Amazon Extends International FBA Shipment Processing Deadlines During Peak Season
Amazon is granting eligible international FBA shipments a temporary peak-season extension: the receiving deadline for linked shipments is extended to 45 days, the automatic closure deadline to 90 days, and related defect fees are waived.
What are the key facts?
- 1Temporary policy applies to international FBA shipment plans created from August 1 through November 30, 2026
- 2Receiving deadline for subsequent linked shipments in multi-destination shipments extended from 30 days to 45 days
- 3Eligible shipments may have related deleted or abandoned shipment defect fees waived
- 4Automatic shipment closure deadline extended to 90 days
- 5Eligible fees already charged will be refunded
- 6Policy does not automatically apply to all ordinary inbound plans
What happened?
Amazon recently posted a temporary announcement on its seller forums for international FBA shipment plans created from August 1 through November 30, 2026. Shipments experiencing arrival issues due to ocean freight delays, port congestion, or customs detention will receive a longer processing window. For multi-destination shipments, the deadline for subsequent linked shipments to be received after the first shipment is checked in has been extended from 30 days to 45 days. If a shipment meets the policy requirements, the seller will not be charged the related deleted or abandoned shipment defect fee. The automatic shipment closure deadline has also been extended to 90 days, giving inventory that is still in transit more time to reach the fulfillment center. Amazon said eligible shipments may continue to show defect flags in the Inbound Performance Dashboard, but the related fees will be waived; eligible fees that have already been charged will be refunded. The policy primarily applies to international replenishment, multi-warehouse distribution, and peak-season ocean freight shipments, and does not automatically apply to all ordinary inbound plans. Sellers most affected include those shipping from China, Southeast Asia, or other production locations to U.S. fulfillment centers while relying on ocean freight and cross-region distribution. Sellers can check the shipment creation date, first shipment check-in date, and transportation status against the announcement, and review refunds in the Reimbursement report.
What does this mean for cross-border sellers?
Eligible international FBA peak-season shipments receive a longer processing window: the receiving deadline for linked multi-destination shipments is extended to 45 days, the automatic closure deadline to 90 days, and related defect fees may be waived or refunded. The policy does not automatically apply to all ordinary inbound plans, so sellers should actively verify shipment eligibility, transportation status, and fee records.
What should sellers do now?
- 1Filter international FBA, multi-destination, and ocean freight shipments created from August 1 through November 30, 2026. Record the creation date, first shipment check-in date, and transportation status for each shipment, create a traceable shipment list, and mark whether the 45-day receiving window may apply.Procurement List
- 2For international replenishment and multi-warehouse distribution shipments that are still in transit or affected by delays, congestion, or detention, verify the linked-shipment receiving deadline and 90-day automatic closure status. Save screenshots of the Inbound Performance Dashboard and complete the check for each shipment.
- 3In the Reimbursement report, screen for deleted or abandoned shipment defect fees related to the international shipments. Compare each charged fee with the expected refund record, prepare a refund verification table, and take action promptly if an eligible fee has not been refunded.