USPS (United States Postal Service) offers several shipping options to China, each with varying delivery speeds, costs, and services. Here’s a breakdown of the different USPS services you can use to ship from the United States to China:

1. USPS Shipping Options to China

a. Priority Mail International (PMI)

• Delivery Time: Typically 6–10 business days.
• Tracking: Available, and you can track the package online.
• Maximum Weight: 70 lbs (32 kg).
• Price: Rates start at around $40-$50 USD for small packages (depending on the size and weight).
• Services: Provides delivery to most addresses in China and includes free insurance for items valued up to $200.
• Advantages: Affordable and reasonably fast for standard international shipping.

b. Priority Mail Express International (PMEI)

• Delivery Time: 3-5 business days (fastest USPS option).
• Tracking: Available, and you get real-time updates.
• Maximum Weight: 70 lbs (32 kg).
• Price: Starts at around $60-$70 USD, but the cost can vary depending on size, weight, and distance.
• Services: Includes delivery to most locations in China, tracking, and up to $100 in insurance for lost or damaged goods.
• Advantages: Fastest USPS international service with guaranteed delivery times.

c. First-Class Package International Service

• Delivery Time: 7–21 business days (varies by destination).
• Tracking: Limited tracking to certain countries (including China, but may not be as comprehensive as other services).
• Maximum Weight: 4 lbs (1.8 kg).
• Price: Rates start at around $15-$20 USD.
• Services: Ideal for lighter and smaller packages (documents, lightweight goods).
• Advantages: Cheapest option for small, low-weight items. However, delivery time is slower compared to Priority Mail.

d. First-Class Mail International

• Delivery Time: 7–21 business days, depending on the destination.
• Tracking: Limited tracking, usually only available for registered mail or specific regions.
• Maximum Weight: 4 lbs (1.8 kg).
• Price: Rates start at $10 USD for small, lightweight packages or letters.
• Services: Used mainly for documents and very light items.
• Advantages: Most cost-effective, but with less tracking and longer delivery times.

e. USPS Retail Ground (for larger, heavier items)

• Delivery Time: 6-10 business days, but only available for shipments within the U.S. to China via partners.
• Tracking: Available, but can be limited for international deliveries.
• Maximum Weight: 70 lbs (32 kg).
• Price: Prices will vary based on the size and weight of the shipment.
• Advantages: Often a more affordable option for larger or heavier items compared to other methods.

2. Customs and Duties When Shipping to China

• Customs Declaration: All shipments to China must include a completed customs declaration form (CN22 or CN23), detailing the contents and value of the items being shipped.
• Duties and Taxes: Shipments may be subject to customs duties and VAT depending on the value of the goods and the specific item category. These costs are typically the responsibility of the recipient in China.
• Restricted and Prohibited Items: China has restrictions on certain items (e.g., food, plants, and some electronics). Be sure to check the China Customs website or contact USPS for a list of prohibited items before shipping.

3. Tracking and Insurance

• Tracking: USPS offers tracking services for most international shipments, but the level of tracking can vary depending on the service used (e.g., Priority Mail International offers full tracking, whereas First-Class Package International may have limited tracking).
• Insurance: Most USPS international services come with limited insurance, but you can purchase additional coverage for higher-value shipments. For example:
  • Priority Mail International includes free insurance for items valued up to $200.
  • Priority Mail Express International includes $100 of insurance for items lost or damaged.

4. How to Ship with USPS to China

• Prepare Your Package: Ensure the package is properly sealed and clearly labeled with the recipient’s full address in China (including postal code and country).
• Fill Out the Customs Form: Complete the required customs declaration form. For small parcels, use CN22; for larger or higher-value shipments, use CN23.
• Go to Your Local USPS Office: Take your package to a USPS post office, where they will weigh it, help you complete the necessary paperwork, and give you a shipping quote.
• Pay for Postage: Pay for the shipping cost at the post office, or you can use USPS’s Click-N-Ship service to print shipping labels online.
• Drop Off or Schedule Pickup: Once you’ve paid, you can either drop the package off at the post office or schedule a pickup through USPS (available for certain services).

5. Delivery Times

• The delivery time for international shipping to China varies by service:
  • Priority Mail Express International: 3-5 business days
  • Priority Mail International: 6-10 business days
  • First-Class Package International: 7-21 business days

However, please note that customs processing times and potential delays can affect the overall delivery time.

Summary of USPS Services to China:

Would you like more details on any specific service or help with calculating exact shipping costs?