Sending International Parcels from China: A Courier Guide for Foreigners

International parcel shipping is a chain involving the sender, courier, transport operators, Chinese customs, destination customs, and the recipient. A cheap quote is not useful if the contents are refused, poorly documented, or outside the carrier’s compensation rules.

This guide is general planning information, not customs or legal advice. Rules change by item, route, value, carrier, and destination. Confirm current requirements with the courier and relevant authorities.

Inventory the contents before comparing couriers

Make a line-by-line list with the item name, material, purpose, quantity, condition, country of origin, and realistic value. Avoid vague labels such as “gift,” “sample,” “parts,” or “personal items” without a specific description.

Flag anything containing:

• lithium or other batteries;
• liquid, aerosol, powder, gel, or magnetized material;
• food, alcohol, supplements, medicine, or cosmetics;
• seeds, plants, wood, soil, or animal products;
• antiques, art, precious metals, currency, or high-value brands;
• radio, encryption, or specialized electronic equipment; or
• personal data or confidential company material.

Ask about each flagged item explicitly. Do not conceal contents or misstate value to reduce charges or tax.

Compare the complete service

Obtain written quotes based on packed dimensions, chargeable weight, postcode, contents, and value. Compare pickup, estimated transit, tracking, customs brokerage, remote-area fees, return charges, storage, duties handling, insurance or declared-value protection, and claim deadlines.

Ask who is responsible if the recipient rejects taxes or cannot complete import clearance. For a larger household move, use the more detailed international moving guide instead.

Check the destination before sending

The recipient should check the destination country’s official customs website for prohibited and restricted goods, personal-import thresholds, licenses, taxes, and required identity information. A product commonly sold in China may still be restricted at destination.

Agree in advance who will answer customs questions and pay charges. Make sure the recipient’s Latin-script name, phone number, email, street address, unit, city, region, postal code, and country are complete.

Pack for inspection and transit

Use a strong outer carton, internal cushioning, sealed inner protection where appropriate, and no misleading old labels. Protect corners and prevent movement. Follow carrier rules for fragile goods and batteries; ordinary packaging advice is not a substitute for dangerous-goods requirements.

Before sealing, photograph each item, serial numbers, condition, cushioning, closed carton, label, and final weight. Keep purchase receipts or reasonable value evidence. Never send your only original passport, residence document, or irreplaceable certificate unless the responsible authority specifically requires that route and you understand the risk.

For everyday domestic deliveries, see our packages and deliveries guide.

Complete customs information accurately

Use descriptions a customs officer can understand. State truthful quantity and value, even for gifts or used belongings. Keep a copy of the declaration, commercial or pro forma invoice, packing list, waybill, payment receipt, and any export approval.

If the courier suggests a classification or document you do not understand, ask for an explanation. For business shipments, involve the company’s logistics, customs, tax, and compliance teams.

Track delivery and preserve claim rights

Send the tracking number and item list to the recipient. Monitor for requests rather than waiting for the estimated date to pass. Respond only through verified courier or customs channels; parcel scams often imitate payment requests.

If there is loss or damage, notify the courier within its deadline, preserve all packaging, and provide photos, invoices, waybill, and correspondence. Compensation may be limited by the service contract unless additional coverage was purchased.

International parcel checklist

• Every item has a specific description, quantity, and honest value.
• Restricted categories were checked with the carrier and authorities.
• The recipient verified destination import rules and possible charges.
• The quote covers brokerage, remote areas, returns, and claims.
• The address and recipient contact details are complete.
• Contents and each packing stage were photographed.
• Declarations, invoices, receipts, and tracking are saved.
• The recipient knows how to recognize a genuine customs request.

Official sources

• General Administration of Customs of China
• State Post Bureau of China
• The official customs website of the destination country

Confirm the final item list before handover; restrictions and carrier networks can change without much notice.