Amazon FBA Bans Certain Products Starting April 15: What Sellers Need to Know

Starting April 15, 2025, Amazon has introduced new restrictions on "meltable" products in its U.S. marketplace. This change will significantly impact sellers who deal with temperature-sensitive items. Let’s break down the new rules, affected products, and how sellers can adapt to minimize disruptions.

Key Changes to Amazon’s FBA Policy

1. Inventory Receiving Ban

From April 15 to October 15, 2025, Amazon fulfillment centers will stop accepting meltable products. This means sellers cannot send new inventory of such items during this period.

2. Inventory Disposal Requirements

Any meltable inventory stored in Amazon’s facilities or shipped after April 15 will be marked as "non-shippable" starting May 1, 2025. These items will be disposed of at the seller’s expense. Additionally, if the inventory has been in storage for over 270 days, sellers may incur additional long-term storage fees.

3. Seller-Fulfilled Shipping Option

From May 1 to October 15, Amazon will no longer ship meltable products via FBA. However, sellers can continue to sell these items using the Seller-Fulfilled (FBM) model, where they handle storage, packaging, and delivery themselves.

What Constitutes a Meltable Product?

Meltable products are items that can melt or change physical state when exposed to temperatures above 68.3°C (155°F). Examples include:

Food Items:** Chocolate, gummy candies, gelatinous sweets, and butter-based products.

Beauty and Personal Care:** Wax-based products (e.g., candles, hair removal wax) and creamy skincare products.

Home Goods:** Crayons, low-melt plastic items.

Even products with minor meltable components may fall under this category if Amazon deems them susceptible to melting.

Cost Implications for Sellers

Disposal Fees: Items marked as "non-shippable" will incur disposal costs.

Long-Term Storage Fees: Products stored for over 270 days may face additional charges. For example, a 10×10×10-inch jar of gummies could cost up to $69 per unit in long-term storage fees.

How Sellers Can Adapt

To mitigate the impact of these changes, sellers should consider the following strategies:

1. Liquidate Inventory Early

Sellers can reduce inventory levels through discounts, promotions, or off-platform sales. If immediate liquidation isn’t feasible, consider removing inventory from Amazon’s fulfillment centers before April 15, 2025.

2. Switch to Seller-Fulfilled (FBM) Model

After May 1, 2025, sellers can continue selling meltable products by managing their own logistics. This requires proper packaging and temperature control to prevent damage during transit.

3. Apply for an Exemption

Sellers who believe their products are not truly meltable can request an exemption by submitting a manufacturer’s certificate. The certificate must include:

- Product details or specific ASINs.

- Confirmation that the product can withstand temperatures up to 155°F (68.3°C).

- A contact person for verification.

While not guaranteed, this option is worth exploring for products that may have been incorrectly categorized.

Amazon’s new policy is a wake-up call for sellers to stay vigilant about inventory management and platform updates. Ignoring these changes could lead to significant financial losses due to disposal fees, storage costs, and potential account issues.

By taking proactive steps—such as inventory cleanup, switching fulfillment methods, or applying for exemptions—sellers can navigate this challenge and maintain their competitive edge.

Amazons latest policy change underscores the importance of staying informed about platform updates and adapting strategies accordingly. Sellers who act swiftly to address these changes will be better positioned to minimize disruptions and continue thriving in the competitive Amazon marketplace.For more information please contact Topway Shipping