# Cainiao tracking status codes explained

Tracking pages and API responses sometimes show raw codes such as GTMS_SIGNED or CC_IM_START. Here are the 115 codes listed in the official AliExpress tracking API, grouped by stage, with what each means and what to do.

Updated November 4, 2026

**Stages**

[Shipment created](https://cainiaohelp.com/cainiao-tracking-status-codes.html#order) [Pickup](https://cainiaohelp.com/cainiao-tracking-status-codes.html#pickup) [Warehouse](https://cainiaohelp.com/cainiao-tracking-status-codes.html#warehouse) [Sorting center](https://cainiaohelp.com/cainiao-tracking-status-codes.html#sorting) [Export customs](https://cainiaohelp.com/cainiao-tracking-status-codes.html#export) [Customs and inspection review](https://cainiaohelp.com/cainiao-tracking-status-codes.html#customs) [International leg (line-haul)](https://cainiaohelp.com/cainiao-tracking-status-codes.html#linehaul) [Transit country](https://cainiaohelp.com/cainiao-tracking-status-codes.html#transit) [Import customs](https://cainiaohelp.com/cainiao-tracking-status-codes.html#import) [Delivery in the destination country](https://cainiaohelp.com/cainiao-tracking-status-codes.html#delivery) [Pickup points and lockers](https://cainiaohelp.com/cainiao-tracking-status-codes.html#pickup-point) [Address and pickup point changes](https://cainiaohelp.com/cainiao-tracking-status-codes.html#reroute) [Domestic delivery scans](https://cainiaohelp.com/cainiao-tracking-status-codes.html#domestic) [Returns](https://cainiaohelp.com/cainiao-tracking-status-codes.html#returns)

## How to read a code

- The prefix is the stage: PU pickup, GWMS warehouse, SC sorting center, CC customs (EX export, IM import, TRANS transit country), LH the international leg, GTMS delivery in the destination country, GSTA and STA pickup points, RT returns.
- SUCCESS, or no suffix, is a normal scan. FAILURE, FAIL, EXCEPTION or REJECT marks a problem at that stage.
- Long gaps between scans are common on the international leg and in customs. A FAILURE code matters more than a quiet stretch.

CONSIGN, OM, ASN

## Shipment created

The seller has created the shipment and sent its details. The parcel may not be handed over yet; if nothing else appears for several days, ask the seller.

| Code | Meaning |
| --- | --- |
| `CONSIGN` | Shipment declared |
| `OM_CONSIGN` | Shipped by seller |
| `GTMS_ASN` | Electronic shipment notice received |

PU

## Pickup

The parcel is being collected from the seller. A FAILURE code means the pickup did not happen; ask the seller to arrange it again.

| Code | Meaning |
| --- | --- |
| `PU_PICKUP_SUCCESS` | Picked up |
| `PU_PICKUP_FAILURE` | Pickup exception |
| `PU_SIGN_IN_SUCCESS` | Received at collection point |
| `PU_SIGN_IN_FAILURE` | Collection point receipt exception |

GWMS

## Warehouse

Scans from the warehouse handling the order: accepted, picked, packed and shipped out. GWMS_REJECT or GWMS_EXCEPTION means the warehouse hit a problem; contact the seller or Cainiao support.

| Code | Meaning |
| --- | --- |
| `GWMS_ACCEPT` | Order accepted by warehouse |
| `GWMS_REJECT` | Warehouse order exception |
| `GWMS_PICK` | Picked |
| `GWMS_PACKAGE` | Packed |
| `GWMS_OUTBOUND` | Left the warehouse |
| `GWMS_HANDOVER` | Handed over to carrier |
| `GWMS_EXCEPTION` | Warehouse exception |
| `GWMS_CANCEL` | Cancelled |

SC

## Sorting center

The parcel is passing through a sorting center before the international leg. Several scans in a row are normal.

| Code | Meaning |
| --- | --- |
| `SC_SIGN_IN_SUCCESS` | Received at sorting center |
| `SC_SIGN_IN_FAILURE` | Sorting center receipt exception |
| `SC_INBOUND_SUCCESS` | Inbound at sorting center |
| `SC_INBOUND_FAILURE` | Inbound exception |
| `SC_OUTBOUND_SUCCESS` | Left the sorting center |
| `SC_OUTBOUND_FAILURE` | Outbound exception |
| `SC_HO_OUT_SUCCESS` | Handed over to the international leg |
| `SC_HO_OUT_FAILURE` | Handover to the international leg failed |

CC_EX

## Export customs

Export clearance in the origin country. If CC_EX_FAILURE appears and the parcel stops moving, ask the seller or Cainiao support; you usually cannot fix it yourself.

| Code | Meaning |
| --- | --- |
| `CC_EX_START` | Export customs clearance started |
| `CC_EX_SUCCESS` | Export customs clearance completed |
| `CC_EX_FAILURE` | Export customs clearance exception |

