Quick answer: When Amazon receives a safety alert from a regulator or manufacturer, it removes the affected products and notifies the seller. You must stop shipments, remove advertising, cancel pending orders, and start removal orders within 30 days, or Amazon will destroy remaining inventory without reimbursement. To reinstate an ASIN, you must resolve and document the safety issue, confirm all affected inventory is removed, and submit a Letter of Compliance on the manufacturer’s letterhead. Amazon prohibits selling recalled, withdrawn, or stop-sale products, publicly announced or not, and doing so can lead to suspension or permanent removal of selling privileges.
Safety actions move faster than most account issues, and the deadlines are short. This guide explains the safety actions Amazon recognizes, what you must do immediately, and how reinstatement works, based on Amazon’s product safety and recall policy.
Types of Safety Actions
| Action | What it is | What Amazon expects from you |
|---|---|---|
| Notice of Violation | Formal notice of potential safety violations | Evidence that you are working with the regulator |
| Preliminary Determination | Early warning of a potential safety issue | Immediate attention and response to the regulator |
| Stop Sale Order | Directive to stop selling immediately | Proof the issue is resolved and written regulator approval before selling again |
| Unilateral Press Release | Regulator’s public warning when a seller does not agree to a voluntary recall | Amazon removes listings and may refund customers at your expense |
| Public Recall | Recall announced by a regulator, manufacturer, retailer, or vendor | Stop all production, import, distribution, advertising, and sales |
| Market-Sourced Recall | Voluntary removal for safety or regulatory concerns | Engage the regulator first and inform Amazon |
| Market Withdrawal | Voluntary removal for minor issues that are not safety risks | Notify Amazon immediately if safety concerns arise |
Agencies Amazon names include the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the FDA, the USDA, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the EPA, and Health Canada.
What to Do Immediately
- Stop shipments and remove all advertising for the product.
- Cancel pending orders.
- Create removal orders within 30 days, either to return inventory or to have Amazon destroy it at your cost.
- Keep complete records for regulatory review.
After 30 days, Amazon says it will destroy remaining inventory without reimbursement if no removal order exists, if regulators require disposal, or if new inventory arrives before reinstatement. You are responsible for refunds, shipping, disposal, and storage costs until removal is complete.
Recall Logistics Service
Amazon’s Recall Logistics Service handles customer communications and refunds automatically unless you opt out within 24 hours. You remain responsible for working with regulators and maintaining a Corrective Action Plan. Amazon recommends sharing your draft plan with the service before submitting it to regulators. If you do not provide proof of regulatory engagement every two weeks, or if regulators ask, Amazon will start customer communications and refunds itself.
How to Get an ASIN Reinstated
Amazon requires you to:
- Resolve and document all safety issues
- Confirm all affected inventory has been removed from Amazon fulfillment centers
- Upload a Letter of Compliance to a Seller Central case
The Letter of Compliance must be a PDF on the manufacturer’s letterhead, signed by a relevant stakeholder, and include the recall reason, the affected ASINs and product titles, confirmation of future compliance, and applicable safety certifications and test reports. Amazon may ask for more, such as regulator-approved lab testing or new product images, and notes that not all products are eligible for reinstatement.
For cases that are not public, provide regulator evidence that a recall is not required. For appeals, include all documentation and your communications with regulators.
Preventing Safety Problems
- Check government recall websites for products you source, especially before buying closeouts.
- Keep test reports and certifications for every product that needs them.
- Respond to safety documentation requests in Account Health quickly.
- Avoid suppliers who cannot document where products came from.
Our product safety and quality service works with sellers on safety documentation and reinstatement. If a safety action has suspended your account, our Amazon suspension and reinstatement team can help with the appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to remove recalled inventory from FBA?
Amazon says to create removal orders within 30 days; after that it may destroy remaining inventory without reimbursement.
Can I sell a product recalled by the manufacturer but not announced publicly?
No. Amazon bars the sale of products subject to recalls, market withdrawals, and stop sales whether or not they are publicly announced.
What is a Letter of Compliance?
A signed PDF on the manufacturer’s letterhead stating the recall reason, affected ASINs, confirmation of future compliance, and applicable certifications and test reports.
Does Amazon contact my customers about a recall?
Its Recall Logistics Service handles customer communications and refunds automatically unless you opt out within 24 hours.
Will every recalled ASIN be reinstated?
No. Amazon states that not all products are eligible for reinstatement.
Get Help With a Safety Action
Submit your case for a free assessment, or book a consultation.
Sources
- Amazon Seller Central, Product safety alerts, recalls, stop sales, and market withdrawal policy for sellers
- Amazon Seller Central, Recalled products
- Amazon Seller Central, Restricted products
