Taobao International Shipping: Everything You Need To Know

I am getting tons of requests for a detailed tutorial on Taobao consolidated shipping. In another post, I have stressed a whole lot about it, but it still seems that I don’t clarify myself enough.

Many beginners still are not clear what Taobao consolidated shipping is. So in this post, I will make an attempt to explain basics of Taobao consolidated shipping and how to use it.

1. how does it work

Taobao Global Consolidation and Shipping,also called Taobao Cargo,Taobao CSCL,is a Taobao official forwarding service for international buyers.

Step 1: First payment

You submit orders with this option selected and make the first payment for order value+domestic shipping fee from seller to China forwarder’s warehouse.

Step 2: Seller ship orders to forwarder warehouse

Seller will be shown the forwarder warehouse address with your unique ID on the order page and send orders to the forwarder warehouse.

Step 3: Warehouse receive your orders

Warehouse receive it ,weigh it,update you the weight and shipping fee from your account.

Step 4: Second payment

you can log in and make the second payment for the International shipping fee (from forwarder’s warehouse to your destination address).

they will consolidate and ship all your orders in one parcel to your address.

2. Does it support my country

As of April 2022, Taobao supports a total of 14 countries and regions from North America, Oceania, East Asia, and Southeast Asia, and they are:

USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Philippines, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

3. what they can’t ship

The short version

there are total 100+ types of items taobao will not ship abroad,most of them,we will never order it on taobao,so I listed 8 of the most common types of items that we usually mistakenly order:

1. Items exceed size or weight restriction:

Each forwarder has set a restriction for the max weight and size of the parcel they will accept,make sure your parcel are not too long or too heavy.

2. Food

tea, instant noodles, bamboo products, etc.;

3. Liquid, paste, powdered items:

Cosmetics like perfume,lipstick,foundation,nail polish,pencils,pens,alcohol,thermometer,ink etc..

4. Knife and Gun

survival knife,toy gun,water bb gun

5. Electronic device

humidifier,rice cooker,electric toy,vacuum cleaner,etc

6. Magnetic items or parts

Magnets, audio equipment such as audio, motors, speaker, compasses, coils, etc.

7. Battery and items with inbattery

Mobile phones, computers,power banks,watches, lithium battery

8. Branded, fake,replica, counterfeit items

The full version

Here is the full list of prohibited items, if you are curious, you can go and take a look at it.

4. Taobao Shipping rate, Size and weight limits

In order to make it easier for you to understand the shipping costs, weight and size limits of Taobao official shipping to each country, I have created a table for each country, and firstly I will explain the meaning of each column in the table:

forwarder

Here are the forwarders that Taobao cooperates with for each shipping option, each one matches a different warehouse address.

if you have any problems regarding shipping, you will have to contact your warehouse to solve them.

And once the seller ships out your goods, you can’t change shipping methods anymore, because it means switching between different forwarder warehouses which is a very complicated thing.

Warehouse

The warehouse location is the city where the seller ships your goods to, usually in the south of China.

Local Delivery

This is who is responsible for the delivery when the goods arrive in your country.

Shipping rate

Now we are in the middle of a global epidemic, so shipping rates are much more expensive than before, I believe after the epidemic, the rates will be lowered to the original level.

Size and weight limits

All forwarders have maximum weight and size limits, if your package exceeds those limits, they may reject to ship your package.

And even if the package gets accepted and delivered, it could rack up additional charges.

So, after you place an order, especially if your product is heavy or very long, I suggest you contact the seller to make sure the weight and volume of your package are within the allowable shipping limits.

5. Taobao to USA shipping cost

Taobao now supports two shipping options to the U.S., which are Taobao consolidated shipping by air and Taobao consolidated shipping by sea.

Taobao consolidated shipping by Air

The forwarder is Cainiao, which is also a subsidiary of Alibaba Group.

  • Shipping solution name: Air freight(集运空运)
  • Forwarder name: Cainiao
  • Warehouse location: Zhongshan(中山市)
  • Local delivery: USPS,door to door
  • Shipping rate: First 0.5kg: 119 RMB, Next 0.5kg: 63 RMB
  • Size limits: Maximum Length≤80CM,L+W+H≤150CM
  • Weight limits: ≤22 kg

Taobao consolidated shipping by Sea

Taobao’s sea shipping rates are calculated based on the weight of your package,

If the actual weight of your package is less than 20kg, it will be calculated using the small parcel rate.

Once it exceeds 20kg, it will be calculated according to the rate of large parcels.

  • Shipping option name: Official Consolidation-Sea shipping(集运海运)
  • Forwarder name: Cainiao
  • Local delivery: Door to Door
  • Shipping rate(small parcel):
    0<W≤5kg: fixed 250RMB per parcel
    5<W≤20kg: First 0.5kg: 61 RMB, Next 0.5kg: 21 RMB
  • Size and Weight limits(small parcel):
    Consolidated parcel: Maximum Length≤200CM, L+W+H≤266CM, Total weight≤20kg
  • Shipping rate(big parcel):
    20<W≤30kg: 27RMB per kg
    W>30kg: 40RMB per kg
  • Size and Weight limits(big parcel):
    Consolidated parcel: Maximum Length≤200CM, L+W+H≤266CM, Total weight≤65kg

If the actual weight of your parcel is less than 20kg, but the size of the parcel exceeds its limit(Maximum Length>80CM, L+W+H>160CM),

they will charge an additional surcharge of 300 RMB.

For large parcels, they will also charge an additional surcharge of 300 RMB.

6. Taobao to Canada shipping cost

Like the US, Taobao officially offers only one shipping solution to Canada, which is by Taobao consolidated shipping by air.

