Amazon to Auto-Set 0-Day Handling for Select Sellers on October 27

Beginning October 27, 2025, Amazon will automatically change the order handling time from one day to 0 days for a group of merchants designated as “high-quality sellers.” Once this takes effect, the handling-time setting for those sellers will default to same-day dispatch, a shift that underscores Amazon’s continued focus on speed, reliability, and seller compliance.

Dispatch Cut-Offs and Next-Day Requirements

Under the notice sent to affected sellers, orders received before 11:00 a.m. must ship the same day. Orders received between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. the following day must ship by the next day.

Amazon advises sellers who cannot consistently meet same-day dispatch to ensure all orders still ship before the promised ship-by deadline to avoid an elevated Late Shipment Rate or order cancellations. If a longer processing window is needed, sellers can revert specific products back to a 1-day handling time at the ASIN level.

Where to Adjust Product-Level Settings

Amazon indicates that configuration changes can be made via Manage All Inventory > Edit Product Info, using the SKU HT field to adjust the handling-time setting for individual SKUs.

What This Change Means in Practice

Because the platform will override existing handling-time presets, sellers should proactively review their catalog and update listings where operational constraints make same-day shipping impractical. Taking these steps helps reduce the risk of performance defects and downstream penalties tied to late dispatch.

Amazon to Begin Quarterly China Tax Information Reporting on October 31

In a separate update, Amazon announced it will file quarterly tax information with Chinese tax authorities starting October 31, 2025. According to a Seller Central notice dated October 13, 2025, the platform will periodically report data including seller identity, transaction volume, revenue, and commissions. The first reporting period covers July–September 2025, with filing to be completed by the end of October.

Legal Basis and Scope

This reporting framework is based on State Council Order No. 810 (Regulations on Tax Information Reporting by Internet Platform Enterprises) and the State Taxation Administration (STA) Announcement 2025 No. 15. The rules require all platforms serving China-based sellers—regardless of whether they operate domestically or overseas—to submit transaction and income data to China's tax authorities.

Compliance Implications for Sellers

Historically, authorities faced challenges obtaining a complete view of cross-border seller income generated on international platforms. Under the new mechanism, every transaction and revenue record will fall under tax oversight. China-based Amazon sellers will need to ensure that their tax filings align fully with platform-reported data; discrepancies could trigger inquiries or reviews. While specific penalties have not been published, industry consensus is that tax authorities will use the quarterly data to guide examinations and promote higher levels of seller compliance and transparency.

Amazon states that no additional action is required from sellers for the data submission itself; the platform will report automatically. The policy applies to China-registered sellers operating across Amazon’s global marketplaces, including the United States, Europe, and Japan.

Action Checklist for Sellers

1. Audit handling times now. Identify SKUs that cannot meet a 0-day handling time and adjust the SKU HT field at the ASIN level.
2. Validate cut-offs and workflows. Confirm pick/pack schedules, carrier cut-offs, and staffing so orders placed before 11:00 a.m. depart the same day.
3. Align books with platform data. Reconcile order, revenue, and commission records with Amazon reports to prepare for quarterly China tax reporting.
4. Document controls. Maintain evidence of order processing timelines and tax reconciliations to streamline any future reviews.

Conclusion

Amazon's shift to 0-day handling time for selected merchants and the start of China tax reporting on October 31, 2025 both elevate operational and compliance expectations. By calibrating Amazon order handling time settings at the SKU level and ensuring financial records match platform data, sellers can reduce risk and stay ahead of enforcement trends.

If you need end-to-end support moving inventory closer to customers and stabilizing transit times, Forest Shipping provides international freight forwarding solutions from China to major markets (including DDP options, FBA prep, and multi-channel fulfillment lanes). Our team can help you align logistics execution with Amazon’s service-level and seller compliance requirements.