Amazon Ends FBA Prep and Labelling Services: What Sellers Should Do Now?
Amazon Ends FBA Prep & Labelling Services: What Sellers Should Do Now
Amazon recently announced a significant shift in its fulfilment operations: starting 1 January 2026, the company will discontinue all prep and labelling services for Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) shipments. These services have long been available to help sellers ensure their products meet Amazon’s packaging standards. With their removal, every merchant will need to take full ownership of preparing their inventory before it reaches Amazon’s warehouses.
What’s changing?
Until the end of 2025, Amazon will continue to offer prep and labelling services across all its logistics programs. From 1 January 2026 onward, any inbound FBA shipment must arrive fully prepared: units must be labelled with the correct barcode, packaged appropriately (poly‑bags, bubble wrap, or shrink wrap where required), and ready for immediate storage. The change applies not only to standard FBA shipments but also to programs such as Amazon Warehousing & Distribution (AWD), Amazon Global Logistics (AGL), Amazon SEND and the Supply Chain Portal.
Why does this matter?
Amazon’s decision reflects its confidence in sellers’ ability to meet packaging standards and its desire to streamline warehouse operations. For merchants, however, it represents a logistical and operational challenge. Sellers who have relied on Amazon’s prep service must now ensure they have the facilities, processes and staff to handle these tasks themselves.
Key implications for sellers
Responsibility for compliance: Amazon will no longer correct packaging errors or apply labels on your behalf. Shipments that arrive unprepared risk being rejected or incurring additional handling costs.
Operational planning: Businesses without an existing prep function must either invest in equipment and training or partner with a third‑party logistics provider (3PL) that specialises in FBA preparation.
Quality assurance: Proper prep reduces the risk of damage during transport and storage. Inadequate packaging could lead to higher return rates and negative reviews.
How to prepare your business
Assess your products’ prep requirements - Review Amazon’s packaging and labelling guidelines for each category you sell. Identify whether items need poly‑bags, bubble wrap, suffocation warnings or other special handling.
Develop or outsource a prep process. If you handle fulfilment in‑house, set up a dedicated area for barcoding and packaging. Purchase the necessary materials and tools. If not, consider working with a 3PL experienced in preparing inventory for Amazon.
Train your team. Educate staff on labelling accuracy, barcode placement and packaging standards. A well‑trained team will reduce errors and prevent delays at the fulfilment centre.
Test and refine workflows. Before the January deadline, run trial shipments to ensure your prep process meets Amazon’s requirements. Address any issues in advance to avoid last‑minute complications.
Communicate with suppliers. If your suppliers are involved in packaging, ensure they understand the new standards to ensure products arrive at you (or directly to Amazon) correctly prepared.
Turning a challenge into an opportunity
While the end of Amazon’s prep service may feel like an added burden, it also offers a chance to optimise operations. By taking control of labelling and packaging, you can reduce dependence on Amazon’s services, shorten processing times and potentially lower costs in the long run. A robust in‑house or outsourced prep process will not only keep your business compliant but also enhance customer satisfaction by ensuring products arrive in perfect condition.
Proboxx is here to support you through this transition. Whether you need help setting up prep procedures, evaluating 3PL partners or understanding Amazon’s packaging requirements, our team can provide guidance tailored to your business.
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