Master order tracking from China to Canada. Monitor your packages, understand shipping statuses, and resolve delivery issues.
Track your AliExpress packages as they travel from China to Canada
Understanding AliExpress Order Tracking for Canadian Buyers
When you order from AliExpress to Canada, your package embarks on an international journey spanning thousands of kilometers. Understanding how to track your order throughout this journey gives you peace of mind and helps you anticipate when your purchases will arrive at your Canadian doorstep.
AliExpress provides comprehensive tracking for most shipments to Canada, allowing you to monitor your package from the moment it leaves the seller's warehouse in China until it reaches your mailbox. This guide explains everything Canadian shoppers need to know about tracking their AliExpress orders effectively.
Whether you're tracking your first order or troubleshooting a package that seems stuck, this complete guide covers all aspects of AliExpress tracking for Canadian destinations. From understanding tracking numbers to navigating customs, you'll find the information you need here.
How to Find Your AliExpress Tracking Number
Your tracking number is the key to monitoring your package's journey. Here's how to find it:
Finding Tracking in Your AliExpress Account
Log Into AliExpress: Access your account through the website or mobile app
Go to "My Orders": Navigate to your order history
Find Your Order: Locate the specific order you want to track
Click "Track Order" or "View Details": Access the order details page
Copy the Tracking Number: The tracking number is displayed along with shipping information
Tracking Number Formats
Different shipping methods use different tracking number formats. Understanding these helps identify your carrier:
AliExpress Standard Shipping: Usually starts with letters like LP, LX, or similar, followed by numbers
China Post: 13 characters, typically starting with R (registered) followed by numbers and ending in CN
ePacket: Similar to China Post format – starts with L followed by numbers and ends in CN
Cainiao: May have various formats including numeric-only strings
Express Carriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS): Each has distinct formats – DHL uses 10-11 digits, FedEx uses 12-15 digits
When Tracking Information Becomes Available
Don't panic if your tracking shows no information immediately after ordering. Tracking typically becomes active:
1-3 days after the seller ships the package
Once the package enters the carrier's system
Some sellers provide tracking numbers before actually shipping – this is normal
💡 Pro Tip
If tracking shows no updates after 7-10 days, contact the seller for confirmation that the package was shipped. Most sellers respond quickly and can provide additional shipping details.
Methods to Track Your AliExpress Package to Canada
Canadian buyers have several options for tracking their AliExpress orders:
1. AliExpress Website and App
The most convenient way to track orders is directly through AliExpress:
Access tracking from your "My Orders" page
View estimated delivery dates
See tracking history and current status
Receive push notifications (app) for status updates
AliExpress aggregates tracking information from multiple carriers, providing a unified view of your package's journey.
2. Canada Post Website
Once your package enters Canada, Canada Post typically handles final delivery. Track via:
Visit canadapost.ca
Enter your tracking number
View Canadian-specific tracking updates
Sign up for email or SMS delivery notifications
Canada Post tracking becomes most useful once the package clears customs and enters the domestic delivery network.
3. Third-Party Tracking Websites
Several websites specialize in tracking international packages and can provide more detailed information:
17track.net: Comprehensive tracking supporting hundreds of carriers worldwide
Parcelsapp.com: Automatic carrier detection and detailed tracking history
Track24.net: Multi-carrier tracking with translation of Chinese updates
Aftership.com: Track packages from multiple orders in one place
These sites often show more detailed tracking information than AliExpress, including intermediate scans that don't appear on the main tracking page.
