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Tracking status

“Refused by Recipient”: what this tracking status means

The recipient declined the package, and it is being returned or held. USPS lets the addressee refuse mail when it is offered or mark it 'Refused' and return it unopened. FedEx says when a recipient turns a package away (e.g. it appeared damaged or the delivery fee could not be paid), it contacts the shipper for next steps.

What to do

  1. If refusal was intentional, contact the sender to arrange a refund or replacement.
  2. With USPS, only unopened mail can be refused; opened items need new packaging and postage.
  3. If it was refused by mistake, contact the carrier quickly to stop the return.

When to contact the sender or carrier

USPS notes Registered, insured, Certified, COD and Adult Signature items cannot be refused and returned postage-free after delivery. Contact the carrier if you did not refuse the package.

How carriers word it

Wording on the tracking pageCarrier
“Refused”USPS
“Returning to FedEx facility (turned away by recipient)”FedEx
“Returned to Shipper (consignee rejection)”DHL Express

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