Amazon Seller Account Suspended: How to Reinstate It in 2025

Having your Amazon seller account suspended or deactivated can feel both frustrating and overwhelming. It disrupts your sales, impacts customer trust, and demands quick action to fix. 

Suspensions and deactivations often happen due to issues like policy violations, account performance, or concerns about product authenticity. 

While these situations may seem difficult, understanding the cause and taking the right steps can help you resolve them properly and immediately. 

In this blog, we’ll explain the reasons behind account suspension and deactivation, how to create a strong appeal, and how you can avoid such Amazon seller account issues in the future. 

Let’s quickly start then, shall we? 

Note: If you are already aware of what Amazon seller account suspensions and deactivations are, and are interested in reinstating your account, you can refer to the reinstatement process for suspension and deactivation directly.

IMPORTANT: The information provided in this blog is based on insights gathered from conversations with the Amazon Support Team, as well as official resources from Amazon Seller Central.

What Is Amazon Seller Account Suspension?  

An Amazon seller account suspension occurs when Amazon restricts your ability to sell on its platform. This can happen if your account fails to meet Amazon’s performance targets or violates its policies. 

• When Amazon suspends your account, it pauses your selling privileges, preventing you from listing or selling products.
• Amazon monitors various metrics, such as customer feedback, order cancellations, late deliveries, etc. If these metrics fall below acceptable levels, it often leads to account suspension. 

Amazon communicates the suspension through Seller Central, highlighting the reasons and possible next steps.

It is important to note that Amazon Seller Account suspensions are less severe, compared to Amazon Seller account deactivations.

Note: – Some suspensions may include an automatic reinstatement date (as Amazon considers them temporary and related to minor issues, such as brief performance lapses, etc.) that doesn’t need action from you. However, others might require submitting a Plan of Action (POA) before your account can be reinstated.

Reasons for Amazon Seller Account Suspension  

Below are common reasons for Amazon Seller account suspension:

Poor Seller Performance

Failing to meet Amazon’s performance standards, such as order defect rates above 1%, late shipments, or poor customer feedback, can lead to suspension.

These metrics are part of the Account Health Rating (AHR), which indicates how compliant your account is and whether it is at risk of suspension or deactivation. Read more in the Account Health section.

Counterfeit Products

Selling fake or pirated goods or failing to provide authenticity documents when requested results in immediate suspension.

Read more: Amazon Anti-Counterfeiting Policy

Brand Name Misuse

Misrepresenting product brands or using unapproved names violates policies and can restrict ASIN creation or suspend accounts.

Read more: Amazon Brand Name Policy 

Intellectual Property Violations

Unauthorized use of trademarks, images, or copyrighted content leads to account suspension after repeated warnings.

Read more: Amazon Intellectual Property Policy 

Fair Pricing Policy Violations

Charging unreasonable prices or excessive shipping fees can result in suspension of selling privileges.

Read more: Amazon Marketplace Fair Pricing Policy

ASIN Creation Policy Violations

Creating duplicate, misleading, or non-compliant ASINs breaches guidelines and can restrict your Amazon product listings or get your Amazon seller account suspended.

Read more: ASIN Creation Policy 

INFORM Consumers Act Non-Compliance

Failing to verify business details, such as tax IDs and addresses, or missing certification deadlines can lead to account deactivation.

Read more: INFORM Consumers Act 

The Integrity, Notification, and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces for Consumers Act (INFORM Consumers Act) requires online marketplaces like Amazon to collect and verify certain contact and financial information from third-party sellers whose transactions and revenues exceed specified thresholds. For high-volume third-party sellers, this act also mandates that marketplaces disclose seller contact information to consumers and provide methods to report suspicious activity. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state attorneys general enforce these rules to ensure compliance and consumer protection.

Communication Guidelines Violations

Sending prohibited messages, such as marketing emails or sensitive content, violates Amazon’s rules and may restrict messaging privileges or suspend accounts.

Read more: Communication Guidelines 

Customer Reviews Manipulation

Manipulating reviews, incentivizing feedback, or posting fake reviews can result in immediate suspension and withheld funds.

Read more: Customer Product Reviews Policies

Condition Guidelines Violations

Selling expired, damaged, or misrepresented items breaches Amazon’s condition rules and can lead to suspension or listing removal.

