typically ends in Beijing; last-mile delivery is handled by China Post or SF Express.
Required documents
- CN23 is a full customs declaration for parcels over 2 kg or above €270. You must list each item's description, quantity, weight and customs value. Issued at the post office or generated by the carrier.
- HS code mandatory
- Contents description in English (Chinese recommended too)
- Licensed Chinese importer required for commercial shipments
Prohibited items
These items cannot be shipped to China.
- Weapons and ammunition
- Drugs
- Politically sensitive materials
- Pornography
- Religious materials non-conforming with regulations
- Certain medicines
- Used clothing
Free tool
How much will you pay when importing from China?
Enter the goods value, select a category, and get an exact cost breakdown including customs duty and VAT.
Data accuracy
Indicative information — verify at source
Shipping prices, delivery times and customs limits change over time and may differ by carrier, volume and season. Values on this page are indicative — they help you decide which carrier to pick, not to calculate a binding price. Before shipping, always verify current rates and conditions with the chosen carrier and the customs authority of China.
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Official sources
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How does parcel delivery work in China?
Shipping to China is one of the most complex international routes — not because of the distance, but because of the regulatory environment. The Chinese customs system distinguishes between personal shipments (gifts, private items), commercial shipments (sales to an individual buyer), and shipments under the CBEC (Cross-Border E-Commerce) scheme. Each category has different rules, different duty rates, and different documentation requirements.
For personal shipments (a gift, items for friends or family): always complete a CN23 with a detailed English description of each item, a declared value, and the HS code. The recipient typically pays Chinese VAT (13% for standard goods, 9% for food) and customs duty (0–100% depending on category). Chinese customs is notoriously unpredictable — an identical shipment may clear in a day or be held for three weeks until the recipient visits the customs warehouse in person.
For commercial shipments: without a licensed Chinese importer with a valid Business License, the shipment will not clear. DHL Express is the most reliable carrier — they have dedicated customs teams in Shanghai and Beijing and can significantly expedite clearance. Tracking works reliably until the shipment enters the Chinese domestic network, at which point China Post or SF Express take over and tracking becomes less consistent.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
I am sending a parcel from Europe to China — what should I expect?
It depends on value and contents. For a personal gift: complete a CN23 with a detailed description of each item; the recipient will typically pay 13% VAT and any applicable customs duty. Commercial shipments require a licensed Chinese importer — without one, the shipment will be held and usually returned. For high-value shipments, use DHL Express, which has its own customs team in China and can expedite clearance. Exact thresholds vary by CBEC channel — verify current rules before sending.
No questions match your search.
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