Amazon’s FBA Prep Shutdown in 2026: Your Step-by-Step Readiness Plan

On January 1, 2026, Amazon will officially stop offering its Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) prep services in the U.S. This includes tasks like applying FNSKU barcodes, poly-bagging, bubble wrapping, and bundling. These FBA prep services ensure your products meet Amazon's strict packaging and labeling requirements, streamlining your workflow and minimizing potential delays or penalties. 

If you’ve been relying on Amazon to handle this step before your inventory hits the shelves, the clock is ticking to put a new plan in place.

What’s Changing

Amazon announced this change last month, noting that shipments created before January 1, 2026, will still be eligible for FBA prep services, even if they arrive at Amazon’s fulfillment centers after the deadline. But starting in the new year, sellers will be fully responsible for ensuring every unit is prepped according to Amazon’s requirements before it arrives.

This applies to:

• Direct FBA shipments
• Amazon Warehousing & Distribution (AWD)
• Amazon Global Logistics (AGL)
• Amazon SEND
• Shipments created via the Supply Chain Portal

No more barcode printing or bubble wrapping courtesy of Amazon. And if your products show up unprepared? They could be delayed, rejected, or left ineligible for reimbursement if damaged.

What This Means for Sellers

Here’s the reality: Amazon is shifting the responsibility to you!

• Operational changes: Sellers who ship directly from manufacturers or overseas will need to add a prep step in the U.S. or at the source.
• Cost implications: Without Amazon’s services, you’ll either need to build in-house prep capabilities or outsource to a 3PL or prep center.
• Compliance pressure: Products must meet Amazon’s exact prep standards to avoid costly mistakes and shipment delays.
• Tighter timelines: Any prep errors can cause stock shortages and hurt sales, especially during peak seasons.

For some sellers, this could mean a complete rethinking of how their supply chain operates. For others, it’s an opportunity to take control, streamline, and improve efficiency.

Who Will Feel This Change the Most?

While every seller will need to adapt, some will be impacted more heavily:

• Overseas manufacturers shipping direct to Amazon: Now need a U.S. prep partner before items enter Amazon’s network.
• High-volume brands with small in-house teams: Likely can’t scale prep quickly enough without outside help.
• Seasonal sellers: Will face capacity crunches at peak times without a plan in place.
• New product launchers: Every SKU will need a prep strategy locked in before hitting Amazon’s shelves.

If any of these sound like your brand, now’s the time to start mapping out your transition.

Seller Readiness Checklist

If you sell on Amazon FBA, here’s how to get ready and stay ahead of the competition:

• Identify SKUs that rely on Amazon prep today: Make a list of every product that needs labeling, protective packaging, or bundling.

• Review Amazon’s prep requirements: Know exactly what each product type requires — from barcode placement to protective packaging specs.

• Decide on your prep strategy
  • In-house: Hire staff, set up workstations, purchase equipment, and train your team.
  • Outsource: Partner with a 3PL or Amazon-compliant prep center.
    

• Run test shipments before Q4 2025: Work out the kinks now so you don’t get caught scrambling after the deadline.

• Budget for changes: Factor in new costs for labor, materials, and handling.

• Secure a partner early: Demand for prep services will surge in late 2025. Don’t wait until capacity is booked.
  

• Plan for seasonal peaks
  Make sure your new prep process can handle high-volume sales events without delays.

Prep Now, Not Later: Suggested Timeline

Q3 2025 — Audit products and determine which SKUs will require prep after Amazon ends the service.

Q3 into Q4 2025 — Test your new prep process; ship your final orders using Amazon’s services before December 31.

January 1, 2026 — Transition to your permanent prep solution and ensure all shipments meet Amazon’s compliance requirements.

2026 onward — Maintain a streamlined, compliant prep process so your products keep flowing without disruption.

How PBD Worldwide Can Help

For nearly 50 years, PBD has helped brands meet even the most demanding fulfillment requirements. We already handle Amazon-compliant prep for our clients including labeling, poly-bagging, bubble wrapping, kitting, and bundling with precision and speed.

When Amazon’s prep services disappear in 2026, you’ll still have a reliable partner who:

• Thoroughly understands Amazon’s requirements inside and out
• Offers quick and efficient turnaround on prep orders
• Has nationwide facilities for faster delivery and lower shipping costs
• Excels in service and communication including a dedicated account manager to keep things running smoothly

Don’t Wait Until the Rush

The sellers who prepare now will sail through this change without missed sales or last-minute scrambling. Whether you’re looking to add prep to your current fulfillment plan or want an all-in-one solution, PBD can help you make a seamless transition.

Let’s start prepping today - contact us to set up your Amazon-compliant workflow before the January 2026 deadline.