Amazon’s Seller Code of Conduct is designed to create a fair, transparent, and trustworthy marketplace for both buyers and sellers. Violating these policies, even unintentionally, can lead to listing removals, account warnings, or permanent suspension. Many sellers make mistakes simply because they are unaware of Amazon’s strict guidelines.
To maintain a healthy Amazon seller account, you need to understand Amazon’s expectations, recognize common policy violations, and take proactive steps to stay compliant. In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔️ The key principles of Amazon’s Seller Code of Conduct
✔️ Common policy violations and how to avoid them
✔️ Steps to protect your account from suspension
✔️ What to do if you receive a policy violation warning
By following these best practices, you can safeguard your Amazon business and maintain long-term success on the platform.
1. What Is Amazon’s Seller Code of Conduct?
Amazon’s Seller Code of Conduct outlines the ethical and operational standards that sellers must follow. These guidelines ensure honest competition, protect customers, and maintain the integrity of the marketplace.
According to Amazon, sellers must:
- Provide accurate product information – Listings should not be misleading or contain false claims.
- Fulfill orders on time – Delays in shipping negatively affect customer experience and seller metrics.
- Avoid manipulating reviews – Sellers cannot buy reviews, post fake feedback, or pressure customers to remove negative reviews.
- Comply with all applicable laws and regulations – This includes product safety, intellectual property rights, and tax obligations.
- Follow Amazon’s system rules – Creating multiple accounts without approval or attempting to manipulate search rankings violates Amazon’s policies.
Failure to comply with these rules can result in temporary restrictions, account deactivation, or even legal consequences. Understanding and following Amazon’s policies is essential to protect your business.
2. Common Policy Violations and How to Avoid Them
Many sellers unknowingly break Amazon’s rules. Below are the most frequent policy violations and practical steps to stay compliant.
2.1 Listing Policy Violations
One of the most common mistakes sellers make is violating Amazon’s listing policies. This includes using misleading product titles, incorrect product descriptions, or prohibited keywords.
For example, keyword stuffing (overloading titles and descriptions with excessive keywords) can cause your listing to be flagged or even removed. Instead of using unnatural keyword placement, focus on writing clear, informative, and engaging product descriptions that match your product accurately.
Additionally, selling restricted or prohibited items without approval can lead to account suspension. Amazon has a Restricted Products List, which includes hazardous materials, counterfeit items, and certain health-related products. Before listing a product, always check if Amazon requires approval or certification for that category.
✅ How to Stay Compliant:
- Use honest and detailed product descriptions without misleading claims.
- Avoid keyword stuffing and write natural, SEO-friendly listings.
- Check Amazon’s Restricted Products List before selling new items.
2.2 Review Manipulation
Customer reviews are crucial for building trust and increasing sales, but manipulating reviews is a serious violation of Amazon’s policies. Sellers are prohibited from offering incentives for positive reviews, using fake accounts to leave feedback, or asking customers to remove negative reviews.
Some sellers unknowingly break this rule by sending follow-up emails asking customers to change or delete negative reviews. Even politely requesting a review update can violate Amazon’s guidelines.
✅ How to Stay Compliant:
- Never buy reviews or offer free products in exchange for feedback.
- Use Amazon’s Request a Review button instead of manual review requests.
- Focus on delivering excellent customer service to earn genuine positive reviews.
2.3 Multiple Seller Accounts Without Approval
Amazon does not allow sellers to operate multiple accounts unless explicitly approved. Some sellers attempt to create new accounts after a suspension, but Amazon tracks seller activities using IP addresses, payment details, and account history. If Amazon detects multiple accounts, it may result in a permanent suspension of all linked accounts.
✅ How to Stay Compliant:
- If you need a second Amazon account, submit a request for approval.
- Never try to bypass account restrictions or suspensions by creating a new account.
2.4 Pricing Policy Violations
Amazon is highly sensitive to unfair pricing practices, especially price gouging. During high-demand periods, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Amazon cracked down on sellers who excessively raised prices on essential goods. Violating Amazon’s fair pricing policy can lead to listing removals or account suspension.
Additionally, some brands enforce a Minimum Advertised Price (MAP), and violating these agreements may lead to distribution bans or product delistings.
✅ How to Stay Compliant:
- Keep your pricing competitive and reasonable based on market trends.
- Follow manufacturer MAP policies to avoid potential penalties.
2.5 Order Fulfillment and Customer Service Issues
Poor fulfillment performance is one of the biggest reasons for account suspensions. High Late Shipment Rate (LSR), Order Defect Rate (ODR), or Cancellation Rate can put your account at risk. Delays in shipping, mishandling refunds, or failing to respond to customer inquiries promptly can trigger account health warnings.
✅ How to Stay Compliant:
- Use Amazon FBA if you struggle with on-time deliveries.
- Keep inventory levels updated to prevent stockouts.
- Respond to customer messages within 24 hours to maintain a good response rate.
3. How to Protect Your Seller Account from Policy Violations
To prevent Amazon account issues, follow these best practices:
✔️ Regularly review Amazon’s policies – Amazon updates its policies frequently, so stay informed.
✔️ Monitor your Account Health Dashboard – Track metrics like LSR, ODR, and policy violations.
✔️ Train your employees – If you have a team managing your account, ensure they understand Amazon’s rules.
✔️ Use automation tools – Software like FeedbackWhiz, Helium 10, or Sellics can help monitor compliance.
✔️ Keep detailed records – Store invoices, customer communications, and supplier agreements for dispute resolution.
4. What to Do If You Receive a Policy Violation Warning?
If Amazon flags your account for a policy violation, take immediate action:
📌 Step 1: Identify the issue – Check Seller Central > Performance Notifications to understand the violation.
📌 Step 2: Gather evidence – If you believe it was an error, collect invoices, supplier details, or relevant documents.
📌 Step 3: Submit a Plan of Action (POA) – Outline how you will correct the issue and prevent it from happening again.
📌 Step 4: Monitor your account health – After resolving the issue, keep an eye on account metrics to ensure compliance.
🚀 If your account is at risk, contact SuspendFix for expert reinstatement assistance.
Conclusion: Stay Compliant and Protect Your Amazon Business
Amazon’s Seller Code of Conduct is strict, but by following best practices, sellers can avoid policy violations and maintain a successful business. Understanding common violations, monitoring account health, and acting proactively can prevent suspensions and penalties.
🚀 Need expert help with Amazon compliance or account reinstatement? Contact SuspendFix for professional assistance today!