What does Google require from a return policy?

Google says it must be clear and easy to find, cover general cases like buyer's remorse (not only defects), be readable without logging in, and match what Merchant Center says.

Can I have different policies for some products?

Yes. Create a standard policy plus exception policies, and assign them with the return policy label attribute.

Google Merchant Center: Missing return policy · Return policy not set up

You haven't told Google your return policy

What Google's message means

Your Merchant Center account has no return policy for one or more countries you sell in.

Why it matters

Google increasingly expects a return policy. Missing one can limit how your products show, and an unclear refund policy on your site is a common factor in misrepresentation reviews.

Common causes on Shopify

No return policy has been added in Merchant Center for one or more countries.
The policy on your website differs from Merchant Center (different window or who pays return shipping).
The refund policy page needs a login or only covers defective items.

How to fix it

1Publish a clear refund/return policy on your store (Shopify: Settings → Policies).
2In Merchant Center, go to Shipping and returns → Return policies and add one for each country.
3Make sure the terms (window, who pays return shipping) match what your website says.

How to stop it coming back

Update Merchant Center whenever you change Shopify's refund policy.
Link the refund policy in your footer so it's always reachable.

Common questions

What does Google require from a return policy?: Google says it must be clear and easy to find, cover general cases like buyer's remorse (not only defects), be readable without logging in, and match what Merchant Center says.
Can I have different policies for some products?: Yes. Create a standard policy plus exception policies, and assign them with the return policy label attribute.

Official help pages

Want to catch this before Google does?

FlagClear watches your Merchant Center every day, explains each issue in plain English and suggests Shopify fixes you approve first and can undo. We're opening store connections in stages: join free and your first scan runs as soon as your store can connect.

Join free

Google's wording and requirements change from time to time; always check the help link shown next to the issue in Merchant Center. FlagClear isn't affiliated with Google and can't guarantee review outcomes or reinstatement.