What changed
Unit prep, labeling and carton rules for FBA inbound shipments
When
Prep moved fully to sellers on Jan 1, 2026; commingling ended Mar 31, 2026
Who it affects
All sellers shipping inventory to US fulfillment centers
What to do
Check prep guidance in Send to Amazon for every new SKU

Key takeaways

  • Since January 1, 2026, all US FBA units must arrive prepped and labeled by the seller.
  • Each unit needs one scannable barcode; resellers must use FNSKU labels.
  • Check Send to Amazon prep guidance per SKU and keep evidence for claims.

FBA packaging checklist

  • One scannable barcode per unit
  • Old barcodes covered
  • Sets sealed and labeled
  • Liquids sealed, glass protected
  • Sharp items covered
  • Box ID label on every carton
  • No packing peanuts
  • Contents match the shipment

Why Amazon packaging requirements matter

Fulfillment centers are built for speed. Units that are loose, unlabeled or poorly protected slow receiving, get damaged in storage or are routed to manual handling. Amazon passes those costs back through inbound defect fees, delays and, in some cases, refused shipments.

There is also a reimbursement angle. Amazon has said that for shipments created after January 1, 2026, units that arrive without proper prep and item labels are not eligible for reimbursement if they are damaged or cannot be traced. Getting packaging right protects your claims as well as your timelines.

What changed in 2026

Two changes moved work from Amazon to sellers. Since January 1, 2026, Amazon no longer offers prep and item labeling services for US FBA shipments, including FNSKU labels, bundling and bagging, and including inventory routed through AWD, Amazon Global Logistics, Amazon Send and Supply Chain Portal. Since March 31, 2026, resellers must apply Amazon barcode labels to every unit because commingling ended. Our Amazon commingled inventory guide explains the barcode rules.

2026 packaging rule changes

  1. Amazon stops US FBA prep and item labeling

  2. Unprepped units lose reimbursement eligibility

  3. Commingling ends; resellers label every unit

Unit-level packaging rules

Each unit must reach Amazon ready to be stored and shipped to a customer. Send to Amazon shows prep guidance for each product, and it is the best place to confirm what a specific SKU needs.

  • Every unit has one scannable barcode: FNSKU or an eligible manufacturer barcode
  • Loose parts and sets are bagged, boxed or shrink-wrapped as one unit
  • Liquids are sealed against leaks
  • Fragile and glass items are packed so they survive drops
  • Sharp items are fully covered
  • Poly bags carry a suffocation warning where required
  • Sets carry a sold-as-set, do-not-separate label

Labeling rules

Labels are where most receiving problems start. The barcode must be readable, flat and the only one that scans on the outside of the unit. Cover or remove other barcodes, and print FNSKU labels in the format Seller Central generates. Brand owners with the Brand Representative role can use eligible manufacturer barcodes instead of stickers; everyone else should label each unit.

Carton and shipment rules

Cartons have their own requirements. Use strong, undamaged boxes, keep within Amazon's size and weight limits, and attach a unique box ID label to each carton so contents can be matched to your shipment. Heavier cartons need lifting labels. Avoid loose fill such as packing peanuts, which Amazon does not accept, and use materials like air pillows or paper instead.

Exact limits and label specifications can change, so check the current shipping and routing requirements in Seller Central before a large shipment, especially for pallets and freight.

How to prepare an FBA shipment, step by step

A consistent process stops small mistakes from becoming fees.

  • Review prep guidance for each SKU in Send to Amazon
  • Prep and label every unit, covering old barcodes
  • Pack cartons by the case-pack or individual option you chose
  • Enter accurate box contents and weights
  • Print and attach a box ID label to each carton
  • Choose an inbound placement option and confirm the shipment
  • Keep photos and packing lists as evidence for claims

Prepare a shipment

  1. 1Check guidance

    Prep rules per SKU

  2. 2Prep and label

    Cover old barcodes

  3. 3Pack cartons

    Accurate contents

  4. 4Label boxes

    Box ID on each carton

  5. 5Confirm

    Pick placement option

Packaging requirements for special product types

Some products carry extra rules on top of the basics. Products that may be dangerous goods, such as aerosols, batteries and many chemicals, go through a hazmat review and need safety documents before they can be stored. Expiration-dated products need the date printed clearly on each unit and carton. Our Amazon hazmat guide covers the dangerous goods process, which is separate from ordinary prep.

Costly packaging mistakes

The same errors appear again and again. Two scannable barcodes on one unit. Labels on a curved surface or under shrink wrap that glares. Box contents that do not match the shipment. Sets that come apart in receiving. Each one can trigger receiving delays, inbound defect fees or units recorded as missing.

If prep is taking more time than you have, a third-party provider can do it. Our Amazon prep center guide explains how to choose one.

Going further with certified packaging

Meeting the minimum gets units received. Certified packaging goes further, letting products ship without an Amazon overbox. Amazon reports that 11% of the packages it shipped globally in 2025 went out with no additional Amazon packaging. Our frustration free packaging guide explains the three certification tiers.

PPC Spider's FBA inventory management service checks shipment accuracy and files reimbursement claims monthly. The free Amazon audit includes a review of inbound fees and receiving gaps.

Sources

  • Packaging Insights: Amazon ends US prep and labeling services in 2026 (packaginginsights.com/news/amazon-fba-packaging-labeling-changes-2026.html)
  • Amazon Seller Forums: FBA prep services discontinued in the US (sellercentral.amazon.com/seller-forums/discussions/t/6075d02b-a903-45ca-a70a-4f32ae81a6b8)
  • Amazon Seller Forums: Commingling ends March 31, 2026 (sellercentral.amazon.ca/seller-forums/discussions/t/cd352647-7a0d-426f-83e7-e3dd4add6c5c)
  • Amazon Sustainability: Packaging (sustainability.aboutamazon.com/waste/packaging)
Get the next change before your competitors do

We send the marketplace changes that matter each week, with what to do next.

By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy. Unsubscribe any time.
Want this done for your account?

We run these playbooks on client accounts every day. Start with a free audit.

Get a free audit