Amazon prep requirements are packaging and labeling rules set by Amazon to ensure inventory arrives safely at fulfillment centers and can be processed correctly.
If items are not prepped properly, Amazon may:
Reject the shipment
Charge prep fees
Delay receiving
Mark inventory as unfulfillable
📦 Why Prep Requirements Matter
Prep requirements help:
Protect items during shipping
Prevent damage or leaks
Ensure barcodes can be scanned
Improve warehouse processing efficiency
👉 Proper prep reduces shipment problems and inventory delays.
🏷️ Common Amazon Prep Requirements
Amazon may require prep methods such as:
✅ Polybagging
Used for:
Loose items
Bundles
Apparel
Open packaging
Polybags may require:
Suffocation warning labels
✅ Bubble Wrapping
Used for:
Fragile items
Glass products
Breakable inventory
✅ Taping
Used when:
Packaging can open during transit
Lids or flaps are loose
✅ Opaque Bagging
Required for:
Adult products
Sensitive items
✅ Labeling
Items may require:
FNSKU labels
Shipment labels
Expiration labels
👉 Barcodes must remain scannable.
🔍 How to Check Prep Requirements
When creating an FBA shipment:
Amazon will display prep instructions for each item
You may see statuses like:
Prep required
Prep owner
Prep unconfirmed
⚠️ Common Prep Mistakes
Covering barcodes accidentally
Missing suffocation warnings
Weak packaging
Incorrect label placement
Not protecting fragile items properly
💡 Who Handles the Prep?
You can choose:
Seller prep → You prep the inventory yourself
Amazon prep service → Amazon handles prep for a fee
🔄 How It Works in AccelerList
Within AccelerList:
Prep requirements may appear during shipment creation
Amazon determines the prep rules based on the ASIN and category
👉 AccelerList reflects the prep information returned by Amazon.
✅ Summary
Amazon prep requirements are packaging and labeling rules designed to ensure inventory is protected, compliant, and ready for fulfillment center processing. Following prep requirements correctly helps avoid delays, fees, and shipment issues.