practical · 5 May 2026

Shipping from China to Home: The Practical Guide

Bought too much at Yiwu or the 1688 wholesale market? Here is how to ship items from China home — by international courier, China Post, or a forwarding agent — including costs and realistic timelines.

Shipping parcels from China to Europe, Australia, or North America is a realistic option for visitors who overbuy. The options differ in speed, cost, and reliability.

China Post Options

EMS (速递): 5–15 working days to most Western destinations, tracked end-to-end, approximately ¥200–400 for a 5kg parcel to the UK. The most common choice for shipping purchases home. Air Mail: 15–45 days, cheaper. Surface Mail: 30–90 days, very cheap.

International Couriers

DHL and FedEx are faster (3–5 days) but significantly more expensive (¥700–2,000 for 5kg). Worth it for time-sensitive or high-value items. Pickup from hotel available.

Customs at Your Destination

Declare values honestly. UK: goods over £135 subject to import duty and VAT. Australia: over AUD 1,000. USA: duty-free limit USD 800.

Key Practical Points

Post offices exist in every district of every city. For heavy items, shipping is often cheaper than airline overweight fees. Hotel concierges at larger hotels can arrange courier pickups.