FedEx® Global Returns
Simplified and speedy return shipments.
Simplified and speedy return shipments.
Simplified and speedy return shipments.
A smooth return journey
Sending a package back needs to be straightforward. That means providing clear, no-nonsense steps for your customers, which is precisely how we’ve designed FedEx® Global Returns.
Here’s what you can do with the service:
Link your returns to the original shipment
Customize your return label
Get expert guidance from our team
Manage your returns across 200+ countries and territories
Your return options
All the ways you can return a shipment are listed below. Take a look and see what can work for your business.
Include a pre-printed return label and/or commercial invoice in the box with your outbound shipment.
If it isn't used, you won’t be charged. Here’s how it works:
1. Include a return label and three return commercial invoices in the outbound shipment
2. Recipient requests a return
3. Recipient places the label and three commercial invoices in the plastic pouch
4. Recipient schedules a pickup or drops the package off at a FedEx location*
5. Package is returned to you
*Certain FedEx locations are operated by independent third parties in cooperation with FedEx
When the recipient has requested a return, you can email the documents to them. Here’s how it works:
1. Recipient requests a return
2. You generate a PDF label and email it to them
3. Recipient prints the label at home or a FedEx location*
4. Recipient schedules a pickup or drops the package off at a FedEx location
5. Package is returned to you
*Certain FedEx locations are operated by independent third parties in cooperation with FedEx. Label printing is not available in all locations.
Please contact your local FedEx Customer Service for more details.
When the recipient has requested a return, you can email a link to the FedEx portal where they can generate and customize a return label themselves. Here’s how it works:
1. Recipient requests a return
2. You create the return label and documents and decide how much control your recipient has over the return by granting permissions
3. FedEx sends an email to the recipient with your shipment information and a link to access the return label page
4. Recipient fills in the necessary information on the return label page
5. Recipient prints the label at home or a FedEx location*
6. Recipient schedules a pickup or drops the package off at a FedEx location
7. Package is returned to you
*Certain FedEx locations are operated by independent third parties in cooperation with FedEx. Label printing is not available in all locations.
Please contact local FedEx Customer Service for more details.
When returning a FedEx package, you need to provide a reason for customs clearance – this is for both the outbound and return shipment.
Just select a reason from the menu below to help get your shipment through customs quickly. Plus it also helps with claiming back duties and taxes.
| Outbound shipment | Return shipment | |
|---|---|---|
Courtesy return label |
Rejected merchandise |
When you’re including a return label for the customer but don’t expect returns. |
Exhibition/trade show |
Exhibition/trade show returns |
When the goods you’re shipping are for a show, trade show, exhibition or event. |
Item for loan |
Return of loan item |
When the goods you’re shipping are for temporary use and will be returned to you in an unaltered state. |
Item for use in a trial |
Trial returns |
When the goods you’re shipping are for a trial and will be returned to you. |
Replacement |
Faulty item |
When you’re shipping a replacement item in advance and receiving a faulty item back. |
Temporary export – other |
Return – other |
When the goods you’re shipping are for a show, trade show, exhibition or event. |
Repair/processing |
Repair/processing |
When the goods you’re shipping will be either repaired or otherwise processed before being returned to you. Processing may include modification, incorporation or treatment of some kind. |
When a recipient wants to return something, there are two types of labels they can print off:
- Outbound and return label
- Stand-alone return label
You can find out how to set up the printing options below – these instructions work for web services, offline FedEx Ship Manager and all other shipping tools.
If you’re shipping using an API, you can find information about returns in the Developer Portal. Just search for keywords ‘Return Shipping’.
How to create an outbound and return label
- Log in to FedEx Ship Manager® at fedex.com and select ‘Return to the legacy view’
- Click ‘Create a Shipment’ under the ‘Ship’ tab
- Enter the recipient’s information and shipment details
- Under ‘Package and Shipment Details’ section, tick the box ‘Include a return label’
- Select the reason for the return from the drop-down menu
- Under the section ‘Complete your shipment’, click on ‘Continue to return shipment’
- Complete the ‘To’ and ‘From’ sections
- Then you can choose to:
- Include a print return label with a shipment
- Email a return label to your customer
- Under ‘Billing details’, enter your Return Material Authorization (RMA) number if applicable – this also helps with customs clearance
- Click ‘Ship’ to finalize your shipment and get your tracking number
How to create a stand-alone return label
- Log in to FedEx Ship Manager® at fedex.com and select ‘Return to the legacy view’
- Click ‘Create Return Shipment’ under the ‘Ship’ tab. Complete the required shipping information.
- Under ‘Package & Shipment Details’, you can choose to:
- Include a print return label with a shipment – if you choose this, the return instructions will be automatically created
- Email a return label to your customer – if you choose this, you’ll need to complete the ‘Returns Options’ section
- Select the reason for the return from the drop-down menu
- Under ‘Billing Details’, enter your Return Material Authorization (RMA) number if applicable
- Click ‘Ship’ to finalize your shipment and get your tracking number
Return shipments may be subject to customs and other regulatory requirements in order to clear customs. Depending on the country, additional documentation may be necessary in order to meet the regulatory requirements for clearance or duty and tax relief at the time of import.
Keep customers coming back
A smooth online shopping experience is key to retaining customers. That means keeping the return process hassle-free and simple.
As well as FedEx Global Returns, here are a few ways to keep this process as smooth as possible – for you and your shoppers.
A vast global network of FedEx locations for drop-off
A handy guide outlining efficient e-commerce returns
Plenty of e-commerce solutions to help you reach more customers
Looking for a bespoke Returns portal?
Our solution provides you with a branded online portal, offers full visibility and seamless integration with your website. It includes a wide range of returns options, all powered by ZigZag for FedEx.
If you’re interested, reach out.
Returns for Recipients
Got a package that needs to go back to FedEx?
Find out everything you need to know by clicking the link below.
