Key points
- The DSA requires Amazon to examine notices of illegal content in a timely, diligent and objective manner and to communicate its decision.
- A valid notice gives the exact URL of the review, explains why it is unlawful and includes a name, an email address and a statement that the information is correct.
- If Amazon refuses, you can file a complaint with Amazon, use out-of-court dispute settlement or go to court.
What the DSA means for reviews
The Digital Services Act is an EU regulation for online platforms. It has applied in full since February 2024. For sellers, the most important part is the notice and action procedure: platforms like Amazon must offer an easy electronic way for anyone to report illegal content, and they must handle these notices properly.
This covers reviews that violate applicable law, for example because they make false statements of fact or are insulting. For violations that only breach the Community Guidelines, such as a review of the shipping, “Report abuse” remains the right route.
What a valid notice must contain
- The exact URL: the link to the individual review, not just to the product page.
- An explanation: why the review is unlawful, ideally with a verbatim quote and what is actually true.
- Name and email address of the person or company submitting the notice.
- A statement that the information is accurate and complete to the best of your knowledge.
A notice containing this information is deemed to give the platform knowledge of the content if a diligent provider can recognize from it, without a detailed legal examination, that the content is illegal. If Amazon then does not respond appropriately, Amazon can be held liable for the content. That is why a clear explanation with a quote and evidence matters.
Form or letter?
Amazon offers its own online form for illegal content. You do not have to use it: in 2025, the Higher Regional Court of Berlin (Kammergericht) ruled that what counts is the content of the notice, not the channel. A letter from an attorney is also sufficient if it contains the necessary information. In practice, it makes sense to combine both: the notice via the form and a detailed removal request by mail.
What happens next
Amazon must examine the notice and inform you of its decision. If Amazon removes the review, the author receives a statement of reasons. If Amazon refuses, you can
- ask Amazon to reconsider through its internal complaint-handling system,
- turn to a certified out-of-court dispute settlement body,
- have the option of court action assessed.
What you can do if nothing at all happens after a notice is explained in our guide Reported, but nothing happened.
Common mistakes
- a link to the product page instead of the individual review,
- only “the review is false” with no explanation and no quote,
- guideline violations reported as illegal content,
- the same review reported again and again instead of once, completely.
How AMZDelete helps
AMZDelete finds the 1- and 2-star reviews and saves the link to each review along with a dated screenshot. Our partner law firm assesses each case and reports unlawful reviews with all the information the DSA requires, and also sends an attorney’s letter. You only pay if the review is removed afterward.
Frequently asked questions
Does the DSA also apply to small sellers?
The DSA imposes obligations on the platform, not on the seller. Anyone can submit a notice, including small sellers and brand owners.
Do I have to give my name?
Yes. A complete notice includes the name and email address of the person or company submitting it.
How quickly does Amazon have to respond?
The DSA does not set a fixed deadline; Amazon must decide promptly. In an attorney’s removal request, the law firm also sets a deadline.
This guide gives a general overview and does not replace a legal review of your individual case. At AMZDelete, our partner law firm checks whether a review can be challenged.