Overview

Amazon will roll out a new returns processing fee structure across all its European marketplaces beginning in 2026. The model replaces a flat‑rate approach with fees that vary by product category and by how accurately a listing matches the shipped item. Sellers who ignore the changes risk higher FBA costs that can erode already thin margins.

Key Points

• Category‑based tiers — Apparel, electronics and other high‑return categories will face the steepest fee increases, while low‑return categories such as books may see only modest changes.
• Listing‑accuracy penalties — Listings that mislead shoppers through vague descriptions, incorrect images, or wrong size charts will trigger higher per‑unit fees when the product is returned.
• Low‑return rewards — Sellers whose return rates stay below the category average will qualify for reduced fees, creating a direct financial incentive for better listings.
• EU‑wide uniformity — The revised schedule applies identically in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and all other EU storefronts, eliminating the ability to balance costs across markets.

How the New Fee Model Works

1. Category tier assignment — Amazon classifies each product into a fee tier based on its category. For example, a pair of men’s jeans placed in the “Apparel – Clothing” tier will be charged a higher processing fee than a set of kitchen utensils classified under “Home & Kitchen.”
2. Performance multiplier — Within each tier, Amazon applies a multiplier that reflects the seller’s return rate relative to the category average. A seller with a 7 % return rate in electronics, where the average is 4 %, will see the multiplier increase the base fee by roughly 75 %. Conversely, a seller maintaining a 2 % return rate in the same category may receive a 20 % discount on the base fee.
3. Penalty for inaccurate listings — If a returned item is flagged by Amazon’s inspection team as “does not match listing,” the system adds a penalty fee on top of the standard processing charge. For instance, a smartwatch advertised with a built‑in strap but shipped without one will incur an extra €0.30 per return, directly charging the seller for the listing error.