Read more: Product Condition Guidelines

Product Detail Page Violations

Providing inaccurate descriptions, adding prohibited claims, or misleading customers results in listing or account terminations.

Read more: Product Detail Page Rules 

Selling Restricted or Prohibited Products

Listing unsafe, illegal, or restricted items without approval violates policies and can get your Amazon seller account suspended, deactivated or even legal action.

Read more: Restricted Products Policy 

Adult Products Policy Violations

Listing explicit content outside appropriate categories breaches guidelines and can result in account suspension.

Read more: Product Guidelines for Adult Products

Seller Code of Conduct Violations

Unfair practices, such as manipulating rankings or harming competitors, violate Amazon’s conduct rules and may result in suspension or permanent removal of privileges.

Read more: Selling Policies and Seller Code of Conduct

Tax Calculation Violations

Failing to provide valid tax documentation or misrepresenting tax codes violates terms and can result in withheld payments or suspension.

Poor Customer Service

High return rates, poor communication, or unresolved customer issues harm your reputation and can lead to suspension.

Account Security Issues

Hacked or compromised accounts are suspended as a precaution until security issues are resolved.

Multiple Accounts Without Consent

Operating multiple seller accounts without Amazon’s approval violates policies and can result in suspension of all linked accounts.

Document Compliance Failures 

Mismatched or incomplete documentation during registration or account verification can lead to immediate suspension. 

Sellers must ensure that all submitted details (e.g., names, addresses, and bank information) match the records provided during registration.

Checklist To Prevent Immediate Suspension After Opening A New Amazon Seller Account – Use your own information for all documents; third-party details are not allowed. – Ensure names, addresses, and contact information match across all documents and your Amazon account. – Submit only valid, unexpired identity documents (e.g., passport, driver’s license, national ID). – Use internationally chargeable credit cards for account registration (debit cards are not accepted). – Provide recent utility bills (within 90 days) with your name and address matching your Amazon account. – Bank statements must include the bank’s name, your name, address, and a date within 90 days. – For (e.g., translated contracts, tax forms, or business registrations), include notarized copies with the official seal or stamp. – Scan documents in color and submit in accepted formats (JPEG, PNG, or PDF).

📌 Can an Amazon Seller Account Get Suspended or Deactivated Without Reason? As per Amazon, no, an account cannot be suspended or deactivated without a reason. However, the reason might sometimes be unclear or difficult to understand. To avoid surprises, regularly monitor your Account Health Rating (AHR) and familiarize yourself with Amazon’s policies.

What Happens When Your Amazon Seller Account Gets Suspended?

When Amazon suspends your seller account, your ability to operate is restricted.

• Your selling privileges are paused, and you cannot sell products.
• Funds in your account are withheld for 90 days or until reinstatement.
• You can still access your Seller Central account to manage appeals.
• Advertisements also stop, as listings are deactivated (due to ASIN Suppression.)
• Product listings may get suppressed and become unavailable for purchase.

How to Reinstate a Suspended Amazon Seller Account?

Let’s now also understand how you can get your Amazon seller account back after it gets suspended.

Step 1: Understand the Suspension

• Read the suspension notice carefully to understand the specific reasons.
• Check your Account Health page in Seller Central for detailed metrics and policy violations.
• Consider any recent actions, complaints, or violations that may have led to the suspension.

Step 2: Fix the Issues

• Identify the root cause of the problem, such as performance issues, policy violations, or customer complaints.
• Take immediate corrective actions to resolve the issue, like improving processes, removing flagged listings, or addressing complaints.

Step 3: Draft a Plan of Action (POA)

A Plan of Action (POA) is a formal document which you need to submit to Amazon to address the reasons for suspension and outline steps to prevent future violations. A strong POA shows accountability, provides corrective measures, and ensures compliance with Amazon’s policies. 

Here’s how to structure it:

Part 1: Acknowledging the Issue

• Clearly explain the violation based on Amazon’s suspension notice and your analysis.
• Take responsibility for the issue, even if external factors contributed.
• If you believe the violation was an error, provide an explanation supported by evidence.

