What is ePacket?
ePacket is an international small-packet delivery service launched in 2011, originally through an agreement between Asian postal operators and the United States Postal Service (USPS). Its purpose was to let online sellers send small orders abroad at low cost, in a reasonable time and, most importantly, with end-to-end tracking.
Today "ePacket" has become the common name for a group of international small-parcel e-commerce services with last-mile delivery by the destination country's postal network (USPS in the US, Royal Mail in the UK, Deutsche Post in Germany, Australia Post in Australia…). It is the best fit for sellers on Amazon, eBay, Etsy, TikTok Shop and Shopify.
ePacket parcel requirements
- Weight: the original ePacket standard allows up to 2 kg per parcel; VIO ePacket rates cover up to 5 kg per parcel on every route, with a custom quote above 5 kg.
- Size: maximum 60 × 50 × 40 cm; USA, Belgium, Ireland and the Netherlands 60 × 40 × 35 cm; US-Saver 55 × 40 × 35 cm; minimum 9 cm × 14 cm (US-Saver at least 15 × 10 × 0.7 cm).
- Declared value: each parcel must stay under the destination country's cap (USA ≤ USD 250, UK < GBP 135, EU < EUR 150, Canada ≤ USD 99, Japan ≤ USD 110); above the cap, use Express or a commercial cargo service.
- Goods: general cargo only; no prohibited or dangerous goods.
ePacket rates and delivery times
ePacket rates depend on the weight band (or volumetric weight for bulky parcels) and the destination. Compared with express couriers (DHL/FedEx/UPS), ePacket is much cheaper for small parcels of a few hundred grams, in exchange for longer delivery times.
| Route | Transit time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States (US) | 5–8 working days (US-Saver 5–12) | Delivered by USPS; US import duty estimated upfront |
| Europe (EU) | 8–14 working days | IOSS supported (valid IOSS number required), so buyers pay no VAT on delivery; EU customs fee of €5 per HS code charged on top |
| United Kingdom (UK) | 5–10 working days | Delivered by Royal Mail |
| Australia (AU) | 7–13 working days | Delivered by Australia Post |
| Japan (JP) | 5–10 working days | Fast, stable Asian route |
See the full published ePacket rates for every route (0.1–5 kg), or go straight to the rates to the USA and rates to Europe.
ePacket pros and cons
- ✅ Low rates for small parcels, ideal for single low-value e-commerce orders.
- ✅ Full tracking and a transparent journey, which means fewer customer complaints.
- ✅ Simple paperwork; many routes support DDP/IOSS so taxes are handled upfront.
- ⚠️ Slower than Express; not suited to very urgent shipments.
- ⚠️ Weight and size limits; larger shipments need a different service.
How to start shipping ePacket from Vietnam
- Prepare your goods to spec (weight, dimensions, proper packing).
- Create the order and get a tracking number you can follow 24/7.
- Send your parcels to our warehouse or book a pickup (free in Da Nang and Hanoi when one pickup is at least 5 kg or at least 10 orders).
- VIO ePacket clears export customs in Vietnam and hands the parcels to an international air network.
- Track each order until last-mile delivery to the recipient.
Tip for new sellers
Start with the route that brings you the most orders (usually the US), get comfortable with volumetric weight and the tax rules under DDP/IOSS, so you quote your customers the right price.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the maximum weight for ePacket?
- The original ePacket standard allows up to 2 kg per parcel. VIO ePacket rates cover up to 5 kg per parcel on all main routes; parcels over 5 kg are quoted separately. With ePacket Extra, most countries accept up to 2 kg and some up to 5 kg.
- How long does ePacket take to the US?
- An estimated 5–8 working days with US-Standard (delivered entirely by USPS) or 5–12 working days with US-Saver, depending on the destination state and the time of year.
- Is ePacket cheaper than DHL or FedEx?
- Yes. For small parcels ePacket is much cheaper than Express, in exchange for longer delivery times.
Start shipping with ePacket
Our rates are published for every route — choose your market to see the details.