Why FBA Prep Compliance Matters More Than Ever
Starting January 2026, Amazon officially stopped providing product prep services for FBA sellers. That means everything — labeling, polybagging, bundling, compliance — is now 100% on you. Products arriving at Amazon FCs non-compliant will be rejected, delayed, or disposed of at your expense.
This checklist covers every requirement so your shipments pass inspection the first time.
The Complete FBA Prep Checklist
1. Labeling Requirements
FNSKU labels (mandatory for commingled-off sellers):
Every sellable unit must have a scannable FNSKU barcode
Label must be placed on a flat surface, not on a seam or curve
Must not cover any existing manufacturer barcodes (cover old UPC with opaque label or sticker)
Minimum label size: 1" × 2" (standard) or 1" × 3" (preferred)
Print quality must be high — smudged or wrinkled barcodes will be rejected
Suffocation warning labels:
Required for all poly-bagged items with opening larger than 5"
Warning text: "WARNING: To avoid danger of suffocation, keep this plastic bag away from babies and children. Do not use this bag in cribs, beds, carriages, or playpens. This bag is not a toy."
Minimum font size: 24pt for bags 60" or longer, smaller text for smaller bags
Must be clearly visible and legible
2. Packaging Requirements
Poly bagging:
Required for items that could be damaged by dust, dirt, or liquids
Required for items with loose parts
Bag must be sealed (heat seal, adhesive strip, or tape)
Bag must be transparent
Minimum thickness: 1.5 mil (most common: 2 mil)
Include suffocation warning if opening is larger than 5"
Bubble wrap:
Required for fragile items (glass, ceramics, electronics)
Item must be fully wrapped with at least 2 layers
Must pass a 3-foot drop test without breaking
Wrap must not obscure the scannable barcode
Shrink wrap:
Used for multi-packs and bundles
Must be tight and uniform
Bundle must clearly indicate unit count (e.g., "Sold as set, do not separate")
Each individual unit within the bundle must have its own barcode covered
Overboxing:
Required for items in packaging that won't protect them during transit
Must use corrugated cardboard
Item must fit snugly — no excessive movement inside the overbox
FNSKU label goes on the overbox exterior
3. Product-Specific Requirements
Liquids:
Must be double-sealed (cap + induction seal or tape)
Must be placed in a sealed poly bag
Must pass orientation: won't leak if turned upside down or on side
Glass containers must be bubble-wrapped AND poly-bagged
Supplements & consumables:
Must have clear expiration dates visible without opening packaging
Expiration date format: MM/DD/YYYY or MM/YYYY
Products within 90 days of expiration will be rejected
FDA registration may be required for the storage facility
Apparel:
Must be poly-bagged (protects from dust and moisture)
Hangers must be removed
Size/color labels must be visible through the bag
FNSKU label goes on outside of poly bag
Sharp items:
Must be fully enclosed in protective packaging
Blades must be sheathed or covered
Package must prevent injury during handling
Sets and bundles:
Must be clearly labeled "Sold as set" or "Do not separate"
All individual items must be physically attached or contained together
Only ONE FNSKU for the entire bundle on the exterior
Cover individual UPC barcodes to prevent mis-scanning
4. Box and Shipment Requirements
Carton-level requirements:
Maximum weight: 50 lbs per box (strict)
Maximum dimensions: No single side longer than 25"
Use new or like-new corrugated boxes (Amazon will reject damaged boxes)
Remove or cover ALL old shipping labels and barcodes
Use 2" or 3" packing tape on all seams
No packing peanuts or shredded paper as void fill (Amazon prohibits these)
Acceptable void fill: air pillows, full sheets of paper, bubble wrap
Box content labels:
Each box must have an Amazon shipment label (FBA box ID label)
Labels must be on a flat surface, easily scannable
If using Amazon's box content information, each box must match what's declared
Discrepancies between declared and actual content will cause receiving delays
Pallet requirements (LTL/FTL shipments):
Standard GMA pallets: 40" × 48" only
Maximum pallet height: 72" (including pallet)
Maximum pallet weight: 1,500 lbs
Stack boxes neatly — no overhang
Stretch wrap each pallet with at least 3 layers
Place pallet labels on all 4 sides
5. Common Rejection Reasons
The top reasons Amazon rejects FBA shipments:
Missing or unscannable FNSKU labels
Missing suffocation warnings on poly bags
Products not properly secured (loose items in box)
Wrong item count vs. what's declared
Expired or near-expiration products
Old shipping labels not removed from boxes
Boxes exceeding weight or dimension limits
Using prohibited void fill materials
What happens when products are rejected:
Best case: Amazon sends them back to you (at your expense)
Worst case: Amazon disposes of them
Either way: delayed inventory availability, missed sales, and potential account health warnings
How a 3PL Handles FBA Prep
This is a lot to manage — especially at scale. Here's how Asfar Distribution handles FBA prep for our clients:
Our FBA prep process:
Receive your bulk inventory at our Houston facility
Inspect every unit for quality and compliance
Apply FNSKU labels with verified barcode accuracy
Poly bag, bubble wrap, or shrink wrap as required
Add suffocation warnings and "Sold as set" labels
Create optimized box configurations within Amazon's limits
Generate shipment plans and box content information
Ship to Amazon FCs with tracking and delivery confirmation
Turnaround time: Most FBA prep orders are completed within 24-48 hours of receiving your inventory.
The Bottom Line
FBA prep compliance isn't optional — it's the price of admission for selling on Amazon. With Amazon no longer offering prep services, the responsibility falls entirely on sellers. Getting it right means your inventory goes live faster, your account stays healthy, and your customers get their orders on time.
If you'd rather focus on selling and let someone else handle the prep, that's exactly what we do at Asfar Distribution. Our team preps thousands of units per week to Amazon's exact specifications.
Need an FBA prep center that checks every box? Asfar Distribution in Houston handles FNSKU labeling, polybagging, bundling, and compliant shipping to Amazon — with 24-48 hour turnaround and zero rejection fees. Get a free FBA prep quote.