Amazon FBA prep is the work that makes a unit receivable at an Amazon fulfillment center: a scannable label, the right protective packaging, and cartons that meet Amazon's size, weight and labeling rules. We prep inventory upstream so it arrives compliant and gets checked in fast.
Why FBA prep matters more now
FBA prep matters more now because Amazon stopped offering its own prep and item-labeling services for U.S. inbound shipments starting in 2026. Sellers used to be able to pay Amazon to apply FNSKU labels or polybag units at the fulfillment center. That fallback is gone, so every unit has to arrive ready.
Unprepped or mislabeled inventory can be refused, held in problem receive, or charged for noncompliance, and every day a shipment sits unreceived is a day your listing may be out of stock. Prep is no longer a cost you can defer to Amazon. It is part of your supply chain, and it is cheapest when done once, in bulk, before inventory is split into replenishment shipments.
FNSKU labeling and barcode strategy
FNSKU labeling ties each unit to your seller account so Amazon knows whose inventory it is. Sellers can sometimes use the manufacturer barcode instead, but that allows commingling with other sellers' units of the same product, which many brands avoid for counterfeit and quality reasons.
We apply FNSKU labels with a printer and label stock that scan reliably, cover any conflicting barcodes on the outer packaging, and verify scannability on a sample of every batch. For brands enrolled in Amazon's Transparency program, we can apply Transparency codes alongside the FNSKU in the position your program requires. Label placement follows Amazon's rules: flat, on a smooth surface, not wrapped around a corner or edge, and clear of seams.
Protective prep by product type
Protective prep depends on what the product is, and Amazon publishes prep guidance by category. Common requirements include:
- Polybags at least 1.5 mil thick, transparent, with a suffocation warning when the opening is 5 inches or more
- Liquids sealed so they can't leak, with glass or larger containers bagged
- Fragile and glass items bubble-wrapped or boxed so they survive a drop test
- Sharp items with exposed edges protected
- Sets labeled "Sold as set, do not separate" and bundled so they stay together
- Small items under 2-1/8 inches on the longest side bagged
We build a prep spec for each SKU at onboarding, photograph a reference unit, and follow that spec for every run. If Amazon updates a requirement, we update the spec.
Carton and shipment prep
Carton prep is the last step before Amazon receiving, and errors here hold up whole shipments. Amazon caps standard cartons at 25 inches on any side and 50 pounds, with team-lift labeling for heavier single items and mechanical-lift labeling above 100 pounds, so we pack to those limits.
Each carton gets its FBA box ID label, and carton contents are recorded at pack-out so box content information is accurate in Send to Amazon. Mixed-SKU cartons are documented line by line. For LTL shipments, pallets are built on standard 40 by 48 inch pallets, stretch-wrapped, and labeled on all four sides as Amazon requires. Accurate carton data speeds receiving and gives you a clean record if units go missing between our dock and Amazon's.
What's included
- FNSKU and Transparency code application
- Polybagging with compliant suffocation warnings
- Bubble wrap, boxing and fragile protection
- Bundling, multipacks and sold-as-set labeling
- Expiration date labeling on units and cartons
- Carton labels and box content information
- Pallet build and labeling for LTL inbound
Frequently asked questions
What does FBA prep include?
FBA prep includes labeling each unit with a scannable barcode, applying the protective packaging Amazon requires for that product type, and packing cartons with correct labels and box content data. Bundling and expiration labeling are included when the product needs them.
Can I use the manufacturer barcode instead of an FNSKU?
Sometimes, if Amazon allows manufacturer barcodes for your listing. The trade-off is that your units may be commingled with other sellers' identical products. Many brands use FNSKU labels to keep their inventory separate.
What happens if my shipment is not prepped correctly?
Amazon may refuse units, hold them in problem receive, or charge noncompliance fees. Delays can leave your listing out of stock while the issue is resolved.
Do you prep inventory that arrives directly from the factory?
Yes. Most of our prep work is on bulk inventory received straight from the factory or freight forwarder, which avoids paying to move inventory twice.