Here is the detailed information on this shipping method:

  • Shipping solution name: Air freight(官方集运-空运)
  • Forwarder name: Cainiao
  • Warehouse location: Guangzhou (广州市)
  • Local delivery: door to door
  • Shipping rate: First 0.5kg: 130 RMB, Next 0.5kg: 68 RMB
  • Size limits: Maximum Length≤80CM,L+W+H≤150CM
  • Weight limits: ≤20 kg

7. Taobao To Australia Shipping Cost

Taobao provides three shipping solutions to Australia, which are:

  • Taobao consolidated shipping by air
  • Taobao consolidated shipping by sea
  • Taobao global direct Shipping(by air)

And for all shipments by air, the package also supports self-pickup. When you place your order, you can check the pickup option(自提取件) and choose the pickup address.

The self-pickup shipping rate is cheaper than door-to-door.

Taobao consolidated shipping by air

  • Shipping option name: Official Consolidation-Air Freight(官方集运-空运)
  • Forwarder name: Cainiao
  • Warehouse location: Dongguan(东莞市)
  • Local delivery: door to door or self-pickup
  • Shipping rate(door to door): First 0.5kg: 62 RMB, Next 0.5kg: 49 RMB
  • Shipping rate(self-pickup): First 0.5kg: 58 RMB, Next 0.5kg: 49 RMB
  • Size limits: Maximum Length≤90 CM,L+W+H≤160 CM
  • Weight limits: ≤20kg

Taobao consolidated shipping by Sea

  • Shipping option name: Official Consolidation-Sea shipping(官方集运-海运)
  • Forwarder name: Cainiao
  • Warehouse location: Dongguan(东莞市)
  • Local delivery: Door to Door
  • Shipping rate(small parcel): First 0.5kg: 66 RMB, Next 0.5kg: 7 RMB
  • Size limits(small parcel): Max Length≤90 CM,L+W+H≤160 CM,Volume ≤ 0.1m3
  • Weight limits(small parcel): ≤20kg
  • Shipping rate(large parcel): First 0.5kg: 66 RMB, Next 0.5kg: 7 RMB plus handing fee 150 RMB per shipment
  • Size limits(large parcel): Maximum Length≤350 CM,L+W+H≤720 CM,Volume > 0.1m3
  • Weight limits(large parcel): 20kg<billable weight<500kg

Taobao global direct Shipping(by air)

  • Shipping option name: Official Direct Shipping(官方直送)
  • Forwarder name: Cainiao
  • Warehouse location: Dongguan(东莞市)
  • Local delivery: Door to Door or Self-Pickup
  • Shipping rate(door to door): First 0.5kg: 62 RMB, Next 0.5kg: 49 RMB
  • Shipping rate(self-pickup): First kg: 58 RMB, Next 0.5kg: 49 RMB
  • Size limits: Maximum Length≤90 CM,L+W+H≤160 CM
  • Weight limits: ≤5kg

About Tax and GST

If the total value of your order is less than 1000 AUD, you don’t need to pay the customs duty because it is already included in the shipping cost.

GST will also be collected by Taobao in advance when you pay for international shipping, or maybe they will not charge it sometimes.

In short, when you spend less than 1000 AUD in total, you don’t need to worry about duty and GST.

When your total cost exceeds 1000 AUD,

You will need to pay customs duty as required by the Australian Government and Customs.

Your local logistics provider will contact you by phone/text and they will assist you with the customs clearance process.

8. Taobao to New Zealand shipping cost

Taobao offers two shipping solution to New Zealand, which are Cainiao consolidated shipping by air and Cainiao consolidated shipping by sea.

Air shipping service is provided by two forwarders,which are Cainiao and COE logistics. But you can’t choose which forwarder to use, Taobao will automatically choose one for you.

Here are the rates and shipping restrictions of the forwarders:

Consolidated shipping by air(Cainiao) shipping info:

  • Shipping solution name: Cainiao consolidated shipping by air(菜鸟集运空运)
  • Forwarder name: Cainiao
  • Warehouse location: Dongguan(东莞市)
  • Local delivery: door to door
  • Shipping rate: First 0.5kg: 45 RMB, Next 0.5kg: 40 RMB
  • Size limits: Maximum Length≤120 CM,L+W+H≤180 CM
  • Weight limits: ≤23kg

Consolidated shipping by air(COE logistics) shipping info:

  • Shipping solution name: Cainiao consolidated shipping by air(菜鸟集运空运)
  • Forwarder name: COE logistics
  • Warehouse location: Dongguan(东莞市)
  • Local delivery: door to door
  • Shipping rate: First 1kg: 110 RMB, Next 0.5kg: 35 RMB
  • Size limits: Maximum Length≤150 CM,L+W+H≤220 CM
  • Weight limits: ≤30kg

Consolidated shipping by Sea shipping info:

  • Shipping solution name: Cainiao consolidated shipping by sea(菜鸟集运海运)
  • Forwarder name: Cainiao
  • Warehouse location: Dongguan(东莞市)
  • Local delivery: door to door
  • Shipping rate: First 0.5kg: 23 RMB, Next 0.5kg: 7 RMB
  • Size limits: Maximum Length≤300 CM,L+W+H≤500 CM
  • Weight limits: ≤300kg

9. Taobao To Singapore Shipping Cost

Taobao has a lot of users in Singapore, so they provide 3 shipping methods to Singapore, which are

  • Taobao consolidated shipping by air
  • Taobao consolidated shipping by sea
  • Taobao global direct Shipping(by air)

When you choose to ship by air as your shipping method, you can also choose to pick up your package or have it delivered to your door.

by default, it is door to door. if you want to pick up yourself, you can check the pickup option(自提取件) and choose the pickup point when placing your order.

