Amazon Issues 2026 BFCM Inventory Preparation Deadline Reminder
Amazon published a 2026 BFCM inventory preparation checklist, reminding sellers about the October 21 and October 28 FBA inbound deadlines, as well as inventory, capacity, and promotion requirements.
What are the key facts?
- 1October 21 is the FBA inbound deadline for receiving fewer shipment splits
- 2October 28 is the deadline for receiving Amazon-optimized shipment splits
- 3Sellers should maintain approximately 28 days of inventory for each ASIN
- 4Lightning Deals require a discount of at least 20% against the reference price
- 5Prime Exclusive Discounts require a discount of at least 15%
What happened?
The Amazon Seller Central Seller Forums published a 2026 Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM) inventory preparation checklist, reminding sellers using FBA about two key inbound shipment dates. October 21 is the inbound deadline for receiving fewer shipment splits, while October 28 is the deadline for receiving Amazon-optimized shipment splits. The post also reminded sellers to check storage capacity, maintain approximately 28 days of inventory coverage for each ASIN, and submit promotions as early as possible. For promotions, Lightning Deals require a discount of at least 20% against the reference price, while Prime Exclusive Discounts require a discount of at least 15%. The information mainly concerns sellers using FBA, also operating FBM, or preparing to participate in Black Friday and Cyber Monday events. Because the October 21 deadline has passed, sellers who have not completed shipment need to check backend inventory, capacity limits, estimated arrival times, and promotion eligibility; they cannot determine whether they will meet the event timeline based only on the shipment date.
What does this mean for cross-border sellers?
The October 21 FBA inbound milestone has passed. Sellers should not judge whether they can meet the BFCM timeline based only on the shipment date; they also need to verify the estimated arrival time, shipment splits, and storage capacity. Inventory coverage and promotion discount requirements may also affect event participation, particularly approximately 28 days of inventory for each ASIN, a minimum 20% discount for Lightning Deals, and a minimum 15% discount for Prime Exclusive Discounts.
What should sellers do now?
- 1Within this week, check the estimated arrival time and shipment status for each ASIN of FBA BFCM products, prioritizing shipments that did not complete inbound processing by October 21; completion standard: create an exception ASIN list and mark whether each ASIN can meet the October 28 milestone.Procurement List
- 2Within this week, check FBA storage capacity and verify inventory coverage by ASIN; for BFCM products with less than approximately 28 days of coverage, create a supplemental inventory plan; completion standard: produce a three-column list covering capacity, inventory, and items pending procurement.
- 3Within this week, verify eligibility and pricing for Listings planned for promotions, checking a minimum 20% discount for Lightning Deals and a minimum 15% discount for Prime Exclusive Discounts; completion standard: retain verification results for each promotion.Profit calculator