New Amazon FBA Fee Timing Could Affect Your Profit Margins
Starting February 15, 2026, Amazon removal and disposal fees will be charged per unit as each item is processed. While the fee rates themselves aren’t changing, the shift from end-of-order lump sums to real-time per-unit billing is a big change for sellers trying to stay on top of their margins.
| Size tier | Shipping weight | Before January 15, 2026 | January 15, 2026, and after |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard-size | 0 to 0.5 lb | $1.04 | $0.84 |
| Standard-size | 0.5+ to 1.0 lb | $1.53 | $1.53 |
| Standard-size | 1.0+ to 2.0 lb | $2.27 | $2.27 |
| Standard-size | More than 2 lb | $2.89 + $1.06/lb above 2 lb | $2.89 + $1.06/lb above 2 lb |
| Large bulky, extra-large and special handling items* | 0 to 1.0 lb | $3.12 | $3.12 |
| Large bulky, extra-large and special handling items* | 1+ to 2.0 lb | $4.30 | $4.30 |
| Large bulky, extra-large and special handling items* | 2.0+ to 4.0 lb | $6.36 | $6.36 |
| Large bulky, extra-large and special handling items* | 4.0+ to 10.0 lb | $10.04 | $10.04 |
| Large bulky, extra-large and special handling items* | More than 10.0 lb | $14.32 + $1.06/lb above 10 lb | $14.32 + $1.06/lb above 10 lb |
What’s Actually Changing with Amazon FBA Fees?
Until now, Amazon charged removal and disposal fees only after an entire order was completed. That created a delay in cost recognition, making it hard to tie fees back to specific SKUs or time periods. Going forward, these charges will show up per unit, as items are physically removed or destroyed at Amazon fulfillment centers.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Per-unit billing: Charges are now assessed individually, not in bulk.
- No rate change: The actual fee amount per size/weight tier stays the same.
- Live tracking: Sellers can monitor charges in real time via Payments > Transaction View.
- Automatic rollout: No action needed by sellers—this applies to all new removal/disposal orders after February 15.
This recent update brings important clarity to an area many sellers struggle with: reconciling FBA costs down to the SKU level.
How Per-Unit Charges Improve Seller Visibility
For any seller who’s ever tried to match removal costs to inventory reports, this change is a welcome improvement. With fees now visible at the unit level as they occur, it’s far easier to:
- Forecast removal or disposal costs by SKU
- Evaluate the ROI of clearing aged inventory
- Identify high-cost items that may be better off liquidated or donated
- Improve cash flow planning through real-time fee awareness
Removal vs. Disposal: Fee Rates Still Matter
The actual cost per unit depends on the product’s size tier and shipping weight. For example, standard-sized items under 0.5 lbs will cost $1.04 per unit to remove or dispose of. Oversized or special handling items may carry significantly higher rates.
| Size tier | Shipping Weight | Liquidation processing fee per unit |
|---|---|---|
| Standard-size items | 0 to 0.5 lb | $0.25 |
| Standard-size items | 0.5+ to 1.0 lb | $0.30 |
| Standard-size items | 1.0+ to 2.0 lb | $0.35 |
| Standard-size items | More than 2 lb | $0.40 + $0.20 per lb above first 2 lb |
| Large bulky, extra-large and special handling items* | 0 to 1.0 lb | $0.60 |
| Large bulky, extra-large and special handling items* | 1+ to 2.0 lb | $0.70 |
| Large bulky, extra-large and special handling items* | 2.0+ to 4.0 lb | $0.90 |
| Large bulky, extra-large and special handling items* | 4.0+ to 10.0 lb | $1.45 |
| Large bulky, extra-large and special handling items* | More than 10.0 lb | $1.90 + $0.20 per lb above first 10 lb |
Because charges now appear incrementally, it’s easier to see which SKUs are bleeding profit and which ones might justify removal over long-term storage. Don’t forget to compare these fees against storage costs and potential resale value to make smart decisions.
Final Thoughts: Better Visibility, Same Strategy
Amazon’s switch to per-unit billing won’t increase your removal or disposal costs, but it will change how and when you see them. This is good news. It lets you tie fees back to specific SKUs, reconcile accounting faster, and make smarter decisions on inventory that’s overstaying its welcome.
For sellers who run lean or manage multiple brands, this visibility upgrade is one more reason to build fee reviews into your regular operations playbook. You don’t need to overhaul your FBA strategy—just stay sharp on what’s being charged, when, and why.