Self-pickup points are provided by POPStation and ParkNParcel. You will receive an SMS and email notification once the parcel is delivered to your pickup points.

Taobao consolidated shipping by air to Singapore

  • Shipping option name: Official Consolidation-Air Freight(官方集运-空运)
  • Forwarder name: Cainiao
  • Warehouse location: Dongguan(东莞市)
  • Local delivery: Door to Door or POPStation pickup or ParkNParcel pickup
  • Shipping rate(Door to Door): First 0.5kg: 19 RMB, Next 0.5kg: 15 RMB
  • Size and Weight limits(Door to Door): Max Length≤100 CM,L+W+H≤160 CM,Total weight≤30kg
  • Shipping rate(POPStation or ParkNParcel pickup): First 0.5kg: 18 RMB, Next 0.5kg: 15 RMB
  • Size and Weight limits(POPStation pickup): Volume≤42*37*61 CM,Total weight≤25kg
  • Size and Weight limits(ParkNParcel pickup): L+W+H<100 CM, Total weight≤10kg

Taobao consolidated shipping by Sea to Singapore

  • Shipping option name: Official Consolidation-Sea shipping(官方集运-海运)
  • Forwarder name: Cainiao
  • Warehouse location: Guangzhou(广州市)
  • Local delivery: Door to Door
  • Shipping rate(small parcel): First 1kg: 21RMB, Next 1kg: 7.4RMB
  • Size and Weight limits(small parcel):
    Consolidated parcel: L+W+H≤500cm, Volume ≤ 0.5cbm, Total weight≤30kg
    And single parcel: L+W+H≤180cm, Weight≤25kg
  • Shipping rate(big parcel):
    Volume≤0.5cbm: 225RMB per parcel
    Volume 0.5-1 cbm: 450RMB per cbm
    Volume >1 cbm: 450RMB per cbm
  • Size and Weight limits(big parcel):
    Consolidated parcel: L+W+H≤500cm, Volume > 0.5cbm, Total weight between 30kg -500kg
    And single parcel: L+W+H>180cm, Weight>25kg

Taobao global direct Shipping(by air) to Singapore

  • Shipping option name: Official Direct Shipping(官方直送)
  • Forwarder name: Cainiao
  • Warehouse location: Dongguan(东莞市)
  • Local delivery: Door to Door or Self-Pickup
  • Shipping rate(door to door): First 0.5kg: 22 RMB, Next 0.5kg: 15 RMB
  • Size and Weight limits(door to door): Max Length≤100 CM,L+W+H≤160 CM,Total weight≤30kg
  • Shipping rate(self-pickup): First kg:20 RMB, Next 0.5kg:15 RMB
  • Size and Weight limits(self-pickup): Volume≤42*37*61(cm),Total weight≤25kg

About Tax and GST

If you choose sea shipping, 7% GST will be charged.

Big parcel handling fee

if your orders contain a big parcel(weight >30kg or L+W+H>300cm), you will be charged a handling fee when you pay for shipping cost.

For sea shipping

you will be charged a big parcel handling fee if your consolidated parcel contains an oversize or overweight parcel, the handling fee is 10RMB per order.

for oversize or overweight goods that needs to assist with a crane or other special equipment, they will charge you 400RMB offline for the use of the equipment.

for fragile goods that need wooden shelves, they will charge you 120RMB offline.

10. Taobao To Malaysia Shipping Cost

Because Malaysia is a large country, shipping costs vary greatly, so Taobao divided Malaysia into eastern and western to calculate shipping costs.

Taobao To West Malaysia Shipping Cost

Taobao provides 3 shipping methods to West Malaysia, which are

  • Taobao consolidated shipping by air
  • Taobao consolidated shipping by sea
  • Taobao global direct Shipping(by air)

When you choose shipping by air as your shipping method, you can also choose to pick up your package or have it delivered to your door.

by default,it is door to door. if you want to pickup yourself, you can check the pickup option(自提取件) and choose the pickup point when placing your order.

Self-pickup points are provided by Yunda Express. You will receive an sms and email notification once the parcel is delivered to your pickup points.

Taobao consolidated shipping by air to West Malaysia

  • Shipping option name: Official Consolidation-Air Freight(官方集运-空运)
  • Forwarder name: Cainiao
  • Warehouse location: Dongguan(东莞市)
  • Local delivery: Door to Door or Self-pickup
  • Shipping rate(Door to Door): First 0.5kg: 15 RMB, Next 0.5kg: 14 RMB
  • Size and Weight limits(Door to Door): Max Length≤100 CM,L+W+H≤160 CM,Total weight≤30kg
  • Shipping rate(Self-pickup): First 0.5kg: 14 RMB, Next 0.5kg: 14 RMB
  • Size and Weight limits(Self-pickup): Max Length≤80 CM,L+W+H≤150 CM,Total weight≤25kg

Taobao consolidated shipping by Sea to West Malaysia

  • Shipping option name: Official Consolidation-Sea shipping(官方集运-海运)
  • Forwarder name: Cainiao
  • Warehouse location: Guangzhou(广州市)
  • Local delivery: Door to Door
  • Shipping rate(small parcel):
    Weight(0 – 3kg): 17RMB per parcel
    Weight(3 -15kg): 9.5RMB per kg
    Weight(15 -30kg): 8.5RMB per kg
  • Size and Weight limits(small parcel):
    Consolidated parcel: L+W+H≤500cm, Volume ≤ 0.3cbm, Total weight≤30kg
    And single parcel: L+W+H≤180cm, Weight≤30kg
  • Shipping rate(big parcel):
    Volume≤0.3cbm: 210RMB per parcel
    Volume >0.3cbm: 700RMB per cbm
  • Size and Weight limits(big parcel):
    Consolidated parcel: L+W+H≤500cm, Volume > 0.3cbm, Total weight between 30kg -500kg
    And single parcel: L+W+H>180cm, Weight>30kg

