Amazon Will Now Automatically Remove Inactive Secondary Users From Seller Central Accounts
Amazon will automatically delete secondary users who have not logged in for 12 months during a quarterly sweep (June, September, December, March). The purge requires no setup and removed users can be reinstated instantly via Settings > User Permissions, though standard approval may take hours.
Overview
Amazon will begin a quarterly, automated purge of secondary users who have not logged into a Seller Central account for 12 months or more. The measure, designed to tighten account security, takes effect without any manual steps from sellers and will repeat every quarter. Sellers should understand how the cleanup works, what it means for seasonal or contract staff, and what proactive steps can keep their teams running smoothly.
Key Points
- Quarterly auto‑removal — Any secondary user whose last login predates a full year will be automatically deleted during the next quarterly sweep.
- Zero manual setup — Amazon runs the process across all Seller Central accounts; there is no opt‑in or configuration required from the seller.
- Re‑add anytime — Should a removed user need access again, the account owner can reinstate the profile instantly via the User Permissions page.
- Continuous cycle — The cleanup repeats every three months, meaning the same inactivity rule is applied on a rolling basis rather than as a one‑off event.
- Security‑first rationale — Dormant credentials are a known attack vector; eliminating them reduces the risk of unauthorized entry through compromised passwords or phishing.
- Impact on seasonal teams — Contractors who only work during a specific quarter may lose access if they do not log in at least once before the next sweep, potentially delaying future projects.
What's Changing
- Identify inactive profiles — Amazon scans each Seller Central account on a set schedule and flags any secondary user whose last successful login occurred more than 365 days ago. Example: A virtual assistant who last logged in on 15 March 2023 will be marked for removal in the June 2024 sweep.
- Execute quarterly purge — During the designated quarterly window, Amazon automatically deletes the flagged profiles from the account’s permission list. Example: On 1 July 2024, the system removes the assistant’s access without any email or confirmation required.
Analysis & Recommendations
Why This Matters
Dormant credentials are a security risk, so the auto‑removal reduces attack surface. However, seasonal contractors may lose access if they don’t log in within a year, potentially delaying campaigns unless sellers audit permissions quarterly and prompt test logins.
Key Takeaways
- Quarterly auto‑removal deletes any secondary user whose last login predates 365 days, applied in June, September, December and March.
- The process is automatic with no opt‑in; Amazon runs it across all Seller Central accounts.
- Removed users can be re‑added instantly via Settings > User Permissions, but the standard approval flow may take a few hours to a day.
- Contractors must log in at least once within a 12‑month window or they will be purged in the next sweep.
Recommended Actions
- →Open Settings > User Permissions, sort by “Last login”, and delete any accounts that are no longer needed before the next quarterly sweep.
- →Create calendar reminders for the end of each quarter (Mar, Jun, Sep, Dec) to audit inactive users and ask seasonal staff to perform a test login.
- →If a needed user is removed, go to Settings > User Permissions, click “Add a user”, enter their email, assign only required permissions, and send t...
Comments
Join the discussion
Log in or create an account to share your thoughts on this update.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!