Overview

Amazon enforces a strict anti-counterfeiting policy that requires every product sold on its marketplace to be authentic. Sellers who violate this policy face severe consequences, including account suspension, fund withholding, and inventory destruction. Understanding the full scope of this policy is essential for any seller looking to maintain a healthy, long-term business on the platform.

Key Points / What Sellers Need to Know

• Authenticity is mandatory — Every item listed and sold on Amazon must be a genuine product. There are no exceptions or gray areas when it comes to this requirement.
• Broad definition of counterfeit — Amazon considers bootlegs, fakes, pirated copies, illegally reproduced goods, and any product that infringes on another party's intellectual property to be inauthentic.
• Immediate enforcement — Amazon may suspend or terminate a seller's account without prior warning if inauthentic products are detected, and this action can extend to any related accounts.
• Financial consequences are significant — Beyond account suspension, Amazon may withhold pending payments and charge sellers for the disposal of counterfeit inventory stored in FBA fulfillment centers.
• Legal exposure is real — Sellers caught dealing in counterfeit goods may face both criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits from rights holders, with penalties including fines, imprisonment, and damages.

How Amazon Detects and Enforces the Policy

Amazon takes a multi-layered approach to identifying and removing counterfeit products from its marketplace. The company conducts its own proactive reviews of product listings and removes those it deems suspicious. Beyond internal efforts, Amazon collaborates directly with manufacturers, brand owners, content creators, vendors, and other sellers to strengthen its detection capabilities. The company also partners with rights holders and law enforcement agencies around the world to pursue legal action against sellers and suppliers who knowingly violate the policy. This means that even if a counterfeit listing is not caught immediately, sellers remain at risk of enforcement action at any time.