Address Verification Failures – Legitimate UK Sellers (Including Us) Wrongly Deactivated by Amazon VAT/KYC System
Dear Amazon Account Health Team and Community Managers,
This situation has now gone far beyond acceptable limits.
Our company, was abruptly deactivated on 2 October 2025 following a request from the VAT/KYC team to verify our operating business address. Within hours, we provided every single document requested, including far more evidence than required — yet we have been met with silence, automated rejections, and contradictory messages from unrelated departments.
Below is a clear timeline of events:
📅 Timeline
2 October 2025:
Received the “Submit VAT Documents to Reactivate Your Account” email from the VAT team.
Reason given: “Your provided business address is used by multiple companies.”
(Only two historic, long-dissolved companies remain listed at that address with no connection to us)
2–3 October 2025:
Submitted all required documents via the official channel — including:
• Recent utility bills in company name
• Exclusive lease confirming Our Business as the sole tenant
• Updated Companies House registration (AD01)
• Photographic evidence of operations, signage, and stock
• VAT returns with HMRC submission receipts
• Bank statements showing VAT payments
• Proof of directors’ identity and residency
In addition, as advised in the original email, we also submitted supporting evidence to seller verification review at amazon.co.uk to demonstrate that our business genuinely operates from the stated address and to differentiate Our Business from any other company previously registered there.
6 October 2025:
Received an email stating “you may not open a Selling on Amazon account,” despite full compliance and no further requests for clarification.
17 October 2025:
Received the same message again, identical in wording, confirming the case had been automatically closed without any genuine review by the VAT team.
⚠️ Current Situation
We are a fully compliant UK VAT-registered business with a turnover exceeding £2.5 million per year, employing staff, paying taxes, holding stock, and fulfilling all legal obligations.
Our account remains deactivated without a single update or contact from the VAT/KYC team who initiated the process.
Every submission is being auto-rejected within hours, often by unrelated departments (Payments or Account Health), not the team that requested verification.
The VAT team has never responded, despite multiple follow-ups and appeals sent to the official addresses.
💥 Impact
Our business has been completely shut down for over two weeks.
We are unable to trade, pay suppliers, or access company funds.
This issue — entirely outside our control — is now pushing us toward bankruptcy.
We are not alone: loads of sellers are reporting the same problem here on the forum ([@Seller_Jl0QHDp7ab1Ha, @Seller_tZT6tS8u3Ejbd, @Seller_9tmJMR4jFH8k8 , @Seller_MJsf5bYCwDZbA ,@Seller_ynXgesfGs9npl, @Seller_ge11C3SojtXiW, @Seller_WgGjHkDr4GapL, @Seller_u6LlERPU2t0ZV, @Seller_u6LlERPU2t0ZV,@Seller_j5BZQ9R1sSxT3, @Seller_HoUbIOqm9qWmj,@Seller_h2V83kHHssaDv, @Seller_9tf4M7XDRj6d2, @Seller_8A2GBSqNZDr4Q, @Seller_jnYNelDrF11J4, @Seller_D6kjCY0QHVSPC if you're one of the affected and not on this list, comment below. This needs all the attention it can get]) — and, as always, there are likely many more suffering in silence and battling a losing fight due to a stalled or automated verification process.
📢 Request
We urgently request the following:
A written update from the VAT/KYC or Payments team confirming the current status of our case.
A clear timeline for full review and reinstatement of our account.
Escalation to a senior compliance or payments officer capable of reviewing the full documentation we have already submitted.
A written explanation for the account deactivation despite full compliance and verified documents.
⚖️ Final Note
We fully support compliance and verification checks. However, this process has become opaque, unaccountable, and devastating to genuine UK businesses.
We are now considering escalating this publicly — including to UK authorities, MPs, and national media — to highlight the disproportionate harm being caused to compliant companies by what appears to be an automated or mismanaged verification system.
We built our company over four years of hard work, creating jobs, paying taxes, and supporting suppliers. Watching it collapse overnight due to an internal Amazon error — with no human review or communication — is simply unacceptable.
We urge Amazon to address this matter immediately.
@Ange_Amazon @Abella_Amazon@Spencer_Amazon @Julia_Amzn
Kind regards,
A.P
Address Verification Failures – Legitimate UK Sellers (Including Us) Wrongly Deactivated by Amazon VAT/KYC System
Dear Amazon Account Health Team and Community Managers,
This situation has now gone far beyond acceptable limits.
Our company, was abruptly deactivated on 2 October 2025 following a request from the VAT/KYC team to verify our operating business address. Within hours, we provided every single document requested, including far more evidence than required — yet we have been met with silence, automated rejections, and contradictory messages from unrelated departments.
