Amazon sellers regularly find themselves in this situation: they do Amazon product research, come up with a shortlist of viable, profitable products, negotiate good deals with suppliers, but Amazon restricts their product offerings.
In this article, I will talk about the product restrictions that amazon has implemented to ensure customers are receiving a safe and high-quality product.
What Are Amazon FBA Restrictions In 2023?
Amazon Restricted Categories: What to Watch For?
You may find that your list of restricted products varies based on where you sell from and which marketplaces you sell on.
When selling in the United States, Amazon has this list of restricted products, with a sub-list of categories and products that require approval for sale.
You will have a much shorter list of categories, products, and content restrictions if you sell in the UK. Check the list of restricted content in your country/marketplace whenever possible.
Basically, Amazon does not want to deal with issues that arise from selling products that are illegal, unsafe, dangerous, or otherwise restricted.
They’ve decided that it is easier to avoid wading through legal issues altogether rather than deal with them.
In order to give buyers a sense of confidence, Amazon restricts certain products completely or limits the number of new sellers until they have established their credibility and history.
The importance of taking this very seriously as a seller cannot be overstated.
If you do not adhere to their listing restrictions, you may experience consequences such as cancellation, restrictions on your listing privileges, suspension, and even outright removal.
Rather than trying to get your account unsuspended or un-removed, it’s easier to learn the rules and where they can bend.
The first time you violate the policy, Amazon will notify you and tell you what steps you need to take. Even if you were able to sell an item in the past but can’t anymore, do as they say rather than argue.
Where Can I Find Restricted Categories on Amazon?
The company is no longer applying restrictions to broader categories and restricting access to niche subcategories. Amazon currently restricts access to the following categories.
- Automotive & Powersports
- Entertainment Collectibles
- Collectible Coins
- Holiday Selling Requirements in Toys & Games
- Fine Art
- Join Amazon Subscription Boxes
- Jewelry
- Join Amazon Handmade
- Music & DVD
- Made in Italy
- Services
- Personal Safety and Household products
- Sports Collectibles
- Video, DVD, & Blu-ray
- Streaming Media Players
- Watches
In detail about Amazon product FBA Restrictions
In this article, I will talk about the product restrictions that amazon has implemented to ensure customers are receiving a safe and high-quality product.
First, let’s start by talking about age restrictions for products. If you wish to sell a product containing limited edition prints, please make sure they meet the standards laid out in the guidelines.
Limited edition prints may not exceed 50% of your inventory quantity during a given calendar quarter, and no more than 200 units total over a 12-month period.
In terms of toys and games, they must be new if they were just released in the last 90 days.
If it was not recently released, you are allowed to sell used toys if they are still in good condition, but please check their condition before selling them so you are not breaking any rules.
As for pet supplies, you must have a pet toy or piece of pet clothing with no chew marks and no tears. Please do not offer any food items that have been recalled in the previous six months.
Second, let’s talk about copyright restrictions for products on amazon. Before listing your product make sure to research each item thoroughly and make sure it has a valid copyright claim.
If you follow the rules and your product is still removed, contact amazon and let them know which company was infringing on their copyrights and they will reinstate your listing.
Thirdly let’s talk about safety restrictions for products on amazon. Amazon only allows sellers to sell new or refurbished items that are safe to use or wear, meaning they must meet standards set by amazon themselves.
Items like clothing do not require any additional safety certifications but items like helmets must be CPSC certified in order for you to get approval from the amazon leadership team before selling it.
Finally, we will talk about restricted products on amazon.
Restricted products are items such as GPS tracking software and drones, if you wish to sell either of these please contact amazon before you list it so they can review your account and help get the process started for selling these items.
What If You Want to Sell in Restricted Categories?
A restricted category on Amazon requires getting “ungated,” which is essentially getting special permission to sell in an area that doesn’t allow sellers to sign up and start selling right away.
Getting ungated varies for each category, but here’s a general outline of what you should do.
1. Have a Professional Seller Account
A professional seller account will allow you to sell in most categories instead of an individual account.
It is easier to get ungated for Collectible Books (a lot easier), Collectible Coins (much harder), Fine Jewelry (pretty expensive), Gift Cards (easy, but with very black and white limitations), Kindle Accessories (easy, but with huge fees), Major Appliances (shipping costs may be an issue), and more.
2. Create a Wholesaler Account
Your wholesale account should have the same address as your regular account when you create it. Be sure to include both of your LLC and Amazon names if they are different.
3. Start a Short Order History
If you want to be un-gated, you will need to buy ten items from three different categories, i.e. ten collectible books, ten groceries, and ten watches.
Don’t expect to make any money from these items, whether you keep them for yourself or sell them on your own listings. Getting to the ungating process is your main objective.
4. Collect and Scan the Invoices
Take copies of the invoices and store the originals in a safe place. Copying is allowed, but not modifying the originals. To make copies, ensure that you have:
- At the top is your seller’s name.
- There are ASIN, UPC, and item model numbers beside each product on the invoice.
- You will find images if you are trying to gain access to Shoes, Clothing, Accessories, Luggage, and Travel, or Handbags and Sunglasses.
- There are high-resolution copies of the documents.
Apply to Amazon for Selling Approval
Amazon provides a link for each category where you can apply for selling privileges. During normal business hours, we recommend sending it over by email so we can respond quickly.
It could take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to respond.
You can start listing and selling items in that category once you receive permission. You will be able to modify your application and re-submit it to try again next time if you do not get approved. Amazon will explain why you were not approved.
Quick Links
Final Thoughts on Amazon FBA Restrictions 2023
So I hope this helps anyone trying to sell on Amazon, be sure to always check the rules and regulations before creating a new listing or sending in an application because you do not want to get yourself into any kind of trouble with the company that is hosting your ecommerce business.
