As a regular shopper on AliExpress, it’s possible to see the tracking status show, “Returning” and then be accompanied by “Processing problem at sorting center.”
Now that you are here, you are interested in knowing what this status means and what you can do about it. Let’s get to it right away.
What Does “Processing Problem At Sorting Center” Mean On AliExpress?
This tracking status means that due to a problem with your package, it had to be returned from the departure transport hub to the original warehouse, but it still has issues, making it hard for the origin sorting facility to return it.
As you can see from our screenshot below, there are several processes before such a package gets to “Returning,” followed by “Processing problem at sorting center”.
Why Is My Package Stuck On This Tracking Status?
Your Item Is Suspected To Contain A Battery
When I had this issue occurring at first, this is how it went.
I purchased a car stereo system on AliExpress on May, 15. The following day, the package was sent out from the warehouse and it reached China’s departure point’s sorting center.
After sorting, the tracking status showed that the item had a processing problem and so it was supposed to be returned to the seller.
Upon using Parcelsapp (a free third-party site to re-track items), the tracking details showed Restricted Item – Battery Item.
That very day, AliExpress tracking showed that my item had been handed over to a delivery company to return it to the seller’s warehouse.
The following day, AliExpress tracking showed that there was a processing problem at the sorting center.
Upon re-tracking my item, it still showed that my item was still in the departure transport hub and the only problem was that the item had a battery item.
From there, we can deduce that the AliExpress tracking system is somewhat ineffective and doesn’t always show the correct tracking details, secondly, it’s crucial to re-track your item regardless of what AliExpress says.
While I expected AliExpress to next tell me “Package returned to local warehouse. Inbound success,” they instead sent back the item to the departure transport hub after ascertaining that my item didn’t have any battery.
While at this point, we need to clarify that while yours might not be an electronic item, the battery item notification may still apply in this scenario: an item with a battery might be parceled along with yours as most sellers consolidate items together.
What Do I Do When AliExpress Says, “Processing Problem At Sorting Center?”
Be More Patient
When dealing with AliExpress, we usually recommend to our audience to be more patient.
After seeing that tracking status, don’t panic. Instead, wait for a few more days and see if there will be any progress.
As you wait, you can consider re-tracking your parcel using 17Track or Parcelsapp and get to know why AliExpress says that it had a processing problem in the first place.
Initiate A Refund If Applicable
If you confirm from AliExpress or the re-tracking sites that your item was sent back to the seller, consider asking for a refund.
You need to click on “file a dispute” and then ‘tracked as returned/canceled/lost’. You will also need to attach a screenshot showing your tracking page that confirms that the package was taken to the departure transport hub but then returned to the sender.
Submitting such details necessitates swift refunds, and you could try placing your order once more or from a different seller (if you desperately need it.)
