2026 Amazon Vendor Compliance Checklist

This checklist is designed for suppliers transacting through Amazon Vendor Central (1P). Use it to verify readiness before each PO and to audit your ongoing compliance posture.

Note: Vendor Central is Amazon's invite-only platform where suppliers sell in bulk to Amazon. This checklist covers Vendor Central (1P) compliance only — not Seller Central (3P).

1. Purchase Order & EDI Configuration

Amazon Vendor Central relies on EDI for order and invoice communication. All EDI must be configured before your first PO.

• EDI 850 (Purchase Order): PO received and acknowledged; item, quantity, and ship-to information verified
• EDI 856 (ASN): Sent for every PO; must be accurate at ASIN, quantity, and carton level
• EDI 810 (Invoice): Submitted promptly and accurately after shipment; mismatches trigger deductions
• Vendor Central account access: All relevant team members have correct portal roles and access
• Item setup complete: All ASINs fully set up in Vendor Central with accurate dimensions, weights, and images

2. Operational Performance Metrics

Amazon tracks supplier performance through Vendor Central's Operational Performance dashboard. Regular review is critical.

• Operational Performance dashboard reviewed: Found under Reports Tab; review at least weekly
• Receive Rate: Shipped quantity vs. what Amazon received; discrepancies generate shortage deductions
• Confirmation Rate: POs confirmed on time; low confirmation rates affect buyer relationships and PO volume
• Out of Stock rate: Inventory availability maintained; stockouts trigger lost buys and catalog penalties
• Financial Scorecard reviewed: Under the Payments Tab; highlights top deduction contributors at line level

3. ASN & Shipping Accuracy

• ASN sent before shipment arrives: ASN must be transmitted prior to carrier delivery at Amazon FC
• ASN matches PO exactly: ASIN, quantity, carton count, and weight match the PO and physical shipment
• Carton content labels accurate: Each carton label identifies contents, ASIN, and quantity correctly
• Single-ASIN cartons where required: Mixed-ASIN cartons only used where explicitly permitted
• No pre-printed price labels: Products do not have retail price stickers unless Amazon has requested them

4. Product Compliance & Documentation

Amazon requires category-specific compliance documents. Use the Compliance Reference Tool in Vendor Central to identify requirements by ASIN: go to Performance > Account Health > Manage Your Compliance > Compliance Reference.

• Compliance Reference Tool checked: Requirements verified per ASIN in Vendor Central
• Safety certificates on file: Applicable certs (UL, ASTM, CE, etc.) ready to submit per product category
• Test reports current: Third-party lab test reports match current product formulation and packaging
• Product change log maintained: Any supplier, ingredient, or packaging change is documented and re-evaluated
• ASIN-level documentation organized: Certs, test results, and safety reports stored by ASIN in accessible folder
• Manage Your Compliance dashboard active: Monitored for open compliance requests; responses submitted within Amazon's deadlines

Categories commonly requiring documentation include: baby products and toys (CPSC), dietary supplements (FDA), electronics and batteries (UL/CE/FCC), food and grocery (FDA, allergen labeling), and personal care products (FDA registration).

5. Labeling & Packaging Requirements

• FNSKU or UPC barcode: Each unit has a scannable barcode; FNSKU used for commingled inventory where required
• Suffocation warning labels: Applied to any poly bags or plastic packaging per Amazon policy
• Prep requirements met: Fragile, liquid, sharp, or heavy items prepped per Amazon's prep guidelines
• Master carton GS1-128 label: Applied correctly to all shipping units; Amazon PO number included
• Set and bundle packaging: Multi-pack items labeled with quantity and "Do Not Separate" markings if applicable

6. Routing & Transportation

• Carrier routing confirmed: Amazon's preferred carriers used for Collect shipments; routing guide reviewed
• Collect vs. Prepaid confirmed: Shipping terms confirmed from PO before booking transport
• BOL accuracy: Bill of Lading matches PO, ASN, carton count, and weight exactly
• Delivery appointment booked: FC appointment confirmed for prepaid shipments where required
• Pallet requirements met: GMA standard pallets; TI/HI configuration meets Amazon's stacking requirements

7. Supply Chain Standards

Amazon's Supply Chain Standards apply to all vendors and their sub-tier suppliers as a condition of doing business with Amazon.

• Supply Chain Standards reviewed: Applicable team members have reviewed Amazon's Supply Chain Standards Manual
• No forced or underage labor: Confirmed across all production and sub-tier supplier locations
• Production locations disclosed: All manufacturing facilities identified and available for audit if requested
• Grievance mechanisms in place: Workers have access to a functioning grievance process at all production sites
• Corrective Action Plan ready: Process in place to respond if Amazon initiates a Managed Audit

8. Deduction & Dispute Management

• Invoice Tab reviewed regularly: Available Actions in Vendor Central checked for dispute/review buttons on invoices
• Dispute Management Tab configured: Team trained on shortage disputes, price discrepancies, CoOp adjustments, and return disputes
• Shortage dispute process documented: Internal procedure for submitting shortage disputes with supporting documentation
• Price discrepancy process in place: PO price vs. invoice price reconciled before submission to avoid disputes
• Deduction recovery documented: Shipment records, ASNs, and BOLs archived and accessible for dispute submissions

How WarehouseQuote Helps Amazon Brands

WarehouseQuote provides EDI management, ASN generation, retail data visibility, and chargeback mitigation support across Amazon Vendor Central and 100+ major retailers — so your team stays focused on growth, not deductions.

Talk to our team to learn how WarehouseQuote supports Amazon Vendor Central compliance.