Hello sellers,
We have been seeing a lot of threads where sellers are reporting increased cases of initial selling authorization denials and existing authorization revocations. Let´s dive into this:
Selling on Amazon comes with great opportunities, but also important responsibilities. One key aspect you need to understand is Amazon's product selling restrictions. Let's break down what these restrictions mean for your business and how to navigate them successfully.
What Are Amazon's Selling Restrictions?
Amazon implements selling restrictions to protect customers and maintain trust in the marketplace. These restrictions ensure that products sold are:
- Safe for customers
- Authentic and genuine
- Compliant with local regulations
- Meeting Amazon's quality standards
Types of Restrictions
Restrictions can apply at multiple levels:
- Individual ASINs
- Specific brands
- Entire categories
- Sub-categories
- Brands within certain categories
Note: Some products may have multiple layers of restrictions, requiring separate approvals for each level.
How to Check if You Need Approval
- Log into Seller Central
- Go to "Add a Product"
- Click "Show limitations"
- Review any restrictions or requirements listed
The Approval Process
If you discover you need approval to sell a product:
- Submit an application through Seller Central
- Provide required documentation, which may include:
- Purchase invoices from manufacturers or authorized distributors
- Product photos
- Compliance certificates
- Safety documentation
- Other category-specific requirements
Important: Not all restricted products accept applications. If you see "Your account does not qualify" or there's no "Apply to sell" option, that restriction cannot be lifted at this time.
Managing Ongoing Restrictions
Keep in mind that:
- Restrictions can change over time
- Previously approved products may become restricted
- New documentation may be required periodically
- Performance issues can affect your ability to sell restricted products
What If Your Application Is Declined?
If your application is declined, you can:
- Review the rejection reason carefully
- Gather new or additional documentation
- Submit a new application when ready
- Monitor for any changes in restrictions
Pro Tip: Keep detailed records of all your approval documentation, as you may need to reference them later.
Best Practices for Success
- Research restrictions before sourcing products
- Maintain high-quality documentation
- Stay informed about category requirements
- Monitor your account health regularly
- Keep records of all approvals and documentation
Remember: Amazon Selling Partner Support cannot provide additional information about certain restriction decisions. The best approach is to monitor the categories you're interested in and watch for changes in restrictions over time.
Selling Applications FAQ