What Is FBA Prep? Amazon Requirements & Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

1. What Is FBA Prep?

FBA prep (Fulfillment by Amazon preparation) is the process of getting products ready to be sent to Amazon’s fulfillment centers. It ensures that every product is properly packaged, labeled, and protected so Amazon can receive, identify, and store it without problems.

FBA prep takes place before Amazon receives your inventory. Once your products arrive and are checked into Amazon’s fulfillment network, Amazon handles storage, picking, packing, shipping customer orders, and processing returns.

For example, suppose you’re ordering 500 stainless steel water bottles from a manufacturer. Before shipping them to Amazon, you need to make sure:

• Each bottle has the correct scannable barcode.
• The packaging protects the product during shipping and handling.
• Any additional preparation required for that product is completed.
• The bottles are packed into shipping cartons with the correct labels.

If the manufacturer has already packaged the bottles according to Amazon’s requirements, you may not need additional wrapping or bagging.

The purpose of FBA prep is simple: make sure your inventory arrives at Amazon ready to be received and stored, without unnecessary delays, damage, or preparation issues.

You can prepare the products yourself, ask your manufacturer to handle the preparation, or use a third-party FBA prep service. We’ll compare these options later in the guide.

2. What Does Amazon FBA Prep Include?

FBA prep involves several tasks to make sure products are ready for Amazon’s fulfillment centers. The preparation required depends on the product’s packaging, size, material, and condition.

Here are the most common FBA preparation services and what each involves.

Not every product requires all these services. For example, a product that arrives from the manufacturer in secure, compliant retail packaging may not need additional poly bagging or bubble wrapping.

However, products with fragile components, exposed parts, or special handling requirements may need additional preparation.

The important thing is to identify which tasks apply to your products before shipping inventory to Amazon. We’ll cover the specific packaging and labeling requirements in the following sections.

3. Amazon FBA Prep Requirements in 2026

Amazon introduced important changes to its FBA preparation and labeling policies in 2026. Sellers shipping inventory to US fulfillment centers must follow these updated requirements.

Amazon Discontinued FBA Prep Services on January 1, 2026

Amazon no longer offers product preparation and item labeling services for FBA shipments in the United States.

Previously, sellers could pay Amazon to perform certain tasks, such as applying barcode labels, poly bagging, or bubble wrapping products. These services are no longer available for new shipments.

Sellers are now responsible for making sure their products arrive fully prepared. They can handle preparation themselves, arrange it through their manufacturer, or hire a third-party prep center.

Products that arrive without proper preparation or labeling may be recorded as defective. Inventory that becomes damaged or untraceable because of these issues may also be ineligible for reimbursement.

New Amazon FBA Barcode Requirements From March 31, 2026

Amazon also changed how sellers can use manufacturer barcodes, such as UPCs, for FBA inventory.

The requirements now depend on whether you’re selling your own registered brand or reselling another company’s products:

• Brand owners: Sellers with the Brand Representative role in Amazon Brand Registry can use manufacturer barcodes on eligible products without applying additional FNSKU stickers.
• Resellers: Sellers without this Brand Registry role must use Amazon barcode labels, even when products already have a UPC.
• Products without eligible manufacturer barcodes: An Amazon barcode is required.

Amazon also ended inventory commingling, which previously allowed identical products from different sellers to be used interchangeably when fulfilling orders.

We’ll explain how to choose and apply the correct barcode in the next section.

FBA Prep Requirements in Other Marketplaces

The same changes do not necessarily apply to every Amazon marketplace.

For example, Amazon Canada discontinued its FBA prep and item labeling services on July 1, 2026. Sellers shipping to Canada must now arrange preparation before inventory reaches Amazon.

If you sell across multiple marketplaces, check the local FBA preparation and labeling requirements before creating shipments.

4. Amazon FBA Barcode and Labeling Requirements

Every product sent to an Amazon fulfillment center must have a scannable barcode so Amazon can identify and track it. Depending on your product and seller account, you can use either a manufacturer barcode or an Amazon FNSKU barcode.

UPC vs. FNSKU: What’s the Difference?

A UPC (Universal Product Code) is a manufacturer barcode used to identify a product. The same UPC can appear on identical products sold by different retailers.

An FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit) is an Amazon barcode used to identify inventory associated with a particular seller’s offer. FNSKU codes generally begin with the letter X.

The main difference is that a UPC identifies the product, while an FNSKU helps Amazon track inventory under a specific seller’s offer.

Which Products Require an FNSKU Label?

Amazon’s US barcode requirements depend on your relationship with the brand and the product’s eligibility.

For example, if you’re selling your own registered brand of water bottles, you may be able to ship eligible products using their existing UPC barcodes. However, if you’re reselling another brand’s water bottles, you’ll need Amazon barcode labels.

How to Print Amazon FNSKU Labels

You can download product labels directly from Seller Central.

1. Go to Inventory → Manage All Inventory.
2. Find the product you want to label.
3. Select Print item labels from the available actions.
4. Choose the label format and quantity.
5. Download the PDF and print the labels.

You can also print FNSKU labels during shipment creation using the Send to Amazon workflow.

Amazon barcode labels must be printed in black ink on white, non-reflective adhesive paper. Supported label dimensions range from 1 × 2 inches to 2 × 3 inches. Use a laser or thermal printer with a resolution of at least 300 DPI for clear, scannable labels.

Where Should You Place FNSKU Labels?

Incorrect label placement can prevent Amazon from scanning your products during receiving.

Follow these rules:

• Apply the correct FNSKU label to each sellable unit.
• Place the label on a flat, visible surface, away from corners, curves, and seams.
• Cover other visible product barcodes, including UPCs and EANs, when using FNSKU tracking. Do not cover required serial-number or Transparency authentication codes.
• If the product is inside a poly bag or protective wrapping, make sure its barcode is scannable from outside the finished packaging.
• Keep safety warnings, expiration dates, and other required product information visible.

Before preparing a large shipment, print a few labels and test them with a barcode scanner to make sure they scan correctly.

5. Amazon FBA Packaging Requirements by Product Type

Amazon has different packaging requirements depending on the type of product you’re selling. For example, a glass bottle needs protection against breakage, while a liquid product needs secure packaging to prevent leaks.

The table below explains the main packaging requirements for common FBA products.

Amazon FBA Poly Bag Requirements

If your product requires poly bagging, the bag must meet these requirements:

• Minimum thickness: 1.5 mil (approximately 0.038 mm).
• Suffocation warning: Required when the bag opening measures 5 inches or more across when laid flat.
• Sealing: The bag must be completely sealed using an adhesive strip, tape, or another secure closure.
• Barcode visibility: The product barcode must be scannable through the bag or placed on the outside.
• Excess packaging: The bag must not extend more than 3 inches beyond the product’s dimensions.

For example, if you’re selling a cotton T-shirt in a poly bag with a 10-inch opening, the bag must include a visible suffocation warning.

Important Packaging Considerations

Some products fall under more than one preparation category. For example, a gift set containing two glass bottles of shampoo must meet the requirements for fragile items, liquids, and products sold as a set.

Also, products with expiration dates must display the dates on their packaging. If additional wrapping covers the original date, a visible expiration label must be placed on the outside.

Always check the specific preparation requirements for your product before shipping, particularly for batteries, hazardous materials, and temperature-sensitive items.

6. How to Prep Products for Amazon FBA: Step by Step

Preparing products for Amazon FBA involves checking your inventory, completing the required packaging and labeling, and creating a shipment in Seller Central.

Here’s how to prepare and send your products to Amazon.

Step 1. Inspect Your Inventory

Before packaging anything, check that your products are in good condition and match what you ordered from your supplier.

Count the units, inspect for damage, and check that each product has the correct color, size, and accessories.

For example, if you ordered 500 water bottles but received 10 damaged units, separate those units before preparing the shipment. You should only declare the 490 acceptable units in your shipping plan.

Step 2. Check Product Prep Requirements in Seller Central

Sign in to Amazon Seller Central and open Inventory → Shipments → Send to Amazon.

Select your FBA products and review their preparation and labeling information. Amazon may identify specific preparation requirements based on the product category.

Check whether your products need additional packaging, labeling, or other preparation before sending them.

