Hi Sellers,

Many sellers frequently ask about Restricted Products in our forums. Let me explain what you need to know about these products, including which items require special permission to sell, how to get approved, and tips for successfully navigating these restrictions.

Restricted Products are items that Amazon closely monitors and regulates. These products must meet specific requirements. The main reasons for these restrictions are to:

1. Ensure customer safety
2. Comply with relevant laws and regulations
3. Maintain high product quality

Some of the most frequently restricted product categories include:

• Alcohol
• Animals & Animal-Related Products
• Automotive & Powersports
• Coins, Currency, and Stamps
• Cosmetics & Skin/Hair Care
• Dietary Supplements
• Electronics
• Food & Beverage
• Hazardous & Dangerous Items
• Jewelry & Precious Gems
• Medical Devices & Accessories
• Pesticides
• Plants, Plant Products, and Seeds
• Surveillance Equipment
• Tobacco & Related Products
• Weapons & Related Items

Please note: Do not assume that a product is permitted because it is not listed in our "Examples of Prohibited Listings" or has an existing ASIN.

• When in doubt about whether a product may be sold, do not list it.

For approval processes on Restricted Products, application requirements vary by category and may include providing additional documentation, certifications, or licenses. Additionally, some categories require maintaining a certain performance level. Category-specific requirements include:

• Alcohol: Licensing, age verification, state-specific regulations
• Cosmetics: Ingredient lists, safety data sheets, GMP certification
• Electronics: Safety certifications (e.g., UL, CE), FCC compliance
• Food & Beverage: FDA registration, expiration date policies

Some common pitfalls in the review process of Restricted Products include:

• Misclassification of products
• Incomplete or inaccurate documentation
• Failure to maintain required performance metrics
• Overlooking subcategory restrictions

Best Practices:

Some recommended best practices sellers should follow are thoroughly researching category requirements before listing, keeping all relevant documentation up-to-date, regularly checking for policy updates, and maintaining a high seller performance metrics.

Please note: Consequences of non-compliance include listing removal and account suspension. The sale of illegal or unsafe products can also lead to legal action, which may also include civil and criminal penalties or forfeiture of goods.

Tips for success with Restricted Products:

• Start with unrestricted categories to build seller history
• Gradually expand into restricted categories as you gain experience
• Network with other sellers in your target categories

Remember, regulations and requirements can change, so it's crucial to stay updated with Amazon's latest policies. you should always verify information directly through official Amazon channels.

For resources, refer to the Restricted Products help page and associated category-specific guidelines documents linked on that page. You may also contact Seller Support for clarification on specific cases or requests for additional review of Restricted Products.

If you need additional help after appealing with Product Compliance and your case is greater than 15 business days old, please create a New Discussion in the Product Safety and Compliance category and we would be happy to assist you.

What Restricted Products categories do your products fall under? Do you have any general questions on Restricted Products that we can help address?

Regards,

- Manny