New GraphQL fields for return management

New GraphQL Fields Enhance Shopify Return Management

Effective July 1, 2025 -Admin API version 2025‑07

Shopify has introduced several powerful enhancements to its Admin GraphQL API focused on return management. These new fields give developers and merchants deeper visibility into returns—simplifying workflows and improving data accuracy MESA+6Shopify+6Shopify+6Magento 2 Extensions

What’s New

Quantity Tracking on Returns
Return and exchange line items now include the following:

• processedQuantity: how many units have already been handled

• processableQuantity: how many units are ready to be processed

• unprocessedQuantity: the remaining units requiring action

These metrics give clear visibility into return workflows at a granular level Catsy+13Shopify+13Shopify+13

Detailed Timestamps for Key Events
New timestamp fields on the Return object help track each phase of the returns journey:

• createdAt: when the return was initiated

• requestApprovedAt: when it was approved

• closedAt: when it was finalized
  Additionally, ReverseFulfillmentOrderDisposition.createdAt timestamps when dispositions occur Shopify Developer Community Forums+3Shopify+3docs.gadget.dev+3

Breaking Change Notice
The ExchangeLineItem.lineItem field is now deprecated. ExchangeLineItem.lineItems should be used instead, as an item may now map to multiple line items Shopify+4Shopify+4Shopify+4

Why This Matters

Clear Operational Visibility
If your team handles returns manually or via automation, knowing exactly what’s been processed and what’s left avoids mistakes and improves warehousing coordination.

Better Customer Service
Seeing each return's timeline from request to closure means more accurate communication with customers and faster resolution.

Cleaner Product Logic
Deprecating singular lineItem fields while supporting lists improves accuracy when returns or exchanges happen more than once.

Suggested Next Steps

• Audit your integrations for use of the old lineItem field and update to the new structure.

• Add logic to track processed, processable, and unprocessed quantities so fulfillment systems stay accurate.

• Incorporate timestamp checks in reporting and dashboards for example, approval dates versus closure timelines.

• Review return flows or customer service tools to pull in these new fields for richer UI and analytics.

Final Thoughts

Although these updates may look minor, they significantly improve your return handling capability especially if you support partial exchanges, automated returns, or customer dashboards. Tracking incomplete returns accurately and knowing exactly when they were resolved empowers operations and service.

If you handle fulfillment, logistics, or returns reporting for Shopify clients, EcomSpiders can help you adapt your integration logic, dashboards, or workflows to leverage these new return fields. We offer free consultations to optimize return management systems and future‑proof your store. Reach out at EcomSpiders.com when you’re ready.