CUS, CIQ

## Customs and inspection review

Customs or inspection authorities are reviewing the declaration. CUS_TAX means duty or tax was assessed. If customs or the carrier asks you to pay or provide documents, follow their instructions.

| Code | Meaning |
| --- | --- |
| `CUS_DECLARE` | Declared to customs |
| `CUS_SUCCESS` | Customs declaration approved |
| `CUS_FAILURE` | Customs declaration exception |
| `CUS_TAX` | Customs duty or tax assessed |
| `CIQ_SUCCESS` | Inspection review passed |
| `CIQ_FAILURE` | Inspection review exception |

LH

## International leg (line-haul)

The parcel is flying or travelling between countries. Days without a scan between LH_DEPART and LH_ARRIVE are common; a FAILURE code matters more than a quiet stretch.

| Code | Meaning |
| --- | --- |
| `LH_HO_IN_SUCCESS` | Received by the line-haul carrier |
| `LH_HO_IN_FAILURE` | Line-haul handover exception |
| `LH_POST_COLLECTION` | Handover exception |
| `LH_HO_AIRLINE` | Passed airline security screening |
| `LH_HO_AIRLINE_FAILURE` | Failed airline security screening |
| `LH_DEPART` | Flight departed |
| `LH_ARRIVE` | Flight arrived in the destination country |
| `LH_ARRIVE_FAILURE` | Line-haul arrival exception |
| `LH_HO_OUT_SUCCESS` | Handed over after the international leg |
| `LH_HO_OUT_FAILURE` | Handover after the international leg failed |
| `LH_OTHER` | Other line-haul event |

TD, CC_TRANS

## Transit country

The parcel is passing through a third country on the way. CC_TRANS codes are customs clearance in that transit country.

| Code | Meaning |
| --- | --- |
| `TD_TRANS_ARRIVE` | Arrived at transit point |
| `TD_TRANS_DEPART` | Left transit point |
| `CC_TRANS_START` | Transit-country customs clearance started |
| `CC_TRANS_SUCCESS` | Transit-country customs clearance completed |
| `CC_TRANS_FAILURE` | Transit-country customs clearance failed |

CC_IM, CC_HO

## Import customs

Import clearance in the destination country. Requests to pay duty or provide documents come from customs or the delivery carrier; reply promptly. For CC_IM_FAILURE, contact the carrier or Cainiao support.

| Code | Meaning |
| --- | --- |
| `CC_HO_IN_SUCCESS` | Handed over for customs clearance |
| `CC_HO_IN_FAILURE` | Customs handover exception |
| `CC_IM_START` | Import customs clearance started |
| `CC_IM_PROCESS` | Import customs clearance in progress |
| `CC_IM_SUCCESS` | Import customs clearance completed |
| `CC_IM_FAILURE` | Import customs clearance exception |
| `CC_HO_OUT_SUCCESS` | Handed over after customs clearance |
| `CC_HO_OUT_FAILURE` | Handover after customs clearance failed |

GTMS

## Delivery in the destination country

The local delivery network has the parcel. GTMS_RELABEL means it moved to a new tracking number, usually the local carrier's. After GTMS_DEL_FAILURE, check for a delivery notice and arrange redelivery.

| Code | Meaning |
| --- | --- |
| `GTMS_ACCEPT` | Arrived in the destination country / accepted for delivery |
| `GTMS_SC_ARRIVE` | Arrived at a sorting center in the destination country |
| `GTMS_SC_ARRIVE_FAILURE` | Destination sorting center arrival failed |
| `GTMS_STATION_IN` | In the delivery network (abroad) |
| `GTMS_STATION_OUT` | In the delivery network (abroad) |
| `GTMS_DO_ARRIVE` | Arrived at the final delivery station |
| `GTMS_DO_DEPART` | Left the final delivery station |
| `GTMS_DELIVERING` | Out for delivery |
| `GTMS_RE_DELIVERING` | Redelivery attempt |
| `GTMS_DEL_FAILURE` | Delivery attempt failed |
| `GTMS_RELABEL` | Transferred to another tracking number |
| `GTMS_SIGNED` | Delivered and signed for |
| `GTMS_SIGN_FAILURE` | Recipient sign-off exception |
| `GTMS_FAILURE` | Delivery exception |
| `GTMS_OTHER` | Other delivery event |

GSTA, STA

## Pickup points and lockers

The parcel is going to a pickup point or locker. GTMS_WAIT_SELF_PICK means it is waiting for you; collect it before the holding period ends.