Step 3. Print and Apply Product Labels

If your products require Amazon FNSKU labels, download and print them from Seller Central.

Match each label to the correct product and apply it where Amazon can easily scan it.

For products with multiple variations, such as different sizes or colors, double-check that each variation has its corresponding FNSKU label.

Step 4. Complete the Required Packaging

Prepare individual products according to their packaging requirements.

This may involve poly bagging clothing, bubble wrapping fragile items, or securing liquid containers.

If your manufacturer has already provided packaging that meets Amazon’s requirements, additional preparation may not be necessary.

Step 5. Prepare Bundles and Expiration-Dated Products

If you’re selling bundles or multipacks, make sure all items are securely packaged as one sellable unit.

For expiration-dated products, check that the dates are accurate, clearly visible, and meet Amazon’s applicable shelf-life requirements.

Complete these checks before placing products into shipping cartons.

Step 6. Pack Products Into Shipping Cartons

Place your prepared products into sturdy shipping boxes. You can pack multiple SKUs together or use separate cartons for each SKU.

Record the number of units in each carton, along with its weight and dimensions. You’ll need accurate box content information when creating your shipment.

Avoid overpacking boxes or leaving excessive empty space that allows products to move during transportation.

Step 7. Create Your Shipment Using Send to Amazon

In Seller Central, open Send to Amazon and complete the shipment workflow:

1. Choose inventory to send: Select your SKUs, enter quantities, and provide packing details.
2. Pack individual units: Enter box contents for mixed-SKU shipments when required.
3. Confirm shipping: Review Amazon’s assigned fulfillment center destinations, choose your shipping method and carrier, and confirm the shipment.
4. Print box labels: Download the shipping labels Amazon generates for each carton.

If you’re shipping multiple cartons of the same SKU, you can create a reusable case-pack template to save time on future shipments.

Step 8. Apply Shipping Labels and Dispatch Your Inventory

Print the FBA box ID labels and attach the correct label to each shipping carton. Small-parcel shipments also require carrier shipping labels.

Make sure the labels are readable and match the corresponding cartons. For pallet shipments, complete any additional pallet labeling and carrier steps in Seller Central.

Finally, hand over your shipment to the carrier and provide tracking details where required.

You can monitor the shipment’s progress through Shipping Queue in Seller Central, from dispatch to receiving at Amazon’s fulfillment centers.

7. Amazon FBA Shipping Box and Pallet Requirements

Once your products are prepared, they must be packed into shipping cartons that meet Amazon’s size, weight, and labeling requirements. These rules apply whether you’re shipping a few boxes through UPS or sending larger quantities on pallets.

Amazon FBA Box Size and Weight Limits

Amazon has specific limits for cartons shipped to US fulfillment centers.

These limits apply to cartons containing multiple products. Exceptions exist for certain oversized individual items, including products weighing more than 50 lb. Heavy packages require appropriate handling labels.

Use sturdy, six-sided corrugated boxes and enough packing material to protect the contents. Remove or cover old shipping labels and barcodes if you’re reusing cartons.

FBA Shipping Box Label Requirements

Every shipping carton must have its own FBA Box ID label, generated during shipment creation in Seller Central.

For small-parcel deliveries, each carton also needs a carrier shipping label, such as UPS or FedEx.

When applying labels:

• Place both labels on a flat surface where they can be easily scanned.
• Avoid placing labels across box seams, openings, or corners.
• Never reuse the same FBA Box ID label on multiple cartons.
• Make sure each label matches the correct box in your shipment.

Remember that an FBA Box ID label identifies the shipping carton, while an FNSKU label identifies an individual sellable product when Amazon barcode tracking is required.

Amazon FBA Pallet Requirements

For larger shipments sent through Less Than Truckload (LTL) or Full Truckload (FTL) freight, products are generally transported on pallets.

Amazon’s standard US pallet requirements include:

Pallets must be in good condition, with cartons stacked securely and without overhanging the edges. Use clear stretch wrap to secure the shipment.

Each carton still requires its own FBA Box ID label, even when shipped on a pallet. The pallet itself must also have four FBA pallet labels attached to the outside of the stretch wrap.

For example, if you’re shipping 100 cartons on two pallets, you’ll need 100 individual carton labels and eight pallet labels.

