FBA Prep Requirements Checklist: Labeling, Packaging & Compliance (2026)

Getting your FBA shipment rejected is expensive. Beyond the wasted shipping costs, you're looking at inbound defect fees ranging from $0.32 to $5.72 per unit for standard items — and up to $8.25 per unit for oversize products. Multiply that by hundreds or thousands of units, and a single non-compliant shipment can cost you more than your profit margin.

The stakes are even higher in 2026. As of January 1, Amazon no longer offers FBA prep or labeling services. No more polybagging, bubble-wrapping, boxing, or labeling by Amazon. Every unit that arrives at a fulfillment center must be 100% compliant before it gets there.

At 3PLGuys, we've prepped over 2 million units for FBA with a near-perfect acceptance rate — and as an Amazon SPN certified partner, we know exactly what Amazon's systems expect. This checklist covers every FBA prep requirement you need to know. Bookmark it, print it, share it with your team.

Why FBA Prep Requirements Matter

Amazon's fulfillment centers process millions of units daily. Their systems are built for speed and consistency, which means products that don't meet specifications create friction — and Amazon passes that cost back to you.

Here's what happens when products arrive non-compliant:

• Inbound defect fees — $0.32 to $8.25 per unit depending on the issue and product size
• Shipment rejection — your entire shipment gets sent back at your expense
• Disposal — Amazon disposes of non-compliant inventory and charges you for it
• Account health impact — repeated violations can lead to FBA suspensions

The solution is simple: get it right before it ships. Here's exactly how.

FNSKU Labeling Requirements

Every unit in FBA needs a scannable barcode. For most sellers, that means an FNSKU label — Amazon's internal tracking identifier that links the product to your specific seller account and ASIN.

When You Need FNSKU Labels

You must use FNSKU labels when:

• Your product is private label or your own brand
• You want to keep your inventory separate from other sellers (non-commingled)
• Your product doesn't have a manufacturer barcode
• You're selling bundled products

You may use manufacturer barcodes (UPC/EAN) when:

• The product is eligible for Amazon's Manufacturer Barcode program
• You're okay with commingled inventory (your units mixed with other sellers')

Label Specifications

Amazon has strict requirements for FNSKU label size and format:

• Size: 1-2 inches tall by 2-3 inches wide
• Ink: Black ink only
• Material: White, non-reflective, self-adhesive labels
• Content: Scannable barcode, FNSKU number, product title, condition (new/used)

Placement Rules

Where you place the label matters as much as the label itself:

• Place on flat, accessible surfaces — never on curves, corners, or edges
• Cover all manufacturer barcodes (UPC/EAN) so only the FNSKU is scannable
• Don't place labels on seams or near package edges
• Ensure the barcode is fully visible and not wrapped around corners
• Leave adequate white space around the barcode for scanners to read it

Common FNSKU Mistakes

• Printing labels too small for scanners to read
• Placing labels where they wrinkle or get damaged during handling
• Failing to cover manufacturer barcodes, causing scan confusion
• Using shiny or reflective label material that scanners can't read

At 3PLGuys, we scan-verify every FNSKU label before shipment. If a label doesn't scan cleanly, we catch it before it costs you money.

Poly Bagging Requirements

Certain products must be sealed in polybags before arriving at Amazon. This protects products from dust, moisture, and damage during fulfillment.

Products That Require Polybagging

• Textiles (clothing, fabric items, bedding)
• Items with loose parts or pieces
• Products susceptible to dust damage
• Items with openings that could collect debris
• Plush toys and soft goods
• Any product that could be damaged during handling

Poly Bag Specifications

Your polybags must meet these exact requirements:

• Minimum thickness: 1.5 mil (thousandths of an inch)
• Material: Clear, transparent plastic
• Seal: Completely sealed with self-sealing adhesive strip
• Barcode visibility: FNSKU label must be scannable through the bag or placed on the outside

Suffocation Warning Requirements

This is where many sellers get caught. Poly bags with a 5-inch or larger opening (measured when flat) must have a suffocation warning.

Warning text requirements:

The warning must be legible and prominently placed. Standard text reads:

"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."

