Just wanted to share some recent policy changes I’ve confirmed with Amazon, since a lot of sellers are getting hit right now.

1. Variation abuse & Error 8036

If you’ve gotten a variation violation warning, and now see 8036 when uploading templates, this is NOT a system bug.

Amazon has added a manual review team specifically for variation abuse. Once you’re flagged, they lock your variation permissions for 30 days — you can’t merge or split anything.

My Amazon account manager said:

Don’t randomly merge or split variations, especially repeatedly.

They are NOT going after old listings that were merged with Vine previously, so no need to go back and fix those. Just stop any new risky behavior.

2. Category node changes now get manual review

Changing your category node now triggers a manual review.

Even if you get the node changed, your BSR often disappears.

Account managers can appeal, but there’s no guarantee it will help.

3. Video verification is getting stricter

During video verification, the business owner must be on the call and answer basic company info:

  • Legal business name

  • Main product category

  • General profit margins

  • Payment & disbursement info

  • Business ownership structure

  • Any shareholder changes

Operational details (ads, logistics, etc.) can be answered by an ops person, but they must be there from the start — you can’t bring them in halfway.

If you don’t have the right person there, just reschedule.

Big warning:

No random people in the room.

I heard a case where someone had a reflection of another person in a trophy behind them. They said they were alone, and Amazon immediately ended the call and failed the verification.

If anyone else is dealing with 8036 or locked variations, feel free to share your experience.