Amazon SP-API Fee Update: What It Means for Developers and SaaS Providers
Amazon has officially announced an update to the Selling Partner API (SP-API) fee model, set to take effect in 2026.
The new structure introduces annual and usage-based fees for third-party developers who build tools for Amazon sellers - but keeps SP-API free for sellers using it directly for their own businesses.
At Tirnav Solutions, we’ve worked extensively with SP-API for high-volume sellers, analytics SaaS platforms, and automation tools. This shift impacts every third-party developer building applications for Amazon’s ecosystem.
Quick Summary
- No change for sellers using SP-API for their own Amazon business.
They can continue using SP-API free of charge. - Third-party developers (offering tools to other sellers) will move to a subscription and usage-based pricing model.
- Core developer resources - documentation, SDKs, and sandbox testing - remain free for all.
What’s Changing in 2026
1. Annual Subscription Fee - $1,400 USD
Starting January 31, 2026, all third-party developers integrating with SP-API will be required to pay an annual subscription fee.
This fee covers:
- Access to the Solution Provider Portal
- Support services and developer case management
- Production SP-API usage
New developers will be charged after their first production API call, while existing developers will begin billing automatically on this date.
2. Monthly API Usage Tiers - Effective April 30, 2026
Amazon will introduce a tiered usage model based on monthly GET API call volume.
All developers start in the Basic Tier with no additional monthly charge, and can upgrade as needed.
| Tier | Annual Fee | Monthly Fee | Included GET Calls | Overage | Unmetered (PUT/POST/PATCH) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | $1,400 | $0 | 2.5M calls | $0.40 / 1,000 calls | Unlimited* | Default for all developers |
| Pro | $1,400 | $1,000 | 25M calls | $0.40 / 1,000 calls | Unlimited* | For growing SaaS tools |
| Plus | $1,400 | $10,000 | 250M calls | $0.40 / 1,000 calls | Unlimited* | Enterprise-grade usage |
| Enterprise | $1,400 | Contact Us | Custom | Custom | Unlimited* | Custom-tier access and support |
SP-API rate limits still apply per Amazon’s documentation.
Metered calls = API requests billed by usage.
Unmetered calls = write operations not counted toward monthly limits.
Key Dates & Deadlines
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Nov 3, 2025 | Billing setup opens in the Solution Provider Portal |
| Jan 31, 2026 | Annual subscription fee begins; billing info required |
| Feb 9, 2026 | Apps without valid billing info removed from Appstore |
| Feb 16, 2026 | SP-API access suspended for incomplete billing info |
| Apr 30, 2026 | Monthly usage fee billing begins |
What This Means for Developers & SaaS Providers
If your application serves Amazon sellers, vendors, or partners, this update will change how your solution interacts with SP-API.
Key takeaways:
- Review and optimize API call patterns (reduce redundant GET requests)
- Implement caching and batching logic to manage call efficiency
- Reassess client pricing models to align with new usage tiers
- Submit billing and tax details before January 31, 2026
- Monitor upcoming updates on Amazon’s Solution Provider Portal
For independent sellers or brands using SP-API solely for internal automation - nothing changes. Your access remains free.
How Tirnav Solutions Can Help
At Tirnav Solutions, our engineering and consulting teams are helping partners audit, optimize, and future-proof their SP-API systems ahead of this change.
We offer:
- API Optimization Audits - analyze usage, caching, and cost impact
- Feed Automation Systems - dynamic, efficient syncs for inventory and pricing
- Scalable Architecture Consulting - cloud-ready integrations built for 2026 and beyond
- Monitoring & Compliance Setup - dashboards, usage tracking, and alerts
Whether you run a SaaS platform, a multi-store Amazon business, or a data-driven integration, we’ll help you stay compliant and cost-efficient under the new SP-API framework.
Useful Resources
Let’s Prepare Your SP-API Systems for 2026
If your product or business depends on Amazon’s marketplace APIs, this shift will directly impact your operations and cost model.
Let’s make sure your integrations are optimized, compliant, and cost-efficient ahead of time.
👉 Book a Technical Assessment or SP-API Optimization Call
