Why the Code of Conduct Matters More Than Ever in 2025
Amazon thrives on customer trust. Every violation, whether fake reviews, listing manipulation, or unfair competitor attacks, undermines that trust. For sellers, even one misstep can result in:
- Immediate account suspension
- Listing removals or loss of the Buy Box
- Held or frozen funds
- Permanent account deactivation
In 2025, Amazon’s enforcement teams, AI monitoring, and its Counterfeit Crimes Unit have doubled down. That means sellers must not only understand the Code but also actively train their teams and agencies to follow it.
Step 1: Understand the Core Rules
According to Amazon’s official Code of Conduct, sellers must:
- Provide accurate information in all business details and product listings
- Act fairly by avoiding manipulation of rankings, keywords, or categories
- Respect reviews and never use fake feedback, incentives, or review rings
- Avoid harming others by not engaging in listing sabotage, fake safety complaints, or IP theft
- Communicate properly and contact buyers only through approved channels
- Follow account rules by not operating multiple accounts without approval
- Comply with laws including avoiding antitrust violations, price-fixing, or unsafe products
📌 Reference: Amazon Selling Policies and Code of Conduct
Step 2: Know What Changed in 2025
Some rules have tightened significantly this year:
- Review Manipulation Crackdowns – Amazon is aggressively suspending sellers caught offering discounts or external incentives for reviews.
- Performance Metrics Matter More – ODR (Order Defect Rate ≤ 1%), late shipment rates, and buyer response times are now strictly enforced.
- IP Enforcement is Tougher – Trademark misuse and counterfeit claims without evidence can get you suspended.
- Duplicate Listings are Targeted – Sellers creating “fresh” listings to bury bad reviews are being flagged.
- Counterfeit Prevention is Expanding– Amazon has increased investments in Project Zero, Transparency, and counterfeit investigations.
Step 3: Real-World Violations and Consequences
Here are some examples we’ve seen in practice:
- Fake Reviews – Sellers paying for positive reviews faced immediate account suspensions.
- Hijacked Listings – Competitors altering titles, images, or dimensions through Vendor Central caused listing suspensions.
- IP Infringement – Unauthorized resellers listing branded products without Brand Registry approval were removed.
- Fake Safety Complaints – A competitor claimed a rival’s electronics caught fire, and Amazon instantly suspended the listing.
Step 4: How to Stay Compliant
To protect your account:
- Audit Listings Monthly – Keep details accurate and aligned with Amazon’s catalog.
- Monitor Metrics – Track ODR, return rates, and feedback daily.
- Avoid Manipulative Practices – Don’t use bots, review groups, or ranking shortcuts.
- Train Your Team – Everyone with access, including employees, VAs, and agencies, must know the Code.
- Document Everything – Keep invoices, product certifications, and trademark documents ready.
- Prepare for Appeals – If suspended, provide a strong Plan of Action with root cause, corrective steps, and prevention.
Step 5: Expect Enforcement and Be Ready
Amazon now uses AI-driven compliance systems that can flag sellers even for suspected violations. If you’re wrongly flagged, you’ll need:
- Supplier invoices
- Product design or packaging proofs
- Trademark registrations
- Communications logs
⚠️ Tip: Keep these files ready in a compliance folder so you can respond within 48 hours if Amazon asks.
What to Do Before Trouble Hits
- Review Amazon’s Code of Conduct with your team quarterly
- Conduct internal audits of all listings and customer communication
- Register your brand in Brand Registry for added IP protection
- Avoid “gray area” tactics like rebates for reviews or fake test buys against competitors
- Have eGrowth Partners on standby for appeals and prevention strategies
Recovery Is Easier If You Are Prepared
Violations can happen even when you’ve done nothing wrong. At eGrowth Partners, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating a sudden suspension can be. That’s why we specialize in proactive compliance, account monitoring, and suspension appeals.
📞 Contact eGrowth Partners today for a consultation to protect your account and keep your Amazon business thriving.
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