Overview

Amazon has opened enrollment for its new FBA Donations program, letting sellers send excess, returned, or otherwise unwanted inventory to vetted charities instead of having the items destroyed. The option is built directly into the existing disposal workflow in Seller Central, and Amazon manages all charity selection and delivery logistics. For sellers facing mounting storage fees and the need to clear slow‑moving stock, the program offers a streamlined way to free up warehouse space while supporting charitable causes and, in some jurisdictions, qualifying for tax benefits.

Key Points

• Automatic routing to charity — Once the program is turned on, any disposal order that meets eligibility criteria is sent to a verified nonprofit before the default destruction path is considered.
• No extra charge beyond standard disposal fees — Sellers pay the same disposal fee they would incur for destruction; the donation option does not add a premium.
• Full logistics handled by Amazon — Amazon selects appropriate charities, coordinates pickup, and delivers the goods, removing the need for sellers to manage the donation process.
• Eligibility filters enforce compliance — Items that cannot be legally donated (e.g., hazardous materials) are automatically routed to disposal in accordance with safety regulations.
• VAT responsibilities remain with EU sellers — In European marketplaces, sellers must treat donated goods as taxable supplies and remit any applicable VAT, using Amazon’s indicative values as a reference.
• Strategic branding advantage — Donating inventory can be highlighted in marketing materials, reinforcing sustainability and corporate‑social‑responsibility narratives that resonate with consumers.

How the FBA Donations Program Works

1. Enable the program in Seller Central — A seller navigates to the Fulfillment by Amazon settings, locates the “FBA Donations” toggle, and switches it on. For example, a seller with a seasonal line of kitchen gadgets activates the toggle before the post‑holiday clearance.