> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://sendcloud.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Returns API overview

The Sendcloud **Returns API** lets you create standalone returns easily and efficiently, so you can seamlessly incorporate returns into your existing workflow, ERP or WMS system. This API can be used in conjunction with other core Sendcloud features or independently.

## What can you do with this API?

* Create a return parcel from national and international destinations
* Retrieve a list of returns created within a specified time period, or with a specific parcel status
* Retrieve return data, including up-to-date tracking information and return reasons per item
* Validate a return before you create the shipping label to avoid unwanted carrier charges
* Request a cancellation for a return parcel

## How does the Returns API differ from the Return portal API?

The [Return portal API](/api/v2/return-portal) is designed to allow you to **build your own custom version** of the Sendcloud Return portal. It requires an outgoing parcel lookup step in order to create a return.

Via the Returns API, you **don't need to have created the original outgoing parcel in Sendcloud** in order to create a return. This makes the Returns API an ideal solution for e-commerce retailers at every scale, even if you don't currently use Sendcloud to ship parcels or process orders.