Below is a clear timeline of events:
📅 Timeline
2 October 2025:
Received the “Submit VAT Documents to Reactivate Your Account” email from the VAT team.
Reason given: “Your provided business address is used by multiple companies.”
(Only two historic, long-dissolved companies remain listed at that address with no connection to us)
2–3 October 2025:
Submitted all required documents via the official channel — including:
• Recent utility bills in company name
• Exclusive lease confirming Our Business as the sole tenant
• Updated Companies House registration (AD01)
• Photographic evidence of operations, signage, and stock
• VAT returns with HMRC submission receipts
• Bank statements showing VAT payments
• Proof of directors’ identity and residency
In addition, as advised in the original email, we also submitted supporting evidence to seller verification review at amazon.co.uk to demonstrate that our business genuinely operates from the stated address and to differentiate Our Business from any other company previously registered there.
6 October 2025:
Received an email stating “you may not open a Selling on Amazon account,” despite full compliance and no further requests for clarification.
17 October 2025:
Received the same message again, identical in wording, confirming the case had been automatically closed without any genuine review by the VAT team.
⚠️ Current Situation
We are a fully compliant UK VAT-registered business with a turnover exceeding £2.5 million per year, employing staff, paying taxes, holding stock, and fulfilling all legal obligations.
Our account remains deactivated without a single update or contact from the VAT/KYC team who initiated the process.
Every submission is being auto-rejected within hours, often by unrelated departments (Payments or Account Health), not the team that requested verification.
The VAT team has never responded, despite multiple follow-ups and appeals sent to the official addresses.
💥 Impact
Our business has been completely shut down for over two weeks.
We are unable to trade, pay suppliers, or access company funds.
This issue — entirely outside our control — is now pushing us toward bankruptcy.
We are not alone: loads of sellers are reporting the same problem here on the forum ([@Seller_Jl0QHDp7ab1Ha, @Seller_tZT6tS8u3Ejbd, @Seller_9tmJMR4jFH8k8 , @Seller_MJsf5bYCwDZbA ,@Seller_ynXgesfGs9npl, @Seller_ge11C3SojtXiW, @Seller_WgGjHkDr4GapL, @Seller_u6LlERPU2t0ZV, @Seller_u6LlERPU2t0ZV,@Seller_j5BZQ9R1sSxT3, @Seller_HoUbIOqm9qWmj,@Seller_h2V83kHHssaDv, @Seller_9tf4M7XDRj6d2, @Seller_8A2GBSqNZDr4Q, @Seller_jnYNelDrF11J4, @Seller_D6kjCY0QHVSPC if you're one of the affected and not on this list, comment below. This needs all the attention it can get]) — and, as always, there are likely many more suffering in silence and battling a losing fight due to a stalled or automated verification process.
📢 Request
We urgently request the following:
A written update from the VAT/KYC or Payments team confirming the current status of our case.
A clear timeline for full review and reinstatement of our account.
Escalation to a senior compliance or payments officer capable of reviewing the full documentation we have already submitted.
A written explanation for the account deactivation despite full compliance and verified documents.
⚖️ Final Note
We fully support compliance and verification checks. However, this process has become opaque, unaccountable, and devastating to genuine UK businesses.
We are now considering escalating this publicly — including to UK authorities, MPs, and national media — to highlight the disproportionate harm being caused to compliant companies by what appears to be an automated or mismanaged verification system.
We built our company over four years of hard work, creating jobs, paying taxes, and supporting suppliers. Watching it collapse overnight due to an internal Amazon error — with no human review or communication — is simply unacceptable.
We urge Amazon to address this matter immediately.
@Ange_Amazon @Abella_Amazon@Spencer_Amazon @Julia_Amzn
Kind regards,
A.P
182 replies
Seller_Jl0QHDp7ab1Ha
Any news from your side? @Seller_1sg6lTIYhP9am
Seller_KBCvmRKLx6ft0
I'm in a similar situation but haven't yet been deactivated from selling. We haven't been able to initiate disbursements for over 2 weeks now though so it's getting critical as we very soon won't be able to meet our financial obligations.
Was it anyone or any specific departments you wrote to at the media outlets?
Seller_dExIap3ttlt6I
Anyone heard any more? We've heard nothing more, account still disabled, no payments available!
Seller_HaZF5NhE9IVFJ
Hi There, we are in the same situation, been selling for a decade and have given all our documents, and keep getting same response that we cant sell anymore without a reason why. We have been shut down for over 6 Weeks now with no business, bills mounting its a nightmare. We have sent everything in and we keep being rejected, We are financially ruined and at breaking point. @Ange_Amazon @Abella_Amazon @Spencer_Amazon @Julia_Amznplease can you help us?
