Amazon to end commingling practices across its fulfillment network from March 2026
New Seller Central update brings major changes to barcode rules for brand owners and resellers
Amazon has announced a significant policy change on Seller Central, confirming that commingling practices will be discontinued across its supply chain effective March 31, 2026. This marks a major shift in how inventory will be handled within the fulfillment network. Amazon says the move comes as most sellers now maintain strong regional inventory levels, making fast delivery possible without mixing identical units from different sellers. The update introduces new barcode requirements and aims to improve control, authenticity, and traceability for both brand owners and resellers.
Also Read: Amazon India announces updated seller fees effective November 15, 2025
What commingling means and why it is ending
Commingling allows Amazon to fulfill a customer order using the closest identical product available, even if it comes from another seller. This system was originally designed to boost delivery speed. However, with improved inventory placement and expanded fulfillment centers, Amazon can now achieve fast shipping without mixing products from multiple sellers. Ending commingling is also expected to reduce authenticity disputes, minimize product quality concerns, and give sellers more direct control over their units.
New rules effective March 31, 2026
Amazon outlined three major changes that sellers must follow for inventory shipped on or after March 31, 2026.
New flexibility for brand owners
Brand owners with the Brand Representative role in Amazon Brand Registry will no longer need to apply Amazon barcode stickers if their products already carry valid manufacturer barcodes such as UPC or ISBN. This offers smoother operations for private label and registered brands since inventory does not need pre-allocation and can move easily between Amazon and other sales channels. Sellers who want to shift to manufacturer barcodes can review the detailed steps in the manufacturer barcode guide on Seller Central.
Mandatory Amazon barcodes for resellers
Resellers not enrolled in Brand Registry as Brand Representatives must now use Amazon barcode stickers on all products, even when a manufacturer barcode exists. This ensures that each unit is tied directly to the selling account and prevents cross-seller inventory mixing. Resellers already using Amazon barcodes can continue without changes.
Rules for products without manufacturer barcodes
Both brand owners and resellers will be required to apply Amazon barcode stickers to all products that do not carry a valid manufacturer barcode. This includes custom bundles, certain handmade products, and items without retail packaging.
Additional guidance for sellers
Sellers should begin assessing their current labeling workflows well before the 2026 deadline. Early preparation will help avoid delays, extra labeling costs, or stranded inventory during the transition. Amazon provides detailed instructions through resources like the FBA barcode choice and labeling FAQ, which sellers are encouraged to review. Brand owners should also confirm that their Brand Registry roles are correctly assigned to ensure eligibility for manufacturer barcode use.
Amazon’s decision to end commingling marks a major shift toward clearer product traceability and stronger inventory control within the fulfillment network. The new barcode rules outlined in the Seller Central update will affect both brand owners and resellers, making it important for sellers to understand the upcoming changes and adjust their processes in time. By preparing early, sellers can ensure a smooth transition and maintain uninterrupted operations once the new policy takes effect in March 2026.
Also Read: Amazon to cut key seller fees in Europe in 2026
Disclaimer:
Amazon is the registered trademark of the e-commerce brand.
About ChannelMAX.NET:
ChannelMAX offers Amazon Repricer that runs on the latest AI Repricing algorithm to do Amazon Pricing Management or Amazon Repricing. Based on Amazon SP API, the repricing engine or repricer runs 24/7 and efficiently manages Amazon prices to maximize your BuyBox with profit optimization. Established in 2005, ChannelMAX has been integrated with Amazon technology since 2007, helping thousands of third-party sellers on various eCommerce platforms. Some of the eCommerce platforms, aka marketplaces, supported by ChannelMAX.NET, are Amazon, Walmart, eBay, and Shopify. Some of ChannelMAX key offerings include ChannelMAX Amazon Repricer, 2ndly, ChannelMAX Amazon FBA Audits and FBA Refunds management, an offering for managing Amazon FBA Refunds Reimbursement management for lost or damaged or misplaced inventory for which Amazon is responsible and for which sellers deserve appropriate credit reimbursement from Amazon. ChannelMAX Services offer Remote (aka Virtual) Full-Time eCommerce Assistant to help 3P sellers run their daytoday business.
Check ChannelMAX at Amazon Selling Partner Appstore, an application with a 5 star rating.
