If you’ve ever shopped on Taobao, 1688, JD.com or other Chinese online marketplaces, you’ve probably come across the term forwarding.
The first time I bought from Taobao, I was excited by the affordable prices—but I was also confused about how forwarding worked. Should I use Taobao’s official forwarding service? Which courier should I choose? What happens after my parcel reaches the warehouse? How long does shipping take?
These are common questions for many Singapore shoppers.
The good news is that forwarding from China to Singapore doesn’t have to be complicated. Besides using marketplace forwarding services, you can also arrange your own international shipping through EasyParcel, giving you greater flexibility over your courier options and delivery experience.
In this guide, I’ll share how package forwarding works, my shopping experience and how EasyParcel can help simplify shipping from China to Singapore.
Table of Contents
My First Taobao Forwarding Experience
Like many first-time buyers, I initially thought buying from Taobao was simple.
- Search for a product.
- Make payment.
- Wait for delivery.
However, after placing my order, I realised I needed to decide how my parcel would be forwarded to Singapore.
There were several forwarding options, each with different delivery times, costs and shipping arrangements.
That’s when I started learning how package forwarding actually works.
What Is Package Forwarding?
Package forwarding is a service that transports your purchases from one country to another.
For example:
- You buy products from a seller in China.
- The seller ships the parcel to a designated warehouse or collection point.
- The forwarding service consolidates or processes the shipment.
- The parcel is shipped internationally.
- The courier delivers it to your address in Singapore.
Common Ways to Forward Parcels from China to Singapore
There are several ways to ship parcels from China.
| Forwarding Method | Best For | Things to Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Marketplace Forwarding (e.g. Taobao Official) | Casual shoppers | Limited courier options and shipping flexibility. |
| Third-Party Package Forwarding | Frequent buyers | Greater flexibility depending on the forwarding provider. |
| Direct International Shipping via EasyParcel | Businesses, sellers and individuals | Compare courier services, enjoy doorstep pickup and full shipment tracking. |
Why More Sellers Choose EasyParcel Instead of Traditional Forwarding
Traditional forwarding services usually provide limited delivery options.
EasyParcel offers greater flexibility by allowing businesses and individuals to arrange international shipments through trusted courier partners.
With EasyParcel, you can:
- Compare multiple international courier services.
- Arrange doorstep pickup in China (where supported).
- Ship directly from China to Singapore.
- Track shipments online with EasyTrack.
- Choose the courier that best matches your delivery timeline.
International Courier Services Available on EasyParcel
EasyParcel supports trusted international courier companies for shipments from China to Singapore.
Ship Directly from China to Singapore
Looking for a more flexible alternative to traditional forwarding?
With EasyParcel, you can compare international courier services, arrange pickup in China (where supported) and have your parcels delivered to Singapore with end-to-end tracking.
My Experience Shipping from China to Singapore
After comparing different forwarding methods, I realised there wasn’t a single solution that fits everyone.
For occasional shoppers buying a few items from Taobao, marketplace forwarding may be sufficient. However, if you’re purchasing from multiple suppliers, buying for your business or prefer greater control over your shipments, using an independent shipping platform can offer much more flexibility.
This is where EasyParcel comes in.
Instead of being limited to a single forwarding option, EasyParcel allows you to arrange shipments from China to Singapore through trusted international courier partners, compare available services and choose the option that best suits your shipping needs.
Why Choose EasyParcel for Shipping from China to Singapore?
Compare Multiple Courier Services
Instead of relying on a single forwarding company, compare trusted international courier companies in one platform and choose the service that best matches your delivery timeline and shipment requirements.
Doorstep Pickup
Arrange pickup directly from your supplier, warehouse or business location in China (where supported), eliminating the need to transport parcels yourself.
Suitable for Personal & Business Shipments
Whether you're shipping a single parcel, product samples or bulk business orders, EasyParcel offers flexible shipping solutions for different shipment sizes.
EasyTrack
Track your shipment from pickup to delivery using EasyTrack, so you always know where your parcel is throughout the shipping journey.
Smart HS Code
Simplify customs documentation with Smart HS Code, which automatically suggests suitable HS Codes based on your product description.
How to Ship from China to Singapore with EasyParcel
1. Log in EasyParcel account.
2. Under “Send Parcel”, Click on “International Delivery”.
3. Enter details (sender country with postcode, destination country with postcode and parcel weight) and click on “Quote”.
Choose your preferred courier and click “Book Now.”
4. Fill in all details included Sender Details, Receiver Details, Parcel Details and Add-On Services.
Sender and Receiver Details:
Parcel Details:
Enter the actual weight, dimension and content of your parcel.
Parcel Content:
Fill in your item name. Then, choose your item category from the dropdown menu. The HS code will be auto generated based on your selection.
Note: Learn more about Smart HS Code.
Add-On Services:
i. Select your preferred duties payment option – Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) or Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU).
Note: Learn more about DDP and DDU.
ii. Tick the box to add EasyCover for additional protection against loss.
Note: EasyCover availability depends on the courier selected. Learn more about EasyCover.
iii. Choose your preferred notification channel – SMS, Email, or WhatsApp. Click “Preview” to see how it looks, and click “Customise” to add brand message to the notification.
Note: Learn more about Customise Branding Servcies.
iv. Tick the “Mask Sender Details” checkbox. EasyParcel Next Gen will automatically hide your sender information based on your saved privacy settings.
Note: Mask Sender Details only available for certain couriers. Find out what courier is available for Mask Sender Details.
v. Tick the “Custom AWB” checkbox. EasyParcel Next Gen will apply your saved AWB template automatically. After completing all details, click on “Checkout” button.
Note: Custom AWB is only available for certain couriers. Find out which couriers support Custom AWB.
5. Double check all the details and click on “Pay Now” to make payment.
6. Download and print Air Waybill (AWB).
Single AWB
1. Click the three dots icon next to the shipment.
2. Select “Print AWB” from the dropdown menu.
3. A PDF file will automatically download and save.
Bulk Downloads AWB
1. Tick the “Selected” checkbox to choose all your orders.
2. A menu will appear at the bottom of the screen.
3. Click “AWB” to download all AWBs in bulk.
Final Thoughts
Forwarding parcels from China to Singapore doesn’t have to be confusing. Whether you’re shopping on Taobao, sourcing products from 1688 or working directly with manufacturers, understanding how forwarding works helps you choose the most suitable shipping solution.
While traditional forwarding services may work for some shoppers, EasyParcel provides greater flexibility by allowing you to compare trusted international courier services, arrange doorstep pickup (where supported), prepare customs documentation and track your shipment from start to finish.
If you’re looking for a reliable and convenient way to ship from China to Singapore, EasyParcel gives you the tools and courier options to make international shipping easier for both personal and business needs.
