APC Postal Logistics Tracking: Complete Guide for Indian Customers
APC Postal Logistics is a global postal service provider that specializes in lightweight packet delivery services, primarily operating in the e-commerce sector. The company serves as an intermediary between international sellers and local postal services, enabling cost-effective cross-border deliveries. For Indian consumers ordering products from international marketplaces like AliExpress, eBay, or Amazon Global, APC Postal Logistics frequently handles the initial international shipping segment before transferring packages to India Post for final delivery.
Understanding APC Tracking Numbers
APC Postal Logistics tracking numbers follow specific formats that help identify the service type and origin country. These tracking numbers are essential for monitoring your shipment’s journey from the origin country to your doorstep in India.
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APC Tracking Number Formats
| Format Type | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Format | RN123456789XX | Starts with 2 letters, followed by 9 digits, ends with 2 letters |
| Extended Format | APC1234567890123 | Begins with APC prefix followed by 13 digits |
| Hybrid Format | LX123456789CN | Country-specific prefix with destination code |
The first two letters typically indicate the service type (RN for registered mail, LX for logistics), while the last two letters represent the origin country code (CN for China, US for United States, GB for Great Britain).
How APC Postal Logistics Tracking Works in India
When you place an international order, understanding the tracking process helps manage delivery expectations effectively.
The Complete Tracking Journey
Origin Country Processing: Your package begins its journey at the seller’s location. After dispatch, the seller provides an APC tracking number. The package is collected by APC Postal Logistics and processed at their origin facility. Initial tracking updates appear within 24-48 hours of shipment.
International Transit: The package travels via air freight to India. During this phase, tracking updates may be infrequent as the shipment is in transit. This segment typically takes 5-12 days depending on the origin country and service level selected.
Indian Customs Clearance: Upon arrival in India, packages enter customs at major gateway facilities in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, or Bangalore. Customs processing can take 2-7 days. The tracking status updates to show customs clearance activities.
Handover to India Post: After customs clearance, APC transfers the package to India Post. A new India Post tracking number may be generated, though some packages continue with the original APC tracking number.
Domestic Delivery: India Post handles the final delivery to your address. The package moves through local sorting centers before reaching your delivery post office.
Tracking Status Explanations
Understanding tracking statuses helps you know exactly where your package is and what action, if any, you need to take.
| Status | Meaning | Expected Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Shipment Information Received | Seller created shipping label | Package pickup pending |
| Collected from Sender | APC picked up package | Origin facility processing |
| Departed from Origin Country | Package on flight to India | Arrival at Indian customs |
| Arrived at Destination Country | Reached India | Customs clearance process |
| Customs Clearance Processing | Under customs examination | Release after duty payment |
| Handed Over to India Post | Transferred to local postal service | Domestic sorting |
| Out for Delivery | Package with delivery agent | Delivery same day |
| Delivered | Successfully delivered | No action needed |
| Delivery Attempted | Recipient unavailable | Redelivery scheduled |
Multiple Ways to Track APC Packages
Official APC Tracking
Visit the APC Postal Logistics official website and locate their tracking section. Enter your tracking number in the search field and click track. The system displays comprehensive tracking information including scan dates, locations, and status updates.
India Post Tracking
Once your package reaches India and is handed over to India Post, you can track it through:
- India Post official website (indiapost.gov.in)
- India Post mobile application
- SMS tracking by sending POST<space>tracking number to 166
Third-Party Tracking Platforms
Several courier aggregator websites provide multi-carrier tracking, allowing you to track APC shipments alongside other carriers. These platforms consolidate information from multiple sources, providing a unified tracking experience.
Universal Postal Union Tracking
For international registered mail, the UPU tracking system offers end-to-end visibility across multiple postal operators worldwide.
Common Tracking Issues and Solutions
Tracking Number Not Found
Problem: When you enter your tracking number, the system shows no information.
