Authorize a return request

Return requests are authorized either manually or automatically. Amazon automatically authorizes US seller-fulfilled return requests that fall within Amazon’s return policy. Amazon also automatically authorizes return requests for items where sellers had filed requests to exempt SKUs from the Prepaid Return Label program. Manual authorization by seller is needed when return requests are out-of-policy or category-exempt. In these instances, we will notify you by email.

Return Authorization for category-exempt items

Several categories and subcategories are automatically exempt from automatic return authorization. The following programs and categories are automatically exempt from prepaid return labels, thus requiring seller manual authorization:

• Handmade
• Certified preowned watches
• Non-physical items (for example, warranties, digital software, or digital coupons)
• Items that are non-returnable by law and dangerous goods

Manual return authorization

To manually review return requests that are out of Amazon’s return policy or are category-exempt:

1. In Seller Central, select Orders > Manage Returns or go to Manage Returns.
2. Go to the Pending Actions tab; and search by "Pending Authorization" or, to authorize a single return request, select the request you want to review.
   
   1. You will be prompted to either use the Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number generated by Amazon or enter a custom RMA number of your own.
   2. When you approve a buyer's return request, you will have the option to use either an Amazon generated unpaid return label, or upload your own custom prepaid return label. For more information, go to Upload a prepaid return label.

To change your return address, go to your Account Info under Settings and click Return Address. If your returns are manually authorized, you will be prompted to choose a return address. You will have the option to use either one of your previously saved return addresses or to add a new return address. For more information, go to Return address settings.

To authorize multiple return requests at the same time, on Manage Returns select the requests you would like to review or check the Select all returns on this page box. After you have selected the return requests you would like to authorize, click Authorize all selected returns.

To receive emails notifying you about a return request, go to Settings on your Seller Central home page, click Notification preferences and in the Notification options tab under Return and Claim notifications, check the ‘Pending Returns’ box and click ‘Edit’ to update your email address.

For more information regarding return preferences, go to Set your return preferences