Amazon’s Holiday Return Window Now Runs Through Jan. 31

• Amazon items purchased Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2026, qualify for returns through Jan. 31, 2027, under the company’s new annual holiday return policy.
• Apple-branded products carry a shorter window, with returns accepted through Jan. 15, 2027, instead of the standard 15-day policy.
• Amazon has stated the extended deadline will apply every year, automatically covering both Fulfillment by Amazon and seller-fulfilled orders with no action required from merchants.

Amazon has confirmed that shoppers who buy gifts during the 2026 holiday season will get extra time to send them back. According to Amazon Seller Central, items purchased between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, 2026, can be returned until Jan. 31, 2027. That’s a considerable stretch beyond Amazon’s standard 30-day return window, which normally counts from the delivery date rather than the purchase date.

Why Does Apple Get a Different Deadline?

New Apple products typically carry just a 15-day return window under Amazon’s standard policy. During the holiday period, that deadline extends to Jan. 15, 2027, covering Apple purchases made throughout November and December. A customer who buys an Apple product on Nov. 1 effectively gets 75 days to decide, compared to the standard 15.

Will This Extended Window Return Every Year?

Amazon said in its announcement that the policy “will apply every year,” framing the move as part of an effort to strengthen customer traffic during the year-end shopping season. That doesn’t mean sellers should assume the exact calendar dates for future seasons, since Amazon’s return policy page states the company may modify terms at any time.

What Items Are Excluded From the Extended Policy?

The extension doesn’t apply to every purchase. Amazon’s standard return policy excludes perishable goods, customized products, Amazon Pharmacy items, pet medication, certain digital products, automobiles, and items marked Final Sale. Fees can also apply, including charges for heavy or bulky items, a late fee equal to 20% of the item’s price if a customer misses the return-by date, and a damage fee of up to 50% for products returned in poor condition. Most returns remain free at more than 8,000 drop-off locations nationwide.

How Does This Affect Amazon Sellers?

The policy applies automatically to both Fulfillment by Amazon and merchant-fulfilled orders, with no opt-out available to sellers. That means fourth-quarter revenue can remain exposed to refunds well into January, which has many sellers upset about the policy change. Amazon’s peak fulfillment fee period runs from Oct. 15, 2026, through Jan. 14, 2027, adding another factor to sellers’ quarterly planning as they weigh December sales figures against returns still arriving weeks later.

What Should Shoppers Check Before Returning an Item?

Amazon recommends checking the specific return-by date listed under Your Orders, since category, seller, and delivery time can shift the exact deadline. For seller-fulfilled orders, Amazon requires merchants to provide a U.S. return address, a prepaid label, or a full refund without requiring the item back. Processing can take up to 30 days after Amazon receives the return, so shoppers should avoid waiting until the final eligible day to start the process.