Amazon has announced a sweeping policy change that will impact sellers offering heat-sensitive products like chocolate, lip balms, and scented candles. The e-commerce giant revealed it will remove all "meltable" ASINs from its U.S. marketplace and charge corresponding removal fees, affecting approximately 450,000 products.
The Policy Shift
The decision comes in response to increasing customer complaints about melted products arriving in unsatisfactory condition. Amazon aims to enhance shopping experiences by implementing stricter controls on temperature-sensitive items, including chocolates, jelly candies, wax-based cosmetics, and essential oil candles.
While Amazon began enforcing this policy as early as September 21, 2022, the recent announcement has brought the issue to the forefront. The company hasn't provided a detailed list of affected ASINs, but the massive scale of impacted products suggests widespread consequences for sellers.
Strict Enforcement Measures
Under the new rules, Amazon may immediately remove product listings or even suspend seller accounts upon receiving complaints about melted merchandise. The platform has also introduced rigorous summer quality standards, requiring meltable products to maintain stability within a temperature range of 23.9°C to 68.3°C (75°F to 155°F) during transportation.
This isn't Amazon's first attempt to regulate temperature-sensitive goods. Historically, the company only accepted meltable inventory in fulfillment centers between October 16 and April 14 each year. Outside this period, such inventory would be marked "unsellable" and disposed of at the seller's expense.
Seller Response Strategies
Merchants affected by the policy should consider these immediate actions:
- Conduct inventory audits to identify all meltable ASINs
- Remove vulnerable stock proactively to avoid fees
- Reevaluate sales strategies for seasonal products
- Invest in heat-resistant packaging solutions
- Monitor Amazon policy updates regularly
The policy change underscores the importance of product selection that accounts not just for market demand, but also for logistical constraints and platform regulations. As Amazon continues refining its marketplace standards, sellers must remain vigilant to maintain compliance and protect their businesses.