Part 2: Corrective Actions Taken

• Detail immediate steps you’ve taken to resolve the issue.
  • Examples: Updating product descriptions, removing flagged listings, or revising product packaging.
• Include evidence like invoices, training materials, updated product photos, or customer communication.
• If Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is involved, conduct a bin check and include the case ID from the inspection.

Part 3: Preventive Measures

• Outline steps to avoid similar problems in the future.
  • Examples: Stricter quality checks, regular audits, improved staff training, or monitoring account health.
• Be specific about how these measures address the root cause of the suspension.

Tips for Writing a Strong POA

• Be clear and concise. Focus on the issue and the solution without unnecessary details.
• Take responsibility. Avoid blaming Amazon or other parties.
• Provide relevant evidence like screenshots, invoices, or inspection reports.
• Address all aspects of the suspension, including root cause, corrective actions, and prevention.
• Use professional and respectful language throughout.

For your reference, we have created an Amazon seller account suspended plan of action template. You can download it and use it as a reference point.

Pro tip: You can also share your POA or ask specific queries on the Amazon seller central forum where you can interact with other Amazon sellers.

Step 4: Submit the POA

• Log into Seller Central and submit the POA through the provided channel under “Performance Notifications” or “Account Health page.”
• Ensure all evidence and documents are attached to support your appeal.

Step 5: Responding to Rejections (If Amazon Rejects Your Appeal)

• Understand the Feedback:
  Identify why Amazon rejected your appeal by reviewing their response carefully. Find specific gaps like missing documents, unclear explanations, or unresolved issues.

Example: If Amazon mentions incomplete invoices, provide accurate and complete ones in your revised appeal.

• Update Your Plan of Action (POA):
  Revise your POA to address the feedback. Clearly explain additional corrective actions taken since your last submission. Include new evidence, such as invoices, compliance certifications, or customer communication, to support your appeal.
• Submit the Revised Appeal:
  Log into Seller Central and navigate to the Performance Notifications page. Ensure all documents are authentic and properly attached. Double-check your revised appeal for clarity and completeness before submitting it.
• Monitor for Updates:
  Regularly check your email and the Account Health page for Amazon’s response. If Amazon requires any additional information from your side, ensure you promptly provide it.

Step 6: Consult Experts (Optional)

• If multiple attempts fail, consider consulting an account suspension expert.
• They can help refine your POA and offer guidance to speed up the reinstatement process.

What is Amazon Seller Account Deactivation?

Amazon seller account deactivation happens when your account is fully revoked. This means you lose access to selling privileges and stored data. 

Deactivation often occurs due to repeated policy violations or failing to meet Amazon’s performance standards, as tracked by the Account Health Rating (AHR) program.

Learn how to access and monitor AHR, in this section.

The AHR is a color-coded score ranging from 0 to 1,000:

• Healthy (200-1,000): Your account is safe and active.
• At Risk (100-199): Your account may face deactivation soon.
• Unhealthy (0-99): Your account is eligible for or already deactivated.

Immediate deactivation can also occur if Amazon detects fraudulent, illegal, or harmful activities.

If your account is deactivated:

• You can appeal within 90 days.
• You must address policy violations or submit an improvement plan.

Pro Tip: Regularly checking the Account Health page helps prevent deactivation.

Reasons for Amazon Seller Account Deactivation

Amazon may deactivate seller accounts for reasons similar to those causing suspensions. In addition to the policy violations listed for suspensions, the following issues can also lead to deactivation:

• Fraudulent or Deceptive Activities: Engaging in fraudulent behavior, deceptive practices, or attempting to bypass Amazon’s systems.
• Illegal Actions: Activities that violate laws, such as selling illegal or counterfeit products.
• Harmful Practices: Actions that harm customers, other sellers, or Amazon’s platform integrity.

These reasons are mainly related to Section 3 of the Amazon Services Business Solutions Agreement, that can lead to an immediate deactivation of your Seller Account.

• Inactivity: Even if your account is compliant with all policies, and follows all Amazon guidelines properly, it can get suspended if you are inactive. Although, reinstatement in this case isn’t as difficult as other cases. 

Policy violations for suspensions, such as poor seller performance, selling prohibited items, and intellectual property infringements, also apply here. Multiple or repeated violations increase the likelihood of deactivation.

