What is the 18-month policy for Amazon FBA reimbursements?

Amazon allows sellers to file claims for lost or damaged inventory within 18 months of the item being received by their fulfillment center. After this period, claims are typically denied, so it's crucial to track your inventory and file promptly.

How do I start the Amazon FBA reimbursement process for lost or damaged stock?

Begin by checking your Inventory Adjustments report in Seller Central to identify discrepancies. Then, gather supporting documents like shipment IDs, invoices, and proof of delivery. File a claim through the 'Reconcile' tab or by contacting Seller Support with the relevant details.

What types of inventory issues are eligible for reimbursement?

Eligible issues include items lost in Amazon's fulfillment centers, damaged during handling or storage, or customer returns that are not returned to sellable inventory. Also, discrepancies in inbound shipments, such as missing units, qualify for claims.

Can I get reimbursed for inventory that was damaged after delivery to Amazon?

Yes, if Amazon confirms the damage occurred within their network (e.g., at a fulfillment center or during transit between centers), you can file a claim. You'll need to provide evidence like photos or reports from Amazon's investigation.

What steps should I follow in the FBA reconciliation guide to maximize reimbursements?

Start by running regular inventory reports (e.g., Daily Inventory, Reconciliation Report). Cross-reference with your sales and removal orders. Use tools like automated software to track discrepancies. File claims systematically within the 18-month window, and keep detailed records of all communications with Amazon.

Complete Guide to the Amazon FBA Reimbursement Process (18-Mon...

Lost or damaged stock? Learn about the official amazon claim process. Follow our step-by-step FBA reconciliation guide and understand the 18-month policy.

Introduction: Understanding the FBA Reconciliation Lifecycle

For Amazon FBA sellers, keeping track of inventory is only half the battle. You must also monitor the policy deadlines for filing reimbursement claims. Amazon enforces strict time windows for different types of lost or damaged stock. If you miss these windows, you lose your right to file claims, which can lead to unrecovered inventory losses.

To protect your business, you must establish an audit routine that fits within Amazon's policy timelines. This guide covers the critical filing windows for inbound shipments, warehouse stock, customer returns, and explains how to organize your audit calendar.

For streamlined Amazon operations and document preparation, sellers can use our free browser utilities: the Invoice & Label Separator to isolate invoice documents, the Amazon FBA Fee Calculator to audit fulfillment fee deductions, and the Amazon India Label Cropper to standardize shipping labels for thermal printing.

1. Inbound Shipment Reconciliation Deadlines

Inbound shipment claims have a specific filing window that opens once the receiving process is complete:

Wait Period: You must wait until the shipment status in Seller Central changes to 'Closed' and the receiving reconciliation window opens. This receiving phase typically takes up to 14 business days.
Filing Window: You have 9 months from the shipment creation date to file claims for missing inbound units. Claims submitted after this 9-month window are rejected automatically.

2. Warehouse Misplaced & Damaged Timelines

For inventory lost, misplaced, or damaged inside the fulfillment center, auditors follow these rules:

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3. Customer Return Discrepancy Timelines

When a customer receives a refund but the returned item is not scanned back into your inventory, keep track of these milestones:

45-Day Return Window: The customer has 45 days from the refund date to return the item to the fulfillment center. If they fail to do so, Amazon should charge the customer and credit your account.
60-Day Inspection Window: If the returned item arrives damaged or swapped, you must create a removal order and file a reimbursement claim within 60 days of the date the unit was delivered to your removal address.

4. Submitting Claims in Seller Central

Step 1: Go to Seller Central > Help > Get Support > Fulfill by Amazon > Investigate Warehouse Discrepancies.
Step 2: Enter the ASIN, date of loss, and transaction IDs from the Inventory Ledger report.
Step 3: Upload your commercial invoice and carrier-signed BOL or small parcel tracking logs.
Step 4: Structure your case description focusing on the facts: quantities, dates, and shipment IDs.
Step 5: Follow up with support until the payout credit is applied to your seller account statement.

5. High-Claim Category Audit Calendars

If you sell products in categories like Electronics or Apparel, run audits more frequently to catch return fraud and serial number discrepancies early:

Electronics: Track customer return dates and removal orders weekly to ensure you inspect and photograph device serial numbers within the 60-day filing window.
Apparel: Monitor return codes and sizing feedback to identify return fraud patterns early.

6. Claim Process Verification Checklist

✓ Verify FBA referral fee deductions on approved claims
✓ Track removal order shipping costs for inspected returns
✓ Compare reimbursement payouts against wholesale invoices
✓ Audit transaction fees in your Seller Central statements
✓ Reconcile category closing fees on approved claims

7. FAQ: Claim Process

Q: Can I file a claim for shipments created more than 9 months ago? No, Amazon's systems enforce strict deadlines. Ensure you monitor and reconcile shipments within the 9-month window.
Q: What if Amazon reverses a reimbursement after finding a lost item? Amazon can reverse prior payments if they locate the physical item, but you can request a condition review if the found item is returned damaged.
Q: How long do payout credits take to appear in my seller balance? Once a claim is approved, the reimbursement credit is applied to your seller account statement within 1 to 2 billing cycles.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 18-month policy for Amazon FBA reimbursements?
Amazon allows sellers to file claims for lost or damaged inventory within 18 months of the item being received by their fulfillment center. After this period, claims are typically denied, so it's crucial to track your inventory and file promptly.
How do I start the Amazon FBA reimbursement process for lost or damaged stock?
Begin by checking your Inventory Adjustments report in Seller Central to identify discrepancies. Then, gather supporting documents like shipment IDs, invoices, and proof of delivery. File a claim through the 'Reconcile' tab or by contacting Seller Support with the relevant details.
What types of inventory issues are eligible for reimbursement?
Eligible issues include items lost in Amazon's fulfillment centers, damaged during handling or storage, or customer returns that are not returned to sellable inventory. Also, discrepancies in inbound shipments, such as missing units, qualify for claims.
Can I get reimbursed for inventory that was damaged after delivery to Amazon?
Yes, if Amazon confirms the damage occurred within their network (e.g., at a fulfillment center or during transit between centers), you can file a claim. You'll need to provide evidence like photos or reports from Amazon's investigation.
What steps should I follow in the FBA reconciliation guide to maximize reimbursements?
Start by running regular inventory reports (e.g., Daily Inventory, Reconciliation Report). Cross-reference with your sales and removal orders. Use tools like automated software to track discrepancies. File claims systematically within the 18-month window, and keep detailed records of all communications with Amazon.