Taobao global direct Shipping(by air) to West Malaysia

  • Shipping option name: Official Direct Shipping(官方直送)
  • Forwarder name: Cainiao
  • Warehouse location: Dongguan(东莞市)
  • Local delivery: Door to Door or Self-Pickup
  • Shipping rate(door to door): First 0.5kg: 14 RMB, Next 0.5kg: 14 RMB
  • Size and Weight limits(door to door): Max Length≤100 CM,L+W+H≤160 CM,Total weight≤30kg
  • Shipping rate(self-pickup): First 0.5kg:12RMB, Next 0.5kg:14RMB
  • Size and Weight limits(self-pickup): Max Length≤80 CM,L+W+H≤150 CM,Total weight≤25kg

Taobao To East Malaysia Shipping Cost

Taobao provide 3 shipping methods to East Malaysia, which are

  • Consolidated shipping by air
  • Consolidated shipping by sea
  • Global direct Shipping(by air)

As of May 2021, Taobao has not opened a self pick-up service in East Malaysia, only West Malaysia is available.

Taobao consolidated shipping by air to East Malaysia

  • Shipping option name: Official Consolidation-Air Freight(官方集运-空运)
  • Forwarder name: Cainiao
  • Warehouse location: Dongguan(东莞市)
  • Local delivery: Door to Door
  • Shipping rate(Door to Door): First 0.5kg: 26 RMB, Next 0.5kg: 25 RMB
  • Size and Weight limits(Door to Door): Max Length≤100 CM,L+W+H≤160 CM,Total weight≤30kg

Taobao consolidated shipping by Sea to East Malaysia

  • Shipping option name: Official Consolidation-Sea shipping(官方集运-海运)
  • Forwarder name: Cainiao
  • Warehouse location: Guangzhou(广州市)
  • Local delivery: Door to Door
  • Shipping rate(small parcel):
    Weight(0 – 10kg): first 1kg:20RMB,next 1kg:13RMB
    Weight(10 -45kg): first 1kg:12.5RMB,next 1kg:12.5RMB
  • Size and Weight limits(small parcel):
    Consolidated parcel: L+W+H≤500cm, Volume ≤ 0.5cbm, Total weight≤45kg
    And single parcel: L+W+H≤180cm, Weight≤45kg
  • Shipping rate(big parcel):
    Volume≤0.5cbm: 525RMB per parcel
    Volume >0.5cbm: 1050RMB per cbm
  • Size and Weight limits(big parcel):
    Consolidated parcel: L+W+H≤500cm, Volume > 0.5cbm, Total weight between 45kg -500kg
    And single parcel: L+W+H>180cm, Weight>45kg

Taobao global direct Shipping(by air) to East Malaysia

  • Shipping option name: Official Direct Shipping(官方直送)
  • Forwarder name: Cainiao
  • Warehouse location: Dongguan(东莞市)
  • Local delivery: Door to Door
  • Shipping rate(door to door): First 0.5kg: 25 RMB, Next 0.5kg: 24 RMB
  • Size and Weight limits(door to door): Max Length≤100 CM,L+W+H≤160 CM,Total Weight≤30kg

About Customs and tax

Sea shipping to Malaysia will charge 6% SST on order value.

For sea shipping to West Malaysia, your local courier will also charge a remote areas/islands fee for big parcel(volume>0.3cbm or weight >30kg).

Here is the list of islands (Islands) or remote areas that will be charged:

  • Langkawi, Panglao Island, Kedah Island, Tioman Island, Genting Highlands, Cameron Highlands- RM 100 per shipment
  • East Coast: Muadzam Shah, Endau Rompin – RM 50 per shipment
  • South Malaysia: Mersing in Johor, Pulau Kukup, Pengerang, Gesek in Negeri Sembilan – RM 50 per shipment
  • North Malaysia: Gerik, Padang Besar, Pengkalan Hulu, Kaki Bukit, Kuala Nerang, Pedu – RM 50 per shipment

11. Taobao To Hongkong Shipping Cost

Hong Kong is very close to mainland China, so Taobao offers three shipping options to Hong Kong:

  • Taobao consolidated shipping by Cainiao
  • Taobao consolidated shipping by SF-express
  • Taobao global direct Shipping by Cainiao

All three shipping methods support self pick-up or door to door delivery. you can choose the pickup address when you place your order.

Self-pickup points and parcel stations are provided by Cainiao,4PX and SF-express. You will receive an sms and email notification once the parcel is delivered to your pickup points.

Taobao consolidated shipping by Cainiao

  • Shipping option name: Official Consolidation-Air Freight(菜鳥官方集運-標準)
  • Forwarder name: Cainiao/4PX
  • Local delivery: Door to Door or Pickup points or Parcel stations
  • Shipping rate(Door to Door):
    Weight(0< X ≤6kg): First 1kg: 17.6RMB, Next 0.5kg: 3.4RMB
    Weight(6< X ≤10kg): First 6kg: 55RMB, Next 1kg: 5.5RMB
    Weight(10< X ≤20kg): First 10kg: 70RMB, Next 1kg: 5.5RMB
    Weight(20< X ≤60kg): First 20kg: 120RMB, Next 1kg: 4.8RMB
    Weight(X>60kg): First 60kg: 300RMB, Next 1kg: 4RMB
  • Size and Weight limits(Door to Door): Max Length≤350CM,L+W+H≤600CM,Total Weight≤1000kg
  • Shipping rate(Pickup points): First 1kg: 9.7RMB, Next 0.5kg: 3RMB
  • Size and Weight limits(Pickup points): Max Length≤100CM,L+W+H≤200CM,Total Weight≤20kg
  • Shipping rate(Parcel stations): First 1kg: 12.4RMB, Next 0.5kg: 3RMB
  • Size and Weight limits(Parcel stations): Volume<39*10*41cm, Total weight≤3kg

