As an Amazon seller, it's crucial to stay updated with the latest regulations and requirements imposed by the platform. The INFORM Consumers Act is one such regulation that aims to enhance transparency and protect consumers. Verifying your Amazon business according to the INFORM Consumers Act is essential to maintain your selling privileges and ensure compliance. In this article, we will guide you through the process of verifying your Amazon account and address some common concerns.

The Process of Verifying Your Amazon Account:

Identify if You Need to Take Action:

To determine whether you need to verify your Amazon account, keep an eye out for any notifications from Amazon. You may receive an email or see notifications on your Seller Central homepage, Account Health page, or Seller Account Information page. It's important to note that if you have sold fewer than 200 items or have not reached $5,000 in sales over a 12-month period, you are not required to take action.

Navigate to the Seller Central Account Health Page:

Access your Seller Central account and click on the menu. From there, select Performance and then choose Account Health. This will take you to the Account Health Page, where you can proceed with the verification process.

Verify Your Identity:

Under the INFORM Consumers Act section on the Account Health Page, click on the "Identity" text to initiate the identity verification form. Fill in the required information accurately and ensure that your birthday is entered in the correct format (day first, then month).

In Amazon seller account, you first upload your bank account statement and identification information on the account information page. They verify them with four checks, as shown in the image below.

You also receive a message on your phone. Once these four steps are approved, you receive this message as shown in the image below.

The next step is the business address stage. When it becomes clickable, you click on it and request a letter to be sent to the address.

Wait 24 Hours:

Once you have completed the identity verification form, allow 24 hours for the system to process your information. After this time, check the Account Health INFORM Consumers Act page for any additional information requirements. These may include your phone number, bank account details, business address, or tax ID number.

After entering your personal information, the Address Verification screen below appears. If you wish to change your address first, then click on "Add a new address". Amazon will send a postcard containing a verification code to the address; most postcards will arrive in 5-7 business days. You should also ensure that you have provided a valid phone number as it may be verified during postcard delivery.

Once you receive the code, you will enter the verification code in the field indicated in the image below.

Once the address is verified, the message below is received.

Complete the Remaining Information Requirements:

If there are additional information requirements, update the relevant details accordingly. You will know that you have completed all the necessary steps when the notification stating your account is at risk of deactivation is no longer present.

Addressing Concerns and Glitches:

The ID verification process may encounter certain glitches along the way. However, Amazon is continuously working to improve the system. If you face any issues, be patient and follow the provided instructions carefully. Remember that Amazon may contact you by email with specific instructions and timelines for response. Failure to comply within the given timeframe can result in the withholding of payments or account deactivation.

Some sellers have reported receiving messages that their account is at risk of suspension, even though the status shows as "under review" upon clicking. If you encounter this situation, it is advisable to reach out to Amazon's support for clarification and guidance on the next steps to take.

Petition for Delayed Implementation:

Given the glitches and confusion surrounding the INFORM implementation, some sellers have initiated a petition to request a 90-day delay. The purpose is to allow Amazon and sellers to address and resolve the existing issues adequately. While this petition is ongoing, it's essential to stay informed about any updates or changes in the verification process.

In conclusion, verifying your Amazon business in accordance with the INFORM Consumers Act is crucial to ensure compliance and maintain your selling privileges. While there may be occasional glitches, Amazon is actively working to improve the verification process. Stay vigilant, follow the provided instructions, and resolve any issues promptly to avoid potential account suspension or payment withholding.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q1: What address should I provide when verifying my Amazon business according to the INFORM Consumers Act? My warehouse or office?

According to the INFORM Consumers Act, you should provide your registered office address. The registered office address is typically associated with your legal entity and official business registration. It is the address where your business is officially registered.

A postcard containing a code will be mailed to your registered office address for verification. You will see the estimated delivery date on Address Verification on Amazon. Once you receive the postcard, you will enter the verification code into Address Verification.

Q2: I have followed the necessary steps and provided the required information, but I still receive the message that my account is at risk of deactivation. What should I do?

There is no need to worry. In such cases, you simply need to wait. It may take some time for the system to update and process the information you have provided. Be patient, and the notification stating your account is at risk of deactivation should disappear once the verification process is completed.

Q3: Amazon says, "Your account is at risk of deactivation." Should I be concerned about the status of my account?

No, this message is not specific to your account alone. Many sellers are receiving this notification as part of the INFORM Consumers Act verification process. It does not necessarily mean that your account is actually at risk. Ensure that you have followed all the required steps and provided the necessary information accurately. Wait for the system to process your details, and the notification should be resolved in due course.

Q4: How do I know if I need to verify my Amazon account for the INFORM Consumers Act?

You will receive an email from Amazon or see notifications on your Seller Central homepage, Account Health page, or Seller Account Information page stating that you need to re-verify your information. However, if you have sold fewer than 200 items or have not reached $5,000 in sales over a 12-month period, you are not required to take action.

Q5: Where can I find the Account Health Page in Seller Central?

To access the Account Health Page, log in to your Seller Central account and click on the menu. Then select Performance and choose Account Health from the options provided.

Q6: How do I initiate the identity verification form?

On the Account Health Page, navigate to the INFORM Consumers Act section and click on the "Identity" text to start the identity verification form.

Q7: What should I do if I encounter glitches during the ID verification process?

While the ID verification process may have occasional glitches, Amazon is continuously working to improve the system. If you face any issues, be patient and follow the instructions carefully. If necessary, reach out to Amazon's support for assistance and clarification.

Q8: What should I do if I receive a message stating that my account is at risk of suspension, but it shows as "under review" when clicked?

If you encounter this situation, it is advisable to contact Amazon's support for clarification and guidance on the next steps to take. They will be able to provide you with the necessary information to address the issue effectively.

Q9: Is there a petition to delay the implementation of the INFORM Consumers Act?

Yes, some sellers have initiated a petition to request a 90-day delay in the implementation of the INFORM Consumers Act. The purpose is to allow Amazon and sellers to address and resolve existing glitches and confusion surrounding the verification process. Stay informed about any updates or changes in the verification process as the petition progresses.

Remember, verifying your Amazon business according to the INFORM Consumers Act is essential to comply with the regulations and maintain your selling privileges. Promptly address any requirements or issues that arise to avoid potential account suspension or payment withholding.