Stay Ahead with the April Amazon News & Insights
At AMZScout, we create tools that help sellers find the right products, grow their revenue, and streamline time-consuming tasks, so you can focus on what matters most. To make things even easier, we’ve put together this monthly roundup that highlights the latest Amazon news, updates, and developments. From policy changes and FBA fee adjustments to logistics updates, advertising improvements, and new seller tools, this guide keeps you informed and prepared for what’s ahead.
Whether you’re a beginner exploring opportunities or an experienced seller managing a growing business, these updates will help you stay aligned with Amazon’s latest requirements and trends. Here’s everything you need to know about the most important Amazon updates for April 2026.
Table of contents
Amazon Policy and Compliance News
End of Commingled (Stickerless) Inventory Practices
Effective for all shipments on or after March 31, 2026, Amazon has fully phased out commingled inventory across U.S. fulfillment centers. Inventory will no longer be pooled from multiple sellers for the same ASIN. Non-Brand Registry sellers must apply FNSKU barcodes to every unit. Brand Registry participants with the Brand Representative role can continue using manufacturer barcodes (UPC/ISBN) on eligible products without additional stickers.
This change aims to reduce counterfeits, improve quality control, and give sellers greater traceability over their inventory. Existing commingled stock already in fulfillment centers remains unaffected, but all new inbound shipments in April must comply or risk rejection and delays.
Seller Tip: Immediately audit pending shipments and update labeling processes.
Agent Policy Under Updated Business Solutions Agreement
Since March 4, 2026, the revised Business Solutions Agreement requires all automated tools, scripts, and AI systems accessing Seller Central to self-identify as “agents.” Amazon can suspend API access for non-compliant tools without notice. This applies to repricers, PPC managers, inventory tools, and any third-party automation.
The policy strengthens platform security and accountability while clarifying seller responsibilities for tool usage. Many popular seller tools have already been updated to comply, but sellers should verify with each provider.
Seller Tip: Contact your tool vendors in April to confirm compliance and prepare alternatives if needed.
DD+7 Payout Policy Now Active
Rolled out starting March 12, 2026, Amazon now releases FBA (and select other) payouts 7 days after confirmed customer delivery rather than based on shipment timing. This extends the cash conversion cycle, potentially locking up working capital equivalent to about 7 days of average sales for many sellers.
The change improves delivery accuracy tracking and reduces certain fraud risks. Fast Prime delivery sellers may see minimal net impact, while slower shipping scenarios face longer delays.
Seller Tip: Adjust cash flow forecasts, maintain higher reserves for restocking and ads, and monitor delivery metrics closely.
FBA Fees and Storage Cost Updates
Digital Services Fee Expansion for Cross-Border EU/UK Sales
Effective March 20, 2026, a 3% Digital Services Fee now applies to Selling on Amazon and FBA fees for specific cross-border transactions in the UK, France, Italy, and Spain stores, aligned with local digital services taxes. The exact application depends on the seller’s country of establishment (e.g., UK-established sellers pay on sales into France/Italy/Spain).
This pass-through fee helps Amazon cover government-mandated taxes and primarily affects multi-country EU sellers.
Seller Tip: Recalculate margins on affected listings and consider pricing adjustments or shifting focus to domestic sales where possible.
API Access Monetization Begins
Starting April 2026, certain advanced Seller Central APIs (including parts of Data Kiosk and Fee Preview tools) introduce a base annual fee (around $1,400) plus usage-based charges for heavy users.
This targets sellers and agencies relying extensively on automated reporting and data extraction. Light users are unlikely to see immediate charges.
Seller Tip: Review your API usage reports in Seller Central and budget for potential new costs in Q2.
Ongoing 2026 FBA Fulfillment Fee Adjustments
The January 15, 2026 fulfillment fee updates remain in effect, with an average increase of approximately $0.08 per unit. Impacts vary by size and price tier (e.g., small standard-size items in the $10–$50 range saw higher relative increases). Removal/disposal fees are now billed per-unit at the time of request.
Low-inventory-level fee waivers are scheduled to end April 30, 2026 in many cases.
Seller Tip: Factor these into restock calculations before the waiver expires.
