March 2026 SP-API Release
Amazon's March 2026 SP‑API release tightens rate limits to 5 requests‑per‑second, replaces numeric error codes with a JSON object (errorCode, message), and adds new fields such as fulfillmentAvailability to GetCatalogItem. Legacy OrdersV0 will stop on 30 September 2026, and SubmitFeed now requires a JSON payload.
Overview
Amazon released the March 2026 change log for the Selling Partner API (SP‑API) on its developer portal, outlining fresh features, modifications to existing calls, and a timeline for retiring legacy endpoints. The update introduces new request throttling limits, revised error payload structures, and additional data fields across several operations. Sellers and solution providers must review the documentation promptly to adjust their integrations and avoid downtime.
Key Points
- Release notes available — The full March 2026 SP‑API changelog is posted on the Amazon developer console for public access.
- Deprecation timetable disclosed — A detailed schedule lists the exact dates when outdated API versions will stop processing requests.
- Throttling and schema changes — Updated rate‑limit rules and altered JSON schemas affect how calls are constructed and how responses are parsed.
- Sandbox testing urged — Amazon advises developers to validate every modification in the sandbox before promoting changes to production.
- 90‑day advance notice — Sellers receive at least a three‑month warning before any endpoint is retired, giving ample time for migration.
How the March 2026 SP‑API Release Works
- Publication of change log — Amazon uploads a markdown document to the developer dashboard that enumerates every altered endpoint, new attribute, and deprecated operation; for instance, the “GetCatalogItem” call now includes a “fulfillmentAvailability” element in its response.
- Release of deprecation schedule — A separate table specifies when each legacy version will be shut down, such as the “OrdersV0” API slated to cease on 30 September 2026.
- Developer alerts — Registered developers receive an email and a portal notification summarizing the most impactful updates; an example alert highlights that the “SubmitFeed” endpoint now mandates a JSON‑formatted request body instead of the previous XML format.
- Sandbox validation — The sandbox environment mirrors the production stack with the new limits and schemas, allowing developers to run end‑to‑end tests; a seller might issue a test order‑retrieval request and observe the revised pagination token structure.
Analysis & Recommendations
Why This Matters
If sellers exceed the new 5 RPS limit they will receive 429 errors, causing order‑processing delays. The new JSON error schema simplifies debugging but requires code updates, and missing the 30 Sep 2026 deprecation deadline will break API calls entirely.
Key Takeaways
- Rate limit reduced from 10 RPS to 5 RPS per endpoint.
- Error responses now use a JSON object with errorCode and message fields.
- OrdersV0 API will be retired on 30 September 2026; migrate to OrdersV1.
- SubmitFeed endpoint now mandates a JSON‑formatted request body.
Recommended Actions
- →Log in to developer.amazon.com > SP‑API > Release notes and audit all calls against the March 2026 changelog.
- →Update code to handle the new JSON error format and test SubmitFeed with a JSON payload in the sandbox.
- →Upgrade to the latest SP‑API SDK (e.g., Java SDK 3.1) via Maven and redeploy before 30 Sep 2026.
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