Taobao consolidated shipping by SF-express

  • Shipping option name: Official Consolidation-SFexpress(菜鳥官方集運-順豐)
  • Forwarder name: SF-express
  • Local delivery: Door to Door or SF pickup points or SF locker
  • Shipping rate(Door to Door):
    Weight(0< X ≤20kg): First 1kg: 23RMB, Next 0.5kg: 4RMB
    Weight(20< X ≤100kg): First 20kg: 175RMB, Next 1kg: 7RMB
  • Size and Weight limits(Door to Door): Max Length≤150CM,L+W+H≤300CM,Single Parcel Weight≤30kg
  • Shipping rate(SF pickup points): First 1kg: 23RMB, Next 0.5kg: 4RMB
  • Size and Weight limits(SF pickup points): Volume<36*30*25cm, Total weight≤20kg
  • Shipping rate(SF Locker): First 1kg: 23RMB, Next 0.5kg: 4RMB
  • Size and Weight limits(SF Locker): Volume<36*30*25cm, Total weight≤5kg

Taobao global direct Shipping by Cainiao

  • Shipping option name: Official Direct Shipping(菜鸟官方直送)
  • Forwarder name: Cainiao
  • Local delivery: Door to Door or Pickup points or Parcel stations
  • Shipping rate(Door to Door): First 1kg: 16RMB, Next 0.5kg: 3RMB
  • Size and Weight limits(Door to Door): Max Length≤100CM,L+W+H≤200CM, Weight≤20kg
  • Shipping rate(Pickup points): First 0.6kg: 6RMB, Next 0.5kg: 3RMB
  • Size and Weight limits(Pickup points): Max Length≤100CM,L+W+H≤200CM, Weight≤20kg
  • Shipping rate(Parcel stations): First 1kg: 11RMB, Next 0.5kg: 3RMB
  • Size and Weight limits(Parcel stations): Volume<39*10*41cm, Total weight≤3kg

12. Taobao To Japan Shipping Cost

Taobao offers 2 shipping options to Japan, one is consolidated shipping, and one is global direct shipping(newly added).

Taobao consolidated shipping to Japan shipping info:

  • Shipping solution name: Consolidation-4PX Express Sifang Express(集运-4PX递四方速递)
  • Forwarder name: 4PX(递四方)
  • Warehouse location: Shanghai(上海市)
  • Local delivery: Door to Door
  • Shipping rate: First 1kg: 72 RMB, Next 0.5kg: 20 RMB
  • Size limits: Maximum Length≤120 CM,L+W+H≤170 CM
  • Weight limits: ≤20kg

Taobao Global Direct Shipping to Japan shipping info:

  • Shipping solution name: Official Direct Shipping(官方直送)
  • Forwarder name: Cainiao
  • Local delivery: Door to Door
  • Shipping rate: First 0.5kg: 50 RMB, Next 0.5kg: 10 RMB
  • Size limits: L+W+H≤160 CM
  • Weight limits: ≤10kg

About Japan Customs duty and tax

The shipping cost you pay does not include duties and taxes, If your package is required by customs to pay taxes, your local logistics provider will contact you to pay offline.

Usually, Japanese customs impose high taxes on knitted goods, such as wool sweaters, cashmere sweaters, underwear, socks, bedding, etc.

You can check all the goods that will be taxed and the tax rates in this article.

If the actual weight or size of your package exceeds the permissible limit as stated in the form, it will likely be rejected at the warehouse, resulting in a delayed shipment.

13. Taobao To Philippines Shipping Cost

Taobao provide 3 shipping methods to Philippines, which are

  • Consolidated shipping by air
  • Consolidated shipping by sea
  • Global direct Shipping(by air)

Taobao Consolidated Shipping (by air) to Philippines:

  • Shipping solution name: Consolidated Shipping (by air)(官方集运-空运)
  • Forwarder name: Cainiao
  • Local delivery: Door to Door
  • Shipping rate: First 0.5kg: 48 RMB, Next 0.5kg: 48 RMB
  • Size limits: Max Length≤110CM,L+W+H≤300CM
  • Weight limits: ≤25kg

Taobao Consolidated Shipping (by sea) to Philippines:

  • Shipping solution name: Consolidated Shipping (by sea)(官方集运-海运)
  • Forwarder name: Cainiao
  • Local delivery: Door to Door
  • Shipping rate: First 0.5kg: 25 RMB, Next 0.5kg: 12 RMB
  • Size limits: Max Length≤600CM,L+W+H≤1000CM
  • Weight limits: ≤2000kg

Taobao Global Direct Shipping to Philippines:

  • Shipping solution name: Official Direct Shipping(官方直送)
  • Forwarder name: Cainiao
  • Local delivery: Door to Door
  • Shipping rate: First 0.5kg: 48 RMB, Next 0.5kg: 48 RMB
  • Size limits: Max Length≤120CM,L+W+H≤150CM
  • Weight limits: ≤10kg

About Philippines Customs duty and tax

This shipping quote includes customs duties. So you don’t need to pay extra customs duty.

