FBA Prep Sunsetting Guide: Everything You Need To Know

Amazon will discontinue all prep and item-labeling services on January 1, 2026. Starting January 1, 2026, sellers who previously relied on Amazon's FBA Prep Services will need to transition to using a 3PL provider that offers compliant FBA prep and labeling services. In this article, we'll explore what this change means for sellers and how to prepare for the transition.

What is changing?

Amazon is sunsetting FBA Prep Services and FBA Label Services. These services allowed sellers to ship inventory directly to Amazon fulfillment centers and have Amazon's team handle product preparation (such as poly-bagging, bubble-wrapping, and taping) and FNSKU labeling on their behalf.

After January 1, 2026, sellers will no longer be able to use these services. All inventory arriving at Amazon fulfillment centers must already be prepped and labeled according to Amazon's FBA requirements.

Why is Amazon making this change?

Amazon has not provided specific public commentary on the reasoning behind this decision. However, industry experts believe the change is part of Amazon's broader effort to streamline fulfillment center operations and reduce handling complexity. By requiring sellers to send "FC-ready" inventory, Amazon can move products through its network more efficiently.

What do sellers need to do?

Sellers who currently use Amazon's prep or labeling services need to transition to a third-party provider before January 1, 2026. Here are the key steps:

1. Identify a compliant FBA prep provider

Work with a 3PL provider that offers Amazon-compliant FBA prep and labeling services. The provider should have experience with Amazon's requirements and be able to handle product-specific prep needs (poly-bagging, bubble-wrapping, labeling, case packing, etc.).

2. Understand your prep requirements

Review Amazon's FBA Product Preparation Requirements to understand what prep is needed for your specific products. Requirements vary based on product category, packaging, and condition.

3. Update your workflows

Adjust your inbound shipping processes to route inventory through your prep provider before sending to Amazon. This may require updates to your supply chain routing, lead times, and inventory planning.

4. Test before the deadline

Run a test shipment through your new prep provider well before January 1, 2026 to ensure all processes are working smoothly and inventory arrives at Amazon fulfillment centers without issues.

How WarehouseQuote can help

WarehouseQuote offers comprehensive FBA prep and labeling services through our network of Amazon-certified prep centers. Our team handles:

• FNSKU labeling
• Poly-bagging and bubble-wrapping
• Case packing and palletization
• Quality inspections
• FBA shipment creation and coordination

With WarehouseQuote's integrated technology platform, you can manage FBA prep alongside your other fulfillment channels in a single system. Our operations team works as an extension of your business, ensuring your inventory is prepped to Amazon's standards and shipped on time — so you can focus on growing your business.