Overview

In January 2026 Amazon rolled out a sweeping set of policy updates that affect virtually every aspect of a third‑party seller’s operation. The changes include higher fulfillment fees, the complete removal of FBA prep services, a new low‑inventory penalty formula, and the launch of an AI‑driven seller assistant. Sellers who ignore the new cost structure or operational requirements risk shrinking margins, inventory penalties, and reduced visibility.

Key Points

• FBA fee hike — Standard‑size items now carry an extra $0.08 per unit, while items priced over $50 add $0.31 per unit as of January 15, 2026.
• Prep services discontinued — From January 1 Amazon stopped offering poly‑bagging, bubble‑wrapping, labeling, or any other preparation at its fulfillment centers.
• Low‑inventory fee redesign — Fees are calculated per seller‑FNSKU rather than per parent ASIN, ranging from $0.32 to $5.72 per unit, a potential ten‑fold increase over 2025 rates.
• AI seller assistant debut — An autonomous AI tool now monitors account health, flags inventory risk, suggests dynamic pricing, and creates shipment plans.
• Supplier cost pressure — Amazon is urging suppliers to lower wholesale prices after recent tariff cuts; non‑compliant vendors may see reduced Buy Box eligibility and visibility.
• EU fee relief — European marketplaces received modest per‑unit fee reductions of roughly £0.15 and €0.17.

How the Changes Work

1. Adjusted fulfillment fees — When a seller ships a 12‑oz standard‑size product priced at $22, the fulfillment charge rises from the 2025 rate of $2.50 to $2.58 (an $0.08 increase). For a premium item priced at $75, the fee climbs from $3.20 to $3.51, reflecting the additional $0.31 surcharge.
2. Elimination of prep services — A seller who previously sent 500 units of a fragile glassware line to Amazon for bubble‑wrap and labeling must now either purchase a third‑party prep provider or set up an in‑house station. If the seller ships the items without proper packaging, Amazon will reject the shipment, causing a delay of up to 48 hours and a potential loss of inventory that is not reimbursed.