Australian Imports: Are Chinese Goods Still Coming?

is post still coming from china to australia

Australia Post and China Post work together to deliver mail between the two countries. China Post offers door-to-door delivery and tracking services for packages sent from China to Australia. However, the English information provided by the tracking service is sometimes unclear. China has some of the world's biggest logistics centres, and some people have observed that packages sent from China to Australia arrive faster than packages sent within Australia.

Characteristics Values
Tracking China Post offers tracking services for packages sent from China to Australia.
Tracking Number Format The tracking number for China Post Ordinary Packet is UC123456789CN, with 123456789 preceding it or following it.
Timing It usually takes 7-20 working days for AIR and SAL mails, and 40-70 days for surface mail.
Delays Delays may occur due to various reasons, including incorrect delivery addresses, failed delivery attempts, or customs inspections.
Local Logistics In Australia, packages from China Post are typically managed and delivered by Australia Post. However, a last-mile carrier may be involved in certain situations.
Customer Service China Post and Australia Post provide customer support for tracking and delivery-related inquiries.

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China Post tracking

China Post is the official postal service of China, providing mail services, including letter post, parcel service, EMS (express mail), and logistics services within the country and internationally. It offers a range of shipping methods to accommodate different needs for both domestic and international mail and parcels.

China Post offers a tracking service for all of its packages. When registering a postal item at China Post, all packages are assigned a unique tracking number corresponding to the S10 standard of the Universal Postal Union (consisting of 13 alphanumeric symbols). The tracking number usually begins with "R", "P", or "V" and ends with "CN". To track China Post shipments, simply enter your tracking number into the search field on the official China Post website or third-party tracking websites like AfterShip. AfterShip is a convenient and efficient third-party platform that provides detailed tracking information.

There are different types of China Post services, including Small Parcel, Large Package, and EMS. Small parcels are usually delivered through three transport means: Air, Surface Air Lifted (SAL), and Surface. Air mail takes about 15 working days, SAL mail takes about 30 days, and surface mail takes one to two months. The China Post International Small Parcel service is for the delivery of lightweight items below two kilograms from China to other countries and regions. It is the most economical option among all express ways.

Registered mail can be tracked through the China Post Tracking system. Unregistered packages are trackable only during their transit through China. After the package leaves China, it cannot be tracked unless it is being registered at transit points. The only exception is KazPost, the postal service of Kazakhstan, which supports tracking of unregistered mail items entering the country.

China Post's delivery time to the United States can vary depending on the shipping method and factors such as customs clearance and transit delays. China Post Ordinary Small Packet Plus, for instance, takes 4 to 8 weeks for delivery and does not provide full tracking information. In contrast, China Post Registered Air Mail offers tracking and takes about 2 to 6 weeks for delivery.

It is important to note that restrictions and conditions for sending items to China can change frequently. As the sender, it is your responsibility to ensure that your items comply with the laws and rules of both Australia and China. Australia Post provides a list of prohibited and restricted items for sending from Australia, which includes dangerous goods and items that are prohibited by the destination country. Similarly, China Customs has its own list of prohibited items, such as certain endangered species, valuable articles like precious stones, and media deemed detrimental to the People's Republic of China.

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Prohibited items

When sending mail from China to Australia, it is the sender's responsibility to ensure that the package contents do not break any laws or rules in either country. Prohibited items include those that are forbidden by law from entering the destination country, as well as those that are considered dangerous and unsuitable for sending from the originating country.

  • Coins, banknotes, securities of any kind payable to the bearer, traveller's cheques, platinum, gold or silver (whether manufactured or not), precious stones, jewels, and other valuable articles
  • Weapons, simulated weapons, ammunition, and explosives
  • Printed matter, films, photographs, movies, audio/video tapes, CDs, DVDs, computer storage devices, and other things that could do harm to China's politics, economy, culture, and morality
  • Food, drugs, or other things that could harm humans or animals, including infectious substances or those from epidemic areas
  • Animal and animal products, including:
  • All living animals (excluding dogs and cats) and their sperm, zygotes, embryos, and other genetic material
  • Uncooked or cooked meat (including internal organs) and marine animal products
  • Milk and milk products, including raw milk, fresh milk, yoghurt, cream, butter, cheese, and other dairy products that are not heat-treated, as well as whey powder, silkworm chrysalis, silkworm eggs, animal blood, and products of aquatic animals
  • Ivory, rhinoceros horn, dried sea horse, scales of pangolins, fur or bones of tigers, leopards, and wolves, giant clam, Strombus gigas, sea turtle samples, crocodile, products made from the skin of python and goanna, hawksbill products, slice or powder of agilawood, bear gall, musk, dendrobe, fritillaria, cistanche, and American ginseng
  • Soil (unless accompanied by an import permit)
  • Merchandise determined to be of Iraqi cultural, historical, religious, or scientific importance that has been illegally removed from Iraq
  • Classified and unclassified items with military applications, such as software, technology, blueprints, design plans, retail software packages, and technical information
  • Endangered/rare animals and plants (including specimens) and their seeds or reproducing materials
  • Films, photographs, movies, audio/video tapes, CDs (video and audio), and other media that are politically, economically, culturally, or morally detrimental to the People's Republic of China
  • American ginseng

Please note that restrictions and conditions can change frequently, so it is important to check the latest information and regulations before sending any mail internationally.

