File an International Claim

COVID-19 Return to Sender Postage Refunds

How to Request a Postage Refund

If you sent a package out of the U.S. and it was returned due to a COVID-19 service suspension (with the pink label shown here), please read carefully to learn what you can do to get a refund:

• If you bought the postage from a third-party vendor (like a shipping company or other provider), please go to their website and follow their procedures for a refund. USPS can't give you a refund unless you bought postage directly from us, like at a Post Office™ location or with Click-N-Ship® service.
• If you bought USPS business postage (using a postage meter or PC Postage), please visit Postal Pro for refund information.
• If you don't have a tracking number, OR your tracking number starts with the letter L or U, and you bought the postage directly from USPS (like at a Post Office location or with Click-N-Ship service), please bring your package to your local Post Office for a refund.
• If your tracking number starts with the letter E, C, H, or R and you bought the postage directly from USPS (like at a Post Office location or with Click-N-Ship service), you can either bring your package to your local Post Office or create an inquiry online:
  1. Click "Create an Inquiry" and search for your package using your tracking number, destination country, and shipping date.
  2. Use "Mail Service Suspended-Return to Sender" as Reason for Inquiry. (This selection is required to receive a postage refund.)
  3. If available, you can attach an image of the returned package to your application.
  4. Then, complete the form and submit.
  5. Please allow a minimum 30 days to receive your postage refund.

If your package is damaged or has missing contents, please see the "Receiving Damaged International Shipments" section.

How It Works

1. Check filing periods for each international mail service.
2. Gather your documents including your 13-digit tracking number and other supporting documentation.
3. Click "Create an Inquiry," log in to your USPS.com account, and complete the online form.
   NOTE: If any required documents are not included, you will be unable to submit your inquiry.
4. If your inquiry is eligible for a claim, you will be notified via email: "Claim Sent for Review."
5. After our claims department processes your claim, you'll receive an email with the claim results.

Create an Inquiry Inquiry History

How to File a Claim - Video

Our "How to File an International Claim on USPS.com" video gives step-by-step instructions for submitting your claim and proof of value documents.

"How to File an International Claim on USPS.com" Video Transcript (TXT 4 KB)

Receiving Damaged International Shipments

You must immediately present the article, mailing container, wrapping, packaging, and any other contents received in damaged condition and/or with missing contents to a Post Office for inspection. The Post Office will verify the damage and give you a PS Form 3831, Receipt for Article(s) Damaged in Mails, for your files.

In addition, it is recommended you contact the foreign sender and ask the sender to file an inquiry with the postal administration from where the item was mailed. All claims for inbound items that are lost, or are delivered to the addressee in damaged condition or with missing contents are payable to the sender, unless the sender waives the right to payment, in writing, in favor of the addressee.

Proof of Damage

These items will help prove the damage to your incoming shipment:

• Document(s) supporting damage from U.S. mailer
• Document(s) supporting damage from foreign addressee
• Receipt of article(s) damaged in the mail
• Photos of the damage
• Description and value of contents