Air express services from and to China offer one of the fastest and most efficient ways to move goods worldwide. Leveraging the country's vast air logistics network, shipments from major hubs like Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou can reach destinations in Europe or North America within 2-5 business days, ensuring reliability for both exporters and importers.
Air express shipping in China caters to a wide range of users - from individuals sending parcels abroad to ecommerce merchants fulfilling international orders. Whether exporting via AliExpress or sourcing components from Shenzhen, air express ensures door-to-door service, real-time tracking, and smooth customs processing.
Key air express hubs include:
Air Express Services
Air express shipping connects senders with global courier networks. Parcels are picked up from your location, processed through export customs, flown to destination hubs, and delivered directly to the recipient - typically within days.
While air freight is ideal for large cargo, air express provides priority handling, door-to-door delivery, and real-time tracking. It's the preferred method for smaller, high-value, or time-sensitive shipments that require faster customs clearance.
Air express rates depend on volumetric weight - calculated using the greater of the physical or dimensional weight. Compact packaging reduces costs and improves transit efficiency.
Prices may rise during Golden Week, Chinese New Year, and Singles' Day (11.11) due to ecommerce shipment peaks. Booking early helps maintain cost and schedule stability.
Customs clearance in China is governed by GACC. Export duties are rare, but imports may incur VAT (13%) and customs duties (0-20%), depending on product type. Low-value goods (below CNY 5,000) benefit from simplified clearance through cross-border ecommerce channels.
Use sturdy, export-grade cartons with double-wall protection. For electronics, include anti-static wrapping and shock-absorbing materials. All labels should be bilingual (Chinese/English) for customs efficiency.
Items such as batteries (not declared), chemicals, fresh foods, counterfeit goods, and cultural artifacts are restricted or prohibited by GACC. Always confirm classification before dispatch.
China leads global cross-border ecommerce, powered by platforms like AliExpress, JD.com, and Shein. iContainers helps sellers integrate air express logistics directly into their supply chains - reducing transit times and simplifying export documentation.
Our system provides real-time tracking, automated customs filing, and VAT support for shipments to and from China, enabling compliance with destination-country regulations.
Typically 2-5 business days for Europe and the U.S., 1-3 days for Asian destinations.
Most couriers limit packages to 70 kg per piece and 120 cm in length. Heavier or bulkier cargo requires air freight.
Main hubs include Shanghai (PVG), Beijing (PEK), Guangzhou (CAN), and Shenzhen (SZX).
An Air Waybill, Commercial Invoice, and Packing List are mandatory. Some exports need an electronic customs declaration.
Prohibited items include dangerous goods, counterfeit products, perishables, and unapproved lithium batteries.
China Customs (GACC) - Official Portal
Customs procedures, tariffs, and import/export regulations.
https://english.customs.gov.cn/
China - Import Tariffs (U.S. International Trade Administration)
Overview of China's customs duty structure and import tax policies.
https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/china-import-tariffs
China - Import Requirements and Documentation (Trade.gov)
Guidance on import/export paperwork and customs processes in China.
https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/china-import-requirements-and-documentation
China VAT (Value-Added Tax) Overview - PwC
VAT rate and policy updates for domestic and international traders.
https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/china
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) - Official Site
Cargo handling and logistics data for China's main air hub.
https://www.shanghai-airport.com/
CAAC - Civil Aviation Administration of China
Regulations and statistics for air freight and express logistics in China.
https://www.caac.gov.cn/en/
SF Express - China Domestic & International Logistics
Major domestic express carrier information and delivery timelines.
https://www.sf-international.com/
Alibaba Group - Cross-Border Ecommerce Insights
Data on China's ecommerce exports and air logistics integration.
https://www.alizila.com/