Amazon Tightens FBM Delivery Standards in 2026
Reading time: Approx. 6 minutes
Amazon is introducing a series of important updates to its Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM) programme throughout 2026, with the aim of improving delivery reliability and providing customers with more accurate delivery promises.
The latest changes focus on handling times, dispatch performance, Amazon Business deliveries and cross-border shipping. Although these updates do not introduce new fulfilment methods, they encourage sellers to align their delivery promises with their actual operational performance.
For most UK FBM sellers, this means reviewing handling times, monitoring delivery metrics and ensuring orders continue to be dispatched promptly.
What Is Changing?
Amazon is strengthening its FBM delivery standards to improve customer experience across its European marketplaces.
According to Amazon, most UK FBM sellers already dispatch orders within one working day. The updated policies are designed to ensure that delivery promises shown to customers accurately reflect sellers’ actual fulfilment performance.
The changes include:
- Reduced default handling times.
- Automatic adjustment of handling times for eligible listings.
- New delivery performance expectations for Amazon Business orders.
- Additional requirements for certain international shipments.
Default Handling Times Are Becoming Faster
From July 2026, Amazon has reduced the default handling time options available to many FBM sellers.
Sellers using a default two-day handling time may automatically be moved to a one-day handling time at account level. Longer handling times can still be applied to individual products where genuinely required.
This change aims to ensure delivery estimates remain competitive while reflecting how quickly sellers normally dispatch customer orders.
Automated Handling Time
Amazon is also expanding the use of Automated Handling Time.
Where Amazon identifies that a seller consistently dispatches orders faster than the configured handling time, it may automatically shorten the handling time displayed to customers.
This helps provide more accurate delivery promises while rewarding sellers who consistently dispatch orders ahead of schedule.
Business Hour Delivery Rate
Amazon is introducing a new delivery performance metric specifically for Amazon Business customers.
Sellers fulfilling Amazon Business orders through FBM are expected to achieve a Business Hour Delivery Rate of at least 90%. This measures how frequently orders are successfully delivered during normal business operating hours.
Sellers who consistently fail to meet this requirement may see their Amazon Business offers become unavailable until delivery performance improves. Amazon recommends monitoring performance through the Account Health Dashboard and using reliable delivery partners wherever possible.
Cross-Border Customs Requirements
Alongside the FBM delivery updates, Amazon has also highlighted new customs requirements for certain international shipments entering the European Union.
Sellers using the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) scheme for consignments valued below €150 should ensure they use approved carriers capable of submitting the required customs information electronically.
Businesses shipping products internationally should review their logistics processes to ensure customs documentation is completed accurately and that carriers comply with Amazon’s latest requirements.
What Does This Mean for UK FBM Sellers?
For most UK Amazon sellers, these updates do not require major operational changes. Instead, Amazon is encouraging sellers to ensure their handling times accurately reflect how quickly they normally dispatch customer orders.
Businesses that consistently dispatch orders within one working day are unlikely to experience significant disruption. However, sellers relying on longer handling times as a safety margin should review their account settings before Amazon automatically adjusts eligible listings.
Maintaining accurate delivery promises not only helps improve the customer experience but may also contribute to better seller performance metrics and increased Buy Box competitiveness.
Practical Steps to Prepare
To prepare for Amazon’s updated FBM requirements, sellers should consider the following actions:
- Review your default handling time settings.
- Update SKU-level handling times where necessary.
- Monitor your On-Time Delivery Rate regularly.
- Track your Business Hour Delivery Rate for Amazon Business orders.
- Use reliable shipping carriers with accurate tracking.
- Review your Account Health Dashboard on a regular basis.
- Ensure international shipments comply with the latest customs requirements where applicable.
Taking proactive steps now can help minimise disruption and ensure your FBM operation continues to meet Amazon’s evolving delivery standards.
Key Takeaways
Amazon’s latest FBM updates are designed to improve delivery accuracy, reliability and the overall customer experience rather than introduce an entirely new fulfilment model.
The most significant changes include:
- Faster default handling times for many FBM sellers.
- Automatic handling time adjustments where dispatch performance is consistently faster.
- A new Business Hour Delivery Rate requirement for Amazon Business orders.
- Updated customs requirements for certain cross-border shipments.
Sellers with efficient fulfilment processes are unlikely to experience major operational disruption. However, businesses using longer handling times than necessary should review their settings before Amazon automatically updates eligible listings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Amazon automatically change my handling time?
Amazon may automatically reduce handling times for eligible products if your actual dispatch performance consistently exceeds the handling time currently configured on your listings.
Can I still use longer handling times?
Yes. Longer handling times can still be applied where they genuinely reflect your fulfilment process. Amazon’s aim is to ensure delivery promises accurately match real dispatch performance.
Do these updates affect Amazon FBA sellers?
These announcements primarily affect sellers using Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM). Sellers using Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) are generally not affected by the handling time changes, although businesses operating both fulfilment methods should review their account settings carefully.
Final Thoughts
Amazon continues to raise delivery standards across its marketplace, placing greater emphasis on speed, accuracy and customer satisfaction. The latest FBM updates encourage sellers to provide realistic handling times while maintaining consistently strong delivery performance.
Reviewing your fulfilment settings before each implementation date will help ensure your business remains compliant, avoids unnecessary disruptions and continues to deliver an excellent customer experience.
Whether you fulfil orders yourself or work with a trusted fulfilment partner, keeping up to date with Amazon Seller Central announcements will help you adapt quickly to future policy changes.