Overview

When you send inventory to Amazon's fulfillment network, there is always a small chance that items may be lost or damaged during warehouse operations. Amazon's FBA inventory reimbursement policy for fulfillment center operations provides a structured process for sellers to file claims and receive compensation for eligible items that are lost or damaged while in Amazon's care. Understanding how this policy works is essential for protecting your bottom line and recovering value from inventory that never reaches your customers.

Key Points / What Sellers Need to Know

• Eligibility scope — This policy covers items that are lost or damaged by Amazon's fulfillment centers or facilities operated on Amazon's behalf, after the inventory has been received from the seller.
• Automatic vs. manual claims — Amazon automatically reimburses sellers for many lost or damaged items, but some situations require sellers to file a manual claim through the designated portal.
• Claim filing location — Lost or damaged items are reported in your inventory reports, and claims are filed through the Reimbursements section in Seller Central.
• Separate processes exist — The claim process differs depending on where in the fulfillment process the item was lost or damaged, with distinct procedures for fulfillment center operations versus FBA customer returns.
• Time limits apply — Sellers must file claims within specific windows after the loss or damage event is identified, so regular monitoring of inventory reports is important.

How the Reimbursement Process Works

Amazon tracks inventory throughout its fulfillment network and attempts to automatically identify and reimburse sellers when items are confirmed lost or damaged during fulfillment center operations. When Amazon determines that an item in its possession has been lost or is damaged beyond sellable condition, a reimbursement is typically issued without requiring seller action. However, not all cases are caught automatically. Sellers should regularly review their inventory adjustment reports and the FBA Inventory Reimbursement portal in Seller Central to identify discrepancies. If you notice missing or damaged units that have not been automatically reimbursed, you can file a manual claim by providing the required information, including shipment details, item identifiers, and quantities affected.