How to Ship to China from the US
Shipping to China is complex — customs is strict, documentation requirements are extensive, and many items are restricted or outright prohibited. Chinese consumers are familiar with international imports but final-mile delivery varies significantly by city and province.
DHL, FedEx, and UPS have Chinese networks but customs clearance can still take several days. USPS hands off to China Post, which adds delays but is cheaper.
Typical 1 lb cost
$30-$60 USD
Typical transit
5-30 business days (customs variability)
Carrier Options to China
DHL Express Worldwide
3-6 business days. Best reliability. Handles customs.
FedEx International Priority
3-6 business days. Strong in Tier 1 cities.
UPS Worldwide Expedited
5-7 business days. Good for business shipments.
USPS Priority Mail International
7-30 business days. Cheap but unreliable — customs delays common.
Customs Forms Required
Commercial invoice required for all shipments. CN22/CN23 + additional documentation for commercial goods.
Commonly Prohibited Items
- ✕Books, media, and printed materials with 'sensitive' content (political, religious)
- ✕Cosmetics without CFDA registration for commercial quantities
- ✕Used goods and secondhand items (import restrictions)
- ✕Knives and martial arts weapons
- ✕Gold, silver, and currency above personal limits
China-Specific Shipping Tips
- 💡 Use DHL or FedEx — USPS via China Post can take weeks and sometimes loses packages
- 💡 Chinese addresses read largest-to-smallest: Province → City → District → Street
- 💡 Include recipient's phone number (mandatory for delivery SMS) and Chinese-character version of address if possible
- 💡 Avoid shipping during Chinese New Year (late January-February) — carriers shut down for 2+ weeks
- 💡 For commercial shipments, ensure HS codes are accurate and commercial invoice matches package contents exactly
Frequently asked questions
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