Overview

Effective January 1 2026, Amazon stopped offering any Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) preparation or labeling services for inbound shipments to U.S. fulfillment centers. Every seller—whether using direct shipments, Amazon Warehousing and Distribution, Amazon Global Logistics, SEND, or the Partnered Carrier program—must now apply FNSKU labels, protective packaging, bundling, safety warnings, and any other required prep before the units leave their own facility. The shift directly affects inventory flow, compliance risk, and cost structures, making it essential for sellers to redesign their prep processes immediately.

Key Points

• Full prep responsibility — Sellers must affix FNSKU barcodes, poly‑bag, bubble‑wrap, and any regulatory labels before Amazon receives the cartons.
• All inbound channels affected — Direct shipments, Amazon‑run logistics, and partnered carrier programs are subject to the same prep rules.
• No grace period — Units arriving without proper preparation are rejected, delayed, or may incur penalty fees starting on the Jan 1 deadline.
• Compliance penalties — Repeated violations can trigger ASIN‑level restrictions, health warnings, or full account suspension.
• Cost now visible — Prep expenses (materials, labor, outsourcing) must be factored into unit economics for every SKU.
• Supply‑chain redesign — Sellers can shift prep to in‑house teams, third‑party prep centers, or directly to manufacturers to meet Amazon’s standards.

What's Changing

1. Labeling eliminated at the dock — Amazon no longer prints or applies FNSKU labels. Example: A seller of silicone kitchen spatulas must print and stick a 1‑inch FNSKU label on each spatula before packing the cartons.
2. Protective packaging moves upstream — Poly‑bagging, bubble‑wrapping, and any required cushioning are now the seller’s duty. Example: A vendor of glass perfume bottles must place each bottle in a 2‑mil poly bag and add a layer of bubble wrap before palletizing.