AliExpress Tracking in Canada: A Complete Guide for Canadian Shoppers

AliExpress has become a go-to platform for Canadians looking for affordable products from overseas. But one of the biggest concerns for shoppers is the waiting game that comes after placing an order—especially when tracking updates are unclear or delayed. Unlike domestic orders from Canadian retailers, AliExpress orders often involve multiple postal systems, customs processes, and sometimes limited tracking information.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to AliExpress tracking in Canada, from understanding the different tracking methods to interpreting updates and knowing what to do if your parcel gets delayed.

1. How AliExpress Shipping Works for Canada

When you buy something from AliExpress and live in Canada, your order usually ships from China or another country in Asia. Depending on the seller, you’ll be offered a range of shipping options—some free, some paid, and each with different speeds and tracking capabilities.

Here are the most common shipping methods used by AliExpress sellers:

• AliExpress Standard Shipping

• Cainiao Super Economy Global

• China Post Registered Air Mail

• Yanwen Economic Air Mail

• ePacket (now called E-Express)

• DHL / FedEx / UPS (for express shipping)

Each method has different tracking quality. AliExpress Standard Shipping and China Post Registered Air Mail usually provide full tracking. Economy methods like Cainiao Super Economy offer partial tracking—meaning they may stop updating once the package leaves China.

2. Where to Track Your AliExpress Order

AliExpress provides basic tracking on your order page. However, for Canadian buyers, this often doesn’t show detailed updates once the package enters Canada. Here are the best places to track your parcel more effectively:

a. AliExpress Order Page

Start here. Go to “My Orders” > “Track Order”. This shows the seller’s selected shipping method, the tracking number, and a few standard updates.

Pros:

• Easy to access

• Linked directly to your order

Cons:

• Doesn’t always show Canadian updates

• May stop updating after leaving the origin country

b. Third-Party Tracking Websites

These tools aggregate tracking information from multiple logistics systems and often provide better insights once the item reaches Canada.

• 17track.net

• Parcelsapp.com

• AfterShip.com

• Cainiao.com (for Cainiao shipments)

Just paste your tracking number and get updates from multiple couriers, including Canada Post, if applicable.

c. Canada Post Website

Once your item clears customs and is handed off to Canada Post, you can track it on canadapost-postescanada.ca.

Important: Not all AliExpress tracking numbers are compatible with Canada Post, especially if the shipping method is economy or unregistered.

3. Understanding Your Tracking Status

Tracking statuses on AliExpress can be vague or use unfamiliar terms. Here are some common updates and what they mean for Canadian buyers:

• “Shipment accepted by carrier”: The seller has handed over the item to the shipping service.

• “Departed country of origin”: The parcel has left China or another country.

• “Arrived at destination country”: Your package is now in Canada, likely going through customs.

• “Handed over to local carrier”: Usually means it's now under Canada Post's responsibility.

• “Out for delivery”: Expect your item to arrive that day.

• “Delivered”: Your parcel has reached your mailbox or front door.

If your status seems stuck, don’t panic. International shipping delays are common, and tracking systems sometimes lag behind actual parcel movement.

4. Shipping Times to Canada

Shipping from AliExpress to Canada can take anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the shipping method:

Shipping MethodEstimated Delivery Time (to Canada)AliExpress Standard Shipping20–40 daysCainiao Super Economy30–60 daysChina Post Registered Air Mail25–50 daysEPacket (E-Express)15–30 daysDHL/FedEx/UPS5–10 days (with customs processing)

Note: Items shipped via economy methods may take longer during peak periods (e.g., Black Friday, Lunar New Year).

5. When Tracking Stops Updating

It’s common for AliExpress tracking to “go silent” after the package leaves the origin country. This doesn't mean your item is lost.

Here’s why this happens:

• Economy carriers don’t update once the parcel leaves Asia.

• Parcels often sit in Canadian customs for days or even weeks without an update.

• Local handover to Canada Post may take time to register in their system.

If tracking hasn’t updated in 2–3 weeks, try your number in a third-party tool like 17Track. If it still shows no change after 45 days, consider opening a dispute on AliExpress.

6. Customs and Canada Post Handling

When your AliExpress package enters Canada, it’s processed by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Here’s what happens next:

• If your item is worth CAD $20 or more, you may be charged GST/HST and possibly duties.

• Canada Post may charge a handling fee if they collect tax/duties on your behalf (typically $9.95).

• If duties are owed, your mail carrier will leave a card or collect at your door.

Tracking may show something like:

• “Held at customs”

• “Released from customs”

• “Available for pickup” (usually at your local post office if payment is required)

7. What to Do if Your Parcel Is Late or Missing

If your item hasn't arrived within the estimated time window, don’t panic just yet. Here are the steps you should take:

Step 1: Check Tracking in Multiple Places

Use 17Track or ParcelsApp to see if any additional info appears.

Step 2: Contact the Seller

Use AliExpress messaging to ask for clarification. Sellers may provide alternate tracking numbers or more details.

Step 3: Open a Dispute (Before Deadline)

AliExpress orders are protected by a delivery guarantee (usually 75 days from shipment). If your item hasn't arrived within this time, open a dispute before the deadline. You can request:

• A full refund (if not delivered)

• A partial refund (if the item arrived very late or damaged)

Be polite but firm, and always attach evidence like screenshots of your tracking page.

8. Tips for Better Tracking and Delivery in Canada

To avoid stress and confusion with tracking your AliExpress order, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose AliExpress Standard Shipping or ePacket whenever possible—they’re more reliable and trackable.

• Avoid Cainiao Economy for high-value items. It’s cheap, but not well-tracked.

• Track using Canadian tools like the Canada Post website once your package enters the country.

• Use a valid Canadian address format, including postal code, province abbreviation, and a phone number.

• Check your mailbox regularly and monitor your local post office for pickup notices.

Conclusion

Tracking an AliExpress order in Canada isn’t always straightforward, but it doesn’t have to be frustrating. By understanding how the system works, using the right tracking tools, and staying patient, you can stay informed about your parcel’s journey and know what to do if issues arise.

AliExpress remains a valuable shopping platform for Canadians, offering access to global products at affordable prices. With the right knowledge about shipping and tracking, you’ll be able to shop smarter, track confidently, and receive your packages without unnecessary stress.