Overview

Effective March 31, 2026, Amazon is revising the terms of its Business Supplier Program for FBA‑fulfilled orders. Sellers will now be required to submit photos and written condition assessments for items returned in used or damaged condition, and Amazon will use that documentation to calculate refunds. The change matters to B2B sellers because it adds a new operational step while also giving them a way to influence refund amounts on high‑value returns.

Key Points

• Photo evidence mandatory — Returns that arrive at the fulfillment center showing wear, damage, or missing parts must be photographed from multiple angles; a sample photo of a dented printer shows the new requirement.
• Written condition grading — Sellers must attach a brief description that assigns a condition grade (e.g., “Like New,” “Used – Good,” “Damaged – Poor”) to each photographed item.
• Refunds tied to seller assessment — Amazon will reference the seller‑provided grade when determining the refund percentage, replacing the previous flat‑rate approach.
• FBA‑only scope — The policy applies solely to Business orders fulfilled through Amazon’s fulfillment network; merchant‑fulfilled Business orders remain unchanged.
• Automatic acceptance — Continuing to participate in the Business Supplier Program after the March 31 deadline signals agreement to the new terms, without a separate opt‑in step.
• Higher‑value focus — Because B2B purchases often involve bulk or premium items, the new documentation can protect margins on orders that previously resulted in full refunds despite obvious damage.

How the New Refund Calculations Work

1. Return receipt and inspection — When a Business buyer sends an item back to an Amazon fulfillment center, the inbound team flags the package as a “used or damaged” return. For example, a returned industrial drill that arrives with a cracked housing is marked for documentation.
2. Capture and grade — The seller’s designated staff photographs the item (front, back, and any defect) and records a condition note such as “Damaged – Cracked housing, non‑functional.” This information is uploaded through the Returns Documentation portal in Seller Central.