Covering updates from August 18–27, 2025, including platform policy changes, operational rules, and market trends — a must-read for cross-border sellers.
Amazon
1.1 Amazon to Phase Out 74,460 Inefficient Variation Themes (September 2025)
Starting September 2025, Amazon will deprecate over 74,000 inefficient variation themes. These changes affect parent-child ASIN relationships, potentially reducing traffic and ranking. Sellers should proactively audit at-risk listings and rebuild with valid themes to avoid losses.
1.2 Consumer Notification Act & AI-driven Seller Verification
From August 2025, sellers with ≥200 items or ≥$5,000 sales over 12 months must verify ID, tax, and bank details. Amazon’s new AI audit system enforces stricter checks, with zero tolerance for mismatches or fake documents. Non-compliance risks permanent suspension.
1.3 Amazon Mexico Launches Amazon Bazaar
A new low-price marketplace inside the Amazon app, featuring items under $11 — with a dedicated section for products priced under $3. Targeted at budget-conscious consumers.
1.4 Amazon India Rolls Out Amazon Now
A “10-minute delivery” pilot in Bangalore and New Delhi signals Amazon’s push into ultra-fast logistics.
1.5 FBA Inventory Rules Changing (September 30, 2025)
Key updates: liquidation & donation programs become mandatory. Eligible unsold inventory will be auto-donated via Amazon’s network.
1.6 Prime Big Deal Days Set for October 7–8, 2025
The global Prime sales event spans 16 countries, with early-bird campaigns starting October 4 in Japan and extending to October 13 in Singapore, Turkey, and Australia.
1.7 Direct Validation for Toys (Mandatory from September 2025)
Children’s toy sellers across the US, EU, UK, and Canada must undergo direct validation with Amazon-approved TIC labs. Seller-uploaded compliance docs will no longer be accepted.
1.8 Amazon Brazil to Build 800+ Logistics Points by 2025 Year-End
Part of the “Delivery by Amazon” program, aiming to drastically cut delivery times and strengthen local seller logistics.
TikTok Shop
2.1 Global Black Friday Mega Sale Announced
From late October to early December 2025, TikTok Shop will host its first global Black Friday event across the US, UK, EU, Japan, and Mexico.
2.2 Vietnam Shipping Fee Policy Update (Sept 3, 2025)
For failed deliveries or buyer-initiated returns, sellers must now cover return shipping costs (up to 40,000 VND per order).
2.3 Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT) Launched in Germany
In partnership with Fiege logistics, sellers can now access warehousing, inventory tools, and discounts for free.
2.4 Vietnam National Day Logistics Adjustment (Aug 30–Sept 3)
Order creation/shipping timelines adjusted during the holiday period. Sellers advised to enable “vacation mode” to avoid penalties.
2.5 TikTok Global Weekly Bestsellers
Key highlights:
France: night lamps +27,325% in sales.
Malaysia: pasta leads with 141K units.
Vietnam: toilet paper tops sales (100K+ packs).
US: face serums dominate beauty.
Italy: Wei Long spicy sticks continue to No.1.
eBay
3.1 eBay Relaxes Funds Hold Policy
Frozen funds will now auto-release once delivery is confirmed — no manual request needed. This improves seller cash flow while maintaining fraud control.
3.2 Free Returns on Auto Parts (US Only)
Eligible P&A items over $10 now qualify for free returns within 30 days, boosting buyer trust.
3.3 eBay Expands International Shipping to Canada (October 2025)
The eBay International Shipping (EIS) program launches in Canada, allowing sellers to ship to the US, EU, UK, and Australia — eventually 190+ markets.
Etsy
4.1 Payment Policy Change Hits African Sellers
As of August 26, Etsy requires sellers to switch from PayPal to Etsy Payments. With coverage gaps in Africa, ~54,000 shops risk closure, equating to $109M in potential sales losses.
Shopee
5.1 Shopee Brazil Users Surge +30% YoY
Now surpassing Mercado Libre’s growth, fueled by localized strategies targeting low-income buyers and strong logistics expansion.
5.2 Cashback Program in Mexico, Colombia, Chile
From August 19, Shopee launched tiered cashback incentives, rewarding sellers up to 2.7% of net GMV for hitting growth targets.
Industry Insights
6.1 US ends de minimis tax loophole: low-value parcel exemptions scrapped, forcing multiple postal services to suspend shipments.
6.2 Germany tightens VAT filing: B2B sellers must submit ZM reports alongside VAT returns or risk fines up to €25,000.
6.3 Vietnam drafts 10 new e-commerce bans: crackdown on counterfeit sales, fraud, and algorithm transparency.
6.4 UK requires Amazon/eBay to pay e-waste fees (2026): platforms must report sales data and fund recycling programs.
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