Want to protect your Amazon Seller account? Understanding Amazon’s Customer Product Reviews Policy is critical. Even small violations can trigger warnings, suspensions, or a full account deactivation.
Avoid These Review Violations at All Costs
- Posting reviews for your own or your competitor’s products.
- Offering incentives (money, discounts, free products) in exchange for reviews.
- Refunding buyers after they write a review to change it.
- Using review clubs or third-party services tied to reviewing.
- Having family or employees write reviews for your products.
If you do it — Amazon sees it. Suspension follows fast.
What’s Changed With Reviews? (2023–2025 Updates)
New Star-Only Ratings (2025)
Amazon introduced a new way for shoppers to leave feedback — just a star rating, no text required.
Ratings below four stars now require a reason, which Amazon reviews before posting. This has increased feedback volume but gives sellers less context. Read more here.
Time Limits for Feedback
Buyers can now leave feedback within 90 days of purchase and remove it within 60 days.
Sellers should regularly monitor “Feedback Manager” in Seller Central to resolve issues quickly.
UK Crackdown on Fake Reviews (2024–2025)
Following a CMA investigation, Amazon pledged stronger enforcement against fake and “catalogue abuse” reviews in the UK. Fake reviewers may now be banned, and sellers can face suspensions or permanent account loss. Coverage: The Guardian, Reuters.
Best Practices for Staying Compliant
- Ask only for honest feedback. Never request a “positive” review specifically.
- Avoid packaging inserts that ask for 5-star reviews — this is a direct violation.
- Track star-only ratings for patterns; appeal abusive or irrelevant feedback.
- Resolve issues fast — feedback can be removed by buyers within 60 days.
- Stay away from fake reviews or black-hat services, especially in the UK market.
Why This Matters for Sellers
Violating Amazon’s reviews policy doesn’t just risk your listings — it puts your entire
Amazon Seller Account at risk. Once suspended, reinstatement is a long, stressful process. Proactive compliance is always easier than fighting for recovery.
Looking Ahead
This article covers the essentials. In our full training and consulting services, we go deeper into:
- Compliant messaging templates for requesting feedback.
- How to appeal unfair low ratings effectively.
- Case studies of account suspensions and reinstatements.
If you’ve already received a warning, check out our Amazon Account Reinstatement Service for tailored support.