Amazon Section 3 (BSA): Deactivation Explained + Appeal (POA) & Reinstatement Guide
Attorney-written, step-by-step instructions to diagnose a Section 3 deactivation, write the appeal (POA), attach the right evidence, and prevent recurrence. Includes case briefs, comparison table, and downloadable checklist.
Quick answer: Amazon Section 3 is the Term & Termination clause of the Amazon Services Business Solutions Agreement (BSA). When Amazon cites Section 3, it believes your account creates legal, safety, fraud, or marketplace-integrity risk. Reinstatement usually depends on a precise Plan of Action (POA) plus evidence that removes the risk and proves durable controls.
Focus: Section 3, Related/Multiple Accounts, Safety/IP, Funds.
Root-cause diagnosis → corrective actions → documented controls.
POA & Evidence Checklist (1-page)
What Is Amazon Section 3?
Section 3 of Amazon’s Business Solutions Agreement governs Term and Termination. It authorizes Amazon to restrict, suspend, or terminate access when your activity appears to create risk (e.g., fraud, customer harm, legal or safety exposure). A “Section 3” notice means Amazon acted at the agreement level—broader than a single ASIN or routine performance issue.
Tip: Link your appeal to the exact risk Amazon implies. Don’t argue generalities—prove the specific risk has been removed and controls now prevent recurrence.
Section 3 vs Suspension vs ASIN Removal
| Type | What it is | Common causes | Evidence needed | Typical scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section 3 (BSA) | Contract-level deactivation for risk | Authenticity, safety, policy abuse, related/multiple accounts, KYC | Invoices/LOAs, lab tests, KYC/banking proof, device/IP separation, SOPs | Account-wide |
| Suspension | Performance/policy restriction | Late ship, ODR, listing claims, policy missteps | Operational fixes, listing corrections, CX improvements | Account or program area |
| ASIN Removal | Listing-level action | IP claim, authenticity doubt, safety/claims issue | ASIN-specific docs: LOA, invoices, test reports; corrected page | Single product |
Diagnose the Deactivation (before you write)
- Read the notice and copy the exact phrasing; capture case IDs.
- Account Health: note policy flags, IP complaints, safety issues.
- Map to a bucket: authenticity/safety • policy abuse • related/multiple accounts • KYC/payments.
- List every fix needed: suppliers, labels, network/users, identity/banking.
Write the Appeal (POA) — Use This Template
- Root Cause: In plain English, name the risk source (e.g., unverifiable invoices; VA accessed multiple accounts on one laptop).
- Corrective Actions (completed): Supplier replaced; labels corrected; VA access revoked; KYC & banking refreshed; device/IP separation implemented.
- Preventive Measures (ongoing): Supplier vetting schedule; listing QA checklist; MFA & unique users; VA policy; compliance calendar; quarterly audits.
Evidence Checklist by Scenario
| Scenario | What Amazon worries about | Evidence that resolves it |
|---|---|---|
| Authenticity | Counterfeits / unverifiable sourcing | Legible invoices, supplier license/authorization, packaging/serialization photos, supplier verification |
| Safety / compliance | Customer harm or regulatory exposure | Lab tests, certifications, corrected labels/inserts, safety SOPs, QC checkpoints |
| Policy abuse / fraud | Marketplace manipulation | Ceased practices, staff retraining, monitoring logs, signed policy acknowledgments |
| Related / multiple accounts | Cross-account overlap | Unique devices & dedicated IPs, distinct users & addresses, separate banking/cards, VA access policy, permission for additional account |
| KYC / payments | Identity or banking risk | Updated EIN/tax records, bank confirmations, address proofs, corporate docs matching the seller profile |
Download the 1-page POA & Evidence Checklist to attach to your case packet.
Case Studies (Representative Patterns)
Root cause: invoices missing supplier license; mixed sourcing.
Fix: consolidated to authorized distributor; LOA + serial/packaging photos; staff training.
