# Amazon return policy changes and recommerce strategy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/amazon-return-policy-changes-in-germany > Updated: 2026-08-31T07:30:17.000Z. Sources: 48. Developments: 4. Amazon has announced a change to its return policy for numerous product categories in Germany, effective September 1, 2026. The company will transition from its previous 30-day return window to the statutory 14-day right of withdrawal for many items, including baby products, beauty, electronics, and furniture. Certain categories, such as clothing, will remain exempt with a 30-day period. In conjunction with these policy shifts, Amazon is launching its ‘Second Chance Deal Days’ (also referred to as ‘Second Hand Deals’) from September 1 to September 10, 2026. The event offers discounts of up to 50 percent on tens of thousands of returned, used, and refurbished items across categories like technology, gaming, kitchenware, and DIY tools. Featured brands include Apple, Samsung, Sony, Beats, and LEGO. For the first time, the event will include luxury items, such as designer bags from the seller Luxclusif. This initiative is part of a broader European recommerce strategy. Amazon has invested between 3.5 billion euros and 4 billion dollars between 2024 and 2026 to enhance its returns, inspection, and refurbishment processes. The company reported that European second-hand sales exceeded 2 billion euros in 2025, with customers saving approximately 380 million euros last year. Currently, Amazon offers over 60 million refurbished and returned items in Europe, with customers saving an average of 20 percent compared to buying new products. As the event approaches, Amazon noted that in Italy, the most popular categories for second-hand purchases include PCs, consumer electronics, kitchen appliances, and DIY products. To assist with purchasing decisions, the company is also utilizing AI-generated review summaries. ## Claims - Amazon is hosting a Second Hand Deals event from September 1 to September 10. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Amazon has invested over 4 billion dollars in refurbishment skills, technology, and personnel in Europe between 2024 and 2026. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Second-hand sales in Europe exceeded 2 billion euros in 2025. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Customers saved over 380 million euros by purchasing second-hand products on Amazon last year. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Purchasing refurbished items on Amazon in Europe saves customers an average of 20% compared to new products. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Amazon offers more than 60 million returned and refurbished items in Europe. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Amazon will host Second Chance Deal Days from September 1 to September 10, 2026. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Second Chance Deal Days will offer discounts of up to 50 percent compared to the MSRP of comparable new goods. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Amazon will implement a new return policy for various product categories starting September 1, 2026. (single source) - Under the new policy, customers for certain categories must request returns within 14 days of receipt. (single source) - The shortened return window applies to categories including beauty, baby products, groceries, and electronics. (single source) - Amazon plans to invest more than 3.5 billion euros between 2024 and 2026. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-31: Amazon launches Second Hand Deals and tiered discount promotions Amazon is hosting its Second Hand Deals event from September 1–10, offering discounts on refurbished goods in Europe. A separate tiered coupon promotion also runs in Italy through early September. 30 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/amazon-launches-second-hand-deals-event-for-refurbished-products ### 2026-08-27: Amazon announces Second Chance Deal Days with up to 50% off Amazon will host Second Chance Deal Days from September 1–10, offering up to 50% off returned and refurbished goods as part of a multi-billion euro investment in its European recommerce business. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/amazon-to-shorten-return-windows-and-host-refurbished-goods-sale ### 2026-08-17: Amazon to reduce return period to 14 days for many categories Starting September 1, 2026, Amazon will reduce its voluntary return period from 30 days to 14 days for many product categories, though clothing will remain exempt. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/amazon-to-reduce-return-period-to-14-days-for-many-categories ### 2026-08-14: Amazon to reduce return deadlines for many product categories Starting September 1, 2026, Amazon will reduce the return window for many product categories from 30 days to the statutory 14-day period. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/amazon-to-reduce-return-deadlines-for-many-product-categories --- Cite as: Amazon return policy changes and recommerce strategy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/amazon-return-policy-changes-in-germany