For many entrepreneurs, Amazon is more than just an online marketplace; it is the backbone of
their business. So when your Amazon
seller account gets suspended or closed, it can feel like
your entire livelihood is on hold. Suddenly, sales stop, listings disappear and income dries up.
Understandably, one of the first questions sellers ask is: “How long does it take to reactivate
my Amazon seller account?”
The answer isn’t always simple. The timeline depends on why your account was suspended, how
strong your appeal is and how quickly you provide the information Amazon requests. At FBA
Centre, we have helped countless sellers navigate this stressful process and we know what it
takes to get reinstated as quickly as possible.
In this blog, we will break down the reactivation process, what affects the timeline and the
best practices to follow for faster results.
Why Amazon Suspends or Deactivates Seller Accounts
To understand how long reactivation takes, you first need to know why accounts are suspended in
the first place. Amazon doesn’t close accounts randomly; there’s always a reason.
Some of the most common include:
1. Policy Violations
Selling restricted products, violating intellectual property rights, or ignoring Amazon’s selling policies often leads to suspension.
2. Performance Issues
Amazon tracks seller performance closely. High order defect rates, late shipments, or poor customer service can trigger account closures.
3. Documentation or Verification Problems
Sometimes, accounts are deactivated because Amazon can’t verify your business documents, bank details or identity.
4. Multiple Accounts Without Permission
Operating more than one seller account without Amazon’s approval is a violation and can result
in suspension.
Each of these scenarios requires a different type of appeal and the complexity of the case
directly affects how long reactivation takes.
Can a Suspended Amazon Account Really Be Reinstated?
Yes, in most cases, a suspended or closed account can be reinstated. Amazon’s ultimate goal is to
protect customers, not to permanently ban sellers. If you can show that you understand the
issue, have taken corrective action and will prevent future problems, Amazon is usually willing
to give you another chance.
However, the key to success lies in preparing a clear, professional and detailed appeal. Weak
appeals can drag out the process and delay your reinstatement.
How Long Does It Take to Reactivate an Amazon Seller Account?
The timeline varies, but here’s a general breakdown:
• Simple cases: 2–5 business days
(Example: submitting missing documents for verification.)
(Example: performance-related suspensions where corrective measures need to be explained.)
• Complex cases: 4+ weeks
(Example: intellectual property disputes, counterfeit claims, or repeated violations.)
Some sellers get reinstated quickly, while others face multiple rounds of appeals. The most
important factor is submitting a strong Plan of Action (POA) the first time around.
Factors That Affect the Timeline
Several factors influence how long account reactivation takes:
1. The Reason for Suspension
If your account was suspended for documentation issues, reinstatement is usually quick once you provide the required files. But if it involves policy or IP violations, Amazon will take longer to review.
2. The Quality of Your Appeal
A vague or emotional appeal can delay reinstatement. Amazon wants structured, professional and fact-based responses.
3. The Complexity of the Case
For issues involving multiple ASINs, intellectual property disputes, or repeat violations, Amazon’s investigation may take weeks.
4. Seller Response Time
The faster you gather documents, prepare your Plan of Action and respond to Amazon’s requests, the quicker the process moves.
5. Amazon’s Workload
Sometimes, delays are out of your control. High appeal volumes, especially during peak shopping seasons, may slow down review times.
The Step-by-Step Process of Reactivating Your Account
If you want to reduce delays, you need to follow the right process.
Step 1: Carefully Review the Suspension Notice
Amazon always sends an email with details about the suspension. Read it thoroughly. It explains the reason and often points to the policies violated.
Step 2: Identify the Root Cause
Ask yourself: Why did Amazon take action? Was it performance issues, policy violations or verification problems? Without identifying the root cause, you can’t create a strong appeal.
Step 3: Collect Supporting Documents
Depending on the issue, gather invoices, supplier contracts, business licenses or identity verification documents. Solid evidence strengthens your appeal.
Step 4: Draft a Strong Plan of Action (POA)
Your POA should include three parts:
Step 5: Submit the Appeal
Upload your POA and supporting documents through Seller Central’s Performance Notifications section.
Step 6: Wait for Amazon’s Review
Amazon usually replies within a few days, but complex cases may take weeks.
Step 7: Follow Up If Needed
If your appeal is rejected, don’t give up. Revise your POA based on Amazon’s feedback and resubmit. Persistence pays off.
How to Speed Up the Reactivation Process
While you can’t control Amazon’s workload, you can take steps to avoid unnecessary delays.
Common Mistakes That Delay Reactivation
Many sellers unintentionally make errors that slow down reinstatement. Avoid these pitfalls:
These mistakes often lead to rejection and prolong the process.
How FBA Centre Helps Sellers Reactivate Their Accounts
At FBA Centre, we know how stressful a suspended Amazon
account can be. That’s why we offer end-to-end support for sellers facing account deactivation.
Our services include:
With our experience, you can save time, reduce stress and increase your chances of success.
How to Avoid Future Suspensions
Prevention is always better than a cure. Once you regain your account, follow these steps to keep it safe:
These practices not only protect your account but also build customer trust and brand credibility.
Final Thoughts
So, how long does it take to reactivate an Amazon seller account? The truth is, it depends.
Simple cases may be resolved in a few days, while complex suspensions can take weeks. What
really determines the timeline is the quality of your appeal and how quickly you provide Amazon
with the information they need.
While the process may feel overwhelming, remember this: reactivation is possible. Thousands of
sellers successfully recover their accounts every year. With the right approach and with
professional guidance from FBA Centre, you can too.
If your Amazon account has been suspended, don’t wait. Get expert support today and take the
first step toward getting your business back on track.