Shipping from China to France: times, customs & tracking
How long parcels take, what customs expects, and how to track every step of the journey.
Typical delivery times
| Service | Working days |
|---|---|
| Economy (Cainiao) | 15–35 |
| E-commerce express (YunExpress, 4PX) | 8–18 |
| Premium express (DHL, FedEx) | 3–7 |
| La Poste / Colissimo last mile | +2–5 |
Customs & duties
TVA of 20% applies to imports; platforms using IOSS collect it at checkout. Colissimo handles postal clearance with a small handling fee, express couriers clear their own shipments.
Tracking tips
"Arrivée en France" is where the parcel enters the customs loop; La Poste scans appear 2–5 days later. GetPackRoute translates every French status instantly.
FAQs — China to France
How long does China → France take?
15–35 days economy, 8–18 e-commerce express, 3–7 premium.
Who delivers in France?
La Poste/Colissimo for most cross-border e-commerce; Chronopost or DHL for express options.
Do I pay TVA on AliExpress orders in France?
AliExpress collects 20% TVA via IOSS for orders up to €150; above that, customs collects it.
What is "en cours de dédouanement"?
"Customs clearance in progress" — a normal 1–3 day step before the parcel is released to La Poste.