Amazon Order Prep Will Disappear in 2026! Here’s What Amazon Sellers Need to Know

To Amazon sellers using Amazon prep services: **BIG CHANGES** are coming to Amazon FBA prep starting in 2026! Amazon has announced that they will no longer be handling order prep or labeling services in the United States starting January 1, 2026. This means that on the first day of Q1, all your products must arrive at Amazon FBA fulfillment centers properly prepped and labeled for delivery. Amazon isn’t kidding around: if your item arrives improperly labeled, they’ll simply return or dispose of all non-compliant products at your expense.

Read on to learn how to prepare for this change, explore your options, and see how Amazon FBA 3rd party logistics (3PL) partners can help you stay compliant with FBA after Amazon ends its prep services.

What Prep Services Amazon Will Stop Offering in 2026

If you’re an Amazon seller who uses FBA fullfillment and has been relying on Amazon prep for your packages, you should have received an official notification from Amazon already. In the message, Amazon makes clear that they will be discontinuing:

• All FBA prep services
• Item labeling services
• Prep for items going through Amazon Warehousing and Distribution (AWD)
• Prep for Amazon Global Logistics (AGL) shipments
• Prep for SEND program items
• Prep for Supply Chain Portal inventory

By shifting all prep services back to the minority of sellers who were using this service, Amazon aims to speed up their warehouses and reduce handling time, which should ultimately lead to faster shipping for all.

New FBA Prep Requirements

While Amazon isn’t technically changing their FBA prep requirements, they are planning to ramp up enforcement. This means that it is in a seller’s best interest to have their products meet every Amazon specification before it reaches an FBA warehouse, including:

• Labels must scan correctly on first attempt
• Items must be clean and in sellable condition
• Packaging cannot be damaged, torn, or compromised
• All barcodes must be clearly visible and in the correct position

Key FBA Prep Requirements

Accurate Labeling
Every item must have a correctly placed, scannable FNSKU label. Labels should be applied neatly and consistently so Amazon can process them quickly.

Polybagging Standards
Certain items—like clothing, small parts, or anything with sharp edges—must be enclosed in clear polybags to meet safety and compliance.

Cushioning and Bubble Wrap
Fragile products need extra protection. Glass items should be fully wrapped, and electronics often require reinforced corners to prevent breakage during shipping.

Managing Expiration Dates
Perishable goods must display clear expiration labels and follow first-in, first-out (FIFO) rotation to meet Amazon’s freshness and safety standards.

Protective Packaging Requirements

Liquids
Products like shampoos, cleaning solutions, and supplements must be double-sealed to prevent leaks. When applicable, they also need proper Hazmat Amazon FBA labeling to comply with Amazon’s safety standards.

Glass Items
Glassware and other breakable products require full bubble wrap coverage and clear FRAGILE markings on multiple sides to reduce the risk of damage in transit.

Electronics
Devices and accessories should be packed with anti-static materials and handled carefully to prevent electrical or physical damage during shipping.

Apparel
Clothing must be prepped according to garment type—either hung, folded, or sealed in clear polybags—to meet Amazon’s apparel prep and presentation requirements.

Books & Media
Books, DVDs, and similar products need protection from moisture and corner damage, ensuring they arrive in retail-ready condition.

How Amazon Sellers Can Navigate the Change

Sellers who are already working with established 3PL companies, businesses with in-house prep operations, warehouse space, and a dedicated fulfillment team, and sellers whose suppliers already prep items correctly for Amazon FBA are well positioned to navigate this change.

The following types of sellers will need to develop a new strategy:

• New sellers and small businesses who don’t have an in-house setup for order prep and who haven’t yet partnered with a 3PL.
• International sellers who haven’t yet explored regional prep partnerships or 3PL solutions.

Ultimately, this is an opportunity for ecommerce sellers to streamline their prep processes by investing in in-house processes or outsourcing logistics to a trusted 3PL partner.

How Amazon Sellers Can Manage FBA Prep in 2026

Amazon sellers have three main options for handling prep. Each comes with its own costs, benefits, and risks.

1. In-House Prep

Handling package prep in-house gives the business full control over the process but requires space, supplies, and time. You’ll need a dedicated workspace, labeling tools, scales, and a quality control process.

• Best for: Small sellers (under 500 units/month) with simple products
• Costs: $2,000–$5,000 startup + $0.20–$0.50 per unit
• Drawbacks: Time-consuming, hard to scale, and prone to errors

2. Manufacturer or Supplier Prep

Having suppliers handle prep saves time and shipping steps but adds risks. While it can lower costs and speed up delivery, many manufacturers lack Amazon FBA experience.

• Best for: High-volume sellers with reliable supplier relationships
• Challenges: Quality control overseas, communication issues, inconsistent prep standards

3. Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Partner

3PLs specialize in Amazon FBA prep and offer scalability, accuracy, and compliance. They use professional systems, advanced tech, and multiple warehouse locations to keep operations smooth.

• Best for: Most sellers moving 500+ units/month or selling complex items
• Costs: $0.40–$1.50 per unit
• Benefits: Expert FBA knowledge, faster turnaround, and error rates below 0.1%

In summary, if you are a U.S. Amazon sellers who have been relying on Amazon prep services, it’s not too late to avoid disruptions before Amazon pulls their order prep and labeling services in January, 2026. Start making a plan today to transition your order prep by building in-house capacity, working with suppliers, or partnering with a professional 3PL!

Outsource Order Prep to G10 Fulfillment!

If you’re used to shipping directly from China to Amazon or you haven’t been handling your own order prep for any number of reasons, it’s time to make a plan for 2026. Consider outsourcing fulfillment to G10 and our experienced team will handle all order prep for you. As an Amazon Verified 3PL Partner, G10 Fulfillment will help sellers stay compliant and competitive following the prep service changes.

G10 acts as a reliable middleman for Amazon sellers, allowing you to ship products directly from the manufacturer to our warehouses, where items are stored until Amazon requests inventory for FBA storage. Once requested, we ensure products are properly prepped and labeled before FBA transfer.

• Our quality control process using advanced inspection technology catches labeling and packaging errors before items reach Amazon, preventing costly delays or rejections.
• With strategically located warehouses and same-day order fulfillment, G10 helps you qualify for Seller-Fulfilled Prime without the extra FBA fees.
• We reserve additional prep capacity during Black Friday and the holidays, ensuring your products get processed on time when it matters most.
• Our system connects directly with Amazon’s API for real-time shipment tracking, visibility, and issue resolution.

Ready to strengthen your FBA strategy? Contact G10 Fulfillment today for a custom quote.