By ChannelMAX Staff Writer
Dec-2025#07
Amazon has announced a significant policy change on Seller Central, confirming that commingling practices will be discontinued across its supply chain effective March 31, 2026. This marks a major shift in how inventory will be handled within the fulfillment network. Amazon says the move comes as most sellers now maintain strong regional inventory levels, making fast delivery possible without mixing identical units from different sellers. The update introduces new barcode requirements and aims to improve control, authenticity, and traceability for both brand owners and resellers.
Also Read: Amazon India announces updated seller fees effective November 15, 2025
What commingling means and why it is ending
Commingling allows Amazon to fulfill a customer order using the closest identical product available, even if it comes from another seller. This system was originally designed to boost delivery speed. However, with improved inventory placement and expanded fulfillment centers, Amazon can now achieve fast shipping without mixing products from multiple sellers. Ending commingling is also expected to reduce authenticity disputes, minimize product quality concerns, and give sellers more direct control over their units.
New rules effective March 31, 2026
Amazon outlined three major changes that sellers must follow for inventory shipped on or after March 31, 2026.
New flexibility for brand owners
Brand owners with the Brand Representative role in Amazon Brand Registry will no longer need to apply Amazon barcode stickers if their products already carry valid manufacturer barcodes such as UPC or ISBN. This offers smoother operations for private label and registered brands since inventory does not need pre-allocation and can move easily between Amazon and other sales channels. Sellers who want to shift to manufacturer barcodes can review the detailed steps in the manufacturer barcode guide on Seller Central.
Mandatory Amazon barcodes for resellers
Resellers not enrolled in Brand Registry as Brand Representatives must now use Amazon barcode stickers on all products, even when a manufacturer barcode exists. This ensures that each unit is tied directly to the selling account and prevents cross-seller inventory mixing. Resellers already using Amazon barcodes can continue without changes.
Rules for products without manufacturer barcodes
Both brand owners and resellers will be required to apply Amazon barcode stickers to all products that do not carry a valid manufacturer barcode. This includes custom bundles, certain handmade products, and items without retail packaging.
Additional guidance for sellers
Sellers should begin assessing their current labeling workflows well before the 2026 deadline. Early preparation will help avoid delays, extra labeling costs, or stranded inventory during the transition. Amazon provides detailed instructions through resources like the FBA barcode choice and labeling FAQ, which sellers are encouraged to review. Brand owners should also confirm that their Brand Registry roles are correctly assigned to ensure eligibility for manufacturer barcode use.
Amazon’s decision to end commingling marks a major shift toward clearer product traceability and stronger inventory control within the fulfillment network. The new barcode rules outlined in the Seller Central update will affect both brand owners and resellers, making it important for sellers to understand the upcoming changes and adjust their processes in time. By preparing early, sellers can ensure a smooth transition and maintain uninterrupted operations once the new policy takes effect in March 2026.
Also Read: Amazon to cut key seller fees in Europe in 2026
Disclaimer:
Amazon is the registered trademark of the e-commerce brand.
About ChannelMAX.NET:
ChannelMAX offers Amazon Repricer that runs on the latest AI Repricing algorithm to do Amazon Pricing Management or Amazon Repricing. Based on Amazon SP API, the repricing engine or repricer runs 24/7 and efficiently manages Amazon prices to maximize your BuyBox with profit optimization. Established in 2005, ChannelMAX has been integrated with Amazon technology since 2007, helping thousands of third-party sellers on various eCommerce platforms. Some of the eCommerce platforms, aka marketplaces, supported by ChannelMAX.NET, are Amazon, Walmart, eBay, and Shopify. Some of ChannelMAX key offerings include ChannelMAX Amazon Repricer, 2ndly, ChannelMAX Amazon FBA Audits and FBA Refunds management, an offering for managing Amazon FBA Refunds Reimbursement management for lost or damaged or misplaced inventory for which Amazon is responsible and for which sellers deserve appropriate credit reimbursement from Amazon. ChannelMAX Services offer Remote (aka Virtual) Full-Time eCommerce Assistant to help 3P sellers run their daytoday business.
Check ChannelMAX at Amazon Selling Partner Appstore, an application with a 5 star rating.