The first quarter of 2026 brings far-reaching changes for Amazon sellers. From the end of commingling and delayed payouts to new fees - here you'll learn everything you need to know, and how to prepare.
7 changes, 1 overview
From the end of commingling to AI PPC: we've summarised all the important updates for you - with concrete action items.
1. End of commingling (31 March 2026)
Amazon is ending commingling entirely
Identical products from different sellers are now stored and managed separately.
This is one of the biggest changes in years. Until now, identical products from different retailers ended up in the same storage location at Amazon. That regularly caused problems: customers sometimes received goods of dubious quality, even though they had ordered from a reputable seller.
What does that mean in concrete terms?
- Registered sellers can continue to sell with the standard manufacturer barcode - as long as the original barcode is present
- Resellers must now always apply an Amazon barcode (FNSKU), even if the product already has an EAN/UPC
- Better traceability - counterfeits become harder, quality problems are easier to attribute
2. DD+7 payout rule (March 2026)
Payouts only 7 days after delivery
The new DD+7 rule (Delivery Date + 7) delays payouts for all FBA orders.
Until now, payouts were released shortly after shipping. Now Amazon waits 7 days after confirmed delivery before the money is paid out. This affects all sellers in Germany and the EU.
Why is Amazon doing this?
- Protection against chargebacks - Most returns happen within the first 7 days
- Fewer warranty cases - Amazon has to claw back less money
- Cashflow impact - Plan for 7-14 days longer waiting for your money
3. FBA Prep Service discontinued (since 1 January 2026)
Amazon no longer does prep for you
Packaging, FNSKU labeling, polybagging and bundling now have to be done by sellers themselves.
Amazon has completely discontinued the FBA Prep & Labeling Service in the US - and the EU is expected to follow. This means: your goods have to arrive at the Amazon warehouse already fully prepared.
What you have to do now:
- Build up prep processes - Either label yourself or commission an external prep service
- Get an FNSKU printer - Thermal transfer printers are the cheapest solution
- Study the packaging guidelines - Amazon has strict requirements for polybags, bubble wrap, etc.
- Avoid unplanned prep fees - If Amazon has to rework your goods, it costs extra
4. FBA fee increase (since 15 January 2026)
On average +0,08€ per unit sold
The increase varies widely by product price and size.
The fee increase sounds small, but for low-price products it can noticeably squeeze the margin. Here are the details:
5. New return fees for fashion
From 2026, Amazon is charging a Returns Processing Fee for the first time for product categories with high return rates. Particularly affected: clothing, shoes and fashion accessories.
If your return rate is above the category average, you pay an additional fee per return. This is meant to motivate sellers to improve product descriptions and size charts.
6. Overmax fees for XXL products
Since 15 January 2026, there is a new fee category: Overmax. Extra-large products (up to 68 kg) that exceed 244 cm on the longest side or 330 cm in length + girth are subject to a surcharge.
If you sell bulky products, recalculate your margins. In many cases, FBM (Fulfillment by Merchant) can now be cheaper than FBA for such products. Read more in our FBA vs. FBM comparison.
7. AI-powered PPC Prompts (March 25, 2026)
Amazon AI Prompts for Sponsored Products & Brands
AI-powered contextual product information is shown to shoppers directly in search.
Amazon's new "Prompts" feature uses first-party data to show shoppers context-relevant product information - directly in Sponsored Products and Sponsored Brands campaigns. After a beta phase, it has been available to all US sellers since March 25, 2026.
For PPC campaigns, this means: Amazon automatically displays relevant product details that can improve the click-through rate. Make sure your bullet points and A+ Content are up to date and complete.
Bonus: Meltable products deadline (20 April 2026)
What you should do now
Q1 2026 brings many changes at once. Here are the most important action items:
- Prepare FNSKU labels - Resellers in particular must act immediately (end of commingling)
- Build up a cashflow buffer - DD+7 delays your payouts
- Set up prep processes - The FBA Prep Service no longer exists
- Recalculate your margins - Factor in the fee increases
- Lower your return rate - Better listings = fewer Returns Processing Fees
- Optimise A+ Content - For the new AI Prompts in PPC
Those who prepare in good time can also turn the changes into an opportunity: the end of commingling strengthens reputable sellers, and the new AI features can improve your campaign performance.
Sources
- End of commingling: Amazon Seller Central Forum - Commingling practices will end effective March 31, 2026
- DD+7 payout: QUANT Consulting - Amazon DD+7 Auszahlungsrichtlinie
- FBA fees 2026: Amazon Seller Central - 2026 US Referral and FBA fee changes summary
- FBA Fulfillment Fees: Amazon Seller Central - 2026 US FBA fulfillment fee changes
- FBA Prep discontinuation: Amazon Seller Central Forum - New FBA Prep Rule (Jan 1, 2026)
- General overview: Netzwelt - Änderung bei Amazon: Bestellungen laufen ab März 2026 anders ab
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