Amazon’s vast ecosystem offers sellers a tremendous opportunity to reach millions of customers, but with that comes complexities. One of the critical aspects of managing an Amazon business involves dealing with lost, damaged, or mismanaged inventory within Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) network. To address these situations, Amazon provides the Safe-T claim process. Understanding the Safe-T claim process in detail can help sellers recover compensation for missing or damaged inventory, leading to improved business efficiency and minimized losses.
As we enter 2025, Amazon has made several key updates to the Safe-T claim process to enhance transparency and streamline resolution times. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about Amazon's Safe-T claim process for 2025, including how to file claims, best practices, and tips for avoiding common pitfalls.
What is Amazon SAFE-T Claim?
A Safe-T claim is part of the Amazon reimbursement process that allows FBA sellers to file for reimbursement when their inventory is lost, damaged, or incorrectly handled within Amazon's warehouses or during the fulfillment process. This claim is an essential recourse for sellers because, although Amazon manages much of the logistics for FBA products, errors can occur, resulting in lost or damaged inventory.
Common SAFE-T claim scenarios in which sellers can file Safe-T claims include:
- Inventory damaged in Amazon's fulfillment centers.
- Lost shipments or inventory during transit between fulfillment centers.
- Overcharges on returns processing or incorrect returns.
- Wrong items returned by customers (especially if the returned product is significantly different or in unusable condition, as with unauthorized returns Amazon sometimes processes).
- Incorrectly disposed inventory.
- Refund or fee disputes requiring Amazon seller support.
2025 Updates to the Safe-T Claim Process
For 2025, Amazon has implemented several updates to its Safe-T claim process to provide a more user-friendly experience for sellers. Key updates include:
- Automated Reimbursements: Amazon will now automatically reimburse sellers for many common issues without the need for a manual claim. If Amazon detects that your inventory was lost or damaged within its fulfillment network, it will initiate an automatic reimbursement.
- Stricter Documentation Requirements: While Amazon offers automatic reimbursements for certain issues, other claims will require more comprehensive documentation. In particular, claims related to customer returns or disputes over refunds will need to include detailed evidence, such as invoices, shipment records, and product condition images.
- Expanded Time Windows: Amazon has extended the filing window for certain claims. Sellers now have up to 90 days to file claims for lost or damaged inventory (previously 30 days). This extension provides sellers with more flexibility in identifying and reporting issues.
- Revised Claim Limits: In 2025, the claim value limit has been increased to reflect the rising cost of goods. Sellers can now submit claims for reimbursement amounts up to $500,000 (previously capped at $250,000).
Types of Safe-T Claims
Different types of Safe-T claims can be submitted based on the issue a seller faces. Here’s an overview of the primary categories of claims:
1. Lost or Damaged Inventory Claims
These are the most common claims sellers file when inventory is lost or damaged while under Amazon's control. If your FBA stock is damaged in a fulfillment center or lost during shipment between Amazon’s warehouses, you can file a claim for reimbursement. In most cases, Amazon will offer automatic reimbursement, but if not, you can submit a manual Safe-T claim.
2. Customer Return Issues
Customer returns can be a headache for sellers, particularly when items returned are damaged, incorrect, or incomplete. Amazon expects returned items to be in the same condition they were sent in, but sometimes customers return items that are significantly different or unusable. In these cases, sellers can file Safe-T claims to seek compensation for the returned item.
3. Incorrect Fee or Refund Claims
Amazon occasionally overcharges fees or applies incorrect refunds to orders. These might include erroneous FBA fees, inaccurate shipping charges, or wrong refunds processed for customers. Safe-T claims allow sellers to dispute these discrepancies and recover overcharged amounts.
4. Disposal or Removal Orders
In some instances, Amazon may incorrectly dispose of or remove inventory, particularly when sellers request inventory be returned or destroyed. If Amazon mishandles this process, you can file a Safe-T claim to receive reimbursement for lost goods.
How to File Amazon SAFE-T Claim: Step-by-Step Guide
For sellers needing to file a manual Safe-T claim, the process involves several steps:
Step 1: Identify the Issue
The first step is to recognize whether the issue at hand qualifies for a Safe-T claim. Before filing a claim, thoroughly review your inventory, returns, and fulfillment records to ensure that the problem falls under one of the approved claim categories, such as lost or damaged inventory, incorrect returns, or overcharged fees.
Step 2: Gather Required Documentation
Amazon’s Safe-T claim process requires detailed documentation to prove the validity of the claim. For 2025, Amazon has tightened the documentation requirements, meaning sellers need to provide:
- Invoices for the goods in question.
- Proof of shipment or receipts showing that the products were sent to Amazon.
