DPD tracking status
DPD “On its way back to the sender”: what it means
The short answer
Take actionDPD has stopped trying to deliver and is sending the parcel back, often after failed attempts, a refusal, an uncollected Pickup shop parcel or unpaid import charges. The sender then decides whether to send it again or refund you.
When to act: On the day you see the return scan, file a complaint and we send it to the retailer, who decides whether to send it again or refund you.
Also shown as: “Your parcel is on its way back to the sender” · “We have your parcel and it's on its way back to the sender”
What to do now
- 1
Check the tracking history to see why the return started.
- 2
Check your texts and emails for a DPD message you may have missed, such as a Pickup shop notice or an import charge.
- 3
Check that the delivery address on your order confirmation is complete and correct.
- 4
Keep screenshots of the tracking in case the refund is disputed.
- 5
If you paid DPD for the postage yourself, you are the sender, so keep your postage receipt.
- 6
Still not sorted? File your complaint here. We write it with you and send it to the seller, so you do not have to chase it yourself.
Going back to the sender with another courier
- USPS: Insufficient address
- Amazon: Undeliverable
- DHL: Returned to Shipper
- OnTrac: Returning package to the shipper
- GOFO: Delivery Failed
- UniUni: Undeliverable
- SpeedX: Return to Shipper
- Cainiao: Return
- Royal Mail: Returned to sender
- Evri: Returned to sender
- Parcelforce: Returned to sender
- Canada Post: Item being returned to sender
- Purolator: Item being returned to sender, determined as undeliverable
- Canpar: Returned to sender
- Intelcom: Sorry, your package was undeliverable
- Australia Post: Returning to sender
- Aramex: Return to sender
- CouriersPlease: Return to Sender In Progress
- Sendle: Returned
- NZ Post: Undeliverable
- An Post: We could not deliver your item
What does “On its way back to the sender” mean?
A return scan means DPD will no longer deliver to you. Typical triggers are repeated failed deliveries, a refusal, a parcel left too long at a Pickup shop, an address that could not be found, or import charges that were not paid in time. DPD's returns policy lets it return a parcel it cannot deliver after a minimum of 5 calendar days.
Once the return starts, DPD deals with the sender. A return can sometimes be stopped before the parcel leaves your local depot, but only with the sender's agreement.
Why does DPD show it?
- Several delivery attempts failed
- The parcel was refused at the door
- It was not collected from a Pickup shop in time
- The address was incomplete or could not be found
- Import duty or VAT was not paid in time
How long does it last?
The parcel travels back through the DPD network to the sender, which usually takes a few working days. The sender then sends it again, refunds you or contacts you.
Other DPD statuses
- At a DPD hubNormal
- Delayed due to an unexpected issue in your areaKeep an eye on it
- Your parcel has been delayedKeep an eye on it
- Out for delivery, but not arrivedKeep an eye on it
- Sorry we missed youTake action
- Being held at the depotTake action
- Your parcel was refusedTake action
- Delivered, but you do not have itTake action
- Tracking not updatingKeep an eye on it
- Hub 1 - BhamNormal
- Hub 2 - BhamNormal
- Hub 3 - BhamNormal
- Hub 4 - HinckleyNormal
- Hub 5 - HinckleyNormal
Who is responsible for a late or missing parcel from DPD?
If you bought online from a business, the seller is usually responsible until the parcel reaches you. Under UK consumer law (the Consumer Rights Act), the goods stay at the seller's risk until you or someone you named has them, unless you chose and booked the courier yourself. DPD's contract is with the seller, so a lost, damaged or very late parcel is the seller's to put right.
If you sent the parcel yourself, your contract is with DPD, under its terms. DPD postage bought at a Post Office branch includes cover up to the lower of the item's value or £50, and DPD's standard conditions for business senders cover the lower of the item's value or £100 per parcel, unless extra cover was bought.
Questions about “On its way back to the sender”
What happens if I do not collect my DPD parcel from a Pickup shop?
When the hold period ends, DPD sends it back to the sender, and the retailer then decides on a new delivery or a refund.
Can I stop DPD returning my parcel?
Sometimes, if it is caught before it leaves your area, but the sender controls a return, so stopping it needs the sender's agreement.
How long does a DPD return to sender take?
Usually a few working days through the DPD network. Many retailers start the refund or a new delivery once it is back with them.
How long does a DPD Pickup shop keep a parcel?
DPD does not publish one hold period for all Pickup shops. At a Post Office branch, the Post Office says you have 7 days from the day the parcel arrives before DPD returns it. Check your DPD messages and collect as soon as you can.
Based on
- DPD UK: Return, Disposal and Destruction of Goods Policy
- DPD standard terms for delivery services bought at a Post Office branch
- DPD (Belgium) FAQ: how long DPD UK holds a parcel awaiting duty payment
- DPD UK: Standard Terms and Conditions of Carriage (PDF)
- Post Office: collecting DPD parcels in branch (pick-up pass, ID, 7 days to collect)
- legislation.gov.uk: Consumer Rights Act, section 29 (goods stay at the seller's risk until they reach you)