Amazon Shutting down an ASIN - Mistakingly flagged as Snake due to the "Cobra" name
Amazon sent me the following message:
We are writing to inform you that the following products are restricted from sale in certain locations, although they are permissible for listing on Amazon. Please see policy specific information below. You don’t need to take any action unless otherwise stated. In addition to all applicable federal laws and Amazon policies, you must also comply with state and local laws applicable to the locations into which your products are sold.
ASIN: B0GSTZ95HZ, SKU: FBA - COBRA AIR X DRIVER HC (N), Title: New Cobra Air X Driver Leather Headcover - Black/Red Cover
Why is this happening?
This product has been identified as a cobra product. Although permissible for listing on Amazon, cobra products cannot be sold into certain jurisdictions based on law and Amazon policy.
Although not specifically stated, I believe Amazon thinks it is a snake product when in fact it is a golf headcover. I submitted an appeal and it was denied. Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Amazon Shutting down an ASIN - Mistakingly flagged as Snake due to the "Cobra" name
Amazon sent me the following message:
We are writing to inform you that the following products are restricted from sale in certain locations, although they are permissible for listing on Amazon. Please see policy specific information below. You don’t need to take any action unless otherwise stated. In addition to all applicable federal laws and Amazon policies, you must also comply with state and local laws applicable to the locations into which your products are sold.
ASIN: B0GSTZ95HZ, SKU: FBA - COBRA AIR X DRIVER HC (N), Title: New Cobra Air X Driver Leather Headcover - Black/Red Cover
Why is this happening?
This product has been identified as a cobra product. Although permissible for listing on Amazon, cobra products cannot be sold into certain jurisdictions based on law and Amazon policy.
Although not specifically stated, I believe Amazon thinks it is a snake product when in fact it is a golf headcover. I submitted an appeal and it was denied. Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated.
6 replies
Seller_iobipI6xASRkh
To clarify, Amazon did not shut down the ASIN, Amazon applied a geo-restriction on where it can be sold (which should be after what you pasted).
Your ASIN should still be active and it might state where it is restricted, you can also ask seller support as to where (what states)
Check the category, make sure it is correct, and keep pushing the appeal process - showing what it is and why it should not be geo-restricted. It should not cause any damage to your account health since it is a notice, not a violation.
Seller_xo4Akj7FBBnfC
FWIW, B0GSTZ95HZ has the expected browse node of Sports & Outdoors › Sports › Golf › Accessories › Head Covers, so I don't think Amazon's bots have mistaken it for a reptile.
Is it possible you're being flagged for a trademark issue?
If you'd like additional input from other sellers, please post Amazon's reply to your appeal, with any personal information removed.
Seller_FFTiEM6wHlXwH
Thank you so much for your responses.
When I called Seller Support prior to posting to the forum, the agent couldn't identify which state or country that was causing the restriction.
Here is the follow up message from Seller support:
**Documents Required:**
1. A written explanation clearly stating that the product is a golf club headcover manufactured by Cobra Golf and contains no animal-derived materials
2. Invoice or purchase order from Cobra Golf or an authorized distributor showing the product is a golf accessory
3. Product specification sheet or manufacturer's product page showing the material composition (synthetic leather, polyester, or other man-made materials)
4. Product packaging images clearly showing the Cobra Golf branding and product description
5. Material composition evidence confirming the headcover is made of synthetic or man-made materials
**Please include the following in your email:**
- American Standard Identification Number: B0GSTZ95HZ
- Relevant marketplace
- A clear statement that this is a sporting goods accessory and not a wildlife or animal product
Seller_xo4Akj7FBBnfC
A clear statement that this is a sporting goods accessory and not a wildlife or animal product
Based on that information, this could be another case of Amazon's bots-gone-wild.
Your best odds to resolve this might be to:
- open a case with Seller Support (who will almost certainly give you a circular, unhelpful reply),
- include that Case ID in this thread, and
- tag one moderator (e.g., @Michelle_Amazon) who has recently responded to similar issues.