Solutions: Wait 24-48 hours after receiving the tracking number as it takes time for the first scan to register in the system. Verify you’ve entered the correct tracking number without spaces or special characters. Check if the seller provided an APC tracking number or a different carrier’s number.
No Tracking Updates for Several Days
Problem: Your tracking shows no movement for an extended period.
Solutions: International shipments often have tracking gaps during air transit. Packages typically show updates only at scan points—origin facility, departure, arrival, and customs. If no update appears for more than 15 days, contact the seller or APC customer service.
Package Stuck at Customs
Problem: Tracking shows your package has been in customs for over a week.
Solutions: Check your registered email and mobile number for customs notifications. Some packages require additional documentation or duty payment. Visit the Foreign Post Office website or contact your local Foreign Post Office with your tracking number. Ensure you have valid ID proof and address proof ready if customs clearance requires your intervention.
Tracking Shows Delivered But Not Received
Problem: The tracking status indicates delivery, but you haven’t received the package.
Solutions: Check with family members or neighbors who might have received the package. Contact your local post office with the tracking number as packages may be held there. Some delivery agents mark packages as delivered when they’re actually at the local post office for pickup. File a complaint with India Post within 24 hours if the package is genuinely missing.
Expected Delivery Timeframes for India
| Origin Country | Transit Time | Total Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|
| China | 10-15 days | 20-35 days |
| United States | 12-18 days | 25-40 days |
| United Kingdom | 12-16 days | 22-35 days |
| Hong Kong | 8-12 days | 18-30 days |
| Singapore | 7-10 days | 15-25 days |
These timeframes are estimates and can vary based on customs clearance speed, peak shopping seasons, and India Post’s domestic processing times.
Customs Duty and Clearance in India
Understanding customs regulations prevents unexpected delays and charges.
Duty-Free Threshold
Gifts valued up to ₹5,000 are exempt from customs duty. Commercial shipments follow different rules with lower thresholds. The declared value on the package determines duty applicability.
Customs Duty Calculation
Customs duty on imports to India includes:
- Basic Customs Duty (BCD): 0-25% depending on product category
- Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST): 5-28% based on product type
- Social Welfare Surcharge: 10% on BCD
The total duty can range from 28% to 42% of the assessable value (product cost + shipping + insurance).
Required Documentation
For packages requiring customs clearance, you may need to provide:
- Purchase invoice or receipt
- Government-issued ID proof
- Import Export Code (IEC) for commercial shipments
- Product-specific certificates for restricted items
Tips for Smooth APC Tracking Experience
Save Your Tracking Number: Immediately save the tracking number in a secure location. Take a screenshot or note it in your email drafts.
Regular Tracking Checks: Monitor your shipment every 2-3 days rather than daily to avoid unnecessary stress during transit gaps.
Enable Notifications: If using third-party tracking apps, enable push notifications for status updates.
Understand Seller Responsibility: Most international sellers are responsible until the package reaches your country. Keep communication open with sellers regarding tracking concerns.
Maintain Contact Information: Ensure your phone number and email address are correct during order placement as customs and delivery agents use these for communication.
Know Your Rights: Under e-commerce marketplace policies, if a package doesn’t arrive within the estimated timeframe, you can request a refund or replacement.
What to Do If Your Package Is Lost
If tracking shows no updates for over 30 days or the estimated delivery date has passed significantly:
Contact the Seller: Reach out to the seller first as they maintain the relationship with APC Postal Logistics. Request them to file an inquiry with APC.
File a Complaint: Register a complaint with India Post if the package entered India’s postal system. Use the complaint portal on the India Post website.
Check Marketplace Protection: If you ordered through AliExpress, eBay, or Amazon, use their buyer protection programs to open a dispute.
Document Everything: Maintain records of tracking screenshots, communication with sellers, and any correspondence with postal authorities.
Payment Chargebacks: As a last resort, if you paid via credit card or PayPal, consider initiating a chargeback for non-delivery.
