I've been helping Amazon sellers navigate the complex world of affiliate marketing for years, and one thing that trips up even experienced site owners is proper disclosure requirements.

Getting your Amazon review disclaimers right isn't just about following rules - it's about building trust with your audience while protecting yourself from potential penalties that could shut down your revenue streams overnight.

In this guide, I'll break down exactly what Amazon review disclaimers are, why they matter, and how to implement them correctly on your site in 2025. 

I've gathered the latest requirements and best practices to keep your affiliate business both profitable and compliant.

What Are Amazon Review Disclaimers?

Amazon review disclaimers are statements you must include on your website if you're part of the Amazon Associates program and publish product reviews that contain affiliate links. 

These disclosures tell your readers that you earn commissions when they purchase through your links.

The standard disclaimer language looks something like: "As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases."

This isn't just Amazon being picky—it's actually required by both Amazon's terms and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines. 

The point is transparency: your readers deserve to know when you have a financial interest in the products you're recommending.

Think of it as the digital equivalent of a news anchor disclosing that their network is owned by the company they're reporting on. 

It doesn't mean the information isn't valuable—it just means people should have all the facts when making decisions.

Why Are They Important?

Getting your disclaimers right matters for three key reasons:

1. Trust building - Being upfront about affiliate relationships actually builds credibility with your audience. According to a 2023 consumer trust survey, 76% of online shoppers say they appreciate when websites clearly disclose affiliate relationships.
   Legal compliance - The FTC takes disclosure requirements seriously and can take action against websites that fail to properly disclose affiliate relationships. Amazon itself has strict policies that can result in account termination if not followed.

2. Program compliance - Breaking Amazon's rules can get you kicked out of the Associates program permanently, cutting off what might be a significant revenue stream for your business.

I've seen too many content creators build successful Amazon affiliate sites only to lose everything because they didn't take disclosure requirements seriously. 

Don't make that mistake.

Understanding the Amazon Associates Program

The Amazon Associates program is Amazon's affiliate marketing initiative that lets website owners earn commissions by linking to Amazon products. Here's how it works:

1. You sign up and get approved

2. You receive a unique tracking ID

3. You include affiliate links with your ID on your site

4. You earn a percentage when visitors buy through your links

For content managers and Amazon sellers, this program offers several benefits:

• Passive income potential - Commission rates range from 1-20% depending on product categories

• Access to millions of products - No inventory or shipping headaches

• Performance tracking tools - See what's working and optimize

According to Shopify's guide on Amazon affiliate marketing, websites must have at least 10 original posts published in the past 60 days to qualify for the program. 

The approval process typically takes 1-3 days if you meet all requirements.

Disclosure Requirements for Amazon Associates

If you're in the Associates program, you need two types of disclosures:

1. General Site Disclosure

This is the statement that goes on your website, typically in the footer or on an "About" or "Disclosure" page. The standard language is:

"As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases."

2. Link-Level Disclosures

For each affiliate link in your content, especially in reviews, you need a disclosure that's clear and conspicuous. This could be:

• "(paid link)" directly after the link

• "#ad" or "#affiliate" near the link

• A statement like "This is an affiliate link" nearby

The key is making sure these disclosures are noticeable. Burying them in tiny text at the bottom of a 5,000-word article won't cut it with the FTC or Amazon.

FTC Guidelines and Endorsements

The FTC requires disclosure of any "material connection" that might influence how readers view your recommendations. This includes:

• Affiliate relationships (like Amazon Associates)

• Free or discounted products received for review

• Any business relationship with brands you mention

According to the FTC's endorsement guides, these disclosures must be:

• Clear and conspicuous

• In plain language

• Near the recommendation

• Unavoidable (not hidden behind a link)

If you received a product for free to review, you need to state this clearly in addition to your Amazon affiliate disclosure. Something like:

"I received this camping stove for free from Coleman to review. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases."

Missing these disclosures can result in FTC action. In recent years, the FTC has been increasingly active in enforcing these rules against influencers and websites.

Writing Product Reviews as an Amazon Associate

When writing product reviews that include affiliate links, balance honesty with commercial interests:

1. Be transparent - Start with a disclosure that you may earn commissions

2. Stay authentic - Give honest pros and cons based on real experience

3. Provide value - Focus on solving reader problems, not just selling

4. Include evidence - Photos, videos, or detailed descriptions of your testing

5. Be specific - Generic reviews that could apply to any product don't convert well

The best reviews come from actually using the product. If you can't physically test everything (understandable for large-scale sites), at least do thorough research and be honest about your review methods.

Recent Updates and Changes

As of December 20, 2024, Amazon updated its Associates Operating Agreement with several important changes:

• Clarified rules against duplicate commissions - You can't earn from both Amazon Associates and another external program for the same sale

• Introduced Creator Ads Boost program - A new opportunity for U.S. influencers with additional commission potential

• Reinforced review guidelines - Associates cannot accept compensation for posting customer reviews directly on Amazon product pages

According to Amazon's Operating Agreement comparison page, these updates strengthen transparency requirements while offering new earning opportunities for content creators.

These changes mean content managers need to be even more careful about disclosure practices and ensure they're not violating the prohibition against paid customer reviews on Amazon.

Legal Implications and Consequences

Failing to include proper disclaimers can have serious consequences:

1. Account termination - Amazon can and does terminate Associate accounts for disclosure violations

2. Loss of commissions - Amazon may withhold earnings if they find you in violation

3. FTC action - The FTC can take legal action for deceptive practices

4. Reputation damage - Getting called out publicly for hidden affiliate relationships hurts credibility

In 2023 alone, Amazon took action against over 150 bad actors involved in review manipulation, according to their Trustworthy Shopping report.

I know of several prominent affiliate sites that lost six-figure income streams overnight due to compliance issues. The risk simply isn't worth taking.

Tips for Compliance

Here's how to stay on the right side of Amazon and the FTC:

1. Regular disclosure audits - Check your site quarterly to ensure all pages have proper disclosures

2. Use dedicated plugins - Tools like Advanced Ads or AAWP include compliant disclosure options

3. Create a dedicated disclosure page - Have a comprehensive disclosure policy accessible from your footer

4. Stay updated - Follow the Amazon Associates Central help topics for program changes

5. Get legal advice when needed - For high-revenue sites, consulting with an attorney who specializes in affiliate marketing compliance can be worth the investment

When in doubt, disclose more rather than less. Being overly transparent never got anyone in trouble.

Final Thoughts

Amazon review disclaimers might seem like a minor detail in your affiliate marketing strategy, but getting them right is crucial for long-term success.

Remember that disclosures aren't just legal requirements—they're a way to build trust with your audience. When readers know you're being honest about your affiliate relationships, they're more likely to trust your recommendations and return to your site.