Amazon has announced major changes coming in 2026 that could impact thousands of sellers relying on Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) prep services. This upcoming “FBA Prep Shutdown” refers to Amazon’s plan to limit or phase out certain in-house FBA prep services, pushing sellers to handle product preparation through approved third-party providers instead.
If you’re an Amazon seller, this means now is the time to prepare. Securing a trusted FBA prep center early will ensure your business continues running smoothly when these changes take effect.
What Is the FBA Prep Shutdown?
The FBA Prep Shutdown is Amazon’s shift toward outsourcing product preparation to third-party logistics (3PL) providers. Amazon will gradually reduce its own FBA prep operations, such as labeling, bundling, poly bagging, and quality checks, and require sellers to use external prep centers that meet their new standards.
This move will help Amazon streamline its warehouse operations but also means sellers must take responsibility for getting their inventory fully compliant before sending it to Amazon fulfillment centers.
Why Is Amazon Making This Change?
Amazon is focusing on speed and efficiency within its fulfillment network. By moving product prep outside its warehouses, it can free up space for faster order processing and reduce delays. However, this shift places more pressure on sellers to meet strict packaging and labeling requirements before shipment.
For many sellers, managing FBA prep on their own will be challenging, especially with Amazon’s complex compliance standards. That’s why partnering with a professional FBA prep center is becoming more important than ever.
Why You Should Secure an FBA Prep Center Now
With the 2026 changes approaching, many prep centers are already seeing increased demand. Waiting too long to secure a reliable 3PL partner could result in higher costs, limited availability, or delayed onboarding.
Here’s why acting now gives you an advantage:
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Guaranteed Support: You’ll have a dedicated team ready to handle your FBA prep before the rush begins.
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Compliance Assurance: Professional prep centers understand Amazon’s requirements and ensure your products meet all labeling and packaging rules.
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Faster Turnaround: With a prep center already managing your inventory, you can ship products faster and avoid costly delays.
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Scalability: A good 3PL partner can support your growth and manage increasing order volumes efficiently.
How Next Step 3PL Can Help
At Next Step 3PL, we specialize in Amazon FBA prep services that are fully compliant with Amazon’s updated guidelines. Our 15,000 sq. ft. warehouse is equipped to handle labeling, bundling, poly bagging, and inspection for all your FBA inventory.
We guarantee a 48-hour turnaround time for FBA prep, ensuring your products are shipped to Amazon on schedule. Our advanced inventory management system gives you full visibility of your stock, and our expert team ensures every item is prepped to perfection.
Final Thoughts
The FBA Prep Shutdown 2026 is not something sellers can afford to ignore. As Amazon tightens its operations, securing a reliable prep center now will protect your business from disruption and position you for success in the evolving e-commerce landscape.
Don’t wait until the last minute — take the next step toward smarter fulfillment today. Partner with Next Step 3PL and ensure your Amazon business is ready for the future.