Oversized products and certain freight arrangements may have additional requirements, so confirm the applicable instructions in Seller Central before dispatching your shipment.

8. Who Can Prepare Your Products for Amazon FBA?

You have three main options for preparing products before sending them to Amazon: do it yourself, ask your manufacturer or supplier, or hire a third-party FBA prep center.

The right choice depends on your inventory volume, product type, location, and preparation costs.

Option 1: Prepare Products Yourself (DIY)

If you’re selling a small number of products, you can handle FBA preparation yourself.

You’ll need a suitable workspace, packaging materials, a label printer, and time to inspect, label, and pack your inventory.

Best for: New sellers, small shipments, and products requiring minimal preparation.

Drawback: Preparing hundreds or thousands of units can become time-consuming, especially when products need individual inspection or special packaging.

Option 2: Ask Your Manufacturer or Supplier

Many manufacturers, including suppliers on Alibaba, can prepare products before shipping them to Amazon.

You can ask your supplier to apply FNSKU labels, poly bag products, package bundles, and prepare shipping cartons according to Amazon’s requirements.

For example, if you’re ordering 2,000 units of a private-label product from China, having the manufacturer complete the preparation can eliminate the need to handle inventory after production.

Best for: Private-label sellers purchasing products directly from manufacturers.

Drawback: Not every supplier understands Amazon’s requirements. Provide clear packaging instructions and request photos of the finished products and cartons before shipment.

Option 3: Use a Third-Party FBA Prep Center

A third-party prep center is a company that receives inventory from suppliers, prepares it according to Amazon’s requirements, and forwards it to Amazon’s fulfillment centers.

This option is useful when you’re purchasing products from multiple suppliers, selling wholesale products, or managing large shipments without your own warehouse.

Best for: Wholesale sellers, growing businesses, and sellers who want to outsource inventory preparation.

Drawback: Prep centers charge service fees, and shipping inventory through an additional facility may increase handling costs and delivery time.

Which FBA Prep Option Should You Choose?

For private-label sellers, supplier preparation is often the most practical starting point, provided the supplier can meet Amazon’s requirements.

However, whichever option you choose, you’re responsible for ensuring that your inventory is properly prepared before it reaches Amazon.

9. What Is an Amazon FBA Prep Center?

An Amazon FBA prep center is a third-party warehouse that receives inventory from sellers or suppliers, prepares it according to Amazon’s requirements, and ships it to Amazon’s fulfillment centers.

Unlike a regular warehouse that mainly stores inventory, an FBA prep center specializes in preparing products for Amazon. Its services typically include product inspection, barcode labeling, packaging, bundling, and shipment preparation.

How Does an FBA Prep Center Work?

Suppose you’re importing 1,000 units of a product from a manufacturer in China, but you want the inventory inspected and prepared in the US before sending it to Amazon.

Here’s how the process works:

1. Inventory arrives: Your supplier ships the products to the prep center’s warehouse.
2. Products are inspected: The prep center checks the received quantities and looks for visible damage or packaging issues.
3. Preparation is completed: Workers apply the required labels, protective packaging, or other preparation based on your instructions.
4. Shipments are prepared: Products are packed into cartons, and the required Amazon shipping labels are applied.
5. Inventory is forwarded: The prep center dispatches the shipment to Amazon’s assigned fulfillment centers.

Some prep centers also offer short-term storage, product photography, returns processing, and inventory consolidation.

FBA Prep Center vs. 3PL: What’s the Difference?

Although both services handle inventory, their main responsibilities differ.

Many 3PL companies also offer Amazon FBA preparation, so you don’t necessarily need separate providers for both services.

How to Choose an FBA Prep Center

Before selecting a provider, check the following:

• Services offered: Can they handle the specific packaging, inspection, and labeling your products require?
• Turnaround time: How many business days will preparation take after inventory arrives?
• Pricing: Are labeling, packaging materials, storage, and shipping charged separately?
• Inventory tracking: Can you monitor received, prepared, and dispatched quantities?
• Experience: Do they regularly prepare products for Amazon’s US fulfillment centers?
• Damage and shortage policies: How do they handle missing, damaged, or incorrectly prepared products?

