Amazon FBA Sellers Guide to Claims and Reimbursements

Published: 01/05/2026
FBA Claims Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) Seller Rights
This article provides a detailed interpretation of Amazon FBA claim regulations, including various claim deadlines, required materials, specific procedures, and important considerations. It aims to help you easily handle various claim situations and maximize loss recovery. Master claim techniques, protect your rights, and start with yourself! Understanding the nuances of FBA claims is crucial for Amazon sellers to recoup losses due to damaged or lost inventory and ensure fair compensation. This guide empowers sellers to navigate the FBA claims process effectively.
Amazon FBA Sellers Guide to Claims and Reimbursements

Many Amazon sellers using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) have experienced inventory losses—whether through misplaced shipments, damaged goods, or missing customer returns. These situations can significantly impact your bottom line. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of Amazon's FBA claims process, including time limits, required documentation, and step-by-step procedures to help you recover your losses.

Time is Money: Critical FBA Claim Deadlines

Amazon enforces strict deadlines for different claim types. Missing these windows means forfeiting your right to compensation. Below are the key time limits:

Shipment Claims

  • Eligibility: When the "Reconcile" tab in your Shipping Queue shows a shipment qualifies for investigation
  • Deadline: Within nine months of the shipment's arrival at an Amazon facility

Removal Order Claims

  • Transit losses: File within 14 days of last tracking update
  • Transit damage: File immediately upon receipt
  • Absolute deadline: 18 months from removal initiation
  • Disputes: Must be filed within 30 days of delivery to return address

Customer Return Claims

  • Earliest filing: 60 days post-refund
  • Latest filing: 18 months post-refund

Warehouse/Delivery Loss/Damage Claims

  • Deadline: 18 months from the inventory report date noting the discrepancy

Pre-Claim Preparation: Documentation Essentials

Thorough preparation significantly improves claim success rates. Always verify these reports before filing:

For Shipment Claims

  • Confirm shipment status (canceled or completed)
  • Review reimbursement reports for duplicate claims
  • Verify shipment contents match your original plan

For Removal Orders

  • Check Removal Order Detail Report for dates/status
  • Review Removal Shipment Detail Report for tracking
  • Search reimbursement reports by FNSKU

For Customer Returns

  • Analyze FBA Returns reports for refund/swap status
  • Verify if returned items reappeared in inventory
  • Search reimbursement reports by order ID

For Warehouse Issues

  • Review inventory reports for discrepancy dates/codes
  • Check Manage FBA Inventory for item status
  • Search reimbursements by FNSKU and date

Required Evidence: Building Your Case

Strong documentation is crucial for successful claims:

Universal Requirements

  • Amazon shipment ID (found in Shipping Queue)

For Lost Inventory

  • Proof of ownership (invoices, receipts, or signed packing slips showing purchase date, item description, and quantity)

For LTL/FTL Shipments

  • Delivery proof showing box count/weight with Amazon's receiving stamp

For Small Parcels

  • Valid tracking numbers (mandatory for non-Amazon carriers)

For Damaged Goods

  • Photographic/video evidence of damage

Claim Process: Step-by-Step Navigation

Shipment Claims

  • Use "Reconcile" tab for missing items
  • Contact Seller Support for damaged goods
  • File unused label claims via "Get Support"
  • Note: Only one claim per shipment allowed

Removal Order Claims

  • Submit via "Get Support" page

Customer Return Claims

  • Use the claims tool with buyer's order ID
  • Provide additional details if requested

Warehouse/Delivery Issues

  • Use claims tool with transaction ID (from inventory reports)
  • Supply supplementary details like damage dates/locations

Key Considerations for Success

  • Accuracy: Double-check all claim details
  • Evidence quality: Ensure documents are legible and comprehensive
  • Follow-up: Monitor claim status and respond promptly to requests
  • Policy knowledge: Understand Amazon's reimbursement rules
  • Persistence: Maintain professional communication throughout

Special Case Handling

Unreturned Customer Refunds

When customers receive refunds but don't return items within 60 days, Amazon typically charges the buyer and reimburses sellers. If returned later, Amazon assesses item condition—re-stocking sellable items without reimbursement, or compensating for warehouse-caused unsellable conditions.

Customer-Caused Damage

Amazon doesn't reimburse for buyer-damaged returns, recalled items, defective merchandise, or policy violations. These items go into your unsellable inventory.

Direct Refunds

Amazon doesn't reimburse refunds you issue directly to buyers.

Conclusion

While Amazon's FBA claims process involves multiple steps and requirements, understanding the system empowers sellers to protect their profits. By acting promptly, maintaining thorough records, and following proper procedures, you can effectively recover losses from inventory discrepancies.

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