Evri tracking status
Evri “Returned to sender”: what it means
The short answer
Take actionEvri is sending your parcel back to the sender, for example after failed delivery attempts, a parcel not collected from a ParcelShop or Locker in time, or a request from the sender. Once it is back, only the sender can resend it.
When to act: If your address was right and Evri never tried to deliver or told you where to collect it, file a complaint now and we send it to Evri.
Also shown as: “It's on its way back” · “Returned” · “We're returning your parcel because it wasn't collected in time.”
What to do now
- 1
Check the tracking history for the reason.
- 2
If it says the parcel was not collected in time, check the deadline in your collection message.
- 3
Check the delivery address and mobile number on your order, and correct them in your account if they were wrong.
- 4
Keep a screenshot of the tracking with the reason and the dates, and your order number, for your complaint.
- 5
Still not sorted? File your complaint here. We write it with you and send it to Evri, 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
- DPD: On its way back to the 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 “Returned to sender” mean?
Returns have their own stages: It's on its way back while the parcel travels, and Returned once the sender has it. In the UK Evri makes up to three delivery attempts before returning a parcel, though it may deliver to a nearby ParcelShop instead.
ParcelShop parcels are usually returned after 10 days and Locker parcels after 3 days if nobody collects them. If the sender's address is wrong or missing, Evri may have to dispose of the parcel.
Why does Evri show it?
- Delivery attempts failed
- Not collected from a ParcelShop within 10 days or a Locker within 3 days
- The address could not be found or was incomplete
- The sender asked for it back
- The recipient refused it
How long does it last?
The parcel travels back through Evri's network to the sender. Once it arrives, the tracking shows Returned and the sender can resend it or refund you.
What people told us about “Returned to sender”
20 complaints about Evri on Complain.biz quote this status.
… the item then ultimately after the same string of lies the item say being returned to sender then it goes missing completely ,CLEARY the items are being stolen,in the last 2 months i have twice ordered trainers from the USA,the …
Tracking page useless with no updates, then returned to sender as say could not deliver! No one else has a problem - amazon, yodel, Royal Mail all deliver on time.
Other Evri statuses
- DelayedKeep an eye on it
- Tracking not updating or not workingKeep an eye on it
- Delivered but not receivedTake action
- Lost parcelTake action
- Ready for collectionTake action
- In transit (at the local depot)Normal
- We've got itNormal
- Delivery attempted or action neededTake action
- Out for deliveryNormal
- We're expecting itKeep an eye on it
Who is responsible for a late or missing parcel from Evri?
If you bought it 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 they are in your hands, or with someone you named to take them, unless you booked your own courier that the seller did not offer. Retailers have their own contracts with Evri, so for an online order a refund comes from the seller.
If you sent the parcel yourself, your contract is with Evri, under its terms. Standard cover is up to £20 for loss or damage plus a refund of the delivery charge, letterbox-size Postable parcels only get the delivery charge back, and Full Cover bought when booking goes up to £999.
Questions about “Returned to sender”
Why would Evri return a parcel to the sender?
Because delivery attempts failed, the parcel was not collected from a ParcelShop or Locker in time, the address could not be used, or the sender asked for it back.
Can Evri return a parcel without trying to deliver it?
Evri normally tries up to three times first, but a parcel can go back sooner if the address cannot be used or the sender asks for it back.
Will I get a refund if my Evri parcel is returned to sender?
Refunds come from the seller, not from Evri. Many sellers refund once the tracking shows Returned, and if the parcel went back through no fault of yours, a business seller has to deliver or refund, so you do not have to accept a long wait.
Based on
- Evri: Terms and conditions (compensation, delivery estimates, delivery attempts, claims)
- Evri: ParcelShop delivery (10 day collection period, ID)
- Evri: Parcel Lockers (3 day collection period)
- Evri: Track a parcel (tracking stage names such as We're expecting it, We've got it, In transit, Update on your parcel)
- Evri FAQ: Can I collect my parcel?
- legislation.gov.uk: Consumer Rights Act, section 29 (goods stay at the seller's risk until delivered)
- Evri guide: Parcel cover and how to claim