Amazon is eliminating the custom return instructions field in Seller Central’s Return Settings effective August 2026. If you fulfill your own orders (FBM) and currently use this field to communicate packaging requirements, condition standards, or return shipping responsibilities to customers, you’ll lose that dedicated communication channel.
What’s Changing
- The custom return instructions field will no longer be available in Return Settings
- This affects FBM (Fulfillment by Merchant) sellers specifically
- Sellers who rely on this field to set expectations around returns will need to find alternative communication methods
Implications for Your Return Process
- Loss of dedicated return guidance space — sellers currently using this field to explain how they want items returned will need to pivot to other channels (e.g., inserts in shipments, storefront messaging, or A+ content)
- Customer clarity at risk — without a centralized return instructions field, FBM sellers may see increased confusion or non-compliant returns
- Operational planning needed — sellers should audit their current return instructions now and plan alternative communication strategies before the deadline
How Squatio Helps
While this policy change isn’t directly tied to Squatio’s core analytics, FBM sellers managing multiple product lines can use Prospect (Product Database) to systematically audit which of your SKUs have high return rates or customer feedback patterns around returns. Understanding your return risk profile now — before you lose the return instructions field — can help you prioritize which products need the most robust alternative communication strategies and which may benefit from clearer A+ content or storefront guidance.
What should FBM sellers do to prepare?
Source: Amazon Is Removing Custom Return Instructions From Seller Central This Month