Overview

In January 2026 Amazon introduced a series of operational adjustments that alter fulfillment costs, inventory penalties, and the tools sellers use to run their businesses. The changes include higher standard‑size FBA fees, the permanent removal of Amazon‑provided prep services, a new low‑inventory penalty calculated per seller‑FNSKU, and the rollout of an AI‑driven seller assistant. Sellers must act quickly to protect margins, avoid costly compliance breaches, and integrate the new automation features.

Key Points

• Standard‑size FBA fee rise — Average increase of $0.08 per unit; items priced over $50 see an extra $0.31 per unit, effective January 15, 2026.
• Prep services discontinued — All Amazon‑run poly‑bagging, bubble‑wrap, labeling and other preparation tasks ended on January 1, 2026.
• Low‑inventory penalty overhaul — Fees now tracked per seller‑FNSKU rather than parent ASIN, ranging from $0.32 to $5.72 per unit.
• AI seller assistant launched — Real‑time health monitoring, inventory risk alerts, dynamic pricing suggestions, and shipment‑plan optimization.
• Supplier cost pressure — Amazon is urging suppliers to reduce wholesale prices, with non‑compliant partners risking lower search rankings and loss of Buy Box eligibility.
• UK/EU fee relief — Sellers in those regions receive per‑unit fee cuts averaging £0.15 and €0.17 respectively.

How the Changes Work

1. Revised FBA fee schedule — Amazon updates its fee matrix on January 15. For example, a 12‑oz standard‑size product that sold for $45 now incurs a fulfillment fee $0.08 higher than in 2025, while a $75 premium item sees its fee rise by $0.31. Sellers see the new rates reflected in the “Fulfillment Fees” tab of Seller Central.
2. Elimination of Amazon prep services — As of January 1, any shipment lacking Amazon‑required poly‑bags, bubble wrap, or FNSKU labels is rejected at the inbound dock. A seller who previously sent 500 units of a cosmetics line for Amazon’s bagging service must now either purchase a third‑party prep provider or install a labeling station in‑house; otherwise the inventory will be held, incurring storage fees without reimbursement.