SP-API

 SP-API is Amazon’s official API framework for developers, vendors, and sellers who want to build custom applications that interact with their Amazon business data in real time.
It replaces the older MWS (Marketplace Web Service) and offers more secure, modern, and granular access to Amazon’s ecosystem.

Purpose:
SP-API allows partners to automate workflows, analyze performance, manage catalogues, update listings, track orders, and handle financial or advertising data - all without manual use of Seller or Vendor Central dashboards.

Architecture:

• REST-based: Uses HTTPS requests and JSON responses.
• OAuth 2.0 authentication: Ensures secure token-based access.
• Granular permissions: Scopes restrict access to specific data (e.g., orders, inventory, listings).
• Cloud-ready: Built for integration with modern SaaS and data pipelines.

Core API Groups:

API GroupFunction

Listings API | Create, update, and manage product listings
Orders API | Retrieve order and shipment data
Reports API | Request and download performance and financial reports
Catalog Items API | Access product metadata and category information
Inventory API | Manage stock levels and fulfilment data
Feeds API | Upload bulk data (pricing, offers, inventory)
Notifications API | Receive push updates on orders, inventory, etc.
Finances API | Access transaction and payment data
FBA Inbound/Outbound APIs | Manage FBA shipments and inventory flows
Vendor APIs | Dedicated endpoints for 1P vendors (e.g., PO, forecasts, metrics)

Benefits for Developers and Sellers:

• Automation: Eliminate manual data entry in Seller/Vendor Central.
• Integration: Connect Amazon data with ERP, CRM, BI, or SaaS systems.
• Real-time access: Retrieve up-to-date operational and financial data.
• Scalability: Support for multiple marketplaces and accounts.

Benefits for Amazon:

• Ecosystem enablement: Encourages third-party tools and analytics solutions.
• Efficiency: Reduces human errors and operational support needs.
• Compliance: Enforces secure data access through OAuth and AWS IAM roles.

Key Concepts:

• Selling Partner: Any seller, vendor, or developer interacting with Amazon APIs.
• LWA (Login with Amazon): Used for OAuth-based authentication.
• IAM Roles (AWS): Control access permissions for SP-API applications.
• Sandbox: Test environment for development and validation.

Common Use Cases:

• Automating order and inventory sync with ERP systems.
• Pulling sales and performance reports for analytics dashboards.
• Managing catalog updates and pricing dynamically.
• Building SaaS products (e.g., keyword trackers, refund tools, or ad optimisers).

Example:
A SaaS provider integrates SP-API to pull real-time keyword ranking and sales data for Amazon sellers.
The system uses the Reports API to access daily business metrics and the Listings API to push content updates programmatically.

Why It Matters:
SP-API is the technical backbone of modern Amazon integrations.
It allows vendors and sellers to scale operations, build data-driven insights, and automate complex retail workflows securely and efficiently.

In short:
SP-API (Selling Partner API) is Amazon’s REST-based interface that gives sellers and vendors programmatic access to their business data, enabling automation, integrations, and analytics across Seller and Vendor Central.