With the continuous growth in the popularity of online shopping, the number of packages being shipped worldwide has reached an unprecedented level. According to a report by Statista, the total number of parcels shipped globally surged from 87 billion in 2018 to an astounding 200 billion in 2020.
China, one of the major players in the e-commerce market, was accounted to be responsible for shipping around 84% of packages in 2022. Although this trend brings benefits to consumers, such as affordable prices and swift delivery, it also poses significant concerns regarding the authenticity of products and the safety of consumers. Fortunately, there are several available means to verify the origin of shipped packages. According to the China Post tracking web tool, depending on the size and dimensions, it takes anywhere from 7 days to 3 months to deliver a shipment from China.
Source: Statista
Why China is the Top Player
China’s position as the top country in package shipments can be attributed to various factors. Primarily, China has established itself as the largest producer of goods globally, manufacturing diverse products ranging from electronics to garments to toys.
Consequently, numerous corporations worldwide rely on Chinese manufacturers to produce their merchandise, which is then shipped across the globe. In addition, China boasts of a well-developed logistics infrastructure, facilitating reasonable and efficient shipping, even to remote regions. Nevertheless, the vast number of packages emanating from China makes it challenging to verify product authenticity.
The issue of counterfeit goods is prevalent in China, with many products being illegally manufactured and marketed. These counterfeit items range from harmless replicas to perilous imitations of pharmaceuticals, electronic devices, and other commodities. As a result, it is imperative to ascertain the provenance of shipped packages and verify the authenticity of their contents to safeguard consumers.
The Challenges of Verifying Provenance
Verifying the provenance of packages shipped from China presents a formidable challenge when not provided with a tracking number from merchants, especially in light of the increasing volume of packages in transit. The sheer quantity of packages makes it daunting to track each package’s origin and authenticity. Moreover, the intricate shipping routes involved in the transportation of packages further compound the difficulty of tracing a package’s path.
For instance, a package may go through various modes of transportation, including airplanes, cargo ships, trucks, and trains. As such, ensuring the authenticity of shipped packages requires a meticulous approach and robust verification tools. Furthermore, the prevalence of counterfeit goods in China poses significant risks to consumers.
Counterfeit products range from harmless replicas to hazardous imitations of medicines, electronics, and other products. According to a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), counterfeit products account for approximately 3.3% of global trade, with China being the largest source of counterfeit products. The report also reveals that counterfeit goods significantly threaten consumers’ safety, with fake medicines, electronics, and auto parts being the most dangerous.
Solutions for Verifying Provenance
Fortunately, several viable options exist for verifying the origin of packages dispatched from China. One of the most effective methods would be to leverage advanced technologies such as blockchain tracking and digital authentication tools. Employing such tools would enable the creation of a digital trail that meticulously tracks a product’s journey from its point of origin to its final destination. Bringing the consumers complete assurance that the product is genuine. Currently various tracking websites allow users to check on the provenance, if in possession of the parcel’s tracking number.
Another pragmatic solution is to collaborate with trusted suppliers and manufacturers. Thorough due diligence can be conducted on the manufacturers and suppliers to ascertain their credibility and dependability. This approach mitigates the risk of receiving counterfeit goods and ensures that the products procured are of superior quality.
Last, consumers can empower themselves by acquiring knowledge on identifying counterfeit products. Observing telltale signs of counterfeit goods, such as inferior quality, inaccurate branding or packaging, and unreasonably low pricing, is a part of the process. By educating themselves on how to spot such products, consumers can guard themselves against counterfeit goods and make well-informed purchasing decisions.
Conclusion
As China maintains its dominant position in the global e-commerce arena, it is of utmost importance to undertake measures to authenticate the origin of packages dispatched from the nation. Although it can pose a formidable challenge, employing advanced technology, and imparting knowledge to consumers on detecting fraudulent merchandise could be a solution. By adopting such measures, e-consumers can be assured that they are receiving only genuine products, thus safeguarding their well-being and security.
