---
title: >-
  Built for Shopify requirements for Returns and exchanges apps and Subscription
  apps (effective December 1, 2026) - Shopify developer changelog
description: >-
  Shopify’s developer changelog documents all changes to Shopify’s platform.
  Find the latest news and learn about new platform opportunities.
source_url:
  html: >-
    https://shopify.dev/changelog/built-for-shopify-requirements-for-returns-and-exchanges-and-subscription-apps
  md: >-
    https://shopify.dev/changelog/built-for-shopify-requirements-for-returns-and-exchanges-and-subscription-apps.md
metadata:
  effectiveApiVersion: ''
  affectedApi: []
  primaryTag:
    displayName: Built for Shopify
    handle: built_for_shopify
  secondaryTag:
    displayName: Update
    handle: update
  indicatesActionRequired: true
  createdAt: '2026-04-22T11:50:22-04:00'
  postedAt: '2026-06-17T11:45:00-04:00'
  updatedAt: '2026-06-15T18:12:46-04:00'
  effectiveAt: '2026-05-04T10:00:00-04:00'
---

June 17, 2026

Tags:

* Action Required
* Built for Shopify

# Built for Shopify requirements for Returns and exchanges apps and Subscription apps (effective December 1, 2026)

**Effective December 1, 2026**, Returns and exchanges apps and Subscription apps that provide buyer-facing self-service experiences must authenticate customers using the Customer Account API.

Apps that don't meet this requirement by the deadline are at risk of [losing Built for Shopify status](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/launch/built-for-shopify/regain-lost-status).

### What's changing

[Returns and exchanges](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/launch/built-for-shopify/requirements#returns-use-customer-account-api) and [Subscription](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/launch/built-for-shopify/requirements#subscriptions-use-customer-account-api) apps with buyer-facing self-service experiences must use the Customer Account API for customer authentication. This gives buyers and merchants a single, secure sign-in across their storefront, apps, and customer accounts.

### Who this affects

Your app is affected if it falls into either category and offers buyers a self-service experience (for example, managing returns, tracking exchanges, or updating a subscription).

### What you need to do

Integrate the Customer Account API for customer authentication in your buyer-facing flows. Review the updated [Built for Shopify requirements](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/launch/built-for-shopify/requirements) for full details.

### Deadline

December 1, 2026.