The clock is ticking. On January 1, 2026, the Amazon prep service in the U.S. will disappear for good. No more bubble wrap from Amazon. No more last-minute labeling saves. From now on, it’s all in your hands, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. This is your no-panic, all-action guide to staying ahead, avoiding shipment disasters, and turning this change into an operational win, whether you handle it in-house or work with a trusted prep center Amazon.
The Big Change, Explained Without the Jargon
Starting January 1, 2026, Amazon will no longer perform preparation (prep) or unit labeling for inventory sent to Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) in the U.S. This applies to all inbound shipments:
- Direct to FBA
- From Amazon Warehousing & Distribution (AWD)
- Through Amazon Global Logistics (AGL)
- Via Amazon SEND
- Or through the Supply Chain Portal
In plain terms, every product must arrive fully prepped and labeled in compliance with Amazon FBA label requirements and Amazon FBA packaging requirements. If you create a shipment after January 1, 2026, that doesn’t meet these requirements, Amazon could reject it or accept it without responsibility for damages.
Prep can include:
- Applying the correct FNSKU label: making sure each unit has its unique scannable barcode so it can be tracked through Amazon’s system from arrival to customer delivery.
- Poly-bagging with suffocation warnings: sealing products in transparent poly bags to protect them from dust or damage, with a visible suffocation warning for safety compliance.
- Bubble wrapping fragile items: adding a cushioning layer to prevent chips, cracks, or breaks during handling and transport.
- Cap sealing liquids: using a tamper-evident seal to prevent leaks or spills for items like shampoos, lotions, or other liquid-based products.
- Using opaque coverings for adult products: covering these items so their contents are not visible during storage and shipment, ensuring discretion.
- Adding “Sold as set – Do not separate” labels to multipacks: making it clear that the grouped products are to be sold and shipped together, avoiding accidental separation.
Why Amazon Is Doing This (And Why It’s Not the End of the World)
When Amazon first launched the Amazon FBA prep service, it was designed to protect products during shipping. But over time, sellers improved their packaging and more now use a prep center for Amazon or an FBA prep center that meets compliance standards. More third-party prep centers and 3PLs (third-party logistics providers) now meet FBA’s standards, giving sellers more choices than ever before.
This change allows Amazon to focus on speed and operational efficiency, which means faster delivery for customers. And for sellers, taking control of prep offers several advantages:
- Consistent brand presentation for Amazon FBA private label products
- Greater oversight of quality control
- Cost savings through streamlined prep processes
What’s at Stake If You Don’t Prepare
Not adapting to this change could create serious issues for your business. Sellers who wait until the last minute may face:
- Shipments being rejected or delayed at Amazon’s dock
- Inventory arriving damaged with no eligibility for reimbursement
- Higher costs during Q1 2026 restocking due to emergency fixes
- Lost sales from out-of-stock situations during peak demand
The risk isn’t just about compliance; it’s about protecting your margins, maintaining your brand’s reputation, and keeping your products consistently available for customers year-round. If you can’t fulfill orders quickly due to prep delays or rejected shipments, you risk losing Buy Box placement, damaging your seller rating, and ultimately impacting your bottom line. In a competitive marketplace like Amazon, every day of downtime can mean missed sales and lost customer trust.
Your All-Action FBA Prep Game Plan
Step 1: Audit your catalog
Identify SKUs that currently rely on Amazon prep center or labeling. Make note of products with special handling requirements (fragile, liquid, multipacks, adult products, etc.).
Step 2: Choose your prep path
You have three main options:
- DIY (Do It Yourself): Build an internal prep process using Amazon’s official FBA prep requirements.
- 3PL or Prep Center: Partner with a vetted provider that already meets Amazon’s compliance standards.
-
SIPP Program (Ships in Product Packaging): Redesign packaging so the product can ship directly to the customer without additional Amazon packaging, reducing prep needs and FBA fees.
Step 3: Test your system before Q4 2025
Run small-scale shipments through your new prep process to catch errors early.
Step 4: Train your team or provider
Ensure that everyone involved understands Amazon’s requirements, including the 3-Foot Drop Test, and can execute them without errors.
Pro Tips to Level Up Your Amazon FBA Preparation
Investing in the right materials and systems now can save you time and money later. Here are some best practices:
- Use quality packaging materials to reduce damage rates and customer returns.
- Create SKU-specific prep checklists so nothing is missed for products with unique needs.
- Track prep times and error rates to improve efficiency over time.
- Integrate prep steps into your inventory management system for better tracking and accountability.
By building these habits now, you’ll be ready to scale without compromising quality.
Your Countdown to January 1, 2026
Q3 2025
- Audit your catalog for prep needs.
- Decide whether you’ll go DIY, use a 3PL, or enroll in SIPP.
- Source packaging materials or secure a contract with a prep provider.
Q4 2025
- Run tests with your chosen prep method.
- Fine-tune processes and document them clearly.
By December 15, 2025
- Lock in all workflows for 2026 shipments.
- Ensure all shipments scheduled for January are created with the new prep method.
How We Can Support Your Transition
At Marknology, we know this kind of change can feel like a lot to take in, but you don’t have to navigate it on your own. We are your go-to Amazon partner agency, ready to walk you through every step of your prep and labeling transition. We bring the experience, strategies, and resources to make sure you stay compliant and competitive.
And here’s the bonus: we have our own warehouse to handle storage and prep for your inventory. That means less stress for you, fewer moving parts, and no scrambling to fix issues at the last minute.
Whether you prefer to prep in-house, use our warehouse, or create a hybrid solution, our team is here to make it simple and smooth. If you’re ready to take the guesswork out of this transition and feel confident heading into 2026, let’s talk. We’d love to help you make this shift a success.
Ready to Win in the Post-Prep Era
The end of the Amazon prep service is a chance to take control and strengthen your brand. With the right prep center for Amazon, you can ship faster, protect margins, and deliver consistent experiences.
January 1, 2026, can be your launchpad, not a setback.