ILS, or International Logistics Standard, is China Post's primary international parcel service for cross-border shipments. It handles millions of packages annually, connecting Chinese sellers and businesses to customers worldwide. The service bridges domestic Chinese logistics with global delivery networks, making it essential for e-commerce operations and international trade.
China Post has operated since 1911, and its international services evolved significantly after China joined the Universal Postal Union. Today, ILS represents one of Asia's most reliable cross-border shipping options, particularly for parcels under 2kg destined for over 220 countries and regions.
ILS operates through a hub-and-spoke model. Your parcel gets collected at a local post office or pickup point in China, sorted at regional distribution centers, and transported to international gateways in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou. From there, it enters the receiving country's postal network for final delivery.
Transit times typically range from 10-30 business days depending on destination and service level. ILS offers both standard and expedited options, with tracking available from pickup to final delivery.
China Post provides several ILS variants to suit different shipping needs and budgets:
Paxlo integrates directly with China Post's ILS tracking system, eliminating the need to visit China Post's website or juggle multiple tracking apps. Enter your ILS tracking number once, and Paxlo handles everything else.
You'll receive instant notifications at each milestone, from pickup in China through customs clearance to arrival at your local post office. Paxlo decodes China Post's tracking language, translating Chinese status updates into clear English descriptions. No more guessing whether 'regional center processing' means your package is still in Shanghai or already in transit.
If you've ordered from Chinese e-commerce platforms, second-hand marketplaces, or direct sellers, your parcel almost certainly came via ILS. It's the default choice for affordable international shipping from China because the rates are competitive and the network is mature.
However, ILS tracking can frustrate users. Information updates irregularly, especially during the international handoff phase. Packages sometimes sit idle at customs without explanation. Paxlo solves this by continuously polling the tracking system and explaining what each status actually means for your delivery timeline.
Understanding ILS tracking helps you know what to expect:
Paxlo's intelligence layer recognizes these patterns. When your ILS package hasn't shown movement in 3 days but it's normal for that stage, Paxlo won't trigger a false alert. When a delay is genuinely unusual, you'll get notified immediately.
Tracking ILS parcels through Paxlo transforms the experience from stressful to straightforward:
ILS competes with DHL, FedEx, and UPS for international shipments from China, but serves a different market segment. Those premium carriers are faster and more reliable but cost significantly more. ILS targets price-conscious shippers willing to accept longer delivery windows in exchange for lower rates.
For e-commerce buyers purchasing from Chinese marketplaces, ILS is often the only shipping option offered. It's not a choice between ILS and DHL, it's ILS or wait weeks for delivery. Understanding and tracking ILS properly matters because it's the carrier you'll actually use.
Start tracking your ILS parcel immediately by downloading Paxlo on iOS or Android. You'll need your ILS tracking number, which typically begins with two letters followed by nine digits (e.g., LZ123456789CN).
Paste the tracking number into Paxlo's search bar, and the app automatically detects that it's an ILS parcel and pulls live data from China Post's systems. From that moment forward, Paxlo monitors your shipment and sends notifications at each step. No manual checking required, no outdated information, no confusion about status codes.
Whether your ILS parcel is crossing from Shanghai to Sydney or Beijing to Berlin, Paxlo keeps you informed every step of the journey. Track with confidence, knowing exactly where your international package is and when it will arrive.
ILS standard delivery typically takes 15-30 business days from pickup in China to doorstep arrival. The timeline depends on destination country, customs processing speed, and the receiving postal service's efficiency. Paxlo tracks each phase and provides estimated delivery dates based on the current location and historical patterns for that route. If your shipment is delayed, Paxlo alerts you with an explanation rather than just a late status.
Multi-day gaps between updates are normal for ILS, especially during three phases: transit through China's domestic network, customs clearance at international gateways, and handoff to the destination country's postal service. Paxlo explains what's happening during these silent periods so you know whether the delay is expected or concerning. If tracking stops updating for an unusual amount of time, Paxlo notifies you to investigate with the seller or postal service.
Yes. When your ILS parcel reaches customs, tracking shows 'customs clearance' or similar status. Paxlo interprets this and informs you that your package is being inspected and cleared for entry. The duration varies by country and parcel contents, typically 1-7 days. Some countries require additional documentation or import duties, which Paxlo can help you understand. If customs holds exceed typical timeframes, Paxlo alerts you so you can contact the sender or customs office.
ILS tracking from China Post includes Chinese status descriptions like '已投递' (delivered) or '海关清关' (customs clearance). Paxlo automatically translates these into plain English. You'll see something like 'Customs clearance in progress' instead of an untranslated code. This removes the confusion and lets you understand exactly where your parcel is and what's happening to it at each step.
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Yes. Paxlo calculates estimated delivery dates based on your package's current location, historical delivery data for that route, and current time of year. For an ILS parcel just leaving China, the estimate might be 20-28 days. As it progresses through customs and enters your destination country, Paxlo refines the estimate with greater accuracy. The estimates improve as the package gets closer to your address, eventually showing the exact delivery date once it's in local postal delivery.