Outcome: reinstated after one follow-up.
Root cause: VA logged into two sellers from same device/IP.
Fix: dedicated device/IP; unique users with MFA; VA SOP; network diagram submitted.
Outcome: reinstated; separate permissions granted for second account after request.
Root cause: missing test reports for regulated category.
Fix: third-party lab tests; corrected labels and images; QC checkpoints added.
Outcome: reinstated; ASINs restored.
FAQ — Amazon Section 3
“Section 3” is the Term & Termination clause of Amazon’s BSA. Amazon can restrict, suspend, or terminate access when it believes your account poses legal, safety, fraud, or marketplace-integrity risk. A Section 3 notice means action at the contract level, not just an ASIN.
Amazon determined your activity breached the BSA or created unacceptable risk—e.g., unverifiable sourcing, safety issues, manipulation, or fraud. Remedy it with a targeted POA and evidence.
Diagnose the trigger, complete fixes first, then submit a three-part POA (Root Cause → Corrective Actions → Preventive Measures) with relevant exhibits only—clear invoices/LOAs, lab tests, KYC/banking proof, device/IP separation.
Avoid generic templates. Use the framework but write a case-specific narrative (1–2 pages), supported by exhibits. Amazon rejects boilerplate.
Selling privileges are disabled at the contract level and funds may pause. Reinstatement depends on removing the risk and proving lasting controls, then responding quickly to follow-ups.
It refers to the BSA’s Term & Termination clause—the authority Amazon cites when it deactivates accounts for risk.
Three parts: (1) Root Cause; (2) Corrective Actions already completed; (3) Preventive Measures with schedules and owners. Attach only proof that supports these points.
Yes, if Amazon detects overlap (devices, IPs, addresses, payment instruments, staff). Show separation (unique devices/IPs, distinct users, separate banking/addresses) and seek permission for additional accounts if needed.
Retail-arbitrage style dropshipping often triggers authenticity/invoice problems. Comply with Amazon’s policy (you are the seller of record; verifiable suppliers) or expect scrutiny.
Provide invoices and LOAs, packaging/serialization photos, and supplier verification. Replace risky suppliers and add vetting SOPs with audit trails.
Yes. Stop the conduct, audit tools/agents, retrain staff, and document monitoring controls before appealing.
Helpful in complex cases (IP/safety/funds/related accounts). Counsel structures the POA, vets evidence, and can escalate when needed.
Funds may pause during review and are typically released on reinstatement or after a defined period unless fraud or harm is suspected. Keep banking/entity data current.
No. Amazon detects generic text. Use the structure, but write a case-specific narrative with proof.
On Amazon’s official BSA page and help articles. Our long-form explainer interprets the Term & Termination clause.
Yes—especially for prolonged holds or IP disputes. Counsel can escalate and coordinate with rights owners or Amazon.
No. Section 3 is broader (contract/KYC/risk). Suspensions often involve performance or listing policy fixes only.
Often yes. Refresh identity/tax/banking, show you’re operationally ready, and outline cadence to avoid future inactivity flags.
Network diagram, unique device serials, dedicated IP/subnet, per-user MFA, distinct addresses/banking, signed VA policy—with dates and screenshots.
Both. If Amazon sees systemic risk, it can escalate to Section 3. Provide test reports, certificates, corrected labels, and QA/QC SOPs.
Prevention Controls That Last
- Supplier compliance: vet quarterly; archive LOAs/invoices; maintain chain-of-custody.
- Listing QA: pre-publish claims/imagery/safety checklist; brand asset governance.
- Access governance: unique users, MFA, no shared browsers; dedicated IP/subnet.
- VA policy: no cross-client logins; signed SOPs; device compliance checks.
- Compliance calendar: recurring KYC/banking refresh; policy review; Account Health audit.
Deactivated under Section 3? Get an attorney-supervised POA and evidence package tailored to your account and documents.
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