Amazon’s vast inventory of products equips sellers with an unparalleled platform for reaching millions of potential customers. However, selling on Amazon has a caveat: strict guidelines and policies.
While Amazon placed these policies to ensure customer safety and regulatory compliance, they can present a challenge for sellers looking to expand their Amazon business product offerings.
As an Amazon seller, it is crucial to understand the rules of the online marketplace to avoid the potential risk of sinking your seller account health and customer trust issues. One such rule is Amazon’s Restricted Products policy.
This blog aims to provide an overview of the rules and regulations regarding selling Amazon-restricted categories and products, as well as helpful tips for avoiding violations and resources for understanding the marketplace’s policies.
Not all restricted categories and products are illegal to sell, but they require extra surveillance because of safety concerns or other regulations.
Amazon limits certain products to ensure they meet safety standards, are properly labeled, or are not counterfeit. Amazon’s Restricted Products policy can vary by region or country. Specific categories of products, such as specific Food and beverages, require licenses or permits for selling.
List Of Restricted Categories & Products On Amazon
Items requiring cooking, air conditioning, freezing, or refrigeration; Items that do not adhere to federal rules for food inspection or import; products containing infant formula that don’t adhere to FDA premarketing standards; HIPP milk products and formula, etc
Discriminatory materials
Offensive products promoting racism, bigotry, hatred, violence, or discrimination
Illegal/dangerous substances
Products containing illegal or dangerous substances
Animals related products
Animal feces, Fur, and feathers from federally listed endangered or threatened species and products that violate animal welfare or environmental protection laws, etc
Stolen property
Products obtained illegally
Medical devices & accessories
Ear candles, Zappers, Psoriasis lamps, thermometers and batteries containing mercury, items requiring special handling, etc
Unauthorized copies or reproductions of works of art that are trademarked or protected by copyright.
Furniture
Bedding and other Quilted items.
Laser products
Laser pointers, Laser presentation remotes, Children’s toys with lasers, Garden laser projectors, Non-handheld laser pet toys, and Laser light shows and stage lighting.
Other Amazon Restricted Products And Categories
Aromatherapy, power tools from restricted brands, Food & beverage, gambling/lottery, hazardous items
Wireless accessories, offensive and controversial materials, pesticides and pesticide devices, dangerous items, human parts & Burial artifacts, jewelry
Beauty topical, sports & nutrition, watches, gardening, video, DVD & blu ray, audio visual, personal safety & household
Subscriptions, and Periodicals, surveillance equipment, tobacco & tobacco related products, warranties
Service plans, guarantees, upholstered furniture, lock picking & theft devices.
Other Amazon Restricted Products And Categories
Aroma therapy, power tools, Food & beverage, gambling/lottery
Wireless accessories, offensive and controversial materials, pesticides and pesticide devices, dangerous items, human parts & Burial artifacts, jewelry
Beauty topical, sports & nutrition, watches, gardening, video, DVD & blu ray, audio visual, personal safety & household
Subscriptions, and Periodicals, surveillance equipment, tobacco & tobacco related products, warranties
Service plans, guarantees, upholstered furniture, lock picking & theft devices.
Note: You can sell a few products from restricted categories after obtaining approval from Amazon before adding or listing products to your online store.
How To Sell Restricted Products From Restricted Categories?
Amazon only wants the best for its customers, so it might ask for extra charges, scrutiny, performance checks, and other qualifications to sell products from the below categories:
Baby Products
Beauty, Clothing
Grocery & Gourmet Food
Accessories & Luggage
Health & Personal Care
Jewelry
Shoes, Handbags & Sunglasses
Watches
Follow the Steps listed below to sell in restricted categories:
By taking these steps, you can verify whether your product falls into the restricted category to avoid penalties and maintain a positive reputation on the platform.
Amazon’s Help Pages: Amazon’s help pages provide inputs and guidance on varied topics, including product restrictions. Use the search function on the help page to find information about specific products or categories.
Tips To Follow Before Listing Products
To ensure compliance with Amazon’s policies and avoid penalties, you can follow these tips to avoid pitfalls.
1. Check The Product Category
Some categories, such as health and personal care, have stricter regulations than others. Study the category requirements to ensure your product meets the criteria.
2. Research Regulations
Invest time in product research and the regulations applying to your products, such as safety standards or labeling requirements.
For example, certain products may require specific warnings or labels. You should also ensure that the product images accurately represent the product you are selling.
When you receive account suspension or termination notices, you should immediately review your account health and take the necessary steps to resolve the issue.
Suspension may involve providing documentation or evidence of compliance or working with Amazon to address other concerns or issues.
Knowing what constitutes a prohibited item, determining if an item is restricted, and other tips for successful selling in the marketplace can help ensure you remain compliant with all applicable regulations.
With this knowledge, you can make informed decisions about your inventory selection and focus on successful sales in the Amazon Marketplace. It is also crucial to be aware of any laws or regulations related to product safety requirements or age restrictions, as these vary by region.
Finally, always refer back to Amazon’s official list of Restricted Products before attempting to sell anything online to avoid violating their terms of service. Otherwise, your account may be suspended or closed entirely!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I know if Amazon restricted an item?
You should always refer to the official list of Amazon-restricted products on the Amazon website when determining whether an item can be listed for sale without violating any rules and regulations of the marketplace.
If you have queries or doubts about an item’s restriction status, contact Amazon directly and ask for clarification.
Q. What happens if I violate the terms of service by selling a prohibited item on Amazon?
When you violate any terms of services placed by Amazon, your seller account may result in suspension or termination. Selling goods not adhering to safety standards or regulations could also result in legal action or other consequences.
Q. How can I apply for permission to sell restricted items on Amazon?
If you want approval to sell restricted items on Amazon, you must furnish written documentation proving your eligibility besides supplying some documents such as proof of identity and any other document that Amazon requests to verify through the approval process.
The approval process usually takes one day to several weeks, depending on your comprehensive application and documentation.
Q. What are restricted categories on Amazon?
Amazon has several restricted categories, including weapons, hazardous materials, drugs/medicines, adult-oriented products, and counterfeit products.
8-figure Amazon seller and serial online entrepreneur since 2015. Research and practice various online business models, and apply his in-depth learnings to further expand and grow his businesses as well as help others to achieve greater successes. Ex-VP of a high tech VC in Vancouver and a Management Consultant with over a decade of experience in the industry. Master's Degree from HEC Paris.
