This section analyses the advantages and limitations of each shipping method and gives you an idea of which method is most suitable for your package. Not all methods are available for every country. Please refer to the specific costs and shipping methods for each country on this page.
About the different types of shipping methods
- Pros: Fast, good with customs clearance
- Does not accept: Liquids, powder
- Max length of package < 150cm
- Compensation available if package is not delivered within promised duration
- Shipping fees may be charged according to volumetric weight, which is determined by dimensions of the parcel. A rough estimation would be physical weight in kg x 1.5, but bulky parcels may amount to more than that.
- Pros: Fast, good with customs clearance
- Does not accept: Liquids, powder
- Max length of package < 150cm
- Shipping fees may be charged according to its volumetric weight, which is determined by dimensions of the parcel. A rough estimation would be physical weight in kg x 1.5, but bulky parcels may amount to more than that.
- Pros: Fast and economical
- Does not accept: Chemical products (including cosmetics), items with international logos, items not made in China, food products, medicines, magnetic products, liquids, powder, CDs, batteries. For Australia, products made of wood are not allowed for import through this shipping method.
- Incurs volumetric weight, not recommended for large packages
- Shipping fees may be charged according to its volumetric weight, which is determined by dimensions of the parcel. A rough estimation would be physical weight in kg x 1.5, but bulky parcels may amount to more than that.
- In China, the package is usually handled by Shunfeng Express. Under certain circumstances, this may be changed to another local courier without prior notice. When the package reaches your country, it will be handled by your local courier company that is in partnership with Shunfeng Express. In the USA, the partner courier is usually USPS. In Europe, it is usually Parcel Force or GLS. Subject to circumstances, the partner courier in your country may also be changed without notice. Rest assured that it will be a locally-based company that you can get in touch with. Regardless, if you have reservations about some of your local couriers, please check with me in advance, or use EMS.
- Pros: Fastest of all the methods, good for emergency shipments
- Does not accept: Chemical products (including cosmetics), items with international logos, items not made in China, medicines, magnetic products, liquids, powder, CDs, batteries. Preserved food products can be shipped to Europe, but not fresh food products.
- Compensation available if package is not delivered within promised duration
- Incurs volumetric weight, not recommended for large packages
- Shipping fees may be charged according to its volumetric weight, which is determined by dimensions of the parcel. A rough estimation would be physical weight in kg x 1.5, but bulky parcels may amount to more than that.
- Pros: Good with customs clearance, recommended for shipping large packages to countries in Europe where customs fees are high.
- Does not accept: Liquids, powder, batteries, medicine.
- Max length of package < 150cm
- Pros: Economical for shipping small / lightweight items
- Does not accept: Liquids, powder, batteries, medicine.
- Max length of package < 40cm
- Max weight of package: 2kg
- Pros: Good with customs clearance, recommended for shipping large packages to countries in Europe where customs fees are high. An economical option for shipping heavy packages if you don’t need your items quickly.
- Does not accept: Products containing liquids, powder, batteries, medicine.
- Max length of package < 150cm
The list restricted items for each shipping method are not exhaustive. Restrictions are subject to changes according to the courier / postal service’s policies. These policies may sometimes be relaxed, or become even more strict, depending on the situation in China.
As a rule of thumb, if you do not want to pay for expensive shipping i.e. sensitive shipment, avoid purchasing the following items:
– Food
– Cosmetics products
– Liquid products
– Digital products & electronics
– Items with magnets and batteries
Batteries can be removed at your request, but in-built ones are non-removable. Some items have hidden magnets and we may only find out when the items are subjected to checks with special equipment at the postal services / couriers. If you suspect an item may contain magnets/batteries, and would prefer not to pay for the sensitive shipment option, please ask me to clarify with the seller before purchasing.
- Pros: Fast, can ship just about anything except prohibited items
- Incurs volumetric weight, not recommended for large packages
- Shipping fees may be charged according to its volumetric weight, which is determined by dimensions of the parcel. A rough estimation would be physical weight in kg x 1.5, but bulky parcels may amount to more than that.
- Pros: Fast, economical for very heavy packages. good for businesses
- Does not accept: Chemical products (including cosmetics), items with international logos, items not made in China, medicines, magnetic products, liquids, powder, CDs, batteries.