Amazon FBA Warehouse Requirements Change: New Rules Effective in 2025 and What You Need to Know

In 2024, Amazon introduced its Inbound Configuration Service for the U.S. FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) program, which included an additional fee for sellers. After sellers had just adapted to these changes, a new wave of rule changes is coming! Starting from February 20, 2025, Amazon will implement important adjustments to the inbound configuration service for standard-size products. Here’s everything you need to know about these changes and how they might impact your business.

What Are the Core Changes in Amazon’s 2025 FBA Rules?

Amazon is updating its inbound configuration service for standard-size products. Previously, sellers could split their inventory across multiple FBA warehouses, but this option will be eliminated under the new regulations. Instead, there will be two main options for splitting shipments:

Amazon Optimized Shipment Splitting

Sellers who can send at least 5 identical cartons or pallets to multiple Amazon U.S. fulfillment centers will not incur any inbound configuration fees. This option is best suited for sellers with a large shipment volume and fewer SKUs (products).

Minimum Shipment Splitting

Sellers who do not have palletized or carton packaging can send their inventory to a single warehouse in their selected region (West Coast, Central, or East Coast) for a fee. This option is ideal for sellers with a wider range of SKUs or those who are unable to meet the requirements for optimized splitting.

How the New FBA Rules Affect Sellers

Previously, there were three inbound configuration options for FBA sellers:

Minimum Shipment Splitting (Single warehouse): Charged on a per-unit basis, this option was suitable for small shipments.

Partial Shipment Splitting (2-3 warehouses): Lower fees and offered flexibility in balancing cost and efficiency.

Amazon Optimized Shipment Splitting (4+ warehouses): No fees, but strict requirements for shipment distribution.

With the February 2025 changes, the Minimum Shipment Splitting fees are set to increase. On the other hand, Amazon Optimized Shipment Splitting will still be free, but only if the requirements are met.

Impact of the New FBA Rules on Sellers

While Amazon’s updates aim to improve operational efficiency and speed up deliveries, sellers may face increased costs and challenges. Some of the key concerns include:

Increased Costs: The rise in Minimum Shipment Splitting fees may affect smaller sellers who typically ship in small batches.

Complexity in Shipment Process: Sellers will need to ensure that their shipments meet the requirements for Amazon Optimized Shipment Splitting to avoid fees.

Inventory Management Challenges: With more strict rules around how inventory is distributed to warehouses, sellers may face logistical headaches.

Despite these concerns, the changes may benefit Amazon’s logistics operations and ultimately improve delivery times for consumers, increasing customer satisfaction. But for sellers, the cost pressure related to shipping, inventory management, and fulfillment may increase.

Strategies to Adapt to Amazon’s FBA Changes

To navigate these new challenges, sellers should consider the following strategies:

Leverage Overseas Warehouses

Consider pre-stocking inventory in overseas warehouses to reduce the uncertainties and extra costs caused by the new warehouse splitting rules. This can help you maintain better control over inventory and optimize your supply chain.

Companies like Lianyu Logistics offer services such as one-piece shipping, large freight transshipment, labeling, and returns processing, with coverage across key U.S. regions including Los Angeles, New York, Savannah, and Dallas. This provides comprehensive support for sellers dealing with the split warehouses and reduces logistical bottlenecks.

Optimize Inventory Management

Fine-tune your demand forecasting and inventory management to avoid overstocking in multiple warehouses, which can result in unsold goods and higher storage fees.

Tools and services like TOPWAY Logistics’ Z-Express can offer fast delivery times (up to 18 days) while providing greater control over the supply chain and ensuring cost-efficiency.

Adapt to Changes in Shipment Splitting

If you're a smaller seller or one with a broad range of SKUs, consider preparing your shipments in accordance with the new regulations. It’s crucial to avoid penalties and ensure that shipments meet Amazon's optimized splitting requirements.