Suspensions happen more often than you might think. Amazon has strict policies about what you say in your product listings, and even one misstep can lead to your ASIN being flagged. Fixing it? That’s a whole other challenge.
What’s worse is that Amazon sometimes gets it wrong. I’ve seen listings for products like mattresses suspended for being a “pesticide product” just because they use terms like “antibacterial.”
If you’re selling higher-risk products like supplements, disinfectants, or anything that might trigger strict compliance reviews, the chances of getting flagged skyrocket. If you’re reading this, your product has probably already been suspended. But don’t panic—this guide will walk you through what to do next to resolve the issue and get your listing back online.
Step 1: Don’t panic
Take a deep breath. Seriously, panicking won’t help, and this is fixable. Amazon suspensions feel like the end of the world, but they’re not. You’ve got a path forward, and it starts with a clear head.
Step 2: Figure out why your listing was flagged
Amazon doesn’t just randomly flag listings. Check the notification they sent—look for the exact reason. If it’s an “inauthentic claim,” they’re saying your product doesn’t match its description or you’re making unverified statements.
Common culprits include:
- Using prohibited words like “100% cure” or “FDA-approved.”
- Misleading terms like “antibacterial” without proper documentation.
- Claims that require certifications you might not have provided.
Get to the bottom of the issue before moving forward.
Step 3: Gather your documents
Amazon loves documentation. If you’ve got invoices, certifications, or lab tests for your product, now’s the time to collect them. Make sure they’re:
- Dated within the last 365 days.
- Clear and legible.
- Directly tied to the flagged ASIN (match the product exactly).
This paperwork proves you’re selling what you say you’re selling.
Step 4: Write a strong plan of action (POA)
This is where you explain to Amazon how you’ll fix the issue. A good POA has three parts:
Root cause – Admit what went wrong (even if Amazon messed up, phrase it politely). For example:
“The term ‘antibacterial’ was used on the product listing without supporting documentation. This was an oversight.”
Immediate actions taken – Explain what you did to fix the issue. For example:
“We have removed the word ‘antibacterial’ from the product listing and ensured all claims meet Amazon’s guidelines.”
Preventive measures – show Amazon this won’t happen again. For example:
“We’ve trained our team on Amazon compliance and will review all future listings for prohibited terms.”
Write it clearly, stick to the facts, and avoid long-winded explanations.
Pro tip: It’s best to hire Amazon account management services to ensure you do not write anything that makes matters worse.
Step 5: Submit your appeal
Upload your POA, along with supporting documents, through Amazon’s Account Health Dashboard. Be sure everything is attached, double-check your submission, and hit “Submit.”
Then wait. Amazon’s review process can take a few days, so keep an eye on your account for updates.
Step 6: Be ready for follow-ups
Sometimes Amazon will ask for more information. Don’t get frustrated—respond promptly and provide exactly what they ask for. This back-and-forth is normal, especially for high-risk categories.
Step 7: Fix your listing (if approved)
Once your ASIN is reinstated, update your listing to avoid future flags. Double-check your product title, bullets, description, and backend keywords for compliance. Avoid words or claims that could trigger another suspension.
Step 8: Learn for next time
The goal isn’t just to fix this issue—it’s to prevent future ones. Review Amazon’s listing guidelines, especially for your category, and consider running your listings through compliance checks regularly.
Getting an ASIN reinstated isn’t fun, but if you follow these steps carefully, you’ll be back in business soon. Just remember, Amazon plays by its own rules, so understanding and following their guidelines is your best defense.
And if all of this feels like a lot to handle, hire an Amazon consulting expert from eStore Factory. We’ve helped countless sellers navigate tricky situations like this.
