Amazon FBA prep requirements for wholesale inventory cover how each unit is labeled, packaged and boxed before it arrives at a fulfillment center. Since January 1, 2026, Amazon no longer offers prep and item labeling services for FBA shipments in the US, so every unit has to arrive fully prepped by you, your supplier or a prep center.
Quick answer: Label every unit with its FNSKU barcode, bag or bundle items that need it, mark expiration dates on dated products, keep identical units together in case packs, and ship boxes or pallets that meet Amazon’s size and weight limits. Check Amazon’s packaging and prep requirements before each new product.
What Changed in 2026
Two changes matter most for wholesale sellers:
- No more Amazon prep. Amazon said it would stop offering prep and item labeling services for US FBA shipments from January 1, 2026, and that shipments arriving without proper prep would not be eligible for reimbursement if damaged or lost (Packaging Insights).
- No more stickerless commingling. Amazon ended commingled, stickerless inventory in US fulfillment centers from March 31, 2026. Resellers now need an FNSKU label on every unit (Beancount).
How to Prep Wholesale Inventory for Amazon FBA
1. Label Every Unit
Each unit needs its Amazon FNSKU barcode, covering the manufacturer barcode. Learn the difference in FNSKU vs UPC, then see how to print FNSKU labels.
2. Bag or Protect Items That Need It
Liquids, powders, soft items and loose parts often need a poly bag or other protection. See the poly bag requirements.
3. Mark Expiration Dates
Food, supplements, cosmetics and other dated products need a visible expiration date on each unit and on the case. Read the expiration date requirements.
4. Bundle Multipacks Correctly
Sets sold as one unit must be bundled securely and labeled so they are not split. See how to prep multipacks.
5. Box It Right
Decide whether to ship case-packed or individual units, and keep boxes within Amazon’s limits. Read case-packed vs individual units.
How to Send Wholesale Inventory to Amazon FBA
- Create a shipment in Send to Amazon in Seller Central.
- Enter quantities, choose case-packed or individual units, and add box contents.
- Choose your placement option. Fewer destinations can mean an inbound placement fee.
- Print box labels and choose a carrier. Learn the difference between LTL vs SPD shipments.
- Ship and track the shipment until Amazon receives it.
Avoiding Problems
Most prep problems come from missing labels, wrong bags or mixed boxes. Learn how to avoid unplanned prep fees, and compare a prep center vs supplier prep.
Before you buy a product, check its prep needs along with its profit; see how to find profitable wholesale products. If the product is restricted, read how to get ungated on Amazon first.
Skip the Prep Work
We are a supplier that ships directly to Amazon FBA. We add FNSKU labels, poly-bag where needed and ship cases straight to your FBA shipment, usually within 3–7 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Amazon still prep inventory for a fee?
Not in the US. Amazon stopped offering prep and item labeling services for US FBA shipments from January 1, 2026.
Do wholesale products need FNSKU labels?
Yes, for resellers. Since commingling ended, every unit needs its own FNSKU label unless the seller is the brand owner using the manufacturer barcode.
Where do I find Amazon’s prep rules for a product?
In Send to Amazon, Seller Central shows the prep guidance for each product. Amazon’s packaging and prep help pages list the full rules.