Starting February 16, 2026, the Amazon SAFE-T claim filing window will be limited to 30 days, with the countdown based on the return delivery scan, refund date, or last scan for lost shipments.
Many sellers rely on SAFE-T claims to recover losses from damaged or missing returns. A shorter Amazon SAFE-T claim filing window means those losses can become permanent if teams fall behind.
Amazon is cutting the Amazon SAFE-T claim filing window from 60 days to 30 days for US sellers. That change puts more pressure on return tracking, refund reviews, and daily operations.
Amazon Shrinks SAFE-T Claim Filing Window From 60 to 30 Days
Amazon announced that, effective February 16, 2026, the Amazon SAFE-T claim filing window for US seller-fulfilled orders will shrink from 60 days to 30 days. This update aligns with Amazon’s standard US return period and the A-to-z claim appeal window, affecting how quickly sellers must act on refunds and returns.
SAFE-T claims are designed to protect sellers against losses from buyer abuse, in-transit damage, or other issues outside their control. The 30-day Amazon SAFE-T claim filing window starts from either the return delivery scan at your warehouse or the refund date, whichever is later, while lost shipments are counted from the last scan event.
Sellers should review any returns or refunds older than 30 days before February 16, as claims for events beyond this window will no longer be accepted. Current claims already in progress are not affected, so ongoing Amazon seller reimbursement requests can continue without disruption.
Key points for US seller-fulfilled orders include:
- File SAFE-T claims promptly to ensure eligibility for Amazon reimbursement.
- Track all returns in accordance with the updated Amazon FBM return policy.
- Document delivery scans, refund dates, and proof of shipment to support claims.
- Review all refunds or replacements to avoid missing the new filing window.
Amazon agencies recommend implementing an internal tracking system to manage claims under the new timeline. By staying proactive, sellers can continue to protect revenue and avoid losing reimbursements due to the tighter Amazon SAFE-T claim filing window.
Amazon Tightens SAFE-T Claim Rules for US Seller-Fulfilled Orders
The Amazon SAFE-T claim filing window allows US seller-fulfilled sellers to request reimbursement from Amazon after a refund is issued to the buyer. This program also covers replacements, and reimbursement is granted only when Amazon determines the seller was not at fault for the return.
Sellers can file an Amazon SAFE-T claim in cases such as items returned damaged by the buyer, items materially different from what was shipped, lost shipments, or refunds issued due to buyer error. Eligibility depends on providing proof, including delivery confirmation, tracking, or images of the returned product.
To file a claim, requests must be submitted in Seller Central within 30 days of the refund being applied or receipt of the returned item. Sellers must respond to information requests from Amazon investigators within seven days, and only refunds issued by Amazon, not by the seller, are eligible for reimbursement.
Certain orders are ineligible for Amazon SAFE-T reimbursement, including items not yet refunded, international returns, items lost or damaged in transit, and FBA orders. Sellers should carefully review eligibility and maintain documentation to ensure a successful Amazon reimbursement under the SAFE-T program.
Reimbursement for seller-fulfilled orders by Amazon“The Seller Assurance for E-Commerce Transactions (SAFE-T) program allows sellers in the seller-fulfilled network to request compensation from Amazon after a refund is deducted from the seller account and issued to the buyer for a buyer return.”
Amazon Updates Seller-Fulfilled Refund Process, Affecting SAFE-T Claims
In relation to Amazon’s seller-fulfilled refund update, the company announced that starting January 26, 2026, the refund processing window will increase from two business days to four calendar days before an automated Amazon refund triggers. According to an eCommerce Bytes article by Ina Steiner, sellers who do not process refunds within this timeframe may lose eligibility for Amazon SAFE-T reimbursement, except for cases like lost-in-transit items or delivery errors.
The policy change only applies to returns that do not qualify for Refund at First Scan (RFS), while RFS refunds will continue as usual. Sellers must now act quickly to comply with the Amazon reimbursement policy and ensure returned items are properly assessed.
Amazon recommends using the Guided Refund Workflow (GRW) to grade returned items, apply appropriate restocking fees, and upload evidence when items are returned in a condition different from shipment. Following this process helps sellers strengthen claims submitted under the SAFE-T program and remain compliant with the Amazon reimbursement policy.
The update addresses seller concerns about auto-refunded orders and the potential impact on SAFE-T claims. By monitoring deadlines, keeping detailed documentation, and adhering to Amazon’s updated procedures, US seller-fulfilled merchants can better protect revenue and maximize the chance of reimbursement under the Amazon SAFE-T claim filing window.