14. Taobao To Vietnam Shipping Cost

Taobao offers two shipping options to Vietnam:

  • Taobao consolidated shipping by land(官方集运-陆运)
  • Taobao global direct Shipping by land(官方直送)

Taobao Global Direct Shipping by land(官方直送) to Vietnam:

  • Shipping solution name: Official Direct Shipping(官方直送)
  • Forwarder name: Cainiao
  • Local delivery: Door to Door
  • Shipping rate(to Hanoi): 16 RMB per kg
  • Shipping rate(to Ho Chi Minh City): 18 RMB per kg
  • Shipping rate(to other areas): 19.5 RMB per kg
  • Size limits: Max Length≤120CM,L+W+H≤150CM
  • Weight limits: ≤10kg

Taobao Consolidated Shipping (by land) to Vietnam:

  • Shipping solution name: Consolidated Shipping (by land)(官方集运-陆运)
  • Forwarder name: Cainiao
  • Local delivery: Door to Door
  • Shipping rate(to Hanoi): First 1kg: 16 RMB, Next 1kg: 14 RMB
  • Shipping rate(to Ho Chi Minh City): First 1kg: 18 RMB, Next 1kg: 16 RMB
  • Shipping rate(to other areas): First 1kg: 19.5 RMB, Next 1kg: 17.5 RMB
  • Size limits: Max Length≤120CM,L+W+H≤150CM
  • Weight limits: ≤80kg

About Vietnam Customs duty and tax

This shipping quote includes customs duties. So you don’t need to pay extra customs duty.

15. Taobao To Thailand Shipping Cost

Taobao provide 2 shipping methods to Thailand, which are

  • Taobao consolidated shipping by land
  • Taobao global direct Shipping

Taobao Global Direct Shipping to Thailand:

  • Shipping solution name: Official Direct Shipping(官方直送)
  • Forwarder name: Cainiao
  • Local delivery: Door to Door
  • Shipping rate(to Bangkok): First 1kg: 15 RMB, Next 1kg: 15 RMB
  • Shipping rate(to other areas): First 1kg: 16.5 RMB, Next 1kg: 16.5 RMB
  • Size limits: Max Length≤180CM,L+W+H≤300CM
  • Weight limits: ≤10kg

Taobao Consolidated Shipping (by land) to Thailand:

  • Taobao Consolidated Shipping (by land)(官方集运-陆运)
  • Forwarder name: Cainiao
  • Local delivery: Door to Door
  • Shipping rate(to Bangkok): First 1kg: 16 RMB, Next 1kg: 14 RMB
  • Shipping rate(to other areas): First 1kg: 17.5 RMB, Next 1kg: 14 RMB
  • Size limits: Max Length≤180CM,L+W+H≤300CM
  • Weight limits: ≤80kg

About Thailand Customs duty and tax

This shipping quote includes customs duties. So you don’t need to pay extra customs duty.

for some remote areas, your local courier company will charge a 50-100 baht remote delivery fee at the time of delivery to you.

16. Taobao To South Korea Shipping Cost

Taobao provides 2 shipping methods to South Korea, which are

  • Taobao consolidated shipping
  • Taobao direct Shipping

Taobao Direct Shipping to South Korea:

  • Shipping solution name: Official Direct Shipping(官方直送)
  • Forwarder name: Cainiao
  • Local delivery: Door to Door
  • Shipping rate: First 1kg: 26 RMB, Next 0.5kg: 7 RMB
  • Size limits: Max Length≤100CM,L+W+H≤150CM
  • Weight limits: ≤10kg

Taobao Consolidated Shipping to South Korea:

  • Taobao Consolidated Shipping(官方集运-空运)
  • Forwarder name: Cainiao
  • Local delivery: Door to Door
  • Shipping rate: First 0.5kg: 17 RMB, Next 0.5kg: 8 RMB
  • Size limits: Max Length≤100CM,L+W+H≤160CM
  • Weight limits: ≤25kg

About South Korea Customs duty and tax

Shipping fees do not include taxes, so you may need to pay additional duties.

As required by the customs policy in Korea, you are required to fill in your Personal Customs Clearance Code (PCCC) when placing an order on Taobao, otherwise, you cannot complete the payment for the order.

South Korean citizens can generate a PCCC here.

Taobao requires that the phone number & name of the registered PCCC needs to be the same as the order recipient’s phone number & name,

The phone number format needs to be 010 + 8 digits, the name needs to be in Korean.

17. How do they calculate the total shipping cost

the shipping fee

Your parcel will be charged by either actual weight or volumetric weight – whichever is greater. Volumetric weight is a value derived from the size rather than the weight of your parcel and may apply if your parcel is particularly large and contains relatively light items.

The volumetric weight calculation formula Taobao forwarder use is L * W * H / 6000 = KG

An example: Let’s say a parcel is 50cmx20cmx20cm and weighs 2.5 kg.

  • Multiply the dimensions together to get 20000.
  • Divide by 6000 to get 3.33, which rounds up to 3.5.
  • That means the volumetric weight for this parcel is 3.5kg. Because the actual weight is 2.5kg, you will be charged for 3.5kg on this parcel because it is the greater of the two (volumetric weight vs. actual weight), making 3.5kg the chargeable weight.

GST and Customs taxes

here is the chart of tax threshold and rate listed:

Note:

The amount of this tax threshold is the total amount including the actual value of the goods and the freight, not only the value of the goods (except Singapore/Malaysia).

the amount of the Singapore/Malaysia tax threshold is subject to the value of the goods.

for Canadian:

if you choose official air transport, A 5% GST will be charged in advance when you pay the international shipping fee.

the service fee for remote areas

if you are from Hongkong, will charge a service fee for residential address(20 HKD) and remote areas(30 HKD).

