Compulsory enforcement! September 30th! Amazon FBA inventory rules have undergone major changes!

Recently, Amazon has updated its FBA inventory handling policies for sellers on its US and Canadian sites. The registration and execution rules for two important programs - "Bulk Clearance" and "Logistics Donation" - will undergo mandatory adjustments starting from September 30, 2025. This change may significantly affect the inventory disposal methods and profit structure of sellers. It is recommended that all sellers attach great importance to it and take preventive measures in advance.

1、Core Contents of Policy Adjustment

1️ ️ bulk clearance plan: enabled by default, can still be exited

The original rule: Sellers need to actively choose to join.

New rule: Starting from September 30th, the system will automatically register sellers for this program by default.

Impact: If the seller has not pre-set the automatic processing method for "saleable/unsalable inventory" in the background, the slow-moving inventory (including both saleable and unsalable) will automatically enter the clearance process.

Note: Sellers can still manually exit the program or set other processing methods (such as returns or destruction).

2️ logistics donation program: Mandatory participation, no withdrawal

The original rule: Sellers can choose for themselves whether to participate or not.

New rule: All sellers on the US and Canadian sites will be forced to join. Even if they have previously withdrawn, the system will automatically re-register them.

Execution method: Amazon will give priority to entrusting the inventory that meets the donation conditions to non-profit organizations in the United States for handling, and only dispose of the goods that are not suitable for donation.

Fee description: The cost of donation is the same as the disposal charge standard. The seller does not need to bear additional transportation costs. Compared with returns (such as $0.5 per item), donations (such as $0.15 per item) still have certain cost advantages.

Added value: After completing the donation, the seller will receive an official donation certificate, which helps enhance the corporate social responsibility (CSR) image.

2、 Potential Impact and Risks on Sellers

1️ ️ inventory disposal initiative weakened: Sellers have further narrowed options when dealing with slow-moving or unsalable inventory.

2️ ️ profit risk:

◾ bulk clearance has a relatively low recycling value and may result in potential loss of profit;

◾ donations have no direct income, but the cost is controllable and they have both public welfare and environmental benefits.

3️ ️ brand and social responsibility balance: Donation behavior can enhance the green image of the brand, but the related economic costs need to be borne by the seller.

3、Coping Suggestions

✅ check the background Settings immediately:

◾ Log in to Seller Central to confirm whether the "automatic handling method for saleable/unsalable inventory" meets expectations;

◾ set return, destruction or clearance options for different goods based on sales potential.

✅ categorically plan inventory handling strategy:

◾ for inventories that still have sales potential, give priority to promotions or price reduction for clearance;

◾ For goods that have no clearance value but are suitable for donation, the disposal cost can be reduced through this program;

◾ Inventory that has been retained for a long time (such as more than 270 days) should be evaluated for feasibility of clearance as soon as possible to accelerate the return of funds.

✅ long-term optimization of inventory management:

◾ strengthen the control of product selection and replenishment to reduce the generation of slow-moving inventory from the source;

◾ Use the feedback from clearance sales data to reverse optimize subsequent operation and product selection decisions;

◾ incorporates environmental protection and social responsibility factors into its brand operation system to enhance its comprehensive competitiveness.

Amazon's current policy adjustment highlights the "default mandatory" feature. On the one hand, it promotes environmental protection and public welfare, and enhances the platform's image. On the other hand, it also shifts the economic cost and operational pressure of inventory disposal to the seller side. It is recommended that sellers take proactive measures. By making pre-settings and adjusting strategies, they can avoid unnecessary losses caused by the system's default execution.

Warm reminder: This policy is currently applicable to the US and Canadian sites. Sellers on other sites are advised to keep an eye on it and check in a timely manner whether local rules are updated simultaneously.