How long does it take to send a parcel to China?

This depends on which service you use. Our fastest services aim to deliver to Chinese addresses within 5-7 working days.

If you’re flexible on timings, our International Economy service is the most cost-effective way of sending to China.

Which items can’t I send to China?

When planning to send items to China, it's crucial to be aware of the country's strict import regulations to ensure your parcel isn't delayed or rejected. China prohibits the import of various items to protect its citizens and maintain national security.

Items you can’t post to China:

• Arms, ammunition, and explosives of all kinds, including fireworks
• Vape products
• Marijuana and related products
• Human cremains
• Counterfeit currencies and negotiable securities
• Printed matter, films, or photographs deemed detrimental to China's political, economic, cultural, and moral interests
• Opiates and narcotic drugs
• Syringes and needles
• Stethoscopes
• Video game consoles and games operated by coins
• Refrigerators and videotape recorders
• Digital cameras and wired phones, as well as television sets

Additionally, wood, cane, bamboo, and rattan products, including those packaged in wooden crates or pallets, may require extra inspections and certifications, potentially leading to delays.

It's also important to note that certain food items are prohibited, while others are subject to strict regulations, including health and safety certifications. 

To avoid complications, always consult the latest guidelines from Chinese customs or read our guide on prohibited and restricted items.

Chinese customs declarations and requirements

When sending mail to China, you’ll need to apply a customs declaration form to your package. They’re available online or in a Post Office® branch.

• For items with a value up to £270, you will need customs form CN22.
• For items with a value over £270, you will need customs form CN23 and clear plastic wallet SP 126, also available at any Post Office® branch.

If your parcel is assessed and any duties and taxes are payable locally, customs policy in China is that items will be held for up to 3 months to allow for this. Should the recipient make payment within this window, items will then be forwarded for delivery - however if they do not, then items will be returned to the sender.

Addressing mail to China

You can write the address in either English or Chinese/Mandarin characters – however CHINA must be written in English on the last line of the address for both formats.

Addresses in Chinese are written in the opposite order to the UK format – starting with the country, and working down to the addressee.

However, you can use the English format when writing addresses in English.

Example:

Mr Liu Wei

1298 Yong An Road

100050 BEIJING

CHINA

Please write the addressee's mobile telephone number on your parcel, in case we need to contact them about their delivery.

Packaging and size guidelines for sending parcels to China

Ensure your items meet size and weight restrictions:

• Letters: Max weight 100g; dimensions up to 24cm x 16.5cm x 0.5cm.
• Large Letters: Max weight 750g; dimensions up to 35.3cm x 25cm x 2.5cm.
• Parcels: Max weight 2kg; length plus width plus height no greater than 90cm, with no single side longer than 60cm.

Chinese holidays which may cause postal delays

Be mindful of Chinese public holidays, as they may affect delivery times.

China observes several public holidays throughout the year, some of which have flexible dates due to their basis in the lunar calendar. Here's a list of the main public holidays in China: 

• New Year's Day: January 1
• Spring Festival (Chinese New Year): End of January to early Feb
• TombSweeping Day (Qingming Festival): Start of April
• Labor Day: Start of May
• Dragon Boat Festival: End of May to early June
• Mid Autumn Festival and National Day: Start of October

The Chinese government often adjusts the official holiday schedule, sometimes designating weekends as working days to compensate for extended holiday periods.

If you need to know if a public holiday might delay your parcel delivery, consult official Chinese government announcements or reliable Chinese sources for the most up-to-date holiday schedules.