Preparing products correctly for Amazon FBA is one of the most important responsibilities for every Amazon seller. If your inventory does not meet Amazon’s strict prep requirements—whether due to improper labelling, incorrect packaging, or missing compliance steps—your entire shipment can be delayed, rejected, or charged extra fees.
To avoid these issues, this guide provides a complete Amazon FBA prep checklist that covers packaging, labelling, polybagging, bundling, carton rules, inspections, and more. You’ll also find useful internal resources from FNPrep, a UK-based fulfilment and logistics partner that regularly publishes expert guidance on e-commerce, prep compliance, and outsourcing operations.
What Is Amazon FBA Prep?
Amazon FBA prep refers to all the work required before your products arrive at an Amazon fulfilment centre. This includes:
- Adding FNSKU labels
- Removing manufacturer barcodes
- Poly-bagging and bubble wrapping
- Packaging checks
- Bundling or multipack creation
- Applying expiration dates
- Quality control
- Box content accuracy
To understand why FBA prep matters in the bigger picture of fulfilment, you can read FNPrep’s article on the role of prep centres in Amazon operations.
Why Proper Prep Is Critical
Amazon uses automated receiving systems, so inventory that is non-compliant disrupts the process. Proper FBA prep helps you:
- Avoid inbound delays
- Reduce the risk of shipment rejection
- Lower return rates
- Maintain positive seller metrics
- Protect fragile or sensitive products
- Improve customer satisfaction and reviews
- Keep costs low by preventing additional prep fees
Many sellers choose to outsource prep to save time and eliminate human error, especially as their inventory volume grows.
Amazon FBA Prep Requirements (Full Seller Checklist)
Below is the complete checklist to ensure all your units meet Amazon’s fulfilment standards.
1. FNSKU Labelling Requirements
Every unit sent to Amazon must have a unique FNSKU barcode. Amazon does not allow multiple scannable barcodes on a single product.
Your labelling must follow these rules:
- The FNSKU must be scannable
- All other barcodes (UPC/EAN) must be covered
- Labels must be placed on a flat, visible area
- Labels cannot smudge or peel
- Variants must have correct FNSKU mapping
Incorrect labelling is one of the top reasons shipments get rejected.
For a deeper understanding of how 3PLs handle prep and labelling, see FNPrep’s guide on what a 3PL company does.
2. Poly-Bagging Requirements
Polybags are required for products that are loose, fabric-based, or prone to contamination or damage.
Amazon polybag rules:
- Transparent bags only
- Bags must include a suffocation warning
- Bag thickness must be 1.5 mil or more
- Bags must be fully sealed
- Barcode must be readable through the bag
Products that generally require poly-bagging include toys, textiles, baby items, accessories, kitchen items, and items with multiple loose pieces.
3. Bubble Wrap Requirements
Fragile or sensitive items must be bubble-wrapped to prevent breakage.
Use bubble wrap for:
- Glass
- Ceramics
- Cosmetics
- Electronics with screens
- Sharp items
- Delicate packaging that dents easily
All bubble-wrapped products require a scannable barcode applied to the outer wrapping.
4. Bundling & Multipack Requirements
If an item is sold as a set—such as “Pack of 2” or a three-piece bundle—Amazon requires the entire set to be packaged as one unit.
Follow these rules:
- Apply a “Sold as Set – Do Not Separate” label
- Use one FNSKU for the complete bundle
- Wrap the bundle securely (polybag or shrink wrap)
- Prevent the items from separating during transit
Incorrect bundling often leads to inventory errors and customer complaints.
5. Packaging Requirements
Amazon requires all units to be packaged securely and professionally.
Packaging must:
- Be clean and undamaged
- Fully seal the product
- Protect the product during shipping
- Use packaging suitable for the product’s weight
- Prevent leaks, spills, or contamination
For liquid items, Amazon recommends double-sealing and leak-prevention measures.
6. Expiry Date Requirements
For consumable or perishable products:
- Expiry dates must be printed clearly
- Dates must be visible on the outer packaging
- Expiry dates must match the carton labels
- Products must have enough remaining shelf life per Amazon’s rules
Units with unclear or missing expiry labels will be rejected.
7. Carton Weight & Size Requirements
Amazon strictly controls inbound carton weight and size.
Carton rules:
- Maximum weight: 23 kg per box
- Boxes over 15 kg must display a “Heavy” label
- Boxes must be durable and properly sealed
- Preferably pack single-SKU boxes
- Do not exceed Amazon’s maximum box dimensions
Incorrect carton prep slows down Amazon’s receiving process.
8. Box Content Information
During shipment creation, Amazon requires complete and accurate box content details.
This includes:
- SKU and FNSKU quantities
- Units per carton
- Product variations
- Expiry dates (if applicable)
- Weight and dimensions
Incorrect box content delays receiving by several days.
9. Pre-Shipment Inspection & Quality Control
Before sending inventory to Amazon, inspect all products thoroughly:
- Check packaging integrity
- Verify correct labelling
- Confirm variant accuracy
- Look for damage or manufacturing defects
- Ensure accessories are included
- Validate barcode readability
A strong QC process reduces negative reviews and product returns.
You can learn more about comparing in-house operations with outsourced fulfilment through FNPrep’s article on in-house vs 3PL fulfilment.
Amazon FBA Prep FAQs
What is the full checklist for Amazon FBA prep?
It includes labelling, poly-bagging, packaging, bundling, carton rules, expiry labelling, QC, and accurate box content.
Do I need FNSKU labels on every unit?
Yes, unless you use manufacturer barcode tracking (not recommended for most UK sellers).
Can Amazon reject my shipment for poor prep?
Yes. Amazon can reject, delay, or charge additional fees for non-compliant inventory.
Should I outsource my prep?
Many brands outsource prep to save time, minimise errors, and streamline scaling.
How do I learn more about fulfilment strategies?
You can explore FNPrep’s full insights library in the official FNPrep blog.
Conclusion
Amazon FBA prep is not optional—it’s essential for smooth inbound receiving, inventory accuracy, and customer satisfaction. By following this complete checklist, sellers can prevent costly mistakes, avoid delays, and maintain compliance with Amazon’s requirements.
If you want to reduce workload, increase accuracy, and ship inventory without stress, FNPrep’s informative resources and expert insights offer valuable support for every Amazon seller. You can explore more helpful guides and fulfilment strategies in the FNPrep blog, which consistently publishes practical, experience-based content for ecommerce brands.