- Pictures of damaged items (in the case of returns).
- Relevant shipment tracking details for lost inventory.
Step 3: Submit the Claim via Seller Central
To submit a Safe-T claim, log into your Amazon Seller Central account, go to the "Reports" section, and select "FBA Reimbursements." From here, you can file a new Safe-T claim by providing the relevant order or shipment ID, along with your documentation and a detailed explanation of the issue.
Step 4: Monitor the Status of the Claim
Once the claim has been submitted, Amazon will review the details and may request additional information. You can track the status of your claim within Seller Central. Claims can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to resolve, depending on the complexity of the issue.
Step 5: Follow Up on Pending Claims
In the event of any unresolved or denied SAFE-T claim after the standard review period, it’s important to follow up with Amazon seller support. Providing additional evidence or requesting an escalation can help resolve the claim faster.
Best Practices for Filing Safe-T Claims in 2025
Given the updates to the process and stricter documentation requirements, it’s essential to follow best practices when filing a Safe-T claim. Here are some tips to increase your claim's success rate and ensure smooth and successful claim submissions:
1. Keep Detailed Records
Maintaining accurate and detailed records of all shipments, returns, and inventory is key to filing a successful Safe-T claim. Make sure to keep copies of invoices, receipts, and tracking information for each FBA shipment you send to Amazon. Proper documentation makes it easier to resolve issues quickly.
2. File Claims Promptly
Even though Amazon has extended the filing window for Safe-T claims, it’s still a best practice to file claims as soon as you identify an issue. Regularly check your inventory and returns to ensure that you catch discrepancies early and file claims within the new 90-day window.
3. Stay Proactive with Customer Returns
When customers return items that are damaged or incorrect, it’s crucial to act quickly. Review returned items as soon as possible to ensure they match the product and condition expected. If there are any issues, take pictures and document the discrepancies before filing a Safe-T claim.
4. Double-Check Amazon’s Automatic Reimbursements
While Amazon has introduced automated reimbursements for certain issues, it’s still important to verify that these reimbursements are accurate. Review your reimbursements in Seller Central to ensure that you’ve been fully compensated for lost or damaged inventory.
5. Follow Up on Disputed Claims
If your claim is rejected, don’t hesitate to appeal or request a review. Amazon occasionally rejects valid claims due to a lack of documentation or misunderstanding. In these cases, submitting additional evidence or escalating the claim can lead to a successful resolution.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid while Filing Sate-T Claims
Many sellers encounter difficulties when filing Amazon Safe-T claims due to avoidable mistakes. Below are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
1. Insufficient Documentation
The most frequent cause of claim rejections is insufficient or unclear documentation. Be sure to provide all required paperwork, including invoices, shipping records, and product images, to support your claim.
2. Delayed Filing
Waiting too long to file a Safe-T claim can result in missed opportunities for reimbursement. Make it a routine to check your inventory and returns regularly and submit claims as soon as discrepancies arise.
3. Failing to Monitor Reimbursements
Even when claims are approved, Amazon’s reimbursement calculations may not always be accurate. Be sure to double-check the reimbursement amount and follow up if you believe the value is incorrect.
4. Overlooking Automatic Reimbursements
While Amazon has streamlined the process for automatic reimbursements, sellers should still keep a close eye on whether these are issued correctly. Regularly review your FBA reimbursement reports to ensure all losses are accounted for.
At SalesDuo, our proprietary AI system and full-stack Amazon experts are here to help you with Amazon claim troubleshooting and streamline your eCommerce business. Reach out to us today!
Safe-T Claims and Your Business Strategy
Managing Safe-T claims should be part of your broader Amazon business strategy. Staying on top of lost, damaged, or mismanaged inventory through Safe-T claims helps reduce operational losses and can have a direct impact on your bottom line. In addition, regularly reviewing your FBA reimbursements can highlight areas where operational improvements can be made, such as optimizing packaging to reduce damage during transit.
Moreover, the Safe-T claim process offers a crucial layer of financial protection for sellers using Amazon’s FBA services. By mastering this process, you can ensure that your business continues to run smoothly, even when logistical issues arise.
At SalesDuo, our ex-Amazon professionals, powered by our proprietary AI system, help you streamline the Safe-T claims process—from filing to tracking reimbursements—giving you peace of mind and a stronger foundation for growth.
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About the Author
Giridhara Prasad is an Associate Director at SalesDuo and a startup enthusiast. With extensive expertise in e-commerce, this ex-Amazonian has been instrumental in driving success for businesses worldwide. Apart from his passion for creating innovative sales strategies and optimizing online retail experiences, Giri finds interest in watching and playing sports, including starting to play pickleball, traveling, and exploring political science, and philosophy.
