Amazon 180-Day Policy Explained: Account Health Violations & Reinstatement

Understanding Amazon's 180-Day Policy for Seller Account Health Violations

AMZ Sellers Attorney® provides clarity on Amazon’s 180-day policy and how it impacts your Account Health Dashboard.

A client recently contacted us to request a refund even after her account had been reinstated after escalated appeals prepared by our office. The client mistakenly claimed that Amazon automatically reinstates accounts deactivated for policy violations after 180 days. This client was completely mistaken, as no account is ever reinstated without an appeal, but we thought it would be a good idea to clear up any confusion.

Amazon’s Account Health Dashboard is an essential tool for sellers to monitor their compliance and manage any policy violations. The 180-day policy in Amazon’s seller guidelines dictates how long certain violations stay visible on the dashboard before automatically being removed. However, it’s important for sellers to understand what this policy covers—and what it doesn’t, especially regarding Amazon’s internal records and suspension appeals.

The 180-Day Policy Explained

The 180-day period in Amazon's seller policies refers to the duration that certain policy violations remain visible on a seller's Account Health Dashboard. When a violation is recorded—such as an intellectual property (IP) infringement or listing policy issue—it stays on the dashboard for 180 days. After this time, provided there have been no similar issues, it is automatically removed from the visible metrics of the dashboard.

What Types of Violations Are Included?

Not all policy violations fall under this 180-day rule. Generally, minor infractions, such as minor IP claims or listing issues, are covered, but severe violations—like counterfeit or fraud cases—may remain indefinitely. Sellers should carefully monitor their Account Health Dashboard to understand which issues may qualify for automatic removal and which might require more direct action.

Does the 180-Day Policy Mean Automatic Reinstatement?

No. While Amazon’s removal of a violation from the dashboard is beneficial for sellers to give them a current snapshot of their account, it’s critical to know that this removal does not mean the record is erased from Amazon’s internal database. Even if a policy violation is addressed with an appeal and the appeal is accepted, the violation will still remain on the dashboard until the expiration of the 180 days period. Moreover, if a seller’s account is suspended for a similar violation in the future, Amazon can and will review past policy issues that were unresolved—even if they are no longer visible on the dashboard. These records are used to assess your account's compliance history and may impact the appeal process.

Account reinstatement is a separate process that requires a definitive appeal. Even though every communication made by a seller after deactivation is considered to be an appeal, in order for that appeal to be taken seriously by Seller Performance, sellers must submit a Plan of Action (POA) that addresses the suspension reasons, corrective measures taken, and future preventive steps. This appeal process is essential for sellers who wish to regain their selling privileges on Amazon.

The Importance of Addressing Violations Proactively

To avoid the risks of suspension, it’s crucial to address any policy violations immediately, rather than waiting for them to drop off the dashboard after 180 days. Like dust swept under a rug, if violations are left unaddressed and accumulate, they can reach a critical mass, leading to suspension and a more challenging appeal process. Taking proactive steps to resolve and prevent policy issues can help you maintain account health and avoid suspension altogether.

Steps for Account Reinstatement

If your account is suspended, here’s a general outline of the steps required for reinstatement:

• Review the Reason for Suspension: Amazon will specify the reason for your suspension, such as IP infringement, listing policy violation, or other compliance issues.
• Prepare a Plan of Action (POA): This document should be thorough, addressing the cause of the suspension, the specific steps you’ve taken to resolve the issue, and the preventative measures you’ll put in place to avoid similar violations in the future.
• Submit the Appeal to Amazon: Once your POA is ready, submit it through Amazon’s appeal system. Ensure your appeal is concise, detailed, and directly addresses Amazon’s requests.
• Follow Up as Needed: Amazon may require additional information or clarification. Respond promptly and professionally to improve your chances of reinstatement.

Key Takeaways

The 180-day removal policy offers sellers an opportunity to clear minor policy violations from their account health metrics. However, sellers should keep the following points in mind:

• The removal of violations after 180 days applies only to the Account Health Dashboard’s visibility metrics; it does not equate to automatic account reinstatement.
• Suspended accounts require a proactive appeal process, including a detailed Plan of Action that directly addresses Amazon’s concerns.
• Amazon retains internal records of all policy violations, even those removed from the dashboard. Future violations of the same type can impact appeals, as Amazon will review past records to assess account health and compliance history.
• Address violations proactively before they reach a critical mass, to avoid risking suspension and a more complex reinstatement process.

AMZ Sellers Attorney®: We're Here to Help

If you are facing account suspension., deactivation or policy violations, AMZ Sellers Attorney® is here to help. With extensive experience in Amazon appeals, our team understands Amazon’s policies and compliance standards and can assist with preparing a successful appeal, developing your Plan of Action, and guiding you through Amazon’s appeal process.

For more information on Amazon policies, compliance strategies, and updates, visit our blog, or contact us directly.