Seller_1sg6lTIYhP9am
GUys, please write to BBC. The more people do, the more they will have to take this seriously...
Seller_MJsf5bYCwDZbA
Has nobody had any success yet? This is such appalling support on Amazons part.
I had this email three days ago:
"We are reviewing the information of your business establishment for verification purpose.
Why is it happening?
We are reviewing the documentation that you provided to verify your business establishment. This verification helps to ensure compliance with our Know Your Customer
What happens next?
-- We will complete our review as quickly as possible.
-- If we need additional information, we will contact you.
-- We will notify you once the review is complete."
Was abit weird to receive this as i was told that my Account would remain shut and this was the end of the discussion and I hadnt sent anything further for two weeks prior to this email, its why i proceeded to contact the FOS. I was told by my investigator he would reply within two weeks after he receives the file on my account off Amazons Head Office. Its passed two weeks now so i'm guessing Amazon are ignoring the FOS too.
If anyone else has other channels i can contact too, even media/news etc ill be happy to forward my evidence to them too.
The amount of financial loss my company has taken during these two months of being deactivated over an address change has not bothered Amazon is the slightest. Crazy how companies on Amazon can be shut down instantly without any prior notice and then no support afterwards to appeal the decision.
@Ange_Amazon @Abella_Amazon @Spencer_Amazon @Julia_Amzn Possible chance either of the MODS shed some light on why i got this email even though i was told my Account would remain shut after failing one KYC audit with no appeal or a chance to send further documents? Id appreciate some sort of update on this email.
Seller_eBKsUh7raTKlu
H, got the an e mail about that, i m accept that its virtual address or shard work place or you think that its make error. i m have the really address, i m not sell on FBA, We are ship from my rent warehouse for have the 6 years lease. I m paying the rent each month, i have the Business Rate letters, shipping letter, bank statement and etc. i m confirmed that this is my owner renting warehouse . nobody share with me any type. before ask me to send these documents to VATSUBMINTTED@ but now open a case and upload the documents, hope for the best
Seller_7pUPZss6DNLiP
Hi
We received exactly the same email from Amazon on 5th Nov and our account was deactivated under KYC. Before that it was running fine.
We received the first email from VAT general queries on 5th nOV
On 25th October we had connected USA marketplace and we were supposed to get a disbursement on 5th Nov but got deactivated instead and funds held. we never got emails from VAT! Only the sudden deactivation.
We then clicked on reACTIVATE you account and provided all the relevant documents. which were as follows: as no other documents were asked:
Company info
Company documents
Company Bank Statement
Primary contact /beneficial owner
UK Passport
residential address
personal bank statement
Since then my DOCS and account are under review and FUNDS HAVE BEEN HELD. I can remove my inventory but sales are shut.
the latest email ALERT from Amazon came on 13 NOVEMBER saying the following:
Thank you for contacting us with your grievance regarding the Amazon Payments UK (APUK) service.
Amazon Payments UK Limited is currently looking into the matter, and we would like to provide you with an update on your complaint received on [13/11/2025]. Due to reviewing the documentation that you provided to verify your business establishment, we require more time to review your case.
We will attempt to provide a resolution to your complaint within 35 business days following the day on which we first received your complaint.
We appreciate your patience whilst we complete our review of your complaint.
Your feedback is valuable for us to continue to make improvements to our services.
The Amazon Pay team
Seller_u6LlERPU2t0ZV
I have the same email and its fustrating that no response even afer that.
@Ange_Amazon @Abella_Amazon @Spencer_Amazon @Julia_Amzn
any advise as its more than 2 months now.
Seller_7pUPZss6DNLiP
is it still in review even after 2 months??
our docs are in review since 6 nov,
Seller_u6LlERPU2t0ZV
Yes, every time when we call, they were saying its in review.
they already verified the address andcompany inforamtion but still it is pending to activate...
No idea wher we stuck on this.
Seller_KBCvmRKLx6ft0
Not sure if it will make any difference, but might be worth contacting the Small Business Commissioner. I've contacted them through the 'Make an enquiry' form on the Small Business Commissioner Gov page. If lots complain about the same thing maybe they will look into it, who knows!
Seller_uxARURu67EGvL
Hi I am also one of the victims of the automated system. Automated kyc checks verified but vat checks are ongoing. I want to attend any legal actions as a UK resident, UK proper taxpayer. I want to get action only together with UK residents and proper taxpayers in order to get successful results.
