# POST /parcels/v1/shipment/activatereturn stops working

Calls to POST /parcels/v1/shipment/activatereturn on PostNL API stopped working on August 1, 2026.

- API: PostNL API (api.postnl.nl)
- Kind: Endpoint removal
- Announced: April 3, 2026
- Takes effect: August 1, 2026
- Calls after that day: fail
- Calls it hits: `POST /parcels/v1/shipment/activatereturn`
- Source: [Announcement](https://developer.postnl.nl/operational-status/changelog)
- Page: https://www.okapi.bot/providers/postnl-api/breaking-changes/post-parcels-v1-shipment-activatereturn-stops-working/

## What to use instead

Stop creating Shipment and Return labels (Characteristic 152 / Option 026) and the handover blockade; manifest each return as a new return shipment with a new barcode (Returns API v4 or a return label).

The Shipment and Return label service is withdrawn with no direct replacement; returns must be redesigned as separate return shipments.

## PostNL API's words

> Effective 1 August 2026, calls to this endpoint will no longer be accepted. Requests will result in an error response.