You can also find preparation providers through Amazon’s Service Provider Network.

Before sending a large shipment, consider testing a provider with a smaller batch to assess its accuracy, communication, and turnaround time.

10. What Happens If Your FBA Products Are Not Prepared Correctly?

Amazon requires products to arrive at its fulfillment centers properly packaged, labeled, and ready for storage. If your inventory doesn’t meet these requirements, it can cause receiving delays, additional expenses, or rejected shipments.

Here are the possible consequences of incorrect FBA preparation.

1. Shipment Delays or Rejections

Amazon may refuse shipments containing products with incorrect labels, damaged packaging, or other preparation issues.

Even if Amazon accepts the shipment, affected products may take longer to become available for sale while the receiving issues are investigated or resolved.

2. Additional Fees and Return Costs

If Amazon identifies problems with your shipment, you may have to pay additional handling or return shipping costs.

For example, cartons sent to the wrong fulfillment center or shipments that differ significantly from the approved shipping plan may incur inbound defect fees.

3. Damaged or Unsellable Inventory

Poor packaging can cause products to break, leak, or become damaged during transportation and warehouse handling.

Amazon may classify these products as unsellable, preventing them from being sold to customers.

For US FBA shipments created on or after January 1, 2026, products arriving without proper preparation or labeling are not eligible for reimbursement if they become damaged or untraceable as a result.

4. Repeated Shipment Problems

Repeated failures to follow Amazon’s inbound shipment requirements can lead to restrictions on future shipments or other account-level consequences.

What Should You Do If Amazon Reports a Prep Issue?

If you receive an inbound shipment problem notification:

1. Open Seller Central → Inventory → Shipments and locate the affected shipment.
2. Review the reported issue and identify which products or cartons are affected.
3. Check your product labels, packaging instructions, carton information, and supplier records.
4. Contact Seller Support if you believe the issue was reported incorrectly.
5. Correct the problem before sending your next shipment.

If you’re using a manufacturer or third-party prep center, share the issue with them and update your preparation instructions to prevent it from happening again.

11. Common Amazon FBA Prep Mistakes to Avoid

Even small preparation mistakes can delay your shipments or cause problems when Amazon receives your inventory. Most of these issues can be avoided by checking your products and cartons before dispatch.

Here are some common FBA prep mistakes and how to prevent them.

Check Your Supplier’s Work Before Shipping

If your manufacturer or prep center handles preparation, don’t assume everything has been completed correctly.

Ask for photos of the finished product packaging, applied barcodes, and labeled shipping cartons. For larger orders, consider arranging an independent inspection before the inventory leaves the supplier.

Correcting an issue at the factory or prep center is usually easier than dealing with incorrectly prepared inventory after it reaches Amazon.

12. Amazon FBA Prep Checklist Before Shipping

Before sending inventory to Amazon, use this checklist to make sure your products are properly prepared and your shipment is ready for dispatch.

Product Preparation

• All products have been counted and inspected for damage or defects.
• Each product has the correct scannable UPC or FNSKU barcode.
• Products requiring poly bags, bubble wrap, or other protective packaging are properly secured.
• Bundles and multipacks are packaged together and labeled correctly.
• Expiration dates and safety warnings are visible where required.
• Product variations, such as colors and sizes, have the correct labels.

Carton and Shipment Preparation

• Products are packed securely in sturdy shipping cartons.
• Carton dimensions and weights meet Amazon’s shipping requirements.
• Unit quantities and box contents match the information entered in Seller Central.
• Each carton has its own unique FBA Box ID label.
• Carrier shipping labels are applied where required.
• Old shipping labels and unrelated barcodes have been removed or covered.
• Pallet labels and wrapping are completed if shipping by LTL or FTL freight.

Final Shipment Check

Before handing over your inventory to the carrier, confirm that your shipment details, assigned fulfillment center destinations, and shipping labels match the information in Send to Amazon.

If your supplier or prep center is handling the shipment, ask them to send photos of the finished packaging and labeled cartons before dispatch.

A final check can help prevent receiving delays, damaged inventory, and avoidable shipping problems.

13. Frequently Asked Questions About Amazon FBA Prep