Canon Return Policy: 14-Day RMA Rule for Canon Online Store Orders
By ReturnClerk · Verified Oct 31, 2026 against 2 official sources · next review Nov 15, 2026 · Report a change
Quick answer
14days
14 calendar days from delivery
The Canon Online Store only takes back merchandise that is defective or unopened, in its original packaging with everything that came in the box and a copy of the packing slip 1. You must get a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number within 14 calendar days of delivery and then return the item to the Canon Online Store within 14 calendar days of the date the RMA was issued 1. Canon doesn't say whether shipping by that day is enough, so send it early enough to arrive in time. Original shipping and handling isn't refunded unless Canon finds the item defective 1, and after the return period your only route is the product's Limited Warranty 1.
On this page
Canon's online store return policy is much stricter than a typical retailer's. There is no "changed my mind" window for opened gear, and the clock is short: two deadlines of 14 calendar days each. Here is how it works, based on Canon U.S.A.'s own Returns & Exchanges page 1.
Which purchases can be returned
The policy covers merchandise bought at the Canon Online Store that is either defective or unopened 1. To qualify, the item must come back 1:
- in its original packaging,
- with all the original items, such as manuals and cables,
- with a copy of the invoice or packing slip.
If you bought Canon gear from another store, this policy doesn't apply; the page only covers Canon Online Store orders 1.
Two deadlines of 14 calendar days
Every return or exchange needs a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number 1. The timeline has two parts 1:
| Step | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Request your RMA number | Within 14 calendar days of delivery to the address on the order 1 |
| Get the item back to Canon | Within 14 calendar days of the date the RMA was issued 1 |
Canon calls the second window the Return Period and won't accept returns or exchanges after it 1. The policy says to return the merchandise within that period, not just to ship it, so leave time for transit. Weekends and holidays count, so call soon after the box arrives.
How to return an item
- Call for an RMA. The Canon Online Store's toll-free line is 1-800-385-2155, open 9:00am–9:00pm ET, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays 1.
- Pack it completely. Use the original packaging with all accessories, manuals and cables, plus a copy of the packing slip 1.
- Mark the box. Write the RMA number clearly on the outside of the shipping package 1.
- Ship it to the address on your packing slip. The Canon Online Store address is on the peel-off label 1.
- Use tracking and insurance. Canon recommends FedEx, UPS or another carrier with tracking and insurance, because it isn't responsible for returns lost or damaged in transit 1.
If you have a Canon Account, you can look up order dates, numbers, status and tracking for orders from the last two years 1, which helps you confirm your delivery date.
Items with special rules
- Nonreturnable items: anything marked nonreturnable on its product page 1.
- CD-ROMs and instruction manuals: not eligible unless defective 1.
- Build Your Bundle sets: returning one item means returning the whole bundle together 1.
- WG Series inkjet business printers: all sales are final except as set out in the product warranty 1. If one arrives damaged or defective, call Canon USA at 1-855-85-CANON, 8:00am–5:00pm ET, Monday through Friday 1. You pay service costs and shipping back to Canon unless the warranty or eCarePAK covers them 1.
What a return costs you
Canon doesn't refund the shipping and handling from your original order unless it decides, in its sole discretion, that the item is defective 1. The general policy doesn't say who pays to ship an ordinary return or whether Canon sends a label, so ask when you call for the RMA. If you ship it yourself, Canon recommends tracking and insurance 1, so budget for that. Only the WG Series printer terms say outright that you pay to ship a product back 1.
Canon's page doesn't say how long refunds take or mention a restocking fee, so ask when you call for the RMA if timing matters to you.
After the return period
Once the Return Period ends, hardware problems go through the product's Limited Warranty instead 1. Canon also offers Extended Service Plans for most hardware products 1.
Refurbished products
Canon sells refurbished gear in its online store; each item must pass a comprehensive quality assurance inspection before it's packed and shipped 1. The returns page doesn't list separate return terms for refurbished items, so the same Canon Online Store rules above are the ones to plan around 1.
Holiday returns
Canon has offered extended holiday returns. For the 2025 season, eligible products bought through the Canon online store from November 3 to December 31, 2025 could be returned until January 15, 2026, excluding final-sale and nonreturnable items 2. That offer has ended, and Canon's holiday page still showed the 2025 terms when we checked, so don't assume the same dates for 2026.
Quick tips
- Inspect the box as soon as it arrives; the RMA clock starts at delivery 1.
- Don't open an item you might return unless you're sure, since only unopened or defective items qualify 1.
- Keep every cable, manual and the packing slip 1.
More Canon guides are on the Canon store page; compare other retailers in our return policies hub.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I have to return something to Canon?
You need an RMA number within 14 calendar days of the date the order was delivered, and then return the item to Canon within 14 calendar days of the date the RMA was issued 1. Canon won't accept returns after that period 1. The policy doesn't say whether a package shipped on the last day counts, so plan for it to arrive within the 14 days.
Can I return an opened Canon camera that works fine?
How do I get a Canon RMA number?
Does Canon refund shipping on returns?
Does Canon extend returns for the holidays?
It has before. For the 2025 season, eligible online store purchases made from November 3 to December 31, 2025 could be returned until January 15, 2026 2. Canon hadn't posted terms for 2026 when we checked.
Sources
- 1Canon Returns & ExchangesCanon U.S.A., Inc., text captured Oct 31, 2026
- 2Holiday Shipping & Return PoliciesCanon U.S.A., Inc., text captured Oct 31, 2026
Verified Oct 31, 2026 against 2 official sources. Next review Nov 15, 2026.
ReturnClerk is not affiliated with Canon. Policies change and individual stores may apply them differently, so confirm with the retailer before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us or read how we verify.