Overview

Amazon is tightening its FBA inbound requirements this quarter, TikTok Shop is ending dropshipping as a fulfillment option, and Walmart has launched a limited‑time pilot that lets sellers place product samples in customers’ homes for real‑world testing. The changes reshape inventory planning, channel strategy, and compliance obligations for sellers active on any of the three marketplaces.

Key Points

• Amazon packing‑list mandate — From May 1, every inbound shipment must include a PDF that lists each case, the exact SKU order and quantity; mismatches will trigger a rejection.
• TikTok dropshipping prohibition — Listings that ship directly from a third‑party supplier to the buyer are no longer accepted, forcing merchants to hold stock or use TikTok‑approved fulfillment partners.
• Walmart in‑home testing pilot — Approved sellers can send product samples to selected households; feedback influences the algorithm that determines placement in high‑visibility campaigns.
• 30‑day compliance window — Amazon’s new rule gives sellers a one‑month period to adjust logistics before enforcement begins on May 1.
• Cross‑platform ripple effect — Analysts estimate that roughly 15 % of TikTok’s current dropshippers will migrate to Amazon or Shopify after the ban.
• Performance‑based inventory allocation — Walmart will favor sellers who achieve an average rating of 4.5 stars or higher from in‑home testers when assigning inventory slots for promotional events.

How the New Amazon FBA Shipment Rules Work

1. Create a case‑by‑case packing list — Generate a PDF that enumerates every carton, the exact SKU sequence, and the unit count per SKU; for example, a box containing 12 units of ASIN B07XYZ123 must appear as “B07XYZ123 – 12 pcs” on the document.
2. Attach the list to the shipment plan — Upload the PDF to the shipment plan in Seller Central before the carrier picks up the pallets; a mixed pallet with five different SKUs must have a list that mirrors the physical arrangement on the pallet.