Amazon may act immediately to protect its customers and platform if it detects serious violations, and deactivate your seller account, even if your Account Health Rating (AHR) is in a “Healthy” status. 

Pro tip: Regularly reviewing the Account Health page and addressing any listed issues can help prevent deactivation.

What Happens When Your Amazon Seller Account Gets Deactivated

• The account is fully revoked by Amazon.
• All selling privileges are permanently removed.
• Information and assets stored in the account are no longer accessible.
• Listings are removed (ASIN Suppression), and customers cannot view or purchase your products.
• Advertisements also step (as listings are deactivated).
• Funds are withheld for 90 days or until reinstatement.

Note: A seller can still access Seller Central. This access is essential for reviewing notifications and following the reinstatement process.

How to Reinstate a Deactivated Amazon Seller Account?

In case any policy violation gets your Amazon seller account deactivated, you can appeal for reinstatement by following these steps:

Step 1: Review the Deactivation Notice

• Check the notification from Amazon for reasons behind the deactivation.
• Navigate to the Account Health page in Seller Central under the “Performance” section.

Step 2: Access the Reactivation Option

• On the Account Health page, click Reactivate your account at the top of the page.

Step 3: Follow the Instructions

• Complete the steps outlined by Amazon, which may include:
  • Filling out a questionnaire.
  • Acknowledging a policy violation.
  • Completing a compliance quiz.
  • Providing supporting documents like invoices or certifications.

Step 4: Submit Your Appeal

• Prepare all required details and documents, then click Submit to send your appeal to Amazon.

Note: In case your appeal gets denied, you must understand the feedback, makes changes to your account, and then resubmit your POA accordingly. Refer to the point shared above, related to Responding to Reject Appeals.

Step 5: Monitor for Updates

• Regularly check your email for Amazon’s response.
• If additional information is requested, return to the Account Health page, click View Appeal, and provide the necessary updates.

Step 6: Await a Decision

• Amazon usually responds within two days. Ensure your appeal is accurate and complete to avoid delays.

How to Reinstate Removed Listings

If your product listings have been removed due to policy violations or compliance issues, follow these steps to appeal their reinstatement:

1. Identify the Issue
   • Log into Seller Central and go to the Account Health page.
   • Review the Product Policy Compliance column to find details about the listing removal.
2. Resolve the Problem
   • Modify the listing to comply with Amazon’s policies, if applicable.
   • If required, submit an appeal addressing the violation.
3. Submit Your Appeal or Updates
   • Ensure your updates and documentation are accurate. Follow the instructions provided on the Account Health page to submit your appeal.
4. Check for Updates
   • Monitor your email for Amazon’s response regarding your listing appeal.

Account Health and Its Impact on Suspension and Deactivation

Maintaining a healthy Amazon seller account is essential for uninterrupted selling privileges. Amazon’s Account Health and Account Health Rating (AHR) are key tools to monitor your performance and compliance. 

Poor account health can get your Amazon seller account suspended or deactivated if issues are not addressed promptly.

What is Account Health?

Account Health provides a summary of your adherence to Amazon’s performance targets and policies.

• It tracks metrics like order defect rate, late shipment rate, and customer service performance.
• The Account Health page in Seller Central shows if you meet the standards needed to sell on Amazon.
• Regular reviews of this page help sellers identify and resolve issues before they escalate.

What is Account Health Rating (AHR)?

The Account Health Rating (AHR) is a scoring system Amazon uses to evaluate your account’s compliance with its policies.

• Purpose: AHR indicates how close your account is to deactivation due to unresolved policy violations or poor performance.
• How It Works:
  • It uses a color-coded numerical scale from 0 to 1,000.
  • Green (200-1,000): Healthy, no deactivation risk.
  • Yellow (100-199): At risk of deactivation.
  • Red (0-99): Eligible for or already deactivated.
• Point System:
  • You lose points for policy violations or unresolved issues.
  • Points are regained by resolving violations and maintaining strong order volume.

AHR gives sellers a clear and real-time understanding of their account health and any risks.

Why AHR Matters

AHR is very important for understanding the connection between your performance and your account’s status.

• A low AHR score means unresolved violations or performance issues that may lead to suspension or deactivation.
• Sellers with “Green” scores are considered compliant and safe, while “Yellow” or “Red” scores signal potential risks.

