More ways to share your shipping and returns policies with Google  |  Google Search Central Blog  |  Google for Developers

11/12/25
Source: Google Search Central Blog. Read the original article

TL;DR Summary of Google Expands Shipping and Returns Policy Options for Online Merchants

Google now allows all identified online merchants to configure shipping and returns policies directly in Search Console, even without a Merchant Center account. Merchants can also use new organization-level structured data to provide site-wide shipping policies, reducing the need for individual product markup. These enhancements improve search visibility by enabling fulfillment information to appear in knowledge panels and product results, ultimately helping merchants attract more customers.

Optimixed’s Overview: Enhanced Fulfillment Policy Features Empower Online Retailers to Boost Search Presence

Expanded Access to Shipping and Returns Configuration

Previously limited to merchants with Merchant Center accounts, Google’s Search Console now offers a user-friendly interface for all websites identified as online merchants to directly configure shipping and returns policies. This change democratizes access, making it easier for merchants to communicate key fulfillment details that build trust with customers.

Introduction of Organization-Level Shipping Policy Markup

  • Organization-level structured data allows merchants to specify a general shipping policy that applies site-wide, minimizing the need for repetitive product-level markup.
  • Product-specific shipping policies still take priority when set, ensuring flexibility for unique shipping terms.
  • Merchants can test their structured data using Google’s Rich Results Test tool to ensure validity and proper display in search results.

Benefits for Merchants and Customers

By leveraging these new options, merchants can enhance their search result listings with visible fulfillment information such as free or fast shipping. This increased transparency supports improved customer decision-making and can drive higher engagement and sales.

Overall, Google’s expanded capabilities make it simpler for merchants to optimize how their shipping and return policies appear across Google Search, Knowledge Panels, and brand profiles, helping to foster trust and attract more shoppers.