Effective January 26, 2026, the Amazon FBM refund process will give sellers four calendar days to process returns, allowing more time to inspect items and use the Guided Refund Workflow.
Many FBM sellers struggle with unexpected automatic refunds caused by tight processing windows. The current Amazon FBM refund process forces sellers to act fast, leaving little time to properly assess returned items or document their condition.
The 2026 update extends the refund window to four calendar days, reducing pressure and potential losses. Sellers can now better manage returns while maintaining eligibility for SAFE-T claims in certain situations.
Amazon Expands FBM Refund Window Starting January 2026
Sellers will have four calendar days to process refunds under the updated Amazon FBM refund process, giving more time to inspect returned items and manage Amazon seller refunds. According to Amazon, this change is part of the FBM returns policy update designed to reduce errors and improve return management.
Failure to complete Seller-fulfilled order refunds within the new window may trigger automatic refunds, which can limit eligibility for SAFE-T claim reimbursement. Exceptions exist for items lost in transit or incorrect delivery confirmations, where sellers can still file claims.
The Guided Refund Workflow (GRW) allows sellers to grade returned items, apply restocking fees, and upload evidence when items are returned in a different condition than shipped. This helps sellers maintain control over refunds, minimize disputes, and accurately document returns.
Key points for sellers include:
- Four calendar days to process refunds, up from two business days
- Automatic refunds if the processing window is missed
- GRW supports restocking fees and documentation of item condition
- SAFE-T claims remain possible for lost or misdelivered items
Sellers may consider guidance from an Amazon agency to implement the updated process efficiently and ensure compliance with the new rules.
Amazon Clarifies Refund Rules for Seller-Fulfilled Orders
Amazon announced a policy update for FBM orders that takes effect on January 26, 2026. The update extends the refund processing window from two business days to four calendar days, giving sellers more time to assess returns.
The change applies only to returns where Refund at First Scan (RFS) has not been issued through Amazon prepaid return labels. RFS will continue to operate as it currently does, so prepaid-label returns remain unaffected by this update.
Sellers who do not process refunds within four calendar days may trigger automatic refunds, which generally removes eligibility for SAFE-T claim reimbursement. Exceptions exist when items are lost in transit or when delivery confirmations are incorrect, allowing sellers to still file claims in these scenarios.
The GRW is recommended for handling returns. It allows sellers to grade returned items, apply appropriate restocking fees, and upload evidence when items arrive in a different condition than originally shipped.
Amazon to Change Refund Policy for Fulfilled by Merchant Orders by Ina Steiner“Please note that RFS is not being eliminated. When Amazon issues prepaid return labels, RFS will continue to work as it currently does.”
FBM Sellers Get More Time to Assess Returns
Due to the updated Amazon FBM refund process, sellers will have four calendar days to process refunds under the Amazon FBM refund process. The update is designed to improve Amazon return management and give sellers additional time to confirm the condition of returned items before issuing a refund.
Based on a Forest Shipping article written by Christina Chen, the policy applies only to returns where Refund at First Scan is not triggered, while prepaid label returns using RFS continue as usual. Sellers can use the Guided Refund Workflow to apply restocking fees and upload evidence when returned items arrive in a different condition than shipped.
Automatic refunds will occur if the processing window is missed, and SAFE-T claim reimbursement is generally limited to cases where items are lost in transit or delivery errors occur. Following proper documentation and return workflows helps prevent Amazon refund losses and ensures Amazon seller reimbursement support.
Key points for sellers include the extended four-day window, the exception for lost or misdelivered items, and the use of the Guided Refund Workflow to manage restocking fees and document returns. These updates allow sellers to better manage returns while reducing the risk of automatic refunds or unreimbursed claims.
