Amazon Confirms 2025 Q4 Key Dates and Cutoffs
Amazon has officially confirmed its 2025 Q4 cutoff schedule, offering sellers clearer guidance around inbound timelines, deal submissions, and peak-season fees.
Quick Takeaways – 2025 Amazon Q4 Logistics Deadlines
| Deadline | Applies To | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| October 15, 2025 | Apparel & Fashion to FBA | Inventory must be received ahead of Fall Prime |
| December 1, 2025 | Standard (non-apparel) FBA | Final inbound cutoff before holiday surge |
| Mid-Dec (est.) | D2C / FBM Parcel Shipping | Carrier deadlines expected Dec 14–19 |
Key Holiday Deal Submission Windows
| Program | Discount Requirement | Flat Fee | Submission Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Deals | 15%+ (30%+ eligible for boosts) | $1,000 | Sept 12 (Prime Big Deal Days) / Oct 28 (BFCM) |
| Lightning Deals | 20%+ | $500 | Sept 12 (Prime Big Deal Days) / Oct 28 (BFCM) |
| Prime Exclusive Discounts (PED) | 15%+ | $100 (Prime Big Deal Days) / $245 (BFCM) | Open now (BFCM opens Sept 10) |
| Coupons | 5%+ | $5 + 2.5% of sales | Opens once event dates are publicly announced |
Recommended Inventory Arrival Windows (Amazon-Announced)
| Event | AWD Intake | FBA (minimal splits) | FBA (optimized splits) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prime Big Deal Days | Aug 29 | Sept 10 | Sept 19 |
| Black Friday / Cyber Monday | Oct 9 | Oct 20 | Oct 30 |
Shipments using non-partnered carriers (starting August 18) will receive a seven-day delivery window. Shipments arriving within that window receive priority processing; arriving outside may experience delays.
Amazon Has Firmed Up Its Q4 Dates — Here’s What This Means for Your Execution Plan
Amazon has confirmed its inbound FBA deadlines for Q4 2025: October 15 for apparel/fashion SKUs ahead of Fall Prime, and December 1 for general, non-apparel inventory headed into the core holiday window.
For most sellers, these aren’t surprises, but they do allow teams to shift from estimates to exact scheduling as production, freight, and warehousing plans are executed through the peak season.
Plan Backward, Starting With Final Receipt into FBA
1. Finalize Demand & POs (Now – Mid-August)
- Lock your SKU forecasts and unit counts
- Issue purchase orders early to avoid late-season price surges
- Coordinate demand planning across both Fall Prime and Holiday windows
2. Secure Freight & Target Port Arrivals (Aug – Sept)
| Target | Ideal Timing | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean Departure | Aug – early Sept | Avoid overlap with Halloween/Black Friday freight |
| Port Arrival | Sept 10 – Oct 5 | Build buffer for customs + transport to 3PL |
3. D2C & FBM Shipping Capacity (Oct – Dec)
Parcel carriers typically set holiday cutoff windows between December 14–19, depending on zone and service. Reserve downstream pick-pack labor, carton materials, and final-mile capacity well before that window hits.
Even a “Known” Cutoff Still Matters
These dates might not be a surprise, but they do allow more precise maneuvering. These firm inbound dates allow sellers to tighten:
- Factory production coordination
- Freight allocation timing
- Warehouse receiving and staffing calendars
- FBA replenishment staging
2025 Q4 Logistics Timeline Cheat Sheet
| Phase | Timeline | Tactical Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Forecast & POs | Jul 31 – Aug 15 | Define volumes for both Fall Prime & Holiday |
| Freight Departure | Aug 15 – Sept 15 | Prioritize guaranteed allocations |
| Port Arrival | Sept 10 – Oct 5 | Build at least 10 days for customs + delivery |
| 3PL Intake | Sept 15 – Oct 15 | Set plans for Q4 warehousing and splits |
| FBA Inbound | Oct 15 apparel / Dec 1 standard | Route transfers 3 weeks pre-cutoff |
| Parcel Cutoffs | Est. Dec 14–19 | Set carrier calendar & prepare labor asap |
Note: Sellers should always rely on direct Seller Central notifications for their final business-critical deadlines in Q4.
Q4 Logistics Must-Haves: Tactical Services at a Glance
- SplitSmart™ five-way shipping to Amazon FCs
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Get started today. Book a call with a member of the Tactical team.