Font size requirements based on bag dimensions:

• Bags under 2 x 2 inches: Exempt from warning requirement
• Bags 2 x 2 inches to 24 x 24 inches: 18-point font minimum
• Bags 24 x 24 inches to 36 x 36 inches: 24-point font minimum
• Bags over 36 x 36 inches: 36-point font minimum

The warning can be printed directly on the bag or applied via a label. If using a label, it must be clearly visible and not easily removable.

Bundling and Set Requirements

Selling multi-packs or bundled products? There are specific prep requirements to prevent Amazon from separating your bundles.

Bundle Labeling

Every bundled product must be clearly marked so fulfillment workers know not to separate items:

• Apply a label stating "Sold as Set" or "Do Not Separate"
• The label must be prominent and easily readable
• Each bundle needs a single FNSKU for the entire set
• Individual items within the bundle should not have exposed barcodes

Physical Bundling

• Items must be securely fastened together
• Use shrink wrap, rubber bands, or poly bags to keep items together
• The bundle should survive the 3-foot drop test without separating
• Ensure the FNSKU is scannable on the outside of the bundle

Expiration Date Requirements

Products with expiration dates have additional requirements that, if ignored, will result in automatic rejection.

Which Products Need Expiration Labels

• Food and grocery items
• Supplements and vitamins
• Cosmetics with expiration dates
• Pet food and treats
• Any product with a limited shelf life

Expiration Date Specifications

• Minimum shelf life: Products must have at least 90 days remaining before expiration when they arrive at Amazon
• Label format: MM-DD-YYYY or MM-YYYY (no abbreviated formats)
• Font size: 36-point or larger
• Placement: Clearly visible on the product or packaging
• Location: Cannot be on the bottom of the product

What Happens to Expired Inventory

Amazon automatically removes and disposes of expired inventory. You'll be charged removal and disposal fees. Products approaching expiration may be flagged as unfulfillable before they actually expire.

Box and Shipment Requirements

Your shipping boxes need to meet Amazon's specifications to be accepted at fulfillment centers.

Box Specifications

• Maximum dimensions: 25 inches on any single side
• Maximum weight: 50 lbs per box
• Material: New, six-sided corrugated cardboard (no used or damaged boxes)
• Strength: Must withstand a 3-foot drop test

Heavy Box Labeling

Boxes over 50 lbs must be clearly labeled on the top and sides with:

• "Team Lift" (for boxes 50-100 lbs)
• "Mechanical Lift Required" (for boxes over 100 lbs)

Note: Individual items over 50 lbs have additional requirements and may need special handling arrangements.

Box ID Labels

Every box needs an FBA Box ID label printed from your Shipping Queue:

• One unique box ID per box
• Place labels on a flat surface, not on seams or tape
• Labels must be scannable — no wrinkles, tears, or obscured barcodes
• Remove or cover any old shipping labels from previous use

What NOT to Use

Avoid these packing materials — Amazon prohibits them:

• Packing peanuts (loose fill)
• Foam strips
• Crinkle wrap
• Shredded paper
• Any loose packing material

Approved cushioning materials:

• Bubble wrap
• Full sheets of paper
• Inflatable air pillows
• Foam sheets

Prohibited Items

Some products cannot be sent to FBA at all. Others have restrictions.

Completely Prohibited

• Illegal products
• Products that require refrigeration
• Hazmat items without proper approval
• Weapons and ammunition
• Recalled products

Restricted (Require Approval)

• Certain supplements and dietary products
• Some beauty and personal care items
• Grocery and gourmet foods
• Medical devices
• Pesticides and pest control products

Before sending restricted items, confirm you have the required approvals in Seller Central.

Common Rejection Reasons and How to Avoid Them

Here are the most frequent reasons shipments get rejected or defect fees applied:

1. Unscannable Barcodes

The problem: Labels are too small, wrinkled, smudged, or placed on curved surfaces.

The fix: Use high-quality thermal printers. Test-scan every label before shipping. Place labels only on flat surfaces.

2. Missing Suffocation Warnings

The problem: Poly bags over 5 inches don't have the required warning.

The fix: Source pre-printed suffocation warning bags or apply warning labels to all qualifying bags.

