Amazon UK Reimbursement Policy Update: What Sellers Need to Know
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Amazon UK Reimbursement Policy Update: What Sellers Need to Know
Amazon UK is introducing a major update to its reimbursement claim policy, significantly shortening the time sellers have to submit claims for refunds on lost, damaged, or mishandled inventory. This change will directly impact sellers who rely on manual claims to recover potential refunds.
At KwickMetrics, we empower sellers to streamline their claims process, ensuring no eligible reimbursement is missed. Our advanced tracking and alert system notifies you before claim deadlines, so you can stay ahead of policy changes like this.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the updated Amazon UK reimbursement policy. You’ll learn which categories are affected, how the claim window works, and how to adapt your processes to protect your refunds and revenue.
What Is Changing in the Amazon UK Reimbursement Policy?
Effective January 15, 2025, the Amazon UK FBA reimbursement process will be significantly altered. Here’s what’s changing:
1. Shorter Claim Windows for Manual Reimbursements
- The time frame to file claims has been shortened from 180 days to 60 days for certain types of claims, especially for warehouse-related issues.
- Customer return claims now have a 45 to 105-day claim window, and sellers are no longer allowed to file early claims.
- Removal claims now have stricter deadlines of 15 to 75 days for certain cases.
2. Automatic Reimbursements
- Amazon will automatically reimburse sellers for lost or damaged inventory in some cases.
- Sellers no longer have to file claims for issues related to warehouse mishandling unless the system fails to auto-issue the refund.
3. Stricter Deadlines for Manual Claims
- If a manual claim is required, sellers must file it within the new time limits for each claim type.
- Missing the deadline means sellers lose the opportunity to recover reimbursement funds.
Check out for manual reimbursements!
Updated Eligibility Windows for Manual Claims
The new eligibility windows for reimbursement claims are stricter and vary by claim type:
1. Warehouse Lost/Damaged Claim
- Previous Claim Window: 180 days.
- New Claim Window: 60 days from the date the item is reported lost or damaged.
- Sellers must submit manual claims within this period if the issue isn’t automatically resolved by Amazon.
2. Customer Return Claims
- Previous Claim Window: 180 days.
- New Claim Window: Claims can only be filed between 45 and 105 days after the customer’s refund or replacement date.
- Claims submitted before 45 days will be automatically rejected.
- This change impacts sellers who previously submitted claims as soon as customers initiated returns.
3. Removal Claims (Lost in Transit or Delivery Issues)
- Claim Type 1: For items lost in transit, sellers have 15 to 75 days from the shipment creation date to file a claim.
- Claim Type 2: For other removal claims, sellers have 60 days from the date the shipment is delivered.
- Sellers must ensure they track all removals properly to avoid missing claim deadlines.
Claim Type |
Old Claim Window |
New Claim Window |
|---|---|---|
|
Warehouse Lost or Damaged |
180 days |
60 days from the date the item is reported lost/damaged |
|
Customer returns |
180 days |
45 - 105 days after customer's refund or replacement date |
|
Removal Claims |
|
|
|
i) Lost in transit |
180 days |
15 - 75 days from the shipment creation date |
|
ii) Other Removals |
180 days |
60 days from the date of delivery |
Try Free Audit now to check your eligible reimbursement value!
How Will These Changes Impact Sellers?
These changes mean sellers have less time to identify and file claims for reimbursements, and they must act quickly. Here’s how sellers are impacted:
1. Less Time to File Claims
- Previously, sellers had 180 days to submit claims, but now they must file claims within 60 days for warehouse-related issues.
- This shorter window means sellers will need to audit transactions weekly or bi-weekly instead of monthly.
2. Tighter Return Claim Windows
- Return-related claims must be filed within 45 to 105 days. Claims filed before the 45-day period will be rejected.
- Sellers can no longer submit claims as soon as a customer initiates a return.
3. Increased Administrative Burden
- With Amazon's new rules, sellers will have to keep track of removal claims, return claims, and warehouse claims more closely.
- Since many claims must be filed manually, sellers may need to dedicate more time to claim tracking.
4. Potential Loss of Refund Opportunities
- If sellers fail to act within the short 60-day window, they will lose the opportunity to claim reimbursement.
- This has already been seen in the U.S. version of the policy, where 40% of claims went unfiled due to missed deadlines.
How Can Sellers Prepare for the New Policy?
Here’s what sellers can do to adapt to the changes and avoid missing future claim opportunities.
1. Automate Claims and Tracking
- Use an automation tool like KwickMetrics to track claims, send deadline reminders, and automate claim submissions.
- Automation ensures sellers don’t miss the new 60-day, 75-day, and 105-day deadlines for filing claims.
2. Increase the Frequency of Audits
- Conduct weekly or bi-weekly audits of inventory reports from Seller Central.
- Check for missing or damaged items and file claims before the deadline.
3. Monitor Customer Returns More Closely
- Check return dates and ensure claim eligibility between 45 to 105 days after the refund/replacement.
- Avoid filing claims too early to prevent rejections.
4. Track Deadlines for Removal Claims
- Stay on top of all removals and track claims for both lost-in-transit and removal claims.
- Claims for removal orders must be submitted 15 to 75 days after the shipment date, depending on the type of claim.
5. Stay Alert for Automatic Reimbursements
- While Amazon will automatically process some reimbursements, sellers should cross-check Amazon's reimbursement report for missed refunds.
- Use claim management tools to ensure you’re not missing opportunities for refunds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the new reimbursement claim window for warehouse issues?
You now have 60 days (down from 180) to submit claims for lost or damaged inventory. - How do return claims work under the new policy?
Return claims can only be submitted between 45 to 105 days after the refund/replacement date. Claims submitted earlier will be rejected. - How do I track my claim deadlines?
You can track deadlines manually through Seller Central or use a tool like KwickMetrics to receive automated alerts and notifications. - What happens if I miss the 60-day claim deadline?
If you miss the deadline, you lose your opportunity for reimbursement. This is why automated claim tracking is essential. - Do I still need to submit manual claims?
Yes, while some reimbursements are automatic, you will still need to submit manual claims for removal orders, damaged items, and customer returns if Amazon does not process the refund automatically.
Conclusion
The changes to the Amazon UK FBA reimbursement claim policy introduce stricter deadlines and more administrative work for sellers. With a significant shift from 180 days to 60 days, sellers must prepare for this policy to take effect on January 15, 2025.
To avoid losing potential refunds, sellers must audit more frequently, track claim deadlines, and ensure customer returns are properly processed. Using tools like KwickMetrics can help sellers automate the tracking process, set up claim alerts, and file claims before the window closes.