Why FBA prep requirements matter more now
Amazon FBA prep requirements are the packaging and labeling rules every unit must meet before it can be received into a fulfillment center. They exist so units can be scanned, stored and shipped to customers without damage or confusion.
They matter more than ever because Amazon announced it would discontinue its in-house prep and item labeling services for the U.S. marketplace starting January 1, 2026. Sellers are expected to send inventory already prepped. Noncompliant units can be refused, flagged for noncompliance fees or blocked from future shipments. This checklist covers the most common requirements; Amazon updates them regularly, so confirm current rules in Seller Central before every new SKU.
Barcodes and labels
Every unit needs one scannable barcode that Amazon can match to your listing.
- Decide between FNSKU labels and the manufacturer barcode; FNSKU keeps units tied to your account, while the manufacturer barcode allows commingling with other sellers' identical units
- Cover every other scannable barcode on the unit, including the UPC, so the receiving scan reads only the correct code
- Place labels on a flat surface, not across seams, curves or edges
- Print labels at a size and resolution that scans reliably; smudged or tiny thermal labels are a frequent failure
- Do not place labels where they will be covered by a polybag unless the barcode scans clearly through the bag
Multipacks and bundles need their own barcode for the bundle listing, with individual unit barcodes covered.
Polybags and protective packaging
Polybags protect items from dust, damage and loose parts. Amazon's polybag requirements include:
- Transparent bags, at least 1.5 mil thick
- Fully sealed, with excess bag kept close to the product
- A barcode that is on the outside of the bag or scannable through it
- A printed suffocation warning on bags with an opening of 5 inches or more
Fragile items such as glass, ceramics and liquids in glass containers need bubble wrap or a protective box so they can survive Amazon's drop test from three feet. Items with sharp edges need protection that keeps the edges covered. Liquids generally need a secure cap and, in many cases, a sealed secondary bag. Plush, textiles and items prone to dust or damage are usually polybagged.
Sets, bundles and loose parts
Anything sold as more than one piece must stay together.
- Items sold as a set need a sold-as-set or do-not-separate label on the outer packaging
- Bundles should be shrink-wrapped, bagged or boxed so components cannot separate
- The bundle barcode must be visible, and individual barcodes inside must be covered or not scannable
- Boxes with openings or perforations that can open in transit should be taped or bagged
If a set is separated at receiving, Amazon may store the pieces as individual units that do not match any listing, which strands inventory.
Expiration-dated products
Expiration-dated products must show the date on each unit and on the outside of each master carton, in a supported format such as MM-DD-YYYY or MM-YYYY. Cartons should contain only one expiration date.
Amazon also sets minimum remaining shelf life at receiving and removes units as they near expiration. Commonly cited thresholds are at least 90 days of remaining shelf life at check-in and removal around 50 days before expiration, but specific categories can have different rules. Check your category requirements, and do not ship lots that will not clear the threshold.
Cartons and pallets
Shipment-level requirements are as important as unit-level ones.
- Standard cartons should generally weigh no more than 50 lb, unless they hold a single oversize item over 50 lb that is marked with a team-lift label
- Standard-size cartons generally should not have a side longer than 25 inches
- Every carton needs its own carton label, placed so it is not across a seam
- Box content information must match what is physically in each carton
- Cartons should be in good condition and strong enough to stack
- Pallets should be standard wooden pallets, stretch-wrapped, within Amazon's height and weight limits and labeled on each side as required
Confirm carton and pallet limits in Seller Central, because they differ by program and shipment type.
Dangerous goods and restricted products
Products that contain lithium batteries, aerosols, flammable liquids, corrosives or other regulated materials may be classified as dangerous goods. These SKUs must go through Amazon's dangerous goods review, which typically requires a safety data sheet or exemption sheet, before inventory can be sent in.
Outside the marketplace, transport of these goods is governed by DOT hazardous materials regulations, and air shipments by IATA rules. Lithium batteries are regulated as Class 9 dangerous goods, with specific packaging and marking requirements. Identify these SKUs early so they are approved, packed and labeled correctly. Hazmat-capable handling is available in select markets.
Common prep mistakes to catch before shipping
Most rejected or reworked shipments trace back to a short list of avoidable mistakes. Check for these before any carton is sealed:
- A manufacturer barcode left exposed beside the FNSKU label
- The wrong label on a similar variant, such as a different size or color
- Polybags without a suffocation warning, or bags too thin or not fully sealed
- Multipacks shipped without a sold-as-set label
- Mixed expiration dates in one carton
- Box content information that does not match the physical carton
- Cartons over weight or size limits
A quick final audit at the end of each shipment, pulling a few units from each SKU and scanning them, catches most of these.
Build the checklist into your workflow
The simplest way to stay compliant is to turn these requirements into SKU-level work instructions. For each SKU, record the barcode to use, the label placement, the bag or protective packaging, any set or expiration label, the carton configuration and any dangerous goods status.
Review those instructions when you add a SKU, change packaging or when Amazon publishes a requirements update. A prep center should maintain these instructions for you and update them as rules change, so every inbound is prepped the same way regardless of who is at the bench.
Frequently asked questions
What are the basic Amazon FBA prep requirements?
Every unit needs one scannable barcode that matches your listing, with other barcodes covered. Units may also need polybags with suffocation warnings, bubble wrap for fragile items, set labels for bundles and expiration dates for dated products, and cartons must meet weight, size and labeling rules.
Does Amazon still prep inventory for sellers?
Amazon announced it would discontinue its in-house prep and item labeling services for the U.S. marketplace starting January 1, 2026. Sellers should send inventory already prepped and labeled, and should confirm current policy in Seller Central.
What is the maximum carton weight for Amazon FBA?
Standard cartons should generally not exceed 50 lb unless they contain a single oversize item over 50 lb that carries a team-lift label. Check Seller Central for current limits.