4. Carrier-Specific Tracking
If you know your carrier, track directly on their website:
China Post: track-chinapost.com
Cainiao: global.cainiao.com
DHL: dhl.com
FedEx: fedex.com
UPS: ups.com
Shipping Methods and Their Tracking Capabilities
Understanding different shipping methods helps you know what to expect for tracking:
AliExpress Standard Shipping
The most popular choice for Canadian buyers, offering a balance of cost and service:
Full tracking from origin to destination
Usually delivered by Canada Post domestically
Typical delivery: 15-30 days
Often free or low-cost
Good tracking visibility throughout the journey
China Post Registered Mail
Traditional postal service with reliable tracking:
End-to-end tracking available
Handed off to Canada Post upon arrival in Canada
Typical delivery: 20-45 days
Very affordable, often free
Updates may be less frequent than other methods
ePacket
A popular choice offering good tracking at competitive prices:
Full tracking with regular updates
Faster than regular China Post
Typical delivery: 12-20 days
Available for packages under 2kg
Partners with Canada Post for final delivery
Cainiao Super Economy
AliExpress's budget shipping option:
Limited tracking – may only show origin and arrival in Canada
Typical delivery: 20-50 days
Very low cost or free
Best for low-value items where speed isn't critical
Express Shipping (DHL, FedEx, UPS)
Premium shipping with comprehensive tracking:
Real-time tracking with detailed updates
Typical delivery: 5-10 days
Higher cost but fastest delivery
Direct delivery (not through Canada Post)
May include duty pre-payment options
Understanding AliExpress Tracking Statuses
Tracking updates can sometimes be confusing. Here's what common statuses mean for Canadian shipments:
Origin Country Statuses
"Order Placed/Processing": Seller is preparing your order
"Shipped/In Transit to Carrier": Package is on its way to the shipping facility
"Accepted by Carrier": The shipping company has received the package
"Departed Origin Country": Package has left China (usually by air)
"In Transit": Package is traveling internationally
Arrival in Canada Statuses
"Arrived at Destination Country": Package has landed in Canada
"Inbound Into Customs": Package is being processed by CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency)
"Customs Clearance": Package is being inspected or assessed for duties
"Released by Customs": Cleared for delivery – moving to Canada Post
"In Transit" (domestic): Moving through Canada's postal network
Delivery Statuses
"Out for Delivery": On the delivery vehicle, arriving today
"Delivered": Successfully delivered to your address
"Delivered to Community Mailbox": Left in your community mailbox
"Available for Pickup": Ready at a post office or depot
"Notice Left": Delivery attempted, pickup notice left
Expected Delivery Times to Canada
Delivery times for AliExpress orders to Canada vary based on several factors:
Typical Delivery Timeframes
Express Shipping: 5-10 business days
AliExpress Standard Shipping: 15-30 days
ePacket: 12-20 days
China Post Registered: 20-45 days
Economy/Untracked: 30-60 days
Factors Affecting Delivery Time
Several factors can impact how quickly your package arrives:
Seller Processing Time: Most sellers ship within 1-7 days of payment
Shipping Method: Express is fastest, economy is slowest
Customs Processing: Usually quick, but can add 1-5 days
Your Location: Major cities often receive packages faster than rural areas
Holidays: Chinese New Year, National Day, and Christmas can cause delays
Weather Events: Severe weather can disrupt shipping networks
Seasonal Considerations
Be aware of peak periods that affect delivery:
Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb): Expect 2-4 week delays as factories close
11.11 Sales (November): High volume can slow processing
Christmas Season: Increased postal volume worldwide
National Day Week (October): Chinese holiday affecting shipping
How Canada Post Handles AliExpress Packages
Most AliExpress packages are delivered by Canada Post for the final leg of their journey. Understanding this process helps you know what to expect:
The Handoff Process
Package arrives in Canada (usually Richmond, BC or Mississauga, ON)
CBSA processes customs clearance
Package enters Canada Post's network
Sorted at regional processing center
Delivered by local mail carrier
Canada Post Tracking Specific to AliExpress
When your tracking number starts working on Canada Post's website:
You'll see more detailed Canadian transit updates
Estimated delivery dates become more accurate
You can sign up for delivery notifications
The FlexDelivery service can redirect packages to nearby post offices
Delivery Options
Canada Post offers several delivery options for international packages:
Mailbox/Door Delivery: Standard delivery to your address
Community Mailbox: For neighborhood mailbox setups
Post Office Pickup: If a signature is required or delivery fails
FlexDelivery: Choose to have packages held at a convenient post office