18. step-by-step tutorial on how to use it

the following is a step-by-step guide on how to use Taobao Global Consolidation and Shipping:

Step 1: first payment

When making an order, please select or add a new address at the shipping address section, and then choose “After the consignment(集运)” “.

taobao cargo

you can click “Modification Service Provider” to choose your preferred forwarder based on their pricing and service standards.

After confirming your selection, proceed to payment and complete your order.

TB1LNeWIFXXXXbZXXXXXXXXXXXX

Step 2: Manage Your Parcel

Click [跨境物流管理(cross-border logistics management)] in the upper right corner of world.taobao.com homepage or click here

cross border logistics management

Step 3: Choose parcels to be consolidated

Now you will see your parcels that are waiting to be consolidated.

select products that you want to consolidate. The system will automatically calculate the total weight(总重量) and the shipping fee(预计运费) of the consolidated goods, from the warehouse in China to your place.

After confirmation, click “One-click package settlement(一键合包结算)”.

cons11png

The official holding time in the warehouse is 20 days. If your parcels stay in the warehouse for not more than 20 days, you won’t need to pay for any extra detention charges. Else, you will be charged 1 RMB per parcel per day.

Taobao Consolidated Shipping allows consolidation of up to 20 orders! If you have more than 20 orders, it is recommended that you split them into different batches of consolidation and make payment accordingly.

Note: you will not receive any notification when orders reach the forwarder’s warehouse,you are advised to download “淘宝Lite” from App Store or Google Play. The “Logistics Helper” in the app will automatically send you the notification.

Step 4: second payment

After consolidating your orders, check the shipping method and delivery address. Then click “Checkout(提交并支付)”.You will then be prompted to make the second payment.

confirm%20your%20address

Now the international shipping fee payment settled. Check the status closely and wait for your parcels.

19. How can I contact the Taobao warehouse

There are two ways to get in touch with them,first is by aliwangwang,second is by livechat. they can understand and speak a litte English,so make sure you use simple and plain words.

aliwangwang with the forwarder

On the [物流订单(Logistics Order)] tab, click on the blue icon to consult with the forwarder Customer Service.

kc oss 1533105454930 6

contact your forwarder warehouse via LiveChat

Click the following forwarder link to have a live chat with them, if you are not sure which forwarder you are using, check it from this page.

Region Forwarder warehouse
United States 集运空运
Canada 官方集运-空运
Australia 官方集运-海运 官方直送 官方集运-空运
New Zealand 集运-4PX递四方速递 集运-中通速递
Japan 集运-4PX递四方速递
Singapore 官方集运-海运 官方集运-空运 官方直送
Malaysia 官方集运-海运 官方集运-空运 官方直送
Hong Kong 菜鸟-官方直送 菜鸟-官方集运 集运-顺丰速运
Macau 官方直送 集运-顺丰速运
Taiwan 官方集运-海运快递 官方集运-空运 集运-4PX递四方速递

That’s all. I hope that this post helped you understand consolidated shipping at a better level. Please leave a comment below, and let me know what you think!

You may also want to see step-by-step ordering from the Taobao guide for beginners.

Follow Me On My Social Media.!

I am very active on various social media outlets as well as this blog. So social media is a much faster and more effective channel to communicate with me compared to comments section of this blog.

I also update my social media with the latest Taobao and 1688 articles, tips, rule changes, latest promotions, etc.

If you’re serious about buying from China, you can’t miss my social media.

Here are the social media accounts that I hold:

It only takes a few seconds to follow me, but one of my updates there may solve your problems and save you a huge amount of time and money!!

732 thoughts on “Taobao International Shipping: Everything You Need To Know”

  1. Hello, I have a question. I live America and if I use the seller’s shipping method in taobao to buy stuff, do I need to pay additional shipping fees when my item reaches the warehouse and will the seller directly ship the item to my address just like what sellers do in AliExpress.

  2. Genesis Cabrera

    Hi Eric,
    I have already made an order on taobao and am waiting for all of the order to come and be consolidated to be shipped to the US. Only half of the items have arrived at the warehouse, however the shipping is almost $200 (more specifically 1080 yuan) for only 11.469kg. This makes absolutely no sense since I’ve ordered from taobao in the past and was charged much less than what I’m being charged now and the order weighed a lot more. Back in 2019, I paid 731 yuan for a 16.477kg package.

    I would really appreciate your help because I don’t know what to do and my Mandarin is not very good. I truly do not understand why they are charging me so much for shipping now. I am using 官方空运, which is really same forwarding service I used back in 2019 when I ordered off of taobao. The math doesn’t add up and shipping is exponentially higher than before. I don’t know if this the right amount to charge me or not. Please let me know what you think about the situation and what I should do. Thank you.

    1. I see that their official shipping rate is 90 yuan per kg now to the USA, so your price is right.

      Air shipping to the US is very expensive now, shipping to Amazon FBA is almost two to three times more expensive than before.

      You can either return it or find a third-party shipping agent and have the warehouse send it to your shipping agent.

  3. Hi Eric,
    I’m confuse on shipping cost calculation, 1 of my parcel is 64*46*35cm which sum out to be 17.173kg. if the 1st kg is 21 rmb (according to cainiao chart) and subsequent KGs is 7.4 rmb, it should cost me only 143.1 rmb but how come it is charging me 166.40 rmb? no matter how I calculate it just don’t get me 166.40 rmb which really confuse me. Is there like hidden cost? Another of my parcel as well is 1.079kg and cost me 36.31 rmb for shipping, even if it calculate as 1.5kg should also cost me less than that? Need your advise please..

    Thank you so much.

