Selling on Amazon opens doors to millions of customers worldwide, but it also means operating within one of the most tightly regulated marketplaces online. Amazon expects its sellers to maintain high standards of performance, compliance, and customer satisfaction. Any deviation from these expectations can lead to policy violations—and in serious cases, account suspension. For sellers, understanding these violations and learning how to avoid them is essential to maintaining long-term success on the platform.
Amazon policy violations occur when a seller’s actions, listings, or customer interactions go against Amazon’s established rules and guidelines. These policies exist to ensure a safe, trustworthy shopping environment for customers and a fair marketplace for sellers.
Violations can range from minor issues—such as incomplete product descriptions—to severe infractions like selling counterfeit goods or manipulating customer reviews. When Amazon detects a policy breach, it may issue a performance notification, remove listings, withhold funds, or suspend the seller’s account entirely.
Understanding the types of violations Amazon enforces is the first step in protecting your business from disruptions.
Let’s explore some of the most frequent policy violations that catch sellers off guard.
Product listing issues are among the most common causes of warnings or suspensions. Amazon maintains strict guidelines for how products should be described, titled, and categorized. Common mistakes include:
Even minor listing discrepancies can trigger Amazon’s automated compliance systems. Sellers should regularly review the Product Detail Page Rules to ensure their listings are accurate and up-to-date.
Selling products that infringe on intellectual property rights—such as trademarks, copyrights, or patents—is a serious offense. Many sellers unknowingly violate IP laws by listing items that resemble branded products or by using trademarked terms in product descriptions.
To avoid IP violations:
IP complaints are one of the top reasons for Amazon account suspensions, and they often require a professional appeal to resolve.
When customers purchase a “new” product, they expect it to arrive in perfect condition. If an item arrives damaged, used, or missing packaging, customers may report it as “not as described.” Too many of these complaints can lead to a “used sold as new” violation.
To prevent these complaints:
Amazon restricts or prohibits the sale of certain products, such as hazardous materials, supplements with unapproved ingredients, or items that violate local laws. Selling or even listing restricted products can result in immediate suspension.
Sellers should review Amazon’s Restricted Products Policy and verify each product’s compliance before uploading listings. When in doubt, check the product category or contact Seller Support for clarification.
Amazon takes customer review integrity very seriously. Offering incentives—such as discounts or refunds—in exchange for positive reviews violates Amazon’s Customer Reviews Policy. Similarly, asking friends or family members to leave favorable feedback can trigger an investigation.
Avoid practices like:
Instead, focus on organic customer satisfaction by providing high-quality products and excellent service.
Operating more than one Amazon seller account is prohibited unless Amazon explicitly approves it. Sellers often make this mistake when they try to separate product lines or regions but forget to obtain prior authorization.
If you need a second account, submit a request through Seller Central explaining your business reason. Running multiple accounts without approval can lead to linked suspensions—meaning all related accounts may be deactivated.
Amazon closely monitors seller metrics such as late shipment rate, order defect rate (ODR), and pre-fulfillment cancel rate. Repeated delays or order errors can trigger account health warnings or suspensions.
To maintain good performance metrics:
Using FBA can also help maintain consistent delivery standards and improve performance metrics.
While no seller can guarantee complete immunity from policy issues, adopting preventive measures can significantly lower your risk.
Amazon frequently updates its policies. Sellers who fail to stay current with these updates often run into trouble. Regularly check Amazon’s Seller Central News, Performance Notifications, and Seller University resources for new requirements.
Conduct routine audits of all your listings to ensure they align with Amazon’s guidelines. Review product titles, descriptions, and categories to correct errors before they lead to policy warnings.
The Account Health Dashboard provides real-time insight into your performance metrics and compliance issues. Monitor it closely to identify and address potential problems early.
If multiple team members manage your seller account, ensure they understand Amazon’s rules. Mistakes made by an untrained staff member—like uploading the wrong product images or mismanaging returns—can lead to violations.
Always maintain purchase invoices, authorization letters, and supplier communication. These documents are vital when Amazon requests proof of authenticity or sourcing. Without them, appealing a suspension becomes more difficult.
If your account faces a policy violation or suspension, crafting an effective Plan of Action (POA) is essential. Professionals experienced in Amazon’s internal processes can help you identify the root cause, write a persuasive appeal, and communicate with Amazon efficiently.
If you’ve received a warning, policy violation notice, or account suspension, it’s important to act fast. Crafting an accurate and effective appeal can be the difference between reinstatement and permanent loss of selling privileges.
At Amazon Appeal Pro, we specialize in helping sellers navigate complex policy violations, suspension appeals, and reinstatement processes. Our experienced team understands Amazon’s internal systems and knows how to present your case the right way.
Don’t let a policy mistake put your business at risk—Contact us today at (954) 302-0900 to get professional assistance from the Amazon appeal experts who know what it takes to protect and restore your selling account.
