Amazon introduces updated return fees for Europe sellers starting February 2025
Amazon announces changes to returns processing fees for European sellers, with new thresholds and category-specific rates.
The e-commerce giant Amazon is implementing a new returns processing fee structure for European sellers using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), according to an announcement published on the company's Seller Central platform. The changes, set to take effect on February 1, 2025, will impact sellers across the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain.
According to the official documentation, the new fee structure introduces category-specific return rate thresholds and applies only to products that exceed these predetermined limits. For instance, the Beauty, Health and Personal Care category will have a 5.65% threshold across all European marketplaces, while Consumer Electronics will maintain a 14.67% threshold.
The implementation methodology follows a specific timeline. For units shipped in February 2025, Amazon will calculate the return rate based on returns processed during February, March, and April 2025. Charges will be assessed between May 7 and May 15, 2025.
Amazon has established detailed exemption criteria. According to the documentation, products shipping fewer than 25 units per month will not incur returns processing fees. Additionally, sellers enrolled in the FBA New Selection program will receive fee waivers for up to 20 units of each eligible standard-size parent ASIN, provided returns are received within 180 days of the first inventory-received date.
The fee structure varies by product size and weight. In Germany, for example, a light envelope weighing up to 20g will incur a €2.22 fee, while a standard parcel up to 11.90kg will be charged €5.64. The UK market shows similar gradation, with fees ranging from £1.70 for light envelopes to £3.97 for standard parcels.
For clothing and shoes categories, Amazon has implemented a distinct approach. These categories will incur returns processing fees for each customer-returned unit, without applying thresholds. The fees for these categories will be updated on February 1, 2025, to align with the broader EU FBA fee changes.
The mathematical framework for fee calculation incorporates specific variables. Using a hypothetical example provided in the documentation: if 1,000 units ship in February, and 120 units return during the three-month measurement period, with a category threshold of 10%, fees would apply to 20 units (the amount exceeding the threshold).
Size tier classifications follow precise measurements. Products are categorized based on unit weight, product dimensions, and dimensional weight of packaged items. The shipping weight calculations vary depending on the product size tier, utilizing either item unit weight or dimensional weight metrics.
The policy includes provisions for special cases. According to the documentation, bundles containing both camera devices and accessory products fall under the Electronics Accessories category. Products not clearly fitting existing categories default to an "Everything Else" classification.
Regional variations exist across European marketplaces. While many thresholds remain consistent, certain categories show market-specific rates. For example, Amazon Device Accessories maintains different thresholds across markets: 12.33% in the UK, 19.23% in Germany, 16.67% in France, 15.09% in Italy, and 20.00% in Spain.
The fee structure accommodates various business models through different programs. Remote Fulfillment between the EU and UK enables cross-border selling without requiring VAT registration in destination stores. The European Fulfillment Network adjusts fees based on foreign exchange rate fluctuations exceeding 5% on monthly, quarterly, or yearly bases.
To monitor compliance and performance, Amazon provides multiple tracking tools. Sellers can access their product return rates through the FBA Returns interface, view fee charges via the SKU Economics report or Payments Dashboard, and track returned product status through the FBA customer returns report.
In addition to the returns processing fees, Amazon announced concurrent changes to other fee structures, including monthly storage fees and aged-inventory surcharges, indicating a comprehensive revision of its European marketplace cost structure.