Hi Steve,

China Post's policies regarding international mail, including shipments to the U.S., are governed by both Chinese regulations and the agreements with destination postal services (such as USPS).

1. Delivery to PO Boxes via USPS
China Post Policy: China Post does not directly deliver to PO Boxes in the U.S. However, it transfers mail to USPS for final delivery.

USPS Policy: USPS does deliver to PO Boxes for items sent via standard mail services (e.g., First-Class Mail, Priority Mail).

Issue: Some AliExpress sellers may misunderstand or misrepresent this rule. If a package is sent via a standard postal service (e.g., ePacket, China Post Ordinary Small Packet), USPS should deliver it to a PO Box. However, if the seller uses a courier (like FedEx, DHL, or UPS), PO Box delivery may not be possible.

Recommendation: Confirm with the seller that they are using China Post/USPS (not a private courier) for PO Box deliveries.

2. Restricted Items: Knives (Pocket, Survival, Hunting, etc.)
China Post Restrictions:

Prohibited: Items classified as "weapons" or "controlled tools" under Chinese law may be restricted.

Allowed: General pocket knives or hunting knives can be shipped internationally if they comply with:

China’s export rules (no switchblades, gravity knives, or other prohibited types).

The destination country’s import laws (e.g., U.S. allows most knives, but some states/cities have restrictions).

USPS Policy:

USPS allows domestic shipping of most knives but prohibits certain types (e.g., switchblades under 4"). International inbound knives must comply with U.S. customs regulations.

Issue: Some AliExpress sellers avoid shipping knives due to:

Misunderstanding of regulations.

Fear of customs seizures (even if legal).

Use of shipping methods that prohibit knives (e.g., some air freight rules).

Recommendation:

Ask the seller to confirm if the knife is allowed under China Post’s rules.

Check if the knife is legal in your U.S. state/city.

Consider alternative shipping methods (e.g., DHL/FedEx for knives, though they may reject PO Boxes).

Key Takeaways
PO Boxes: China Post → USPS does deliver to PO Boxes unless a private courier is used.

Knives: Allowed if compliant with Chinese export and U.S. import laws, but sellers may impose additional restrictions.