Troubleshooting AliExpress Tracking Issues
Sometimes tracking doesn't work as expected. Here's how to handle common issues:
Contact the seller to confirm the package was shipped
Verify you're entering the tracking number correctly
Package Stuck at "Shipped" or "In Transit"
International shipping often has gaps in tracking updates:
Normal for updates to pause during air transit (7-14 days)
Tracking may not update until the package reaches Canada
Be patient during the 15-30 day estimated delivery window
Contact seller if no updates after the buyer protection window is ending
Package Stuck in Customs
If tracking shows your package in customs for an extended period:
Customs processing typically takes 1-5 days
Extended holds may require action from you
Check if you received mail from CBSA requesting information
Duties may need to be paid before release
Contact CBSA if stuck for more than 2 weeks
Package Marked Delivered But Not Received
If tracking shows delivered but you don't have the package:
Check all delivery locations (mailbox, porch, side door, neighbors)
Check with household members who may have received it
Wait 24-48 hours – sometimes marked delivered prematurely
Contact Canada Post with your tracking number
Open a dispute with AliExpress if package is truly missing
Opening a Dispute for Missing Packages
If your package never arrives:
Wait until the buyer protection timer shows less than 15 days remaining
Go to your order and click "Open Dispute"
Select "Logistics tracking problem" or "Package not received"
Provide evidence (tracking screenshots showing no delivery)
Request full refund
AliExpress will mediate if you and seller can't agree
⚠️ Important
Always open a dispute BEFORE buyer protection expires. Once protection expires, you lose the ability to get a refund through AliExpress. Monitor the countdown timer on your order page.
Customs and Import Process for Canadian AliExpress Orders
Understanding Canadian customs helps you anticipate any additional steps or costs:
CBSA Processing
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) processes all international packages:
Most packages clear customs within 1-3 days
Random inspections may cause delays
Prohibited items will be seized
High-value items may require duty payment
Duty and Tax Thresholds
Understanding what you might owe:
Under $20 CAD: Generally no duties or taxes
Gifts under $60 CAD: May be duty-free
Over $20 CAD: May be subject to GST/HST and potentially import duties
The actual assessment depends on product category and declared value
When Duties Apply
If duties are assessed on your package:
You'll receive a notice from Canada Post or the carrier
Payment is required before delivery
You can pay at the post office or online
A handling fee (usually $9.95) may be added
Frequently Asked Questions About AliExpress Tracking in Canada
How long does AliExpress shipping take to Canada?
Standard shipping typically takes 15-30 days, though it can range from 5-60 days depending on the shipping method chosen. Express shipping (DHL, FedEx) takes 5-10 days, while economy options may take 30-60 days.
Why is my AliExpress tracking not updating?
Tracking updates often pause during international transit, especially while packages are in the air between China and Canada. It's normal to see no updates for 7-14 days during this phase. Try third-party tracking sites for more detailed information.
Can I track my AliExpress package on Canada Post?
Yes, once your package enters Canada and clears customs, you can track it on the Canada Post website using the same tracking number. Canada Post tracking provides more detailed information about domestic transit.
What does "Inbound Into Customs" mean?
This status means your package has arrived in Canada and is being processed by CBSA. Most packages clear customs within 1-5 days. If you see this status for more than 2 weeks, contact CBSA as additional action may be required.
How do I get a refund if my package never arrives?
Open a dispute through your AliExpress order before the buyer protection expires. Select "Package not received" as the reason and provide tracking evidence. AliExpress will mediate and typically provides a full refund if the package cannot be confirmed as delivered.
Conclusion: Mastering AliExpress Tracking in Canada
Tracking your AliExpress orders to Canada doesn't have to be stressful. With the right knowledge and tools, you can monitor your packages throughout their journey and know exactly when to expect delivery. Remember these key points:
Use multiple tracking sources for the most comprehensive view
Be patient during international transit phases
Monitor buyer protection timers closely
Don't hesitate to open disputes for genuinely missing packages
Canada Post tracking becomes most useful after customs clearance
Armed with this knowledge, you can shop confidently on AliExpress knowing you'll be able to track every step of your package's journey to Canada!