| Code | Meaning |
| --- | --- |
| `GTMS_WAIT_SELF_PICK` | Waiting for you to collect |
| `GTMS_STA_SIGNED` | Received by pickup point |
| `GTMS_STA_SIGN_FAILURE` | Pickup point receipt exception |
| `GSTAHUB_INBOUND` | Arrived at pickup distribution hub |
| `GSTAHUB_INBOUND_FAIL` | Pickup distribution hub inbound failed |
| `GSTA_INBOUND` | Arrived at pickup point |
| `GSTA_INBOUND_FAIL` | Pickup point inbound failed |
| `GSTA_BUYER_SIGN` | Collected at pickup point |
| `GSTA_BUYER_SIGN_FAIL` | Collection at pickup point failed |
| `GSTA_SIGN` | Collected at pickup point |
| `GSTA_SIGN_FAIL` | Collection at pickup point exception |
| `GSTA_OTHER` | Other pickup point event |
| `STA_SIGN` | Collected at pickup point (domestic leg) |
| `STA_SIGN_FAIL` | Collection at pickup point exception (domestic leg) |

GTMS_STA

## Address and pickup point changes

The delivery address or pickup point changed after shipping. GTMS_STA_WAIT_CUST_CHANGE_ADDRESS means the carrier is waiting for you to update the address; check messages from the carrier or the app.

| Code | Meaning |
| --- | --- |
| `GTMS_STA_WAIT_CUST_CHANGE_ADDRESS` | Rerouting: waiting for you to update the address |
| `GTMS_STA_CUST_TO_DOOR` | Rerouting: you updated the delivery address |
| `GTMS_STA_CHANGE` | Rerouting: you changed the pickup point |
| `GTMS_STA_CN_TO_DOOR` | Rerouting: delivery address updated |
| `GTMS_STA_CN_CHANGE` | Rerouting: pickup point updated |
| `GTMS_STA_CNCP_TO_DOOR` | Rerouting: carrier updated the delivery address |
| `GTMS_STA_CNCP_CHANGE` | Rerouting: carrier updated the pickup point |

GOT, SENT_SCAN, SIGNED

## Domestic delivery scans

Delivery scans that the source labels as domestic. They read like the delivery codes above: accepted, in transit, out for delivery, delivered or failed.

| Code | Meaning |
| --- | --- |
| `GOT` | Accepted for delivery (domestic) |
| `REJECT` | Delivery acceptance exception (domestic) |
| `DEPARTURE` | In the delivery network (domestic) |
| `ARRIVAL` | In the delivery network (domestic) |
| `SENT_SCAN` | Out for delivery (domestic) |
| `SIGNED` | Delivered (domestic) |
| `FAILED` | Delivery exception (domestic) |

RT, RETURNED

## Returns

The parcel is on its way back to the seller or a returns warehouse, or has been destroyed (RT_DESTROY, RT_WH_DESTROY). Contact the seller about a refund or reshipment.

| Code | Meaning |
| --- | --- |
| `RT_INBOUND` | Returning to seller: back at the overseas carrier's warehouse |
| `RT_OUTBOUND` | Left the overseas carrier's warehouse |
| `RT_HO_OUT` | Handed over by the carrier |
| `RT_DESTROY` | Destroyed by the overseas carrier |
| `RT_TRANSWH_HO_IN` | Received by transit warehouse |
| `RT_TRANSWH_INBOUND` | Inbound at transit warehouse |
| `RT_TRANSWH_OUTBOUND` | Left transit warehouse |
| `RT_WH_HO_IN` | Received by returns warehouse |
| `RT_WH_HO_IN_FAIL` | Returns warehouse receipt failed |
| `RT_WH_INBOUND` | Inbound at returns warehouse |
| `RT_WH_INBOUND_FAILURE` | Returns warehouse inbound failed |
| `RT_WH_OUTBOUND` | Left returns warehouse |
| `RT_WH_HO_OUT` | Handed over by returns warehouse |
| `RT_WH_DESTROY` | Destroyed |
| `RT_TMS_ACCEPT` | Accepted by domestic delivery |
| `RETURNED` | Returned and signed for by seller |

## Codes that name a shipping service

Strings that start with CAINIAO_, such as CAINIAO_STANDARD_HEAVY, are AliExpress logistics line codes. They name the shipping service, not where the parcel is. AliExpress's API documentation shows, for example, CAINIAO_OVERSEA_STD_SERVICE_ES displayed as “Euro-business Parcel”. If a line code is unclear, ask the seller which service it is.

## Sources

Codes and their Chinese descriptions come from the action_code field of the AliExpress Open Platform tracking API (aliexpress.logistics.redefining.querytrackingresult), read on November 4, 2026. The documentation presents them as examples, so a code not listed here can still appear. Translations and the advice for each stage are this site's.

- [AliExpress Open Platform: tracking API and action_code list](https://open.taobao.com/api.htm?docId=30120&docType=2)
- [AliExpress Open Platform: logistics line codes](https://open.taobao.com/doc.htm?docId=109549&docType=1)

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Unofficial shipping guide. CainiaoHelp is not affiliated with Cainiao or the shopping platforms.