Guide to Amazon Restricted Products And Categories Guide to Amazon Restricted Products And CategoriesSeptember 7What does ‘Amazon Restricted Product’ mean?Does Amazon Restrict a Specific Product in the First Place?Difference Between Prohibited And Restricted ItemsWhat are Amazon Restricted Categories?List of Amazon Restricted CategoriesWhat are Amazon Restricted Products?List of Amazon Restricted ProductsSpecific Product Safety Concerns that Commonly Surface on AmazonProducts You Can’t Sell Directly Through Amazon FBAHow to Sell a Gated Product on Amazon (7 Easy Steps)Tips for selling gated products on Amazon:Is it good to sell gated products on Amazon?Advantages of Selling Gated Products on Amazon Disadvantages of Selling Gated Products on AmazonHow To Increase Your Chances Of Approval For Selling Gated Products?Conclusion
Beating competitors on Amazon is like getting beaten up. Selling on Amazon is easy, given the success and enthusiasm of the seller community. These are not just gated or other restricted products. However, any market (physical or digital) is only as reliable as the regulations put in place to protect its customers.
As a seller, it is essential to be aware of the products and categories that Amazon restricts. These restricted products require approval from Amazon before they can be sold. Some examples include weapons, hazardous materials, and prescription drugs. To avoid any problems, educate yourself about Amazon’s policies and guidelines.
However, Selling restricted products on Amazon can be one of the pillars of your marketing strategy, as the lower the competition in gated categories, the higher the potential profit margin.
Today, this guide will help you learn about Amazon restricted products and categories. You will also learn how to sell gated products on Amazon.
What does ‘Amazon Restricted Product’ mean?
Amazon Restricted products are those products that Amazon prevents sellers from selling or requires approval to list.
There are many restrictions on Amazon. They may be due to legal restrictions on selling goods; For example, alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia. Others relate to safety or quality requirements. For example, in the US, toys sold for children up to 12 years must meet federal safety standards. Another example is product page limits that specify claim compliance. If you state in your listing that the item is “Made in the USA,” you must prove that it was produced in the United States.
Also, the list of banned products on Amazon varies from country to country. This is because the law is in different parts of the world. Therefore, you will need to check the restrictions for each market.
Does Amazon Restrict a Specific Product in the First Place?
Yes, Amazon sometimes restricts a specific product in the first place because the eCommerce giant wants to make it easier for new entrepreneurs to run their businesses. Also, their priority is to make the Amazon Marketplace a safe and reliable shopping experience for customers.
Amazon is a large marketplace, and such a large (and rapidly growing) platform requires security, reliability, and legal and regulatory brand restrictions. Twenty-six years ago, Amazon services would have created an experience something more like the “Wild West.” However, in 2020, the Amazon Terms of Service protected buyers and sellers from potentially dangerous legal implications and security risks.
Difference Between Prohibited And Restricted Items
Well, prohibited items can’t be sold on Amazon in any case. This includes illegal drugs, weapons, and other items explicitly banned by law. On the other hand, restricted products can be sold on Amazon, but only under certain conditions. For example, individual products may require approval from Amazon before they can be sold, or they may be subject to specific regulations or guidelines.
Amazon has a product policy and FBA-specific product restrictions. These are illegal, dangerous, dangerous, and other similar products. Restricted products are those that you are not allowed to sell at all. It regulates what sellers can sell, what they cannot, and what requires approval.
A restricted product and category doesn’t always mean banned. Sometimes, you can sell restricted products and categories on Amazon by providing additional documentation, demonstrative evidence, and other qualifications. Additionally, Amazon may ask you to include additional warranties as well. Some restrictions mean additional commission.
What are Amazon Restricted Categories?
Product categories on Amazon that require special permission to list and sell are known as restricted or gated categories. These are the most expensive categories and require additional proof of their validity in the form of Invoice, UPC, and ASIN numbers.
The following gated categories are determined by Amazon, which means you’ll need to take additional steps to go through the approval process. Amazon is excellently instilling hope for sellers swimming in these pools. According to Amazon, this category approval process “may involve additional fees, performance checks, and other qualifications.”
