Amazon will be implementing a 3.5 per cent fuel surcharge on fulfillment fees for sellers in Canada and the U.S., according to a spokesperson from the popular e-commerce company as reported by CBC News. This surcharge is set to affect sellers enrolled in the Fulfillment by Amazon program, which allows them to utilize Amazon’s fulfillment warehouses for packing and shipping services. The surcharge will come into effect on April 17 for online Amazon storefronts operating in both countries.
For sellers utilizing Amazon’s Multi-Channel Fulfillment program, which caters to those with non-Amazon sales channels such as personal websites, the surcharge will be applied starting on May 2.
In response to rising fuel and logistics costs across the industry, the spokesperson highlighted that Amazon has previously absorbed these cost increases. However, due to the sustained elevated costs, temporary surcharges are being introduced to help offset these expenses, following the lead of other major carriers. The company emphasized its dedication to supporting its selling partners’ success and ensuring a diverse product selection and competitive prices for customers.
The move to introduce fuel surcharges follows a trend seen in several major companies that provide consumer services amid the ongoing global energy crisis triggered by events such as the U.S. and Israel’s actions against Iran. Iran’s response, including the closure of the critical Strait of Hormuz, a key passage for global oil and gas transportation, has further exacerbated the energy market situation.