Overview

Starting April 28 2022, Amazon will tack a 5 % fuel‑and‑inflation surcharge onto every U.S. FBA fulfillment charge. The fee sits on top of the existing per‑unit rates for storage, picking, packing and shipping, meaning sellers who use FBA will see a modest rise in their cost of goods sold. Understanding the calculation method and taking proactive steps can protect thin profit margins.

Key Points

• Flat 5 % addition — The surcharge is a uniform 5 % of the standard fulfillment fee for each unit, regardless of size or weight.
• Effective April 28 2022 — The extra charge appears on the first FBA invoice generated after this date and will be listed as a separate line item.
• Base rates unchanged — Amazon’s published per‑unit fees (for example, $2.50 for a standard‑size item under 1 lb) remain the same; the surcharge is simply a percentage overlay.
• Low‑margin items feel it most — SKUs priced between $5 and $10 can see their fulfillment cost increase by roughly $0.12‑$0.25 per unit, which can erode profitability if not addressed.
• All fulfillment programs included — The surcharge applies to standard‑size, oversize, and “FBA Small and Light” items alike, with no exemptions.

How the Surcharge Is Applied

1. Determine the base fulfillment fee — Calculate the regular per‑unit charge based on the product’s size tier, weight, and any special handling requirements.
   • Example: A 12‑ounce standard‑size product qualifies for a $2.50 base fee.
2. Add the 5 % fuel‑and‑inflation factor — Multiply the base fee by 0.05 and add that amount to the original fee.
   • Example: $2.50 × 0.05 = $0.125; the new charge becomes $2.625, which Amazon rounds to $2.63 on the invoice.
3. Report the surcharge on the monthly statement — Amazon aggregates the adjusted fees for all units shipped during the billing cycle and displays the surcharge as its own line item.