List of Amazon Restricted Categories
Category Type
Description
Automotive and Powersports
Includes vehicles, parts, and accessories
Collectible Coins
Includes coins, currency, and stamps
Fine Art
Includes jewelry, watches, and other personal accessories
Toys & Games
Includes toys and games (temporarily suspends during the holiday season)
Jewelry
Includes jewelry, watches, and other personal accessories
Join Amazon Subscription Boxes
Includes Amazon subscription boxes
Made in Italy
Includes products that are made in Italy
Music & DVD
Includes music, movies, and TV shows
Postage stamps
Includes new and old postage stamps
Personal Safety and Household Products
Includes products such as pepper spray, stun guns, and home security systems
Services
Includes travel services, event tickets, and home improvement services
Sports Collectibles
Include sports memorabilia, such as trading cards, autographs, and jerseys
Sony PlayStation
PlayStation Requirements in Video Games
Streaming Media Players
Include devices such as Roku, Fire TV, and Chromecast
Video, DVD, & Blu-ray
Including movies, TV shows, and video games
Watches
Includes classic, vintage watches
If you plan to sell Amazon FBA Private Label products, you should take extra precautions when shipping items to fulfillment centers. Most of the time, violating Amazon’s policies can be costly. For example, Amazon can dispose of dangerous products without paying anything to the seller.
The following Amazon gated categories may also require separate pre-approval:
Hoverboards and personal electronic mobility (e-mobility) devices
Laser pointers and other laser products
Certain types of software
Note approval for these gated categories will require upgrading to a higher-level Amazon seller plan, subject to additional charges.
What are Amazon Restricted Products?
Amazon restricted products are specific products that cannot be sold on the Amazon platform due to safety concerns, legal restrictions, or other reasons. These products may include hazardous materials, counterfeit items, weapons, and drugs. However, some products can be sold from your Amazon storefront but only after getting approval from Amazon.
Sellers must know Amazon product policies to avoid listing restricted products and risking account suspension. Amazon regularly updates its restricted products list, so sellers should stay informed to ensure compliance.
Amazon wants to protect its customers from illegal, dangerous, low-quality products, which is the first reason for the prohibition. Therefore, Amazon’s terms of service specify that sellers are responsible for product compliance with all industry standards and security regulations. They must have all the necessary permissions and warranties. For example, this applies to health and beauty products, toys, etc.
Another reason for the restriction is that the marketplace wants to keep buyers happy and should refrain from claiming any of the products listed. Hazardous products inevitably increase this risk. To avoid this, Amazon wants to ensure that non-restricted products offered by sellers receive positive feedback.
List of Amazon Restricted Products
Product Type
Description
Alcohol
Includes beer, wine, and liquor drink
Animals and animal-related Products
Include live animals, their products, and parts
Art – Fine Art
Includes paintings, sculptures, and other works of art
Art – Home Decor
Includes home decor items such as paintings, sculptures, and other works of art
Automotive and Powersports
Includes vehicles, parts, and accessories
Composite Wood Products
This includes composite wood products such as plywood, fiberboard, particleboard, MDF
Cosmetics & Skin/Hair Care
Includes various cosmetics, beauty care, skincare, and hair care products
CPAP Cleaning and Disinfecting Devices
Includes CPAP Cleaning machine and Disinfecting devices such as Steam cleaners
Currency, Coins, Cash Equivalents, Gift Cards
Includes coins, currency, gift cards, and stamps
Dietary Supplements
Include vitamins, minerals, and other dietary supplements
Drugs & drug paraphernalia
Include prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and drug paraphernalia
Electronics
Includes Hoverboards and personal electronic mobility devices
Explosives, Weapons, and Related Items
Includes firearms, ammunition, explosives, and other weapons
Export Controls
Includes products that are subject to export controls, such as military equipment and technology product
Food & Beverage
Include food and drinks high in fat, salt, or sugar (HFSS)
Gambling & Lottery
This includes lottery tickets, gambling chips and other gambling items.
Human Parts & Burial Artifacts
Includes human body parts, and burial artifacts
Hazardous and Dangerous Items
Includes poisons, flammable items, flammable liquids, and other hazardous materials
Jewelry & Precious Gems
Includes jewelry, watches, and other precious gems
Lock Picking & Theft Devices
Includes lock tools, picks, other theft devices.
Lighting
Includes light bulbs, fixtures, and other lighting products
Laser products
Include laser pointers, laser engravers, and other laser products
Medical devices and accessories
Include medical devices such as pacemakers, insulin pumps, and other medical devices
Offensive and Controversial Materials
Include military equipment and products
Pesticides and Pesticide Devices
Includes pesticides, herbicides, and other pesticides
Plant and Seed Products
Includes plants, seeds, and other plant-related products
Postage meters and stamps
Includes postage stamps, meters, and other postage products
Recalled Products
Includes manufacturer recalled products
Recycling electronics
Includes recycled electronics such as TVs, laptops, computers and other electronics.
