Sending or receiving parcels from far away
Whether you're ordering something from a seller abroad or waiting for a little treasure from an online marketplace, it's natural to wonder how long a parcel from China will take to reach the UK. The journey spans thousands of miles and often involves several stops along the way—but with the right expectations, it’s easier to be patient and prepared.
Typical delivery times from China to the UK
On average, a standard parcel from China to the UK takes 7 to 20 working days to arrive. Delivery time depends heavily on the type of shipping service used and whether it’s sent via airmail, sea freight or express courier. Here’s a general guide:
- Standard untracked post (often the cheapest): 2 to 4 weeks
- Tracked airmail (like China Post Registered): 10 to 20 working days
- Courier services (DHL, FedEx, UPS): 3 to 7 working days
- Sea freight (for bulk or heavy items): 6 to 12 weeks
Some online sellers may advertise shorter times, but delays can happen—especially around Chinese holidays, UK customs or during busy sales periods.
Customs clearance and processing times
Once your parcel reaches the UK, it goes through customs clearance before being handed to Royal Mail or a courier. If your parcel is randomly inspected, or if there's incomplete paperwork, it may be held for several days. You might also receive a letter requesting VAT or customs fees before it’s released for final delivery.
Customs usually takes 1 to 5 working days, but it can be longer during peak periods or if there’s a backlog.
Tracking your parcel from China
If your parcel has tracking, you can follow its journey from dispatch in China to arrival in the UK. Most tracking numbers from services like China Post, Cainiao or SF Express can also be entered into Royal Mail’s tracking system once the parcel is in the UK. This helps give you peace of mind, especially for longer journeys.
If your parcel is untracked, it becomes more of a waiting game—there's no real way to see where it is until it lands on your doorstep.
What to do if your parcel is delayed
If your parcel hasn't arrived after 30 working days, it’s worth contacting the seller or courier for an update. For marketplace orders (like AliExpress, Wish or eBay), you can usually open a case or request a refund if delivery takes too long. Keep all order confirmations and correspondence just in case you need to follow up.
Summary
A parcel from China to the UK can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the shipping method and customs process. With tracking, good communication and a little patience, your parcel will usually make its way to you safe and sound—carrying with it that lovely feeling of something arriving from far away.