China Post advises that it is taking steps to prevent and minimise the spread of the coronavirus. According to the World Health Organisation, coronaviruses do not survive long on objects. The post confirms it is safe to receive postal items from China without the risk of contracting the virus. Measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of mail processing and postal staff, including the disinfection of postal offices, processing centres and transportation vehicles and the monitoring of postal staff’s physical health. 

For all inbound mail, China Post will contact the recipient by telephone in advance about their delivery preferences. Delivery will be conducted via non-face-to-face methods, such as temporary storage at the postal outlet, availability for collection from the outlet, or delivery to a smart parcel locker. Therefore, delays should be expected in the processing and delivery of inbound mail, and it may not be possible to provide written proof of delivery.

Some international airlines have suspended flights to mainland China and some border ports in neighbouring countries are also temporarily closed. China Post will temporarily store affected transit mail (air and surface) and will transport it to the destination countries when these transport options are available once again. Delays are expected during this time. 

A national holiday is taking place from the 1st-7th October, this year is also the 70th anniversary of People’s Republic of China. There will be large celebrations, including a military parade which will take place on the 1st October.

China Post has confirmed a Customs’ holiday and reduced operating times during this period:

• Beijing: No customs clearance between 1st-7th October. This will affect any province which are under the jurisdiction of Beijing Customs. 
• Shanghai: Customs will operate as normal
• ZheJiang/Jiangsu: Customs will not be operating from 1st-3rd October
• Shenzhen: Customs will be working half-day shifts from 1st-7th October

Delivery delays are likely as a result. 

Typhoon Lekima hit Shanghai and neighbouring Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Shandong provinces between 8010th August, causing flight delays and cancellations that affected processing and delivery of both inbound and outbound mail

Several landslides in southeastern China are causing disruptions to mail services. The most affected areas include provinces of Guizhou, Sichuan, Hunan, Fujian, Jiangxi and Guangdong.

Severe flooding has been causing disruptions to road traffic in Fujian Province, Anhui, Province and Guangxi Region in China since 6th July. Disruptions to services are expected for the next week.