Amazon's Peak Season Fulfillment Fees Take Effect October 15, Sellers to Face Higher Logistics Costs

[Ebrun Original] July 15th - As the second half of the year begins, cross-border e-commerce is approaching its peak sales season. While order volumes are set to rise, corresponding storage and shipping costs will also increase. Amazon recently announced that it will charge a Peak Season Fulfillment Fee for select FBA orders between October 15, 2026, and January 14, 2027, with differing fee structures for the UK, Germany, and North American marketplaces.

In the UK, the Peak Season Fulfillment Fee applies to small and standard-size parcels, as well as large and oversized envelopes, handled by Amazon's local fulfillment network in the UK and the Pan-European FBA program for shipments from the EU to the UK. For local UK delivery of small and standard-size parcels, an average fee increase of ￡0.12 per unit applies. For large and oversized envelopes, the average increase is ￡0.07 per unit. For remote fulfillment from the EU to the UK, the fee hikes are more significant, with an average increase of ￡0.24 per parcel and ￡0.09 per large/oversized envelope.

In Germany, the Peak Season Fulfillment Fee applies to small and standard-size parcels fulfilled via Amazon's local fulfillment network, the European Fulfillment Network (EFN), and remote fulfillment services from the UK to the EU. Compared to non-peak periods, the fee for these parcels increases by an average of ?0.27 per unit. However, FBA orders shipped from the UK or Germany to other EU countries/regions, as well as orders for large/bulky or low-priced items, are not subject to this peak season fee.

In North America, the Peak Season Fulfillment Fee applies to orders fulfilled by Amazon (FBA), remote fulfillment to Canada and Mexico, Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF), and Buy with Prime orders. The previously announced 3.5% Fuel and Inflation Surcharge, introduced in April of this year, will also continue to apply during this period.

Regarding specific pricing, for non-apparel items, the minimum peak season fulfillment fee will be $2.62, representing a $0.19 increase from the non-peak rate. The minimum fee for apparel items will also rise, starting from $2.85, up from $2.62. Furthermore, fulfillment fees for hazardous materials see the largest increase during the peak season, with the minimum fee rising from $3.40 to $3.74. For oversized items priced over $50, the shipping fee for the first 151 lbs increases by $12.08, reaching $231.61. However, the per-unit rate for weight beyond the first 151 lbs remains unchanged for all items.

The determination of whether the Peak Season Fulfillment Fee applies is based on the order's ship date or the date the customer receives the item. Even if an order is placed before October 15, 2026, but is shipped to or received by the customer on or after that date, the peak season fee will be charged. To assess the business impact of these fees, sellers can utilize Amazon's Revenue Calculator and the FBA Fee Preview report.

Additionally, Amazon stated in its announcement that following the three-month peak season fee period, the UK and Germany marketplaces will revert to and continue using the 2026 non-peak season fee rates starting January 15, 2027.