Recommendation: Have costs, address, and acceptance checked before shipping.
Properly prepare for a return to China
Clearly clarify customs, costs and return procedures
Returning goods to China is not a normal parcel shipment. To prevent the goods from getting stuck in customs, being subject to customs duties again, or being rejected by the recipient, the reason for the return, the value of the goods, the documents, and the shipping method must all match up perfectly.
- How to correctly declare returns to China
- Compare shipping costs and delivery times
- Prepare customs and pro forma documents
- Avoid returns, rejections, and additional costs
Have the return checked
Returns inspection
Reason for return
Defect · Warranty · Return · Repair
Customs documents
Proforma · Value of Goods · Return Notice
Shipping to China
Carrier · Transit Time · Tracking
10.000+
Shipments / Month
220+
Countries worldwide
< 2 seconds
per label
Up to 80%
günstiger
Customs clearance is cleared properly.
before shipping
prepare documents
Proforma & Returns Notice
Use tracking
Track the broadcast
Check costs
Compare before returning
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Besler-Scharf – DLA Proficiency Tests
What you need to know about returning items to China
Returning goods to China differs significantly from returning them within Germany or the EU. The shipment is going to a third country and therefore must be prepared with complete customs information, the correct value of the goods, the reason for the return, and all necessary documents.
Customs & Export
Even a return shipment is considered an international shipment. Without a clear declaration as a return, the goods may be subject to customs duties again or stopped.
Documents
For returns to China, a pro forma invoice is usually required, stating the reason for the return, a description of the goods, and a realistic value of the goods.
Recipients
The merchant or recipient in China must be willing to accept the shipment and answer any questions that may arise during the import process.
Should I even send the goods back to China?
Not every return to China is worthwhile. Before shipping, check whether the value of the goods, shipping costs, seller's commitment, address, and customs risk are in reasonable proportion.
NOT SENSIBLE
It's better to avoid returns.
- Low merchandise value
- Shipping costs higher than refund
- The seller has not confirmed the return.
- Address is unclear or incomplete
Recommendation: First clarify with the retailer or consider alternatives to returning the item.
EXAM REQUIRED
Only after thorough clarification
- Average value of goods
- Refund possible, but not guaranteed
- Address available, but not confirmed
- Customs details are still unclear.
Recommendation: Have costs, address, and acceptance checked before shipping.
SENSIBLE
Returning items can be worthwhile
- High value of goods
- Retailer has confirmed return
- The return address is complete.
- A refund or repair has been promised.
Recommendation: Prepare the return shipment thoroughly with pro forma documentation, tracking information, and customs details.
Unsure if your return is worthwhile?
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How much does a return to China cost?
The costs depend on weight, dimensions, value of goods, carrier, transit time, and documentation requirements. It's important to note: not every return shipment is economically viable.
Shipping costs
Depending on size, weight, service and operating time.
Customs & Fees
Incorrect declarations may result in additional duties or processing fees.
Returns
If the shipment is not accepted, double shipping and handling costs can quickly arise.
IMPORTANT
You should definitely do this.
- Have the return confirmed in writing by the retailer.
- Verify full return address
- Create a pro forma invoice with the reason for the return.
- State the plausible value of the goods.
- Use tracking and document status
VERMEIDEN
Typical mistakes with returns from China
- Returning goods without retailer authorization
- use incomplete address
- Do not specify a return policy
- Unrealistically declaring the value of goods
- Send without tracking
Why returns to China often fail
Most problems arise not during transport itself, but because the retailer, address, reason for return, or customs information was not properly prepared.
Returns will not be accepted.
Many retailers only accept returns after prior authorization. Without confirmation, acceptance may be refused.
Address doesn't work
Incorrect, incomplete, or non-importable addresses lead to delivery problems, customs inquiries, or returns.
Customs stops shipment
Missing return instructions, unclear product descriptions, or incorrect product values can cause delays and additional costs.
Confirm the seller and return address before shipping.
Before sending a return to China, you should clarify in writing whether the retailer accepts the return, which address must be used, and whether the recipient in China will actually accept the shipment.
Have the return approved
Get confirmation that the return will be accepted and under what conditions a refund, repair or replacement will be provided.
Verify address
Please use only a complete, confirmed return address. Ideally, include a contact person, phone number, and correct spelling.
Ensure acceptance
The recipient must be prepared to accept the shipment and be able to respond to inquiries from the carrier or customs.
Do not use the address and acceptance information without verifying it.
A return that is incorrectly addressed or not accepted may get stuck, be sent back, or incur additional storage and processing costs.
This is how a return to China works smoothly.
Good preparation reduces queries, costs, and delays. The most important point: clarify first, then send.
1
Contact dealer
Have the return, reason for return and acceptance confirmed in writing.
2
Confirm address
Check return address, contact person, telephone number and import eligibility.
3
Create documents
Prepare a pro forma invoice, product description, product value, and return instructions.
4
Carry out shipping
Choose the right carrier, use tracking and monitor the status.
Returns to China: Customs, pro forma and returned goods status
The customs process is particularly important for returns. The shipment should be clearly described as a return, returned goods, repair shipment, or warranty claim.
Declare the return as returned goods
It is important that the shipment is clearly marked as a return. Otherwise, it may be treated as a normal import shipment in the destination country.
Pro forma invoice instead of commercial invoice
For returns, a pro forma invoice is often used, which verifiably documents the value of the goods, the reason for the return, and the recipient's details.
State the plausible value of the goods.
An unrealistic or incorrect declared value of goods can trigger customs inquiries. The value should be explainable and consistent with the reason for the return.
Use tracking if possible
For returns to China, the shipment should always be sent with tracking so that delivery, delays and inquiries remain traceable.
These are the points you should clarify before returning an item to China.
Do not initiate the return shipment until all the important details have been clarified in writing.
| Checkpoint | What should you clarify? | Why is that important? |
|---|---|---|
| Return guarantee | Did the retailer explicitly accept the return? | Acceptance can be refused without consent. |
| return address | Is the address complete and usable? | Incorrect addresses lead to delivery problems or returns. |
| Recipient in China | Is the recipient reachable and ready to accept the gift? | The recipient must be able to respond to customs inquiries. |
| Reason for return | Return, defect, warranty, repair or replacement? | The reason affects documents and customs descriptions. |
| cart value | What value is stated on pro forma and customs documents? | Implausible values may trigger queries or submissions. |
| Documents | What information does the dealer need for the import process? | Missing documents can block the shipment. |
Relevant topics related to returns, customs, and international shipping
Frequently asked questions about returns to China
Can I simply return goods to China?
No, that's not recommended. You should clarify beforehand whether the retailer accepts returns, which address must be used, and whether the recipient in China can accept the shipment.
Why is the return address so important?
Incorrect or incomplete addresses often lead to delivery problems, customs inquiries, or returns. Have the retailer confirm the complete address in writing.
What documents do I need for a return to China?
Generally, a pro forma invoice, a clear description of the goods, the reason for the return, a realistic value of the goods and complete recipient details are required.
What happens if the retailer refuses to accept the return?
The shipment could then get stuck in China, be stored, returned, or incur additional charges. Therefore, acceptance should be confirmed before dispatch.
Is returning goods to China always worthwhile?
No. For low-value goods, shipping costs, customs risks, and return shipping costs can exceed the refund. Therefore, you should check beforehand whether a return is economically worthwhile.
Why do I need tracking?
Tracking is important to be able to follow delivery, delays, customs status and possible queries.