Refrigerants: Ozone-depleting substances and Substitutes
This includes ozone-depleting electronics like ACs, refrigerators, fire extinguishers, aerosols
Subscriptions and Periodicals
Includes magazines, newspapers, and other subscriptions.
Surveillance Equipment
Includes cameras, microphones, and other surveillance equipments.
Tobacco & Tobacco-Related Products
Includes cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products
Warranties, Service Plans, Contracts, and Guarantees
Includes warranties, service plans, contracts, and guarantees
Upholstered Furniture, Bedding, & Other Quilted Products
Includes sectionals, sofas, loveseats, bed coverings, home furnishings, garments, and wall hangings
Each product has limitations that must be followed to sell on Amazon without putting pressure on your business. Some are more obvious than others. For example, a restricted category of products is listed as lock-opening and anti-theft devices. All items under the Amazon product category are banned, except for blank keys, which many people would not expect to find in such a sinister-sounding category.
As another example of Amazon restricted categories, “Dietary Supplements” has a detailed compliance checklist with a specific list of “Known Prohibited Products.”
Experts highly recommend understanding the do’s and don’ts of Amazon’s policy restrictions regarding your product. The best course of action is always to be proactive regarding seller account suspension and potential ban.
Specific Product Safety Concerns that Commonly Surface on Amazon
To sell any of the following products, a seller may required to submit additional documentation to prove their safety. The products that require additional safety documentation are-
Amazon Device Accessories
Amber teething jewelry
Bassinets and Cradles
Selling mountaineering carabiners in the US
Amazon’s Policy on Selling Infant Walkers in the United States
Children’s Jewelry
Children’s Products
Children’s School Supplies
Drawstrings in children’s clothing
Eclipse glasses and filters for solar viewing
Fidget spinners
Fire & Smoke Masks
Fire and other safety products
Infant-inclined sleep products
Infant sleep positioners
Invisible Ink Pens
Magnetic putty
Magnetic building tiles
Mobile Phone
Laptop or Computer Batteries and Chargers
Paint Removal Products
Personal Electronic Mobility (E-Mobility) Devices
Personal flotation devices (PFDs)
Power Banks
Portable Automotive Jump Starters
Portable generators, inverters, and related gadgets
Selling Toys in the US
Squishy Toys
Seasonal and Decorative Lighting Products
Children’s Toys (Need Product Assurance)
Infant Bedside Sleepers
Children’s Sleepwear
Full-size and Non-Full-size Cribs
On Amazon’s “Recall and Product Safety” page, you can see details for each of these products, including things like-
Product Description and examples.
Step-by-step instructions on how to request approval to sell a product.
Sellers must meet specific Amazon testing requirements.
Applicable links to security commissions and other regulatory information.
Products You Can’t Sell Directly Through Amazon FBA
What are the products that a seller can not sell directly through Amazon FBA? Following are the Amazon FBA-restricted products:
Alcoholic beverages (including non-alcoholic beer).
Vehicle tyres.
Gift cards and certificates.
Products with unauthorized marketing including pamphlets, price tags, or other non-Amazon stickers.
Products that require preparation but have not been prepared by FBA packaging and preparation requirements
Loose Packed Batteries.
Damaged or defective units (“used condition” products may be damaged as long as the product is labeled with the proper condition).
Products with labels that were not properly registered with Amazon before shipment or that do not match the registered product.
Items that do not comply with any agreement between Amazon and the seller.
Illegally copied, reproduced, or manufactured products.
Products that Amazon determines otherwise are ineligible.
How to Sell a Gated Product on Amazon (7 Easy Steps)
Just because your product falls into the Amazon gated category doesn’t mean it’s time to give up and start afresh. If you’re trying to list your products on Amazon and you receive a notification that listing limits apply. try the following in Seller Central to sell a gated product on Amazon:
Step 1: Log in to your Seller Central Account.
Step 2: In your Inventory menu, click “Add Product.”
Step 3: Find the product you want to sell.
Step 4: Click the link for the “Enforce listing limit” badge next to that item.
Step 5: To start the approval process, click “Request Approval.”
Step 6: Apply for approval to sell gated products.
Step 7: Provide the required documentation.