3. Improper Prep

The problem: Fragile items without bubble wrap, loose items not bagged, sets not secured.

The fix: Follow prep requirements for each product category. When in doubt, add more protection.

4. Quantity Mismatches

The problem: The actual item count doesn't match your shipment plan.

The fix: Double-count before sealing boxes. Use a checklist system. Never "round up" quantities.

5. Expired or Expiring Products

The problem: Products arrive with fewer than 90 days until expiration.

The fix: Check expiration dates before shipping. Build in buffer time for transit and check-in.

6. Manufacturer Barcodes Not Covered

The problem: Multiple barcodes are scannable, causing confusion.

The fix: Cover all barcodes except the one Amazon should scan with opaque tape or labels.

7. Box Condition Issues

The problem: Damaged, reused, or oversized boxes.

The fix: Use new boxes that meet Amazon's specifications. Don't exceed weight limits.

FBA Prep Checklist Summary

Use this checklist for every shipment:

Labels:

• FNSKU labels on all units (or eligible manufacturer barcodes)
• Labels are 1-2 inches tall by 2-3 inches wide
• Labels printed in black ink on white, non-reflective material
• Labels placed on flat surfaces, not curves or edges
• All other barcodes covered or removed

Poly Bags:

• Required items are bagged in clear poly at least 1.5 mil thick
• Bags with 5"+ openings have suffocation warning
• Barcodes are scannable through or outside the bag
• Bags are fully sealed

Bundles:

• "Sold as Set" labels applied
• Items securely fastened together
• Single FNSKU for the bundle
• No exposed individual barcodes

Expiration Dates:

• 90+ days shelf life remaining
• Date format is MM-DD-YYYY or MM-YYYY
• 36-point font or larger
• Clearly visible (not on bottom)

Boxes:

• New, sturdy corrugated cardboard
• Under 50 lbs (or properly labeled for team lift)
• Under 25 inches on any side
• FBA Box ID label applied on flat surface
• Old labels removed or covered
• No prohibited packing materials

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between FNSKU and UPC?

A UPC (Universal Product Code) is a manufacturer barcode used across all retailers. An FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit) is Amazon's internal identifier that links a product to your specific seller account. FNSKU ensures your inventory stays separate from other sellers' inventory.

Can I use Amazon's prep services?

No. As of January 1, 2026, Amazon discontinued all FBA prep and labeling services. You must prep all items before shipping to fulfillment centers, either in-house or through a third-party prep service.

What happens if my shipment is non-compliant?

Amazon may reject the entire shipment (returned at your expense), dispose of non-compliant items (disposal fees apply), or accept the shipment with inbound defect fees ranging from $0.32 to $8.25 per unit.

Do I need suffocation warnings on all poly bags?

Only poly bags with a 5-inch or larger opening (measured when flat) require suffocation warnings. However, many sellers add warnings to all bags to avoid any risk of non-compliance.

How do I cover manufacturer barcodes?

Use opaque tape or labels to cover existing barcodes so only your FNSKU is scannable. Don't use a black marker — scanners can sometimes still read marked-over barcodes.

What's the minimum shelf life for expiration-dated products?

Products must have at least 90 days of shelf life remaining when they arrive at Amazon's fulfillment center. Build in extra time for shipping and check-in delays.

The Bottom Line

FBA prep isn't complicated once you understand the requirements. But it is unforgiving — Amazon's systems are automated, and non-compliant products get flagged and fined without exception.

Your options are:

1. Handle prep in-house — requires dedicated space, staff training, and constant attention to Amazon's changing requirements
2. Outsource to an FBA prep service — shifts the compliance burden to experts who do this daily

Most sellers find that the cost of outsourcing prep is far less than the cost of rejected shipments, defect fees, and the time spent managing prep operations in-house.

At 3PLGuys, we're Amazon SPN certified and located 15 minutes from the Port of Long Beach in Paramount, CA — ideal for sellers importing from Asia. We handle FNSKU labeling, poly bagging, bundling, expiration tracking, and quality inspection with 99%+ acceptance rates. Flexible terms, no long-term contracts, and dedicated account managers you can reach via Slack, email, or phone.

Get a custom FBA prep quote based on your volume and product types.