Starting October 19, 2026, Walmart no longer allows seller-fulfilled products with return policy exemptions to qualify for the Walmart+ badge. This applies to both existing and newly enrolled products.
What is a return policy exemption?
Normally, customers can return products through Walmart’s standard return process, including returning eligible items at Walmart stores.
A return policy exemption allows certain products to use a different return process because of their size, shipping requirements, or special handling needs.
Examples include:
- Large freight shipments
- Products that require multiple boxes
- Major appliances and tires
- Luxury items, such as jewelry, watches, and handbags over $300
What’s the difference?
Without an exemption, customers use Walmart’s standard return process. Your product can qualify for the Walmart+ badge if it meets all other requirements.
With an exemption, customers must contact you directly to arrange returns. Your product can still be sold on Walmart Marketplace, but it cannot qualify for the Walmart+ badge.
How do returns work with an exemption?
- The customer contacts you to request a return.
- You must provide a return shipping label within 48 hours and arrange any special shipping needed.
- You handle the return and refund according to Walmart’s policies.
Important details:
- Exempt products generally cannot be returned at Walmart stores.
- You are responsible for return shipping costs. You cannot charge customers for return shipping.
- You may charge a restocking fee of up to 20% for eligible exempt items returned in non-original or unsellable condition.
- If you don’t respond or provide a label on time, Walmart may refund the customer and charge your account, potentially without requiring the product to be returned.
How do you request an exemption?
- Download and complete Walmart’s Return Exemption Request Template with your SKUs.
- Contact Walmart Seller Support through Seller Center and select Return exemptions.
- Submit the template for approval. Once approved, configure your item-level return rules.
Walmart reviews each request and may reject or revoke exemptions.
What should sellers do now?
If your products have return policy exemptions, you must remove them to qualify for the Walmart+ badge and continue meeting Walmart’s other eligibility requirements.
If your products don’t have exemptions, no changes are needed.
Keep in mind that some products require special return handling, so removing an exemption may not be appropriate for every product.