APC vs Other International Carriers
| Feature | APC Postal Logistics | DHL/FedEx | Singapore Post | China Post |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Speed to India | 20-35 days | 3-7 days | 18-30 days | 25-40 days |
| Tracking Reliability | Moderate | Excellent | Good | Moderate |
| Cost | Low | High | Low-Moderate | Low |
| Customs Handling | Standard | Express clearance | Standard | Standard |
| Last-Mile Partner | India Post | Own network | India Post | India Post |
APC Postal Logistics offers a cost-effective solution for lightweight international shipments, making it popular among e-commerce sellers. However, premium carriers provide faster and more reliable tracking at higher costs.
Integration with India Post System
The handover process from APC to India Post is crucial for final delivery. APC packages typically enter India through Foreign Post Offices (FPO) in major cities. After customs clearance, items are transferred to the India Post network.
Tracking Number Transition
Sometimes, packages receive a new India Post tracking number after handover. Check with India Post using both your original APC tracking number and monitor for any new tracking numbers mentioned in status updates.
India Post Service Types
Depending on the service level, your package may be delivered as:
- Registered Post: Requires signature on delivery
- Speed Post: Faster domestic transit with tracking
- Ordinary Post: Basic delivery without detailed tracking
Improving Your Tracking Experience
Use Tracking Apps: Download dedicated tracking applications that support multiple carriers and provide consolidated tracking information. These apps often provide more detailed updates than individual carrier websites.
Track in Both Systems: Once your package reaches India, track it in both APC and India Post systems. Sometimes one system updates faster than the other.
Understand Peak Seasons: During festive seasons (Diwali, Christmas) or sale periods (Singles Day, Black Friday), expect longer processing times at customs and domestic delivery points.
Local Post Office Relationships: Building a rapport with your local post office can help expedite deliveries and resolve issues faster when packages arrive.
Red Flags and Scam Awareness
Be cautious of:
- Fake tracking websites asking for personal information or payment
- SMS or emails claiming customs charges need immediate payment (verify through official channels)
- Tracking numbers that never show any updates (possible fake sellers)
- Requests to pay customs duty via unofficial methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency
Always verify customs payment requests through official India Post channels or the Foreign Post Office directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long does APC Postal Logistics take to deliver to India?
APC Postal Logistics typically takes 20-35 days to deliver packages to India from the order date. This includes international transit (7-15 days), customs clearance (2-7 days), and India Post domestic delivery (5-10 days). Delivery times vary based on the origin country, customs efficiency, and your delivery location’s accessibility. Remote areas may experience longer delivery times.
Q2: Why is my APC tracking not updating?
Tracking may not update for several reasons: the package is in international transit where scanning is infrequent, it’s undergoing customs processing which can take several days without updates, or there’s a delay in system synchronization between APC and India Post. Wait 5-7 days between checks during international transit. If there’s no update for over 15 days, contact the seller or file an inquiry.
Q3: How do I track my APC package after it reaches India?
Once your package arrives in India, continue using your APC tracking number on the India Post website (indiapost.gov.in) or app. Some packages receive a new India Post tracking number—check your tracking history for any mention of a new number. You can also visit your local post office with the APC tracking number, and they can look up the package in their system.
Q4: Do I need to pay customs duty on APC packages?
Customs duty applies to packages valued above ₹5,000 (for gifts) or lower thresholds for commercial goods. The duty depends on the product category and declared value, typically ranging from 28-42% of the assessable value. If duty applies, you’ll receive notification via SMS or email from customs or India Post. Payment is usually made at the Foreign Post Office or your local post office before delivery.
Q5: What should I do if my APC package shows delivered but I didn’t receive it?
First, check with family members and neighbors who might have accepted the delivery. Contact your local post office immediately with your tracking number—packages are sometimes marked delivered when they’re actually held at the post office for pickup. Check if there are any delivery cards or notices left at your address. File a formal complaint with India Post within 24 hours through their website or by visiting the post office with valid ID and address proof.