My profile is
1) VAT registered
2)Company director and only beneficiary of the company as the UK resident
3) I have transparent company in all aspects
4)My seller account has been mine since it has started selling in Amazon
5)My company registered address is my accountant`s address and I have documents proving my operational address. I know that having registered address as accountant address is fully legal in accordance with gov.uk and I will not change this.
Seller_tz74iYhHLULoK
This happened to us a few years ago, and we have just been sent the same request to provide information again.
It made national news in 2023 when this happened to sellers then. The business ombudsman also got involved and sellers reached out to local MP's who discussed it.
It's a total failure any time Amazon roles out something like this. Constant rejection of legitimate documents and incompetent staffing in order to manage sensible outcomes.
Good luck to all having to go through this again, or for the first time.
Seller_7pUPZss6DNLiP
On 5 NOV our account was suddenly deactivated sending us the following notification
following notification came from VAT GENERAL QUERIES
Hello,
Your Selling on Amazon account has been deactivated. We are reviewing the information of your business establishment for verification purpose
Why is it happening?
This action has been taken to carry out additional verification measures on your account, which is a standard part of our verification process.
To know more, review our Know Your Customer (KYC) policy:
https://sellercentral.amazon.co.uk/help/hub/reference/G201200780
This decision is in accordance with the "Funds Disbursement Eligibility policy":
https://sellercentral.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/external/help.html?itemID=9RA9LYBJ3QP27M6
As a result, your listings have been deactivated, and your funds have been withheld in the EU and UK.
What happens next?
-- We will complete our review as quickly as possible.
-- If we need additional information, we will contact you.
-- We will notify you once the review is complete.
We're here to help
If you have any questions, contact us:
https://sellercentral-europe.amazon.com/help/hub/support
For more information on selling requirements, go to "Know Your Customer (KYC) seller verification information":
The Amazon Payments team
On 25th October we had connected USA marketplace and we were supposed to get a disbursement on 5th Nov but got deactivated instead and funds held. we never got emails from VAT! Only the sudden deactivation.
We then clicked on reACTIVATE your account and provided all the relevant documents. which were as follows: as no other documents were asked:
Company info
Company documents
Company Bank Statement
Primary contact /beneficial owner
UK Passport
residential address
personal bank statement
Since then my DOCS and account are under review and FUNDS HAVE BEEN HELD. I can remove my inventory but sales are shut.
the latest email ALERT from Amazon came on 13 NOVEMBER saying the following:
Thank you for contacting us with your grievance regarding the Amazon Payments UK (APUK) service.
Amazon Payments UK Limited is currently looking into the matter, and we would like to provide you with an update on your complaint received on [13/11/2025]. Due to reviewing the documentation that you provided to verify your business establishment, we require more time to review your case.
We will attempt to provide a resolution to your complaint within 35 business days following the day on which we first received your complaint.
We appreciate your patience whilst we complete our review of your complaint.
Your feedback is valuable for us to continue to make improvements to our services.
The Amazon Pay team
After looking around in different forums, I have been told that uploading ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION is a must (that we forgot to upload in the first attempt)
The upload docs tab is locked and saying account is under review.
we received the first email on 5th from VAT general queries
I want to state that, we have been a UK established business right from the start
HOW TO ESCALATE THIS SITUATION AND GET REVIEWED QUICKLY? AS WE NEED TO PAY THE BILLS AND SUPPLIERS AND SAVE OUR BUSINESS REPUTATION THAT WE BUILT OVER LAST 4 YEARS. MOREOVER AVOID BANKRUPTCY
@Abella_Amazon @Pete_Amazon
Seller_8A2GBSqNZDr4Q
I see you tagged me so I'm commenting for visibility. My £1M+ / year store got decimated by Amazon - exact same scenario as you. What's worse is that they have been holding 25,000+ units of stock hostage the entire time, not providing me any path to get them disposed or removed, and charging me storage fees on it every month. They literally want to bankrupt the company because I failed their automated verification (why did I fail? I don't know - I gave them the exact documents they asked for, meeting every criterion and all from official sources such as HMRC).
This has genuinely flipped my life upside down. Gave me depression and severe financial distress. This has been happening for 8 months now. Just automated copy and paste messages the entire time it's like no human has even looked at it. I am having to get lawyers involved to stop them from bankrupting my company with these storage fees.
My products all have an effective expiry date (1 year) - so now all of the stock has become worthless. The stock is worth £250-300K. They have the nerve to still demand storage fees from me every month after all of this when in fact they should be compensating me. This is evil.
