Understanding Tracking Codes
International shipping from China uses a two-leg system. The first leg is handled by a Chinese courier like EMS, SF Express, or Yun Express. The second leg is handled by your local postal service or a private carrier like DHL. Your tracking number may work on both systems, but only after the handoff.
Most tracking numbers starting with "E" or "L" are EMS or ePacket. Numbers with 13 digits often belong to postal services. DHL Express numbers are typically 10 digits. Hipobuy provides the carrier name alongside every tracking number so you know which website to use.
The handoff point is the most confusing stage. Your package might show "Arrived at destination country" on the Chinese courier site, but your local postal site shows nothing yet. This is normal — it takes 1-3 days for the tracking to sync across systems.
Quick Steps
Common Tracking Statuses Explained
"Handed over to carrier" means your package has left the agent warehouse and is in the courier network. This is the first status you will see.
"Export customs cleared" means it passed Chinese customs inspection. Most packages clear without issues. If this step takes more than 3 days, it may be undergoing additional screening.
"Arrived at destination country" means the package has physically landed in your country and is now in your local postal network. At this point, switch to your local carrier's tracking site.
"Held at customs" is the status everyone fears. It does not necessarily mean your package is seized. Most holds resolve within 2-5 days as customs processes routine checks. You may need to provide an invoice or pay duties.
"Out for delivery" means your package will arrive today or tomorrow. Make sure someone is available to receive it, or arrange redelivery if you miss it.
Tracking Tools We Recommend
17Track is the most reliable universal tracker. It aggregates data from hundreds of carriers and auto-detects the correct carrier from your tracking number.
ParcelsApp offers a cleaner interface and push notifications. It is especially good for European destinations.
AfterShip integrates with email and SMS alerts. If you order frequently, their dashboard helps you manage multiple packages.
For DHL and FedEx, always use their official trackers. Third-party sites sometimes lag behind by 12-24 hours for premium couriers.
When to Contact Support
If your tracking has not updated in 7 days, contact Hipobuy support first. They can reach out to the courier directly and check for internal scans that are not visible to the public.
If the package has been stuck in customs for more than 5 days, contact your local postal service with the tracking number. Most customs delays resolve within a week, but proactive communication speeds things up.
If the tracking shows delivered but you never received it, check with neighbors, building management, and local postal depots. Signature-required packages sometimes get left at access points without clear notification.
Customs and Duties 101
Most countries charge import duties on goods above a certain value threshold. In the United States, the de minimis threshold is $800 per shipment. In the European Union, VAT applies to all imported goods regardless of value, though low-value shipments under 150 EUR may have simplified procedures.
Hipobuy declares the actual product value on customs forms. While it might be tempting to ask for lower declarations, this is risky and potentially illegal. Accurate declarations ensure smooth customs processing and protect you if the package is lost.
Speed Up Your Next Delivery
Choose express shipping for time-sensitive orders. It costs 30-50% more but cuts delivery time in half. Consolidate multiple items into one shipment to reduce per-item costs. And always double-check your address before confirming — address errors are the leading cause of delivery delays.
