Overview

Amazon provides XML documentation and schema definitions (XSD files) that sellers and developers use to format product data feeds submitted through Seller Central or the Selling Partner API. Understanding these XML structures is essential for anyone managing large catalogs programmatically, as properly formatted feeds ensure smooth listing creation, inventory updates, and order processing.

Key Points / What Sellers Need to Know

• XML feeds are the backbone of bulk operations — Sellers who manage hundreds or thousands of products rely on XML-formatted data feeds to create listings, update pricing, adjust inventory quantities, and process orders at scale rather than making changes one at a time through the Seller Central interface.

• XSD files define the required structure — XML Schema Definition (XSD) files serve as blueprints that specify exactly which data fields are required, what format they must follow, and how elements should be nested. Amazon publishes these schemas so sellers can validate their feeds before submission.

• Feed types serve different purposes — Amazon's XML feed system includes multiple feed types such as Product feeds, Inventory feeds, Pricing feeds, Order Fulfillment feeds, and others. Each feed type has its own specific XML structure and corresponding XSD schema.

• Validation prevents costly errors — Submitting improperly formatted XML feeds can result in processing errors, rejected listings, or incorrect product data appearing on the marketplace. Using the published XSD files to validate feeds before submission helps sellers avoid these issues.

• Documentation is regularly updated — Amazon periodically updates its XML schemas to accommodate new product categories, additional data fields, and platform changes. Sellers should check for schema updates regularly to ensure their feeds remain compatible.

How XML Feeds Work

Amazon's XML feed system allows sellers to submit structured data files that the platform processes to update catalog information. When a seller submits an XML feed through Seller Central or via the API, Amazon's systems parse the document according to the relevant schema definition, validate the data against required fields and formatting rules, and then apply the changes to the seller's account. Each feed submission generates a processing report that details which records were successfully processed and which encountered errors, along with specific error codes and messages that help diagnose formatting issues.