Introduction: Why Prep Requirements Matter
Amazon has strict preparation standards designed to maintain inventory quality and ensure smooth fulfillment. Non-compliance results in rejected shipments, restocking fees, and delays that damage your selling reputation. In 2025, Amazon has tightened enforcement, making it more critical than ever to get prep right the first time. This checklist covers everything you need to know.
FNSKU Labelling Requirements
FNSKU (Fulfillment Network SKU) barcodes are the backbone of FBA preparation. Amazon won't accept your shipment without them.
- Label Placement: FNSKU must be placed on the bottom-right corner of the front face of the product (or the most visible side if there's no clear front).
- Label Size: 1.25" x 0.85" (32mm x 22mm). Smaller labels are rejected; larger ones may cover important product information.
- Barcode Quality: Labels must be clear, undamaged, and scannable. Wrinkled, faded, or smudged labels are a common rejection reason.
- Placement on Cases: If shipping by the case, BOTH individual units and outer cases need FNSKU labels.
- Overwriting Restrictions: Never cover manufacturer barcodes. FNSKU must be placed adjacent to them without overlap.
Polybagging and Packaging Rules
Polybagging (sealing items in polybags) is required for many product categories and is highly recommended for others to protect inventory during transit.
- Required Categories: Clothing, textiles, shoes, and beauty products must be polybagged. Check your category-specific requirements in Seller Central.
- Suffocation Warning: Every polybag must display a suffocation warning unless the product itself has one. The text must read: "WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—Small parts. Not for children under 8 years."
- Material Quality: Use standard 1.5mil polybags. They must be sealed properly but remain easy to open for Amazon's receiving staff.
- Content Clarity: If multiple items are grouped, the polybag must be transparent enough for quick visual inspection.
Bundling and Multi-Pack Guidelines
If you're selling bundles or multi-packs, Amazon has specific preparation standards:
- Individual Unit Labelling: Each item within a bundle must have an FNSKU label unless grouped as a single SKU.
- Clear Packaging: Bundles must be packaged so the contents are immediately visible. Sealed boxes without transparency aren't acceptable for some categories.
- ASIN Matching: Ensure the ASIN on your Seller Central matches exactly what's in the box.
Expiry Dates, Safety, and Special Handling
Certain product types require additional preparation steps:
- Food and Supplements: Expiry dates must be printed or written on the unit (not just the box). Minimum 90 days shelf life required from shipment date.
- Fragile Items: Products prone to breakage must be wrapped in bubble wrap or cushioning material. Boxes should be marked "FRAGILE" on at least two sides.
- Hazardous Materials: Batteries, aerosols, and flammable items have restricted shipment options and specific labelling rules. Always declare hazardous status in Seller Central.
- Electronics: Must include original packaging or professional packaging that protects against damage.
Pallet Requirements for LTL Shipments
For large shipments using LTL (Less Than Truckload) freight, pallet standards are strict:
- Pallet Quality: Use standard 48" x 40" wooden pallets in good condition. No broken boards, nails protruding, or excessive damage.
- Wrapping: Pallets must be wrapped in shrink wrap to keep boxes secure during transit. Leave the top open for scanning.
- Weight Distribution: Maximum 1,500 lbs per pallet. Heavier shipments must be split across multiple pallets.
- Height Limits: Total height including pallet cannot exceed 60 inches.
- Labels: Pallet labels with FNSKU barcodes must be on at least two sides for easy scanning.
Common Rejection Reasons and How to Avoid Them
The following are the most common reasons Amazon rejects shipments. Understanding these helps you prevent costly delays:
- Barcode Damage/Unreadability: Wrinkled, faded, or poorly placed labels. Prevention: use high-quality label printers and proper placement standards.
- Incorrect Quantities: Box says 10 units; only 8 inside. Always count twice and match Seller Central quantities exactly.
- Missing FNSKU Labels: Any unit without a label is rejected. Prep centres like PrepExpress verify 100% compliance.
- Wrong ASIN: Items don't match the ASIN on your shipment plan. Double-check before shipping.
- Product Condition Issues: Stains, damage, missing parts, or signs of use. Inspect thoroughly or work with a prep centre that does.
- Suffocation Warning Violations: Polybags without required warnings. Every single bag must be compliant.
- Hazmat Misclassification: Failing to declare hazardous items. Always be honest about product classification.
Using a Prep Centre for Compliance
Adhering to all these requirements manually is time-consuming and error-prone. This is why many successful sellers partner with specialist prep centres. PrepExpress, for example, has Amazon-trained staff who know the 2025 requirements inside and out. We maintain a 99.8% first-time acceptance rate by combining expert knowledge with systematic quality checks.
Final Checklist Before Shipment
- All units have correctly placed, scannable FNSKU labels
- Polybagging is complete with suffocation warnings where required
- Product condition meets Amazon standards
- Quantities match Seller Central shipment plan exactly
- Expiry dates are visible (if applicable)
- Fragile items are properly wrapped
- Pallets (if applicable) are properly labelled and wrapped
- Hazmat items are declared and labelled correctly
Getting prep right protects your reputation, ensures faster inventory acceptance, and keeps your FBA business running smoothly. For comprehensive compliance and peace of mind, consider partnering with PrepExpress today.