If you fulfill your own orders, two significant policy updates are taking effect that will change how you manage returns and file SAFE-T claims. Here's what you need to know and how to prepare.

What's Changing

Change #1: SAFE-T Claim Filing Window (Effective February 16, 2026)

The window to file SAFE-T claims is reducing from 60 days to 30 days. This 30-day window starts from:

• The return delivery scan at your warehouse, OR
• The refund date (whichever comes later)
• For lost shipments: the last scan event

Change #2: Refund Processing Timeline (Already in Effect: January 26, 2026)

Your refund processing window has extended from 2 business days to 4 calendar days before automated refunds trigger. However, there's an important trade-off: if Amazon issues an automatic refund, you lose SAFE-T claim eligibility except for specific situations like items lost in transit.

Why This Matters to Your Business

These changes create a critical decision point: you now have 4 days to assess returns and process refunds yourself, but you must act within 30 days (instead of 60) to file any SAFE-T claims. The extended assessment window gives you more time to inspect returns and apply restocking fees, but the shortened claim window means you need tighter processes for tracking and filing claims.

Action Steps Before February 16

1. Review Your Pending Returns

• Identify any returns or refunds older than 30 days
• File SAFE-T claims for eligible cases before February 16
• Claims currently in progress won't be affected by the new window

2. Update Your Return Management Process

• Use the full 4-day window to assess returned items
• Implement the Guided Refund Workflow to apply restocking fees when appropriate
• Document return conditions with photos within the 4-day window

3. Set Up Tracking Systems

• Create reminders to file SAFE-T claims within 30 days
• Track return delivery scans and refund dates
• Monitor returns approaching the 30-day threshold

Understanding SAFE-T Eligibility Under the New Rules

You CAN still file SAFE-T claims for:

• Returns processed through RFS (Refund at First Scan) - this program continues unchanged
• Items lost in return transit
• Returns where you processed the refund yourself within 4 days
• Cases where delivery confirmation was incorrect through no fault of your own

You CANNOT file SAFE-T claims for:

• Returns that triggered automated refunds after the 4-day window (except lost in transit)
• Claims filed more than 30 days after the return delivery scan or refund date

Best Practices for Managing Returns

Maximize Your Assessment Window

• Check returns daily to use the full 4-day assessment period
• Use Guided Refund Workflow to grade returned items and apply appropriate restock fees
• Upload evidence when items are returned in different condition than shipped

Stay Within the 30-Day Claim Window

• Set calendar reminders for returns approaching the 30-day mark
• Prioritize reviewing high-value returns first
• Keep organized records of return delivery dates and refund dates

Document Everything

• Take photos of returned items immediately upon receipt
• Save all buyer communication about returns
• Keep tracking information for return shipments

Resources

📚 Learn more about the changes:

* Reimbursement for seller-fulfilled orders

* Issue a partial refund (Guided Refund Workflow)

We Want to Hear from You

• Have you started using the Guided Refund Workflow for restocking fees?
• How are you adapting your return management process to work within the 4-day assessment window?
• What tracking systems or tools are you using to stay on top of the 30-day SAFE-T filing deadline?
• What questions do you have about SAFE-T eligibility under these new rules? Drop them below and let's get you answers.

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