How Long Does a Parcel Take from China to the UK?
Ordered from a Chinese retailer? Here's how long delivery takes and what can affect the timeline.
How long does a parcel take from China to the UK?
It depends heavily on the shipping method. Express couriers deliver in 5-10 days, standard airmail takes 15-30 days, and economy shipping can take 30-60 days or more.
Quick answer
Express: 5-10 days. Standard airmail: 15-30 days. Economy: 20-40 days. Sea freight: 60-90 days. Most orders from Chinese retailers like AliExpress, Shein, and Temu arrive within 10-25 days using standard shipping. Add 1-5 days for UK customs processing.
Delivery times by shipping method
China to UK shipping times0 / 5 checked
Comparing routes? Check US to UK delivery times or read our full guide on international shipping times.
Common Chinese retailer delivery times
AliExpress Standard Shipping typically takes 15-25 days. Some sellers offer faster "AliExpress Shipping" (10-20 days) or express options. Free shipping is usually the slowest.
Shein has improved its delivery times significantly. Standard shipping is typically 7-12 days. Express (3-7 days) is available for an extra fee.
Temu offers competitive shipping times of 7-15 days for standard delivery. They increasingly use UK-based warehouses which speeds things up.
Taobao doesn't ship directly. Using a shopping agent adds processing time. Total: 10-30 days depending on the agent's shipping method.
Customs processing and charges
Ordering from specific platforms? Check Shein express shipping times or find out where Temu ships from.
Tracking your parcel from China
Reselling imported goods?
Protect items for resale with postal boxes, bubble pouches, and mailing bags at trade prices.
Browse postal packagingImporting to resell? Our bubble pouches guide covers protection for fragile imports.
Frequently asked questions
Express: 5-10 days. Standard: 15-30 days. Economy: 20-40 days. Retailers like Shein and Temu typically deliver within 7-15 days.
Standard Chinese shipping often has tracking gaps of 7-14 days. The parcel may be waiting for a flight or in transit without scanner updates. This is normal.
Orders over £135 attract 20% VAT. Many Chinese retailers now pre-collect VAT at checkout. If not, the carrier collects it on delivery.
DHL Express or FedEx International Priority deliver in 5-10 days. Shein express delivers in 3-7 days for fashion items.
Use 17track.net with your tracking number. It checks multiple Chinese and international carrier databases for the best tracking coverage.
Part of our guide
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