> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.commercelayer.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.commercelayer.io/core-api-reference/2026-05/returns.md).

# Returns

The return object and the allowed CRUD operations on the related resource endpoint

Returns are linked to one specific order. They get created in `draft` status and become `requested` when a customer requests to return SKUs from an order. Requested returns can be `approved` or `cancelled`. An approved return becomes `shipped` once it leaves the customer's address (origin). As soon as they reach the available return location (destination), shipped returns can either be marked as `received` — after which its [return line items](/core-api-reference/2026-05/return_line_items.md) can be restocked to an [inventory location](/core-api-reference/2026-05/inventory_stock_locations.md) — or, in case of any errors (e.g. the customer sent back the wrong products), be marked as `rejected`. Received returns can be [refunded](#refunding-from-a-return), in which case, their status becomes `refunded`.

{% hint style="info" %}
Returns are still creatable and updatable even when the associated order's fulfillment status is `in_progress`. If needed, you can also mark a return as received directly from the `requested` or `approved` status.
{% endhint %}

## Refunding from a return

Once a return is `received`, the refund process works in two steps:

1. Create one or more [payment refunds](/core-api-reference/2026-05/payment_refunds.md) against the order's [payment sessions](/core-api-reference/2026-05/payment_sessions.md) to cover the amount to be returned.
2. Once the total of succeeded refunds equals or exceeds the `estimated_refund_amount_cents`, pass the `_refund` trigger on the return to mark it as `refunded`.

{% hint style="info" %}
The `estimated_refund_amount_cents` attribute provides a suggested refund amount computed from the price and quantity of the returned items. It is a guide — the actual refund amount is determined by the payment refunds you create against the order's sessions.
{% endhint %}


---

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