Returns with TUNL: What Happens & What It Costs 🚚↩️
Returns are sometimes part of international shipping. This guide explains what to do, why shipments get returned, who pays, and how to avoid unnecessary return costs 🚀
1. I want to return a shipment – what do I do? 📦🔁
If you’d like to return a package, please:
- Tracking number
- Commercial invoice
- Reason for the return
- Any relevant documents or photos (if applicable)
👉 Important:
- You’ll be liable for all return transport costs, as well as any taxes, duties and handling fees charged on the return.
- In some cases, there may be an option to abandon/destroy the shipment instead of returning it (see below).
Don’t worry - our Support team will share their expert advice so that you’re able to make an informed decision. We’ll be with you every step of the way!
2. Why was my package returned by the carrier? 😕
Sometimes a carrier may return a package without informing TUNL 📦
If you see that your shipment is on its way back:
- **Contact Support on WhatsApp or [Chat
](https://tunl.to/#crisp-open)
- Share:
- Tracking number
- Any notifications you received
- Your original shipment details
This will enable our team to investigate what happened and advise you regarding next steps.
What might have happened? 🤔
- The carrier needed extra information (e.g. tax ID, contact number, documents) to clear or deliver the shipment to your customer.
- That information wasn’t provided to them in time, so they could not effect delivery.
- Carriers can usually only hold a shipment for around 5 days before they must return it to the sender.
But there’s no need to worry just yet - we’ll get to the bottom of it and will walk you through what needs to happen next to get everything back on track.
3. Who pays for return costs? 💸
By default, the shipper is responsible for all return-related costs, including:
- Return transportation fees 🚚
- Any applicable DDP charges
- Taxes, duties and handling surcharges linked to the return
4. Can I abandon or destroy a shipment instead of returning it? 🗑️
Some countries allow you to abandon a shipment instead of paying to bring it back.
- Abandoning means the carrier will destroy the package.
- This option is not available in every country, and some carriers/countries only allow returns.
To check your options:
- Reach out to our Support Team on WhatsApp or Chat
- Include your tracking number and ask whether abandon/destroy is possible for that shipment and destination.
5. What if my product is prohibited? 🚫
Some commodities are prohibited or restricted in certain countries.
Your responsibilities:
- It’s your responsibility to ensure your product is not prohibited at the destination.
- If you’re unsure whether an item is allowed, reach out to us on WhatsApp or Chat before shipping and we’ll help you check ✅
If a shipment is stopped because it contains a prohibited commodity and TUNL wasn’t informed, you’ll be liable for all costs, which may include:
- Return freight
- Storage or handling fees
- Disposal/destruction fees
- Penalty charges for shipping prohibited items
6. How to reduce the risk and cost of returns 🧠✨
To minimise returns and extra fees:
- Double-check your receiver details (name, full address, phone, email) before booking.
- Make sure you understand basic rules for the destination country (especially tax IDs and documentation).
- If it’s a new product or new destination, reach out to our Support team with any questions you have.
- Keep an eye on tracking updates and contact us quickly if something looks wrong, so we can catch any issues early on.
7. Need help with a return? 💬
If you’re dealing with a return, a possible return, or a confusing tracking update, reach out to our Support Team on WhatsApp or Chat 🦸♀️
We’ll review your shipment, explain your options, and guide you through the next steps.
Keywords: Returns | Returned package | Return costs | International shipping returns | TUNL returns | Abandoned shipment | Destroy shipment | DDP returns | Shipping return process
Updated on: 03/12/2025
Thank you!