create_return · Shopify Graphql MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_return does on Shopify Graphql

AI agents use create_return to create or update resources in Shopify Graphql — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Shopify Graphql environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why create_return needs a policy

This tool creates (writes) a new return entity tied to an existing order, modifying store state reversibly. While returns can have financial implications (refunds), the tool itself is a data creation operation rather than moving money directly; the severity is medium because misuse could create unauthorized returns affecting inventory and customer relations, but the operation is reversible through normal return…

From the tool's definition Tool name 'create_return' and description 'Create a new return from an order' indicate a create operation that adds a new return record to a Shopify store's system.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_return Rate-limited

create_return stays usable, but capped — an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "create_return": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_return_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Shopify Graphql, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about create_return

What does the create_return tool do? +

Create a new return from an order. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Shopify Graphql MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on create_return? +

Register the Shopify Graphql MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for create_return: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches Shopify Graphql. Nothing to install.

What risk level is create_return? +

create_return is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit create_return? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the create_return rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.

How do I block create_return completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for create_return. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.

What MCP server provides create_return? +

create_return is provided by the Shopify Graphql MCP server (uvu-store/shopify-graphql-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.