How to Monitor AHR

Regular monitoring of your AHR can help you address potential problems before they become critical.

• Use the Account Health page in Seller Central to view your score and any flagged issues.
• Respond promptly to performance notifications and resolve violations listed on your account.
• Watch for warning signs like declining scores, unresolved complaints, or flagged metrics.

Once you realize that there are some unaddressed concerns from your side, you can act promptly on time. This will help you prevent any type of account issues such as deactivation, or even suspension. 

📌 Important Note on Account Health Rating (AHR) – Policy Violation Severity: 1. Critical Violations: Immediate account deactivation (e.g., counterfeit products or review manipulation). 2. High Violations: Major issues like intellectual property infringement. 3. Medium Violations: Moderate issues such as links to external websites in listings. 4. Low Violations: Minor issues like incorrect product condition. – Repeat Violations: 1. Repeated violations reduce your AHR more quickly. 2. Policies like infringement and restricted products have stricter thresholds (e.g., five infringement-related violations or two restricted product violations in 180 days trigger immediate deactivation).

What to Do If Your Amazon Account Gets Banned? 

An Amazon ban is permanent and means your account and selling privileges are terminated without reinstatement. If your account is banned, here’s what you can do next:

1. Accept the Loss of Your Account

• A ban permanently ends your ability to sell on Amazon.

2. Explore Alternative Platforms

• Shift your business to other e-commerce platforms, such as:
  • eBay
  • Etsy
  • Walmart Marketplace
  • Shopify to build your own store.

Learn how to create a Shopify store from our blog.

• Diversify your presence to reduce reliance on a single platform.

3: Rebuild Your Business Outside Amazon

• Leverage your product expertise and existing customer base to expand on other platforms.
• Create your own website and drive traffic through ads, email marketing, and social media.
• Focus on customer trust and excellent service to grow your brand.

4. Learn from the Experience

• Identify the actions or policies that led to your ban to avoid future mistakes.
• Trademark your brand, join protection programs, and follow marketplace rules for compliance.

When to Hire Professional Services for Reinstating Your Amazon Account?

Hiring professional services for account reinstatement can be a game-changer in complex cases. While many sellers resolve issues independently, there are situations where professional help becomes essential. Here’s when you should consider hiring experts:

• Complex Policy Violations:
  Seek professional assistance if Amazon suspends your account for counterfeit claims, intellectual property disputes, or fraud accusations. 

These issues often require in-depth knowledge of Amazon’s policies and specific evidence for resolution. And in these cases, professional service providers can help. 

• Repeated Rejections:
  If Amazon rejects your appeals multiple times, experts can find the gaps and rewrite your Plan of Action (POA) for better chances of approval.
• Urgent Reinstatement Needs:
  When delays cost you money or sales, professionals can speed up the reinstatement process with their experience.
• Lack of Experience or Resources:
  If you’re unfamiliar with Amazon’s suspension processes or lack the resources to draft an effective POA, professionals can provide tailored solutions and save time.

You might also like to read: 1. Understanding Amazon Warehousing and Distribution (AWD) 2. Amazon Global Logistics Explained: Shipping Across Borders 3. Amazon 1P vs 3P: Which Selling Model Is Best for Your Business? 4. How to Sell on Amazon Handmade: A Simple Guide For Sellers

How to Prevent Amazon Account Suspensions and Deactivations? 

There are some basic guidelines that you must follow to avoid getting your Amazon seller account suspended or deactivated. These include: 

• Understand Amazon’s Policies
  

Familiarize yourself with the Seller Code of Conduct and related guidelines. Violating these rules can lead to warnings or suspensions. Stay updated on policy changes and adjust your practices accordingly.

• Monitor Account Health Regularly
  

As we discussed in the section above, use the Account Health Dashboard in Seller Central to keep track of performance metrics. Maintain low defect rates, timely shipments, and accurate tracking. Set up alerts for any performance issues to address them promptly.

• Enroll in the Account Health Assurance (AHA) Program

The Account Health Assurance (AHA) program protects eligible sellers from account deactivation. If your Account Health Rating (AHR) stays above 250, Amazon won’t deactivate your account as long as you resolve issues within 72 hours. This ensures uninterrupted selling while addressing compliance concerns promptly.

