Amazon's Seller Code of Conduct: Understanding Violations and How to Get Help

Ultimate Guide to Amazon’s Seller Code of Conduct: Stay Compliant in 2025

Amazon’s Seller Code of Conduct is the backbone of a trusted marketplace, setting strict standards for sellers to ensure customer satisfaction and platform integrity. Violating these rules can lead to account suspensions, derailing your business. This 2025 guide explains the Code, common violations, consequences, and how AMZ Sellers Attorney® can help you avoid or resolve issues with expert reinstatement services.

Table of Contents

• What is Amazon’s Seller Code of Conduct?
• What are the key policies in the Code?
• What are common Code violations?
• Examples of violations with real-world impact
• What happens if you violate the Code?
• How to avoid violations in 2025?
• How can AMZ Sellers Attorney® help?
• Case study: Resolving a suspension
• FAQs about Seller Code of Conduct

What is Amazon’s Seller Code of Conduct?

The Amazon Seller Code of Conduct is a comprehensive set of rules that governs seller behavior on the platform. Updated in 2023, it ensures a fair, safe marketplace by enforcing standards for product listings, customer service, intellectual property (IP) protection, and review integrity. Compliance is critical to avoid penalties like account suspension.

Key objectives include:

• Maintaining customer trust through accurate, lawful listings.
• Protecting IP rights to prevent counterfeiting and infringement.
• Ensuring high-quality customer service with prompt responses.
• Prohibiting manipulative practices like review fraud.

Access the full Code in Seller Central’s Help Center to stay informed.

What are the Key Policies in the Seller Code of Conduct?

The Code covers critical areas to ensure compliance. Here’s a breakdown of the most impactful policies:

• Accurate Listings: Product titles, images, and details must be truthful, avoiding misleading claims (e.g., “100% Organic” without certification).
• Legal Compliance: Products must adhere to local and international laws, including safety standards and restricted categories.
• Customer Service: Respond to inquiries within 24 hours and honor Amazon’s return policies.
• IP Protection: Respect trademarks, copyrights, and patents; unauthorized use triggers complaints.
• Prohibited Products: No counterfeits, fakes, or restricted items (e.g., hazardous materials).
• Review Integrity: Prohibited actions include soliciting reviews, offering incentives, or manipulating feedback.

Infographic: Overview of key policies in Amazon’s Seller Code of Conduct.

What are Common Seller Code of Conduct Violations?

Violations often stem from oversight or misunderstanding of policies. Below are the most frequent issues in 2025, based on recent X discussions and AMZ Sellers Attorney® case data:

• Review Manipulation: Offering free products for positive reviews or removing negative feedback.
• IP Infringement: Selling branded items without authorization or using protected images/text.
• Counterfeit Products: Unknowingly sourcing fakes from unreliable suppliers.
• Inaccurate Listings: Mismatched ASINs, incorrect descriptions, or exaggerated claims.
• Poor Customer Service: Delayed responses or refusing valid returns.
• Multiple Accounts: Operating unlinked accounts, detected via IP or banking details.

A 2025 X post reported a seller suspended for review manipulation after using a WhatsApp group to solicit reviews, underscoring the need for vigilance.

Examples of Seller Code of Conduct Violations

Real-world examples clarify violation risks:

• Case: Review Manipulation: A seller emailed customers offering discounts for 5-star reviews, triggering a suspension after Amazon’s AI flagged the pattern.
• Case: IP Infringement: A seller listed a product with a trademarked logo without permission, leading to a rights owner complaint and ASIN removal.
• Case: Counterfeit Allegation: A seller sourced electronics from an unverified supplier, resulting in a counterfeit complaint and account suspension.

Verify suppliers with tools like Jungle Scout or AMZ Sellers Attorney’s e-commerce law services to avoid counterfeit risks.

What Happens if You Violate the Seller Code of Conduct?

Amazon enforces strict penalties for violations, scaled by severity and frequency:

• Warnings: Formal notices requiring immediate correction.
• Listing Removal: Specific ASINs blocked from sale.
• Account Suspension: Halts all sales, withholding funds until resolved.
• Legal Action: Pursued for egregious violations (e.g., repeated counterfeiting).

Account suspension is the most disruptive, stopping sales and impacting cash flow. Funds may be held for 90 days or longer, even post-reinstatement.

Video: Understanding the consequences of violating Amazon’s Seller Code of Conduct.

How to Avoid Seller Code of Conduct Violations in 2025

Proactive compliance minimizes risks. Follow these strategies:

• Monitor Account Health: Check Seller Central’s Account Health Dashboard daily for warnings.
• Stay Updated: Review Amazon’s policy updates monthly.
• Use Tools: Leverage Helium 10 or AMZ Sellers Attorney’s monitoring service ($500/month) for real-time compliance.
• Vet Suppliers: Require invoices, LOAs, and quality certifications.
• Train Staff: Conduct quarterly policy training to ensure compliance.

Sellers using proactive monitoring tools reported 30% fewer violations in 2024, per AMZ Sellers Attorney® data.

How AMZ Sellers Attorney® Can Help with Code of Conduct Issues

Facing a suspension or violation? AMZ Sellers Attorney® offers expert support to reinstate your account and ensure compliance:

• Account Review: Identify violation causes and performance gaps.
• Plan of Action (POA): Craft tailored appeals addressing root causes and prevention.
• Amazon Communication: Advocate on your behalf with Seller Performance teams.
• Legal Representation: Handle escalations or arbitration if needed.

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Case Study: Resolving a Review Manipulation Suspension

A seller was suspended in April 2025 for review manipulation after offering gift cards for reviews. AMZ Sellers Attorney® conducted a root cause analysis, revealing a marketing team’s policy misunderstanding. We crafted a POA with evidence of policy training, customer refunds, and a new compliance SOP, securing reinstatement in 7 days.

FAQs About Amazon’s Seller Code of Conduct

• What is Amazon’s Seller Code of Conduct? A set of rules ensuring marketplace integrity, covering listings, customer service, IP, and reviews.
• What happens if I violate the Code? Penalties include warnings, suspensions, or legal action, with suspensions halting sales.
• How can I avoid suspensions? Monitor account health, stay policy-compliant, and use monitoring services.
• How does AMZ Sellers Attorney® help? We review accounts, draft POAs, and represent you to reinstate your account. See our FAQ page.

Conclusion: Thrive on Amazon with Compliance

Mastering Amazon’s Seller Code of Conduct is essential for success in 2025. By understanding policies, avoiding violations, and leveraging expert support from AMZ Sellers Attorney®, you can protect your business and thrive. Don’t risk suspension—act proactively and contact us for guidance.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Now

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.