Introduction
Amazon just announced an important Amazon variation themes update that will impact how sellers manage product variations. Between September 2, 2025, and November 30, 2025, Amazon will be removing certain variation themes from product templates. These are themes that are either rarely used or not relevant, and the change is aimed at simplifying the listing process.
If you sell products that rely on variation themes, this update could affect how your ASINs are structured and displayed. Here’s a breakdown of what’s changing, why it matters, and what steps you should take to stay compliant.
For background, Amazon explains variation management in its Variation Relationship FAQ.
Amazon Variation Themes Update 2025 – What’s Changing?
Amazon will remove variation themes that are considered outdated, irrelevant, or infrequently used.
These themes will be marked as “Deprecated: Do not use” in the product template’s Variation Theme field.
If you attempt to update a listing using one of these deprecated themes, you’ll see an error message:
“The value specified is invalid.”
This means your listing update will not go through until you switch to an approved variation theme.
Steps to Fix Listings After the Amazon Variation Themes Update
If you have listings tied to a soon-to-be-removed variation theme, you’ll need to restructure them. Amazon recommends the following steps:
Check Your Inventory
Go to Manage Inventory and locate the affected parent ASINs.
Delete the Parent ASIN
Remove the following attributes from the related child ASINs:
Parentage level
Child relationship type
Parent SKU
Variation theme name
Create a New Parent ASIN
Choose an available variation theme that Amazon still supports.
Assign your child ASINs under the new parent.
- Need help? See Amazon’s guide on Adding or Editing Variations.
Don’t Worry About Standalone Listings
If you don’t update, your child ASINs will remain active as individual listings.
Customers will still be able to purchase your products, but you’ll lose the variation grouping (size, color, style, etc.).
Why the Amazon Variation Themes Update Matters for Sellers
Variations play a big role in customer experience. Grouping similar products under one parent ASIN:
Boosts discoverability in search results
Increases cross-selling opportunities
Helps customers easily compare product options
If your listings rely on deprecated variation themes and you don’t take action, your products could lose visibility and appear fragmented.
Resources to Navigate the Amazon Variation Themes Update
Amazon has provided two helpful resources to guide you through this update:
Variation Relationship FAQ – Learn more about managing variations.
Amazon Seller Central Announcements – Stay updated with the latest policy changes.
Amazon Seller University – Build Your Listings – Free tutorials on listing optimization.
Get help now
If your case is urgent or complex, do not wait. Do you need help? Submit your case now!
Final Thoughts
This Amazon variation themes update is designed to streamline listings and improve buyer experience, but sellers must act quickly to protect their ASINs. By updating your parent-child relationships and moving to supported variation themes, you’ll avoid errors and keep your listings competitive.
Now is the time to review your inventory and adjust before the November deadline to ensure your product variations remain optimized for visibility and sales.
For training and resources, visit Amazon Seller University.