• Ensure Compliant Product Listings
  

Keep product descriptions, images, and details accurate and up to date. Avoid using prohibited keywords or making misleading claims. Regularly audit your listings to ensure they comply with Amazon’s standards.

• Provide Excellent Customer Service
  

Respond to customer inquiries and complaints quickly and professionally. Resolve refunds and disputes promptly to maintain a positive seller rating. Avoid incentivizing reviews or manipulating feedback, as this violates Amazon’s guidelines.

• Manage Inventory Effectively
  

Update your inventory levels frequently to prevent overselling or stockouts. Use tools or systems to forecast demand and maintain sufficient stock levels.

• Conduct Regular Internal Audits
  

Review your listings, performance metrics, and customer service practices regularly. Identify and correct any non-compliant practices before Amazon flags them.

Conclusion

Handling Amazon account suspensions or deactivations can be challenging but is manageable with the right approach. 

By understanding Amazon’s policies, maintaining a healthy Account Health Rating (AHR), and addressing issues promptly, you can reduce risks and ensure compliance. 

Stay proactive, monitor your metrics, and focus on providing excellent service. This not only helps resolve account issues but also secures long-term success on the platform.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between Amazon seller account suspension and deactivation?
   

Suspension temporarily restricts your selling privileges. You need to fix issues, submit a Plan of Action (POA), and request reinstatement. Amazon removes your listings but allows recovery and temporarily withholds funds.

Deactivation is more serious, as Amazon revokes account access, permanently removes listings, and makes reinstatement harder. It usually occurs after repeated violations or major issues, requiring detailed appeals.

2. How to Unsuspend an Amazon Seller Account?
   

To unsuspend your account, review the suspension notice to identify specific issues. Develop a Plan of Action (POA) addressing the concerns, including corrective measures and preventive strategies. Submit this POA through Seller Central, ensuring it is clear, concise, and directly addresses Amazon’s concerns.

3. How Can I Reactivate My Amazon Seller Account?
   

To reactivate a deactivated account, go to the Account Health page in Seller Central and click Reactivate your account. Follow the steps provided, such as completing a questionnaire, acknowledging violations, or submitting supporting documents. Regularly check your email for updates, as Amazon typically replies within two days.

4. How Long Do Amazon Account Suspensions Last?
   

The length of a suspension depends on the severity of the violation and the quality of your appeal. Minor issues can resolve in a few days, while severe violations may lead to longer suspensions or permanent bans. Timely, thorough appeals can help expedite the process.

5. How Do I Craft an Effective Plan of Action (POA) for Reinstatement?
   

To create an effective POA, identify the root cause of your suspension. Include corrective actions taken, such as fixing product details or updating supplier records, and preventive steps like better order management or regular account reviews. 

Keep the POA concise and professional, addressing the exact concerns Amazon flagged.

6. How Long Does It Take for Amazon to Respond to a Suspension Appeal?
   

Amazon typically responds to suspension appeals within a few days to several weeks, depending on case complexity and appeal volume. Monitor your email and Seller Central regularly to stay updated.

7. Can I Open a New Amazon Seller Account After Suspension or Deactivation?
   

Opening a new seller account without Amazon’s permission violates their policies and can result in further penalties. It is better to focus on resolving issues with your current account through the appeal process.

8. How Can I Monitor My Account Health and Its Rating to Avoid Suspension?
   

Regularly check the Account Health Dashboard in Seller Central to monitor metrics like Order Defect Rate, Late Shipment Rate, and Policy Compliance. Address flagged issues promptly and maintain high standards in customer service and product quality to avoid suspension risks.

9. Are There Services That Can Help with Amazon Account Suspensions and Deactivations?
   

Yes, services like Amazon Sellers Attorney, Seller Interactive, and The Appeal Guru specialize in resolving suspension issues. These providers help create effective POAs, handle appeals, and ensure compliance with Amazon’s policies to get accounts reinstated.

10. Is there a way to connect with other Amazon sellers to seek advice?

Yes, you can interact with other Amazon sellers by sharing your queries or POA on the Amazon Seller Central Forum. This forum is a great place to exchange insights, get feedback, and learn from experienced sellers to address account-related issues.