Amazon closes Fulfillment by Amazon for most

Amazon has suspended most inbound shipments for its Fulfillment by Amazon service in Europe. The ecommerce giant wants to prioritize items such as medical supplies, as there is now a bigger need for these kinds of products due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Amazon sees increased online shopping, which led to products such as household staples and medical supplies being out of stock. As a result, the platform temporarily disabled shipment creation for Fulfillment by Amazon users.

Shipment creation is temporarily disabled

“We are prioritizing household staples, medical supplies, and other high-demand products coming into our fulfillment centers so that we can more quickly receive, restock, and deliver these products to customers. For products other than these, we have temporarily disabled shipment creation. We are taking a similar approach with retail vendors”, the company said in an email sent to FBA users.

We are taking a similar approach with retail vendors.

Amazon adds: “We understand this is a change to your business, and we did not take this decision lightly. We are working around the clock to increase capacity and yesterday announced 12 that we are opening 100,000 new full- and part-time positions in our fulfillment centers across the US.”

In effect through 5 April

Amazon will keep the measure in effect until 5 April and says it well let retailers know once it resume regular operations. Shipments created before 17 March will still be received at fulfillment centers.

High priority categories

These are the categories for which Amazon still accept most products:

• Baby Products
• Health & Household
• Beauty & Personal Care (including personal care appliances)
• Grocery
• Industrial & Scientific
• Pet Supplies