Note: For sellers trying to model the impact of shifting storage fees, removal costs, and margins, the free AMZScout Amazon FBA Calculator is a useful tool. It allows quick simulations of profit margins, fees, and break-even points before sending products into FBA.
Amazon Logistics and Shipping News
Ultra-Fast Delivery Expansion (1-Hour and 3-Hour Options)
Announced in mid-March 2026, Amazon is significantly expanding 1-hour delivery on tens of thousands of products in major cities (e.g., Los Angeles, Chicago) and 3-hour delivery in over 2,000 U.S. locations. The service uses dedicated same-day facilities and special packaging.
Prime members pay a premium fee for these options, which are available 7 days a week. Sellers in categories like essentials, beauty, OTC medications, and groceries may benefit from higher visibility and velocity.
Seller Tip: Optimize listings for same-day eligibility where possible and monitor sales velocity in supported areas.
Continued Challenges with Inbound Transit Times
Average Asia-to-U.S. ocean transit times remain elevated (around 67 days), affecting April/May restocking plans. Amazon LTL (less-than-truckload) services continue expanding for better inbound freight options.
Seller Tip: Build longer lead times into your supply chain planning.
End of Commingled (Stickerless) Inventory Practices
Effective for all shipments on or after March 31, 2026, Amazon has fully phased out commingled inventory across U.S. fulfillment centers. Inventory will no longer be pooled from multiple sellers for the same ASIN. Non-Brand Registry sellers must apply FNSKU barcodes to every unit. Brand Registry participants with the Brand Representative role can continue using manufacturer barcodes (UPC/ISBN) on eligible products without additional stickers.
This change aims to reduce counterfeits, improve quality control, and give sellers greater traceability over their inventory. Existing commingled stock already in fulfillment centers remains unaffected, but all new inbound shipments in April must comply or risk rejection and delays.
Seller Tip: Immediately audit pending shipments and update labeling processes.
Amazon Marketplace and Category Trends
Strong Performance in Evergreen and Sustainable Categories
Apparel (basics and custom), Beauty & Personal Care (skincare, hair care), Home & Kitchen (insulated goods, organization), and Pet Supplies continue leading sales. Demand for eco-friendly, Climate Pledge Friendly, and customizable products remains elevated, often supporting higher margins.
In India, zero referral fees on over 125 million low-price products and Easy Ship reductions provide ongoing opportunities.
Seller Tip: Focus on branding, certifications, and sustainability claims to improve visibility and conversion.
Note: To stay competitive in a shifting marketplace, sellers can benefit from tools that streamline product research and opportunity analysis. The AMZScout toolkit, including the PRO AI Extension and Product Database, helps identify winning products, estimate demand, and analyze competitor trends before investing in new inventory.
Amazon Business and Expansion Moves
Ongoing Investment in Delivery Network
Amazon continues multi-billion-dollar investments in hybrid hubs and same-day facilities to support faster Prime delivery, including in smaller and rural U.S. areas. This indirectly benefits seller sales velocity for eligible Prime programs.
Pan-EU expansion into newer stores (e.g., Ireland, Belgium) offers additional growth avenues for multi-country sellers.
Seller Community and Industry Events
Seller Summit 2026
April 21–23, 2026 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. This capped (200 attendees) hands-on event focuses on advanced Amazon tactics, D2C strategies, ranking, and operations. Ticket prices increase after April 1.
Seller Tip: Register early for maximum value and networking.
Amazon Accelerate 2026 – Save the Date
September 22–24, 2026 in Seattle. Amazon’s flagship seller conference will feature key announcements on advertising, logistics, AI tools, and platform updates.
Final Thoughts
Amazon continues to evolve rapidly, and March 2026 brings a mix of challenges and opportunities for sellers. While increased regulations and fees may seem daunting, they also create a more structured and trustworthy marketplace—benefiting sellers who are prepared and proactive.
By staying informed and adapting your strategies accordingly, you can not only navigate these changes but also position your business for long-term success.
Be sure to check back regularly for the latest Amazon news and updates, as the eCommerce landscape is constantly shifting—and staying ahead is the key to winning on Amazon.
