Personal flotation devices
If you list products on Amazon, you must comply with all applicable laws, regulations, standards and our policies related to those products and product listings.
Personal flotation devices (PFDs) covered by this policy
A personal flotation device (PFD) is a piece of equipment designed to help a person remain afloat in water. PFDs are a large category of items that includes life vests, boating vests, ring buoys, horseshoe buoys and throwable cushions.
Buoyancy aid – Level 50
Buoyancy aids at level 50 are recommended for use by swimmers in sheltered waters or by those doing watersports where help is close at hand. However, they do not have sufficient buoyancy to protect a person who is unable to help themselves. They are not designed to turn a person from a face-down position in the water.
Life jacket – Level 100
The level 100 life jacket is recommended for use in sheltered and calm waters. It may not have sufficient buoyancy to protect a person who is unable to help themselves and may not roll an unconscious person on to their back.
Life jacket – Level 150
The level 150 life jacket is for general use on coastal and offshore waters where a high standard of performance is required. It should turn an unconscious person onto their back and requires no subsequent action by the wearer to keep their face out of the water. Its performance may be affected if the user is wearing heavy or waterproof clothing.
Life jacket – Level 275
The level 275 life jacket is recommended for offshore use, primarily for extreme conditions and for those wearing heavy protective clothing that may adversely affect the self-righting capacity of lesser life jackets. As with the level 150, this life jacket is designed to ensure that the wearer is floating in the correct position with their mouth and nose clear of the surface of the water.
Buoyancy aids for swimming instruction
Swimming aids include flotation-type devices designed to help wearers learn how to swim and to keep them afloat in emergencies. Examples of buoyancy aids are swimming suits with incorporated floats and swimming armbands. This policy does not include swimming rings, kickboards or other flotation-type devices not designed to be worn by the swimmer.
Our policy for personal flotation devices (PFDs)
Amazon requires that all PFDs have been tested to and comply with the regulations, standards and requirements listed below:
| Product | Regulations, standards and requirements |
|---|---|
| Flotation aids |
And any of the following, as applicable:
|
| Buoyancy aids for swimming instruction |
All of the following:
|
You must submit the following:
Documents:
- DoC ((Declaration of Conformity) issued by the manufacturer, brand owner or importer) that shows that the product complies with the regulations, standards and requirements listed above. The document must have the name, function and signature of the person who takes responsibility.
- EC type-examination certificate showing that the product complies with the regulations, standards and requirements listed above.
Images:
- Model, part or item number
- Name and address of manufacturer and importer, distributor or authorised representative
- Brand name
- Product labels
- Compliance markings
- Hazard warnings
- Product instructions and manuals
- CE or UKCA mark
- For Northern Ireland, CE mark (plus UKNI marking, if you used a UK-notified body to carry out a mandatory third-party conformity assessment)
When you submit images or documentation with images, ensure the following:
- Images are clear and legible
- Images demonstrate that the product is the same as the product tested and listed on the product detail page
- Product instructions, manuals, safety information, labels and warnings are in the language of the intended country of sale
- If the product is a set or bundle, provide images for each product included
Customer safety is our top priority. We reserve the right to ask for additional information to verify product safety and compliance at any time.
Compliance services
If you need help getting compliance certifications, testing and audits, use our Service Provider Network.
Submit information
To submit documents or appeal a compliance requirement, go to Submit compliance documents or appeal a documentation request.
Policy violations
If you don’t provide the required information (listed above) upon request, we reserve the right to take any further actions in accordance with the Amazon Services Business Solutions Agreement, including, but not limited to, removing the relevant product listings.
Resources
- Amazon Services Business Solutions Agreement
- Remove inventory overview
- Fix stranded inventory
- EU and UK Product Compliance Guidance – CE and UKCA marking
- ISO 17025 International Organisation for Standardisation
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice. All information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.
