Every unit you send to Amazon must be prepped and packaged so it can be stored, picked and shipped without damage. Get Amazon FBA prep requirements wrong and your shipment can be delayed, charged fees or refused, and since January 1, 2026 Amazon no longer preps or labels items for you on US shipments. Preparing FBA shipments is part of my Amazon virtual assistant work, and this guide covers what prep means, the main requirements by product type, carton rules, and who can do the prep now.
Key Takeaways
- Since January 1, 2026, Amazon no longer offers prep and item-labeling services for US FBA shipments. Units must arrive ready.
- Every unit needs a scannable barcode (usually an FNSKU label) and secure packaging.
- Poly bags need a suffocation warning when the opening is large, and sets must be marked as sets.
- Fragile, liquid, sharp and expiring products each have extra prep rules.
- You can prep yourself, ask your supplier to do it, or use a third-party prep center.
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What Is FBA Prep?
FBA prep means getting each unit ready for Amazon’s warehouses: labeling, bagging, bubble-wrapping, boxing or marking items as sets so they arrive safely and can be scanned. Packing those units into shipping cartons correctly is the second half of the job.
Amazon Ended Its US Prep Service in 2026
Amazon announced in July 2025 that it would stop offering FBA prep and item-labeling services in the US from January 1, 2026. Shipments created from that date must arrive fully prepped and labeled. Amazon also warned that units arriving without proper prep and labels may not be eligible for reimbursement if they are damaged or can’t be traced. If you used to pay Amazon to label or bag items, you now need another solution (see the options below).
General Prep Requirements for Every Unit
- One scannable barcode per unit, with any other barcodes covered.
- Secure packaging that won’t open in transit, using tape, bags or boxes as needed.
- Loose parts contained in one package so nothing separates.
- Sets and multipacks bundled and marked “Sold as set” or “Do not separate”.
- Products with expiration dates clearly marked on each unit.
Tip: Amazon updates prep rules by product type. Always check the Packaging and Prep Requirements pages in Seller Central for your category before your first shipment.
Prep Requirements by Product Type
| Product type | Typical prep |
|---|---|
| Fragile (glass, ceramics) | Bubble wrap or boxing so the item survives a drop |
| Liquids | Seal the cap and bag the item to prevent leaks |
| Apparel and textiles | Poly bag, with a suffocation warning on bags with large openings |
| Sharp items | Protect edges and points so nothing is exposed |
| Small items | Poly bag so the unit isn’t lost |
| Sets and bundles | Bag or shrink-wrap together and mark as a set |
| Expiring products | Show the expiration date on the unit and the carton |
Poly Bag Rules
- Use transparent bags so the barcode can be scanned, or label the outside of the bag.
- Seal bags completely.
- Add a suffocation warning to bags with large openings, as Amazon requires.
- Use bags thick enough not to tear in handling.
Shipping Carton Requirements
- Use sturdy, undamaged boxes and enough dunnage (air pillows or paper) so items don’t move.
- Keep each carton within Amazon’s standard size and weight limits, and mark heavy cartons as required.
- Put the FBA box label on a side of each carton so it isn’t covered by tape.
- Pack only the SKUs and quantities you entered in Send to Amazon for that box.
Who Can Do Your FBA Prep Now?
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Do it yourself | Lowest cost, full control | Takes your time and space |
| Your supplier or manufacturer | Units ship ready to Amazon | You must give clear instructions and check samples |
| Third-party prep center | Experienced, scales easily, can inspect stock | Per-unit fees; choose a reputable provider |
Sellers outside the US, such as those selling on Amazon from Bangladesh, usually rely on their supplier or a prep center.
Common FBA Prep Mistakes
- Leaving the manufacturer’s barcode visible next to the FNSKU.
- Unmarked sets that get split and sold as single units.
- Liquids that leak because caps weren’t sealed.
- Overweight or oversized cartons.
- Box contents that don’t match what was entered in Send to Amazon.
Problems like these can lead to fees, delays, stranded inventory or lost units you can’t claim.
Official sources: Amazon Seller Central: Product packaging requirements · Amazon: Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Amazon FBA prep requirements?
They are Amazon’s rules for preparing each unit and carton: a scannable barcode on every unit, secure packaging, poly bags with suffocation warnings where needed, protection for fragile or liquid items, marked sets and correctly packed cartons.
Does Amazon still offer FBA prep services?
Not for US shipments. Amazon ended its FBA prep and item-labeling services in the US on January 1, 2026, so units must arrive fully prepped and labeled.
Who can prep my FBA inventory?
You can prep it yourself, ask your supplier to prep and label units before shipping, or use a third-party prep center.
Do I need to poly bag my products for FBA?
Only some products, such as apparel, small items or items that could get damaged or separated. Bags must be sealed, scannable and carry a suffocation warning where required.
What happens if my FBA shipment isn’t prepped correctly?
Amazon may charge fees, delay check-in, refuse units or return them, and units that arrive without proper prep may not be eligible for reimbursement if they are lost or damaged.
Can a virtual assistant help with FBA shipments?
Yes. I create Send to Amazon shipments, prepare labels and box contents and coordinate with suppliers and prep centers for Amazon sellers.
Conclusion
With Amazon no longer prepping or labeling units for US shipments, getting FBA prep right is now fully your responsibility. Label every unit, package it securely for its product type, pack cartons correctly and choose a reliable prep partner if you can’t do it yourself. Good prep means faster check-in and fewer lost units.
Amazon Virtual Assistant
Need FBA shipments planned and checked for you? See my Amazon virtual assistant service.
About the Author
Rahana Islam
Virtual Assistant & E-commerce Specialist with 7+ years of remote experience supporting businesses in the United States, Denmark and worldwide with WordPress, Shopify, Amazon, Walmart and eBay operations. Level 2 Fiverr seller with a 5.0★ rating from 167 reviews, an NSDA-certified trainer & assessor and the #1 LEDP earner of Dhaka district.
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