diff --git a/C4/SIP/ILS.pm b/C4/SIP/ILS.pm
index 822a6d3aaf..94bc15461c 100644
--- a/C4/SIP/ILS.pm
+++ b/C4/SIP/ILS.pm
@@ -223,7 +223,7 @@ sub checkin {
     } elsif ( $data->{messages}->{withdrawn} && !$circ->ok ) {
             $circ->screen_msg("Item withdrawn, return not allowed");
             syslog("LOG_DEBUG", "C4::SIP::ILS::Checkin - item withdrawn");
-    } elsif ( $data->{messages}->{WasLost} && !$circ->ok ) {
+    } elsif ( $data->{messages}->{WasLost} && !$circ->ok && C4::Context->preference("BlockReturnOfLostItems") ) {
             $circ->screen_msg("Item lost, return not allowed");
             syslog("LOG_DEBUG", "C4::SIP::ILS::Checkin - item lost");
     } elsif ( !$item->{patron} ) {