What Is Amazon’s Seller Code of Conduct?
Amazon's Seller Code of Conduct is a policy that sets expectations for ethical, honest, and professional behavior by all sellers on the platform. The Code ensures a safe, reliable, and trustworthy experience for customers by enforcing fair practices among third-party sellers.
Can a Violation of the Seller Code of Conduct Be Almost Anything?
Yes. A violation of Amazon’s Code of Conduct can result from almost any behavior that Amazon deems suspicious or noncompliant. Even accidental errors or misunderstandings can trigger automated or manual enforcement actions. This includes misuse of features, customer communication errors, or incorrect listing data.
What Are Amazon's Seller Code of Conduct Rules?
According to Amazon, all sellers must:
- Provide accurate and up-to-date information to Amazon and customers
- Act fairly and not misuse Amazon’s services or tools
- Not harm competitors or manipulate listings/ratings
- Refrain from influencing reviews or customer feedback
- Use only approved Buyer-Seller Messaging to contact customers
- Not try to divert sales off Amazon’s platform
- Operate only one selling account unless there's a valid business reason
- Not violate price-fixing or antitrust laws
What Are Examples of Violations?
- Posting misleading product listings or duplicating detail pages
- Artificially inflating traffic or sales rank
- Offering incentives for reviews or feedback
- Failing to update contact or business information
- Engaging in click fraud or bot traffic
- Opening multiple accounts without Amazon’s permission
What Happens If I Violate the Code?
Amazon can suspend or deactivate your account, cancel listings, withhold disbursements, or permanently revoke your selling privileges. In some cases, Amazon may remove specific ASINs or initiate an investigation. Multiple or repeated violations worsen your account standing and reduce chances for reinstatement.
How Can I Avoid a Code of Conduct Violation?
- Regularly review Amazon’s seller policies and updates
- Use a single account unless authorized
- Audit product listings for compliance and accuracy
- Avoid manipulating reviews or using prohibited keywords
- Limit communication to approved channels (Buyer-Seller Messaging)
- Consult experts before submitting complaints or IP claims
What Should I Do If My Amazon Account Is Suspended for Code of Conduct Violations?
You should prepare a detailed Plan of Action (POA) that addresses the root cause of the violation, corrective actions you've taken, and the preventive measures you'll implement. Your POA should be honest, specific, and
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