Starting February 8, 2026, Amazon requires all U.S. sellers to use the Amazon Prepaid Return Labels for customer returns, eliminating the high-value exemption for a faster, more consistent return process.
Amazon is rolling out prepaid return labels for all eligible orders, removing the high-value item exemption. This update helps sellers provide faster refunds and a smoother return process for customers.
Returns continue to challenge sellers, with average e-commerce rates near 19% and some categories exceeding 25%. The Amazon prepaid return labels program simplifies the process, making it easier to manage and reducing errors.
Amazon Prepaid Return Labels Reshape Seller Returns in 2026
According to Amazon, effective February 8, 2026, all U.S. sellers must use Amazon prepaid return labels for customer returns, removing the previous high-value exemption. This update is part of the broader Amazon return policy 2026, aimed at creating a faster and more consistent refund process.
The program automatically provides prepaid shipping labels through Buy Shipping Services, reducing refund cycle times from 14 to 7 days. Sellers no longer need to rely on buyer-seller messaging, which streamlines operations and lowers support workload.
Certain categories remain exempt from prepaid return labels, including Handmade products, certified pre-owned watches, non-physical items, dangerous goods, and extra-large or heavy items. Items ineligible for prepaid return labels will also continue to be exempt, ensuring flexibility for complex or high-risk shipments.
Sellers concerned about refunds they believe were issued in error can file claims through the SAFE-T program. An Amazon agency can help sellers understand how Amazon returns work and navigate reimbursement processes efficiently.
FBM Sellers Face Major Change with Amazon Prepaid Return Labels
Amazon to Change Refund Policy for Fulfilled by Merchant Orders By Ina Steiner"Effective January 26, 2026, the Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM) refund process will be updated to improve your return management experience and give you more time to assess returns."
Amazon is giving FBM sellers more time to process returns under its updated refund rules, starting January 26, 2026. The new policy extends the refund window from two business days to four calendar days after receiving returned items, reducing the risk of automatic refunds.
The Amazon prepaid return label program continues to support Refund at First Scan (RFS), ensuring sellers can still issue instant refunds when labels are provided. For other returns, sellers must manage refunds within the new four-day period, helping streamline Amazon return operations and minimize errors.
Sellers can use the Guided Refund Workflow to assess returned items, apply restocking fees, and upload supporting evidence for damaged or altered products. The Amazon prepaid return label setup guide ensures weight, dimensions, and return addresses are accurate, helping sellers avoid issues with returned shipments.
SAFE-T claims remain available for situations where refunds are issued incorrectly or items are lost during return transit. The changes aim to give FBM sellers more control over returns and improve the overall selling experience under the updated Amazon return policy.
Key Details on Amazon Prepaid Return Labels for Seller-Fulfilled Orders
The Amazon prepaid return labels program automatically provides buyers with return shipping labels for seller-fulfilled orders, and all U.S. sellers are enrolled by default. Sellers must keep their account information up to date and set a valid U.S. return address to avoid abandoned returns and potential disposal of items.
Accurate product weight and size must be maintained for proper shipping cost calculation, which is charged to the seller once the buyer ships the item. Multiple U.S. return addresses can be set up, and returnless resolutions allow refunds or replacements without requiring the item to be returned.
UPS and USPS provide return shipping through Buy Shipping services, but sellers remain responsible for filing claims for lost or damaged returns. Sellers can appeal refunds they believe were incorrectly issued, with reimbursement for buyer-damaged items capped at 50% of the order value.
Following the Amazon prepaid return label setup guide ensures compliance and helps sellers manage their FBM prepaid return process efficiently.
Prepaid returns for seller-fulfilled orders“Using the Amazon prepaid return label setup guide helps sellers provide accurate return addresses, maintain proper product information, and process FBM returns correctly.”
