Since July 2021, when a new EU law started applying to shipments from third countries regarding VAT, especially Chinese sellers managed to adapt at an unbelievably fast pace. They fine-tuned their shipping channels to perfection, so we can keep enjoying great and now hassle-free shopping from China.
That also applies to the globally known marketplace AliExpress, which never stops surprising us. Our latest experience with orders proves it.
11 orders in one big package!
Ever since the new VAT law came into effect, many people are afraid to order from China. The reason is the concern about customs fees, which can make orders more expensive. But you can safely brush those worries aside, because AliExpress has perfected its shipping from Chinese warehouses.
Recently, we placed several orders on this marketplace—specifically 11—and many of them came from different sellers. The orders included cables, phone cases, and screen protectors, as well as watches, a showerhead, and other cheap add-ons. Everything arrived in one huge package and even by courier. We didn’t have to pay any extra customs fees.
The magic is in the new “Combined Delivery” service
This happened thanks to the new service “Combined Delivery”, i.e., combined shipping. The key is to choose any shipping option with the name AliExpress (e.g., Aliexress Standard Shipping) or Cainiao (e.g., Cainiao Super Economy).
AliExpress will combine these orders in its European distribution center and deliver them as one big unit. Delivery takes a bit longer, but the courier brings the package and no customs fees are charged! Specifically, our package looked like it had been sent from Budapest. This is probably where one of the distribution centers is located.
AliExpress informed us about combined shipping for these specific orders. Through the app, we received notifications with information on which orders are part of this service, and we also had a shared tracking number for the courier.
Shop via Black Friday on AliExpress
In this case, delivery takes a little longer because AliExpress waits for all the packages to be delivered to its center, then packs them together, and only afterward delivers them. In our case, it was about 1 month. The undeniable advantage, however, is that the orders come to your doorstep by courier and, most importantly, with no customs fees whatsoever. So the longer wait is definitely worth it.
Do you already have experience with AliExpress’s Combined Delivery service?
Finally, just one more tip: We’ve already tested that with these shipments we didn’t have to pay customs fees even when it was a package with only one order. In any case, we highly recommend choosing shipping named AliExpress or Cainiao.
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