Welcome back to the Amazon Account Health Series.
So far, we’ve covered Customer Service Performance and how it impacts your account health. In this blog, we’re diving into the most critical area: Policy Compliance.
Policy compliance is the part of account health that can literally make or break your Amazon business. While negative feedback or late shipments can hurt you, policy violations can end your selling privileges altogether.
Let’s go through the three most common and dangerous issues you’ll face, and how to deal with them if they occur.
Suspected Intellectual Property (IP) Violations
Amazon’s system automatically flags listings when it suspects there might be an IP issue, even if nothing is actually wrong. As resellers, we’re often caught in these false positives because Amazon wants to protect brand owners at all costs.
For example:
• A listing may have wording or images that trigger Amazon’s system.
• You may be flagged for selling a branded item that Amazon’s algorithm wrongly assumes requires authorisation.
How to handle it:
• Double-check that you’re listing against the correct ASIN.
• Keep invoices from authorised suppliers ready to show Amazon if required.
• Don’t ignore these flags, treat them seriously, because even suspected violations count against your account.
Received Intellectual Property Complaints
This is when a brand owner or rights holder files a complaint directly against you. These are more serious than suspected violations because they’re filed by humans/brands/listing owners, not just Amazon’s system.
As a reseller, these usually come down to distribution rights. Some brands don’t want unauthorised resellers on Amazon, even if you’ve bought the stock legitimately.
How to handle it:
• Always keep supplier invoices.
• If possible, contact the rights owner and try to resolve the complaint. Sometimes they’ll withdraw it if you show proof.
• Submit evidence to Amazon through the appeal process. If you sourced the products from a reputable distributor or retailer, you’re in a strong position.
Product Authenticity Customer Complaints
This is the most dangerous violation for resellers. Even if your products are 100% genuine, a single customer claiming an item is “fake” can cause serious problems. Amazon’s system takes these claims very seriously because it relates directly to buyer trust.
Why it happens:
• Customers confuse poor packaging, damaged boxes, or regional variations of a product as “fake.”
• Some customers file false complaints to push for refunds.
Why it’s serious:
• Authenticity complaints can trigger immediate listing removal, damages to selling privileges or even account deactivation
• Repeated complaints can put your entire account at risk.
How to protect yourself:
• Only buy from trusted, traceable suppliers.
• Keep invoices and receipts for every purchase, Amazon will request them.
• Submit documentation to Amazon immediately when requested.
Step-by-Step: How to Appeal Violations
If you get an authenticity complaint, suspected IP violation, or received IP complaint, here’s a clear framework for your appeal.
1. Gather Documentation
o Invoices from suppliers (dated within the last 365 days).
o The supplier’s full name, address, and contact details (must be visible on invoices).
o Purchase orders or receipts (if applicable).
o Any authorisation letters (if you have them).
2. Check Your Invoices
o Make sure the product names match the ASIN on Amazon.
o Ensure quantities align with your sales.
o Black out sensitive financial details if needed, but leave supplier details visible.
3. If you are unable to appeal it through the standard process then here is a letter of appeal that can be used:
Introduction: Acknowledge the complaint and confirm you take Amazon’s policies seriously.
Explanation: Confirm the products are genuine and sourced from trusted suppliers.
Supporting Evidence: Mention that invoices are attached showing authenticity and supply chain transparency.
Preventative Steps: Explain how you’ll avoid similar issues in the future (e.g., stricter supplier vetting, extra product inspections, improved packaging checks).
Example opening lines:
“We take product authenticity and Amazon’s policies very seriously. All products sold are 100% genuine and sourced directly from [Supplier Name], a trusted and authorised distributor. Attached are invoices showing the supply chain and product details. To prevent this from happening again, we have implemented stricter supplier checks and quality controls.”
Submit Through Account Health
o Go to the complaint in your account health dashboard.
o Upload invoices and supporting documents.
o Paste your appeal letter in the submission box.
Fighting Violations and Why It Matters
Violations stay visible in your account health dashboard for 180 days. But don’t just wait for them to disappear.
Every violation should be:
• Challenged – Provide documentation as soon as possible.
• Appealed – Even if it feels unfair, showing Amazon you’re proactive strengthens your account.
• Monitored – Keep checking your dashboard so nothing escalates unnoticed.
The more proactive you are, the stronger your account health will remain and the less chance you’ll lose your ability to sell branded products.
Final Thoughts
For resellers, policy compliance is the number one risk area on Amazon. You’re not creating your own listings, but you’re still responsible for proving the branded products you sell are genuine, authentic, and sourced correctly.
The three violations we covered, suspected IP violations, received IP complaints, and product authenticity complaints, are the most common and the most dangerous. By keeping airtight records, following the appeal steps above, and sourcing only from reliable suppliers, you’ll protect your account and run your Amazon business sustainably.
In the next blog, we’ll expand into other policy compliance issues like product condition complaints, food and product safety, and restricted