    1. If you think your charges are not acceptable, you can contact your warehouse and ask why.

      For some places, the warehouse will charge some tax(Customs tax or GST) in advance.

      This can also cause you to pay more than the calculated fee.

  4. Hi Eric,
    Thank you for your sharing, so helpful xo. Can you help me out with some questions please. Thank you so much. I am living in Australia by the way.
    1. Is this you will be noticed by senders how long about waiting when you finishing your orders with Taobao. and normally how long this will take to be shipped to Aus. for example by sea with big boxes
    2. If you ordered from different shops in Taobao, but chose the same way by sea to ship to Aus, do you think all of my orders can go by 1 carrier and come in a same time or they will go separetly.
    3. If I do want to buy some fake products, can I still buy in any limitted, or just no at all.
    Thank again.
    I am looking forward to hearing from you.
    Have a good day.

    1. Hi,Cynthia
      here are my answers:
      1. if by sea, it will take 6-7 weeks.
      2. if you combine them in one shipment, they will be shipped by one carrier and come at the same time.
      3. it depends, If it is a very well-known brand, there will be trouble.

  5. Hello Eric! May you help me? There was a package that got to the warehouse, and I realized that I did not want it. I tried to return it, and believed this whole time they have shipped it back to the seller. But they didn’t, and now it’s not even showing that it’s in the warehouse anymore. Are they still charging me daily? What do I do? I’m not sure who has it or where it is but I know I do not want it and would prefer a refund. Thank you 🙂

    1. I think you should first contact the warehouse to clarify the status of your package, if they have returned the package, they will provide you with the domestic tracking number, you can use this tracking number to apply for a refund from the seller.

  6. This is my first time trying to purchase on Taobao.com. I am in the US. When I get to entering a shipping address, I do not see a choice for 集运 or “After the Consignment”, either before or after I enter my US address. (Also, the shipping address entry form I’m seeing is just in Chinese. Your screenshot is in English. Am I looking at the wrong thing?)

  7. Hi Eric,
    Thank you for sharing. It’s a really helpful article. I have a few questions:
    – I am making my 1st Taobao purchase. Currently I only see one shipping option – “官方海运”. Why is that so? I cannot see the ship by air option.
    – My total combined amount is about $320+. If only the shipping by Sea option is available, I will be charged GST when it arrives in Singapore? When and how do I make payment for GST? Is this a 3rd payment that Taobao or SG customs will bill me later?
    – I am buying small boxes of incense sticks, and their weight is really light. Like maybe 100g for a box at most, or even like 3g for sample packets. However the shipping by sea fees are surprisingly expensive for something so light – 28rmb for a 100g box of incense. Is this due to the size of the box? Although I think the box dimensions should be quite small. I thought that maybe 3-4 small boxes will cost 21rmb or a bit more. Did not expect it to be charged at per box.

    Thank you.

    1. Hi, Jean

      1. you can only see sea shipping means this product only supports sea shipping.

      2. when it arrives in Singapore, your local delivery company will tell you how to pay for the GST.

      3. I don’t know the specifics of your product, but their billing weight is based on the actual weight and volume weight whichever is greater.

      1. Hi Eric,
        Thank you for your reply. For (2), is the local delivery company Taobao’s partner? They will have my contact and address to inform me of the GST charge once the parcels arrive in Singapore? Or will the delivery person collect from me on the spot when I open the door (more inconvenient as I do not want to trouble my landlord with cash payment).
        Thank you once again.

  8. For shipping to Canada, will Taobao automatically charges the 5% GST and 7% customs tax to the order?

    What is the local courier once the parcel is handed from Cainiao in Canada? Your chart has a “*” symbol but no clarification. Is it Canada Post? Is there an option for EMS shipping for Canada from Taobao? Would like to avoid UPS, DHL and FedEx. Thanks!

    1. Taobao’s website said that Canada’s shipping rate already includes customs tax and GST.

      Previously it was possible to choose, but now it is not possible to choose. Cainiao has different cooperation delivery companies in different places, It may be UPS or DHL, you can not choose yourself.

  9. Hey Eric, what happens when the person at the warehouse refuses to accept it due to prohibited items? Can you talk to them? Does the shipping get refunded as well? Thanks!!

    1. If they reject your items, your items will be returned to the seller, and you can apply for a refund and notify the seller that your product has been returned so that they will approve the refund and get your money back.

      Domestic shipping fees will not be refunded, but international shipping fees will be refunded.

  10. Hey Eric!

    What happens if you don’t agree or think the second international shipping is too expensive? Will you be able to cancel the order and does that mean the first shipment fee won’t be refunded?

    Thanks for your help!

  11. Mohamad shazureen bin shatar

    im often use taobao direct shipping for buying fake nike shirts around 1, 2 pcs . Then i decide to take a bulk order of fake nike shirt and use sea shipping consolidation ,
    question : thus this can make my order been ban or cant reach to my address , I’m just afraid . btw I’m from west malaysia

    1. I know there are many people who took the risk and successfully received fake items with Taobao official shipping.

      But I don’t recommend that you use the official shipping method to buy fake stuff, because once found, they may withhold your order.

      As for shipping to Malaysia, a lot of 3rd-party forwarders can send you fake or replicas.

  12. Hi Eric
    Nice reading ton how to ship from Taobao.
    My question is if you order from Taobao with many different things and how will they delivered to the same warehouse for consolidating shipping ?
    What will happen if some of the things you order deliver to different warehouse ?
    China is so big, I thinks there are many warehouse ?

    1. Right now there are not many warehouse options or shipping options, only 1-2 warehouses.

      As long as you choose the same shipping method when placing an order, the seller will send it to the same warehouse address.

      Because there is only one warehouse address for a shipping method.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top