Final Step: Wait for approval.
Once you are approved to sell gated products on Amazon, the rest of the process is simple: List your product for sale >> Receive orders >> Deliver orders or ship your product to Amazon >> Provide customer service.
Tips for selling gated products on Amazon:
Make sure you have all the required documentation.
Be patient, it can take some time to get approved to sell gated products.
List your product at a competitive price.
Provide excellent customer service.
Respond to customer inquiries promptly.
Ship your products on time.
Offer returns and refunds if necessary.
Is it good to sell gated products on Amazon?
Whether or not it is good to sell gated products on Amazon depends on several factors, including the type of product, the competition, and your business goals.
Gated or restricted products require additional verification processes to sell on Amazon, such as providing documentation or passing a certification process. This can be a barrier to entry for some sellers, but it can also be a way to ensure that only high-quality products are sold on the platform.
If you are considering selling gated products on Amazon, it is essential to do your research and understand the risks and rewards involved. You should also ensure you have the necessary resources and Amazon expertise to meet the requirements for selling gated products.
Selling gated products on Amazon can have both advantages and disadvantages. Here are some points to brief you on this:
Advantages of Selling Gated Products on Amazon
Gated products meet specific standards and are thoroughly tested before being available to customers.
Selling gated products helps to reduce competition, as Amazon allows only few sellers to sell gated products.
Gated products often have higher sales potential than non-gated products.
Helps to build a reputation for selling high-quality products.
Ensures product quality and safety.
Increase sales and profits.
Helps to attract more customers who are looking for specific types of products.
Disadvantages of Selling Gated Products on Amazon
Strict guidelines and requirements.
Despite the high demand, selling gated products takes time and effort.
Gated products are more expensive to sell.
It takes a long time to gain approval.
Time-consuming and complicated processes.
Limit the size of the customer base.
Sales and profits are limited.
Require more resources to market and promote products.
How To Increase Your Chances Of Approval For Selling Gated Products?
While it may seem like you’re at Amazon’s mercy for permission to sell within gated categories, there are some areas you can work on before applying for approval to increase your chances of approval.
Check if Amazon’s professional seller plan is viable for you. Because creating a seller account to sell Amazon gated products costs $40 per month.
Amazon will verify your supplier invoices (more than 90 days before your application). So, save your receipts and maintain a record of the latest supplier information (including your manufacturer’s address and website) to prove the authenticity of your products.
Find the best products to list on Amazon. If your product listings don’t comply with Amazon’s guidelines, they won’t reflect quickly on the search result page. Also, consider following the Amazon branding guidelines.
Create catchy bullet points and great product descriptions. Improve your product page content with Amazon Enhanced Brand Content and Premium A+ Content.
Improve your customer’s shopping experience. The main reason for restricting specific categories and products is to build credibility among buyers. Amazon prioritizes sellers who provide a trustworthy shopping experience.
Monitor key performance indicators such as order defect rate (must be less than 1%), pre-fulfillment cancellation rate (must be less than 2.5%), and final shipment rate (must be less than 4%).
Considering and working on all these factors can increase your chances of getting approval to sell gated products on Amazon.
Conclusion
As you can see, Amazon has more restricted products and categories than non-restricted ones. Consider following the above-mentioned policies, regulations, and guidelines in detail before investing money in a winning product idea. Also, now that you know Amazon’s restricted products and categories, you can save thousands of dollars from the risk of wasted inventory, suspended listings, and banned accounts.
It’s important to note that Amazon takes the sale of restricted items very seriously, and sellers who violate these rules can face serious consequences. So, if you’re considering selling on Amazon, do your research and follow all of the rules and guidelines carefully.
Related
What does ‘Amazon Restricted Product’ mean?Does Amazon Restrict a Specific Product in the First Place?Difference Between Prohibited And Restricted ItemsWhat are Amazon Restricted Categories?List of Amazon Restricted CategoriesWhat are Amazon Restricted Products?List of Amazon Restricted ProductsSpecific Product Safety Concerns that Commonly Surface on AmazonProducts You Can’t Sell Directly Through Amazon FBAHow to Sell a Gated Product on Amazon (7 Easy Steps)Tips for selling gated products on Amazon:Is it good to sell gated products on Amazon?Advantages of Selling Gated Products on Amazon Disadvantages of Selling Gated Products on AmazonHow To Increase Your Chances Of Approval For Selling Gated Products?Conclusion