Amazon Replaces Restock and Storage Limits With a Single Monthly FBA Capacity System
Amazon has replaced its dual system of weekly restock limits and quarterly storage caps with a single monthly FBA capacity limit measured in cubic feet. Sellers now get three months of forward visibility and can bid for additional space through a reservation program.
Overview
Amazon has overhauled how it manages FBA inventory space, scrapping the old dual system of weekly restock limits and quarterly storage caps. In its place, sellers now work with a single monthly capacity limit per storage type, measured in cubic feet rather than unit counts. The change brings more predictable planning cycles and up to three months of forward visibility into available warehouse space.
What Changed
- Single monthly limit — The weekly restock limits and quarterly storage caps are gone, consolidated into one capacity figure per storage type that resets monthly.
- Volume-based measurement — Capacity is now calculated by cubic footage instead of unit count, though the Seller Central dashboard still shows estimated unit equivalents for convenience.
- Three-month forward visibility — Sellers receive a confirmed limit for the upcoming month plus estimated projections for the following two months.
- Monthly announcements — New capacity numbers are published during the third full week of each month via the FBA dashboard and email notifications.
- Capacity reservation bidding — Sellers who need additional space can bid for it at a per-cubic-foot reservation fee through a structured program.
How the Consolidated Limit Works
Previously, sellers had to juggle two separate constraints at the same time. Weekly restock limits governed how much new inventory could be shipped in, while quarterly storage limits capped total inventory sitting at fulfillment centers. The frequent restock updates made coordination with suppliers and freight forwarders difficult, especially for sellers sourcing overseas.
The new system combines everything into a single number that covers both inventory currently stored at Amazon warehouses and inbound shipments in transit. Since the limit is volume-based, sellers shipping compact products will fit significantly more units into the same allocation than those shipping bulky goods. Amazon bridges the gap by converting cubic-foot limits into approximate unit counts on the dashboard, so day-to-day planning still feels familiar.
What Determines Your Allocation
Analysis & Recommendations
Why This Matters
Every FBA seller's ability to ship and store inventory at Amazon warehouses is governed by this system. Understanding how capacity is allocated, how to maximize it through IPI scores, and how the reservation bidding works is essential to avoiding stockouts and overage fees.
Key Takeaways
- One monthly capacity limit per storage type replaces the old weekly restock and quarterly storage caps
- Limits are now measured in cubic feet rather than unit counts, favoring sellers with compact products
- Sellers get three months of forward visibility — one confirmed month plus two estimated months
- The IPI score is the single most important factor in determining your capacity allocation
Recommended Actions
- →Check the FBA dashboard during the third week of each month when new capacity allocations are published
- →Prioritize improving your IPI score by clearing aged inventory, fixing stranded listings, and maintaining balanced stock levels
- →Evaluate the capacity reservation program if you consistently hit your limits — but only if projected sales will generate enough performance credits to offset the bidding fee
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