Free calculator · Amazon change reported 19 October 2026, checked 6 November 2026

Amazon prepaid return labels: what the 18 December change costs you

From 18 December 2026, every US return on a seller-fulfilled (FBM) order needs a prepaid return label within seven calendar days of the return request, or a full refund without the item coming back. If you do neither, Amazon may refund the buyer and take the money from your account, and the buyer keeps the item. Work out your deadline and the cheaper option for each return.

Date the buyer requested the return

Refund amount ($)

Cost of a prepaid return label ($)

What the item is worth to you if it comes back ($, resale value or cost)

Chance it comes back in a sellable conditionHigh (sealed or sturdy goods)MediumLow (opened, fragile, perishable, used)

Your cost to inspect and restock it ($)

The rule, as reported

• From: 18 December 2026. Who: US marketplace, seller-fulfilled orders. FBA isn't affected. Heavy and bulky items are excluded for now.
• Deadline: "within seven calendar days of a return request", counted from the request, not from delivery.
• Your two options: upload a prepaid return label against the request in Manage seller-fulfilled returns, or issue a full refund without asking for the item back.
• Labels sent by Buyer-Seller Messaging don't count. The label must be attached in the returns workflow.
• If you don't act: "a returnless refund may be automatically issued and the balance deducted from your selling account."

Amazon's email doesn't say who pays for the label in each return reason, or whether restocking fees still apply. Check Seller Central's returns help pages for your category, because the help pages hadn't been updated when the change was announced.

How to get ready before 18 December

1. Turn on prepaid labels through Amazon Buy Shipping so labels go out automatically, or check your return settings daily.
2. Set returnless refund rules for cheap items where the label and handling cost more than the item is worth when it comes back. Use the calculator above for your typical prices.
3. Exclude heavy and bulky items from automated rules only if they really are classed that way.
4. Watch for abuse. If a buyer keeps the item and then files an A-to-z claim or a chargeback, keep your evidence. See A-to-z claim: not as described.

Sources: PPC Land (19 October 2026) quoting Amazon's email to sellers; Nova Analytics (21 October 2026). Amazon's Seller Central help page wasn't updated at the time. Check it before you change your settings.