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Customs forms and regulations

When sending a parcel from Australia to China, it is important to be aware of the customs forms and regulations. Firstly, you need to fill out a customs declaration form for all parcels, International Courier letters, and International Express letters. This can be done online or on paper at the Post Office counter. Australia Post provides an online option for completing the customs declaration form at auspost.com.au/DeclareOnline, which is specifically tailored for countries like China that require electronic customs data.

The online CN23 customs form must be completed before visiting a participating Post Office outlet. It is important to note that International Courier does not deliver to a Post Office Box or Poste Restante, and the cut-off time for lodging shipments at the counter may vary by outlet.

In addition to the customs form, a full Goods Declaration and HS Tariff code are required when sending to China. The China Postal Authority also requests that senders include the receiver's mobile phone number in the customs declaration form. A detailed description of the goods being shipped is necessary, addressing what the item is and what it is made of.

There are restrictions on certain items that cannot be sent from Australia to China. These include endangered/rare animals and plants, their seeds or reproducing materials, and films, photographs, recording tapes, videotapes, and compact discs that are deemed detrimental to the People's Republic of China. It is the sender's responsibility to ensure compliance with the laws and rules of both Australia and the destination country, as restrictions and conditions can change frequently.

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Speed of delivery

The speed of delivery from China to Australia depends on several factors, including the mode of transport, location, size and weight of the shipment, and the season. Air cargo is the fastest way to ship goods from China to Australia, with standard services taking around 3 to 10 days door-to-door and express options as quick as 1 to 7 days. Postal services can take 10 to 30 days, and sea freight is the slowest option, with a minimum of 30-40 days for door-to-door shipment and port-to-port transit taking 18 to 36 days.

The mode of transport chosen will depend on the size and weight of the shipment and the desired speed of delivery. Air cargo is faster but more expensive than shipping by sea, and sea freight has the longest lead time due to slower ship movement and potential port congestion, customs delays, and bad weather conditions.

There are also express options available, such as FedEx, UPS, DHL, and TNT Express, which offer smooth export and import customs clearance and efficient door-to-door delivery with a time frame of about 3 to 5 working days.

It is worth noting that the coronavirus has caused major disruptions to shipping from China to Australia, with new waves of the virus impacting air freight capacity and prices. Additionally, freight rates can fluctuate seasonally, and there may be restrictions on certain items, so it is important to stay updated on any changes that may impact delivery speed.

To ensure a smooth and timely delivery process, it is crucial to understand import duties, required documentation, and potential shipping restrictions. Engaging the services of a logistics company or freight forwarder can assist in navigating these complexities and ensuring compliance with regulations.

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Australia Post inefficiencies

Australia Post has been criticised for its inefficiencies, with some customers reporting long delays in receiving their parcels. Several factors may contribute to these delays, including the volume of parcels, sorting inefficiencies, labour issues, and route planning.

Volume of Parcels: Australia Post handles a large volume of parcels, especially during peak seasons. This high volume can strain their processing and delivery capabilities, leading to delays.

Sorting Inefficiencies: Australia Post has been criticised for its sorting process. Internal parcels often have to be sorted locally, which can take longer than international parcels that are pre-sorted by the sender or in transit hubs. This leads to inconsistencies in delivery times, with some parcels arriving promptly while others face significant delays.

Labour Issues: There are reports of inconsistent staff performance, with some delivery drivers accused of not understanding the priority of express parcels or following the most efficient routes. Australia Post has also been criticised for using cheap overseas labour, which may impact the quality of service.

Route Planning: Some customers have shared experiences where their parcels travelled unnecessarily long distances, such as being sent to another city and back before reaching the recipient. This adds to the delivery time and causes frustration among customers.

It is worth noting that not all experiences with Australia Post are negative. Some customers have praised the service for its friendly drivers, timely deliveries, and effective use of technology, such as the Australia Post app, for tracking and delivery notifications. However, the overall sentiment on review sites appears to be predominantly critical of the service's inefficiencies and delays.

To address these concerns, Australia Post could focus on optimising its sorting processes, improving staff training and route planning, and ensuring consistent service quality across the organisation.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, post is still coming from China to Australia.

It depends on the shipping method and the company used. China Post's Registered Airmail service typically takes 2-4 weeks, while their AIR and SAL mail services take 7-20 working days, and their surface mail service takes 40-70 days.

China Post offers an online tracking service for registered parcels. The tracking number is a 13-digit code that starts with "CT" and ends with "CN". You can enter this number on the China Post website to track your package.

Yes, both China and Australia have restrictions on prohibited items. Some prohibited items for Australia include coins, bank notes, securities payable to the bearer, travellers' cheques, precious metals, precious stones, and other valuable articles. Prohibited items for China include endangered/rare animals and plants, and certain films, photographs, recordings, and compact discs that are deemed detrimental to China.

If your package is delayed, you can contact the postal service for more information. If your package does not arrive, you may be able to receive compensation if you have shipped using International Registered Post China, but only in the case of total loss, total theft, or destruction of the article.

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