GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026
Reverse Logistics
Shippers, retailers, and manufacturers rely on reverse logistics to move goods from end customers back through the supply chain—for returns, repairs, remanufacturing, or disposal.
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Source: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/reverse-logistics.asp
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Logistics Concept
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Definition & Explanation
Shippers, retailers, and manufacturers rely on reverse logistics to move goods from end customers back through the supply chain—for returns, repairs, remanufacturing, or disposal. The workflow covers collection or customer-initiated return, inbound inspection at the processing facility, and a disposition decision: restock, refurbish, or scrap. In e-commerce, high return rates make an efficient reverse flow a competitive necessity rather than an afterthought. Cross-border returns add a customs dimension: depending on origin and product type, import duties or proof of re-export may be required. The term is the mirror image of forward logistics, which moves goods from supplier to customer.
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