If you’re an Amazon seller, receiving the “Amazon approval needed” message can feel like a speed bump in your selling journey. However, this message is more common than you might think and can be resolved quickly with the right approach.
Understanding why this happens and how to handle it can save you time and frustration and even protect your Amazon account. In this guide, we’ll explore why you might receive this message, how to maximize your chances of getting approved, and tips for avoiding it.
Understanding Why You Got the “Amazon Approval Needed” Message
Amazon uses the “approval needed” process to ensure product quality, seller reliability, and customer safety. Here are some of the most common reasons behind it:
Oversized or Hazardous Products
Products that are too large, heavy, or contain hazardous materials are flagged to ensure they meet specific safety and shipping standards. For example:
- Oversized Items: Furniture, large electronics, or gym equipment may require special approval due to logistical challenges.
- Hazardous Materials: Cleaning products, batteries, or anything containing chemicals often falls under this category.
Ensure your product listings include accurate dimensions, weights, and material details to avoid unnecessary flags.
Used or High-Risk Items
Amazon may request approval to verify their quality if you sell used products on Amazon, such as books, electronics, or refurbished goods. Similarly, high-return items like supplements or beauty products are more closely monitored.
Used electronics like laptops often require additional documentation to prove functionality and condition.
Restricted or Gated Categories
Amazon places restrictions on specific categories to maintain product integrity and customer trust. Examples include:
- Baby products (e.g., car seats, strollers)
- Health and wellness items (e.g., supplements, medical devices)
- Fashion accessories (e.g., jewelry, watches)
- Media (e.g., DVDs, Blu-rays)
According to Amazon’s guidelines, restricted categories often demand a professional seller account and proof of authenticity (e.g., invoices or manufacturer authorization).
Fraud Prevention
Amazon uses approval processes to ensure orders are legitimate and safeguard both buyers and sellers. This helps to reduce fraudulent activity, especially for high-value items like luxury handbags or electronics.
Even experienced sellers may encounter this issue if they list a product with sudden spikes in demand, such as seasonal or trending items.
How to Respond When Amazon Says Approval Is Needed?
Now that you understand why you received the message, here are actionable steps to resolve it efficiently:
Review the Product Listing
Navigate to your Seller Central account and locate the flagged product under the Inventory tab. Look for the “Listing limitations apply” message and click on it.
Action Steps:
- Double-check product details for accuracy.
- Ensure you’ve provided the required documentation, such as invoices or safety certifications.
Request Approval
Follow these steps to request approval:
- Go to Seller Central.
- Click “Add a Product” under the Inventory menu.
- Search for the product and select “Listing limitations apply.”
- Click “Request Approval” and follow the on-screen instructions.
Provide clear, high-resolution copies of required documents to speed up the review process.
Check Your Application Status
After submitting your approval request, monitor your application’s progress in the “Selling application status” section of Seller Central. Be patient—approval can take a few hours to several days.
Contact Seller Support
If you encounter delays or confusion, please contact Amazon Seller Support. They can clarify what you need to do or guide you through the process.
Common Restricted Categories and Their Requirements
Here are a few popular restricted categories and what’s typically required to sell in them:
1. Baby Products
Examples: Car seats, feeding supplies, and strollers.
Requirements:
- Safety certifications.
- Proof of authenticity.
2. Health and Wellness
Examples: OTC medications and dietary supplements.
Requirements:
- Compliance with FDA guidelines (for U.S. sellers).
- Detailed product descriptions.
3. Fashion Accessories
Examples: Jewelry, handbags, watches.
Requirements:
- Invoices from reputable suppliers.
- High-quality images.
How To Get Amazon Approval For Product Listing?
If you’re facing the “Approval Needed” hurdle while trying to list your products on Amazon, don’t worry. There are steps you can take to solve this:
Complete Required Information: Ensure all necessary details about your product are correctly filled out. This includes essential information like manufacturer UPCs and SKU numbers. You’ll typically find these on the product’s packaging or original documentation. It’s crucial to have all the information accurate and complete before submission.
Review Your Listing Details: Double-check the information you’ve entered in Seller Central against what you intend to list. Correct any disparities promptly to avoid complications later.
Monitor Inventory Levels: Before submitting your product to Amazon, carefully assess your inventory levels. It might raise concerns if they’re low or depleted when Amazon reviews your listing. Make sure your inventory aligns with the quantity you’re trying to list.
Contact Amazon Support: If you’ve followed the above steps and are still facing approval issues, don’t hesitate to contact Amazon’s support. They can provide guidance specific to your situation.
For Better Understanding
The system asks for approval if you’re trying to list a new cosmetics line on Amazon. Before submitting, ensure you’ve provided all the necessary product information, including ingredients and safety certifications.
Despite your best efforts, your new product listing is still pending approval—Contact Amazon’s seller support to seek clarification and resolve the issue.
How Long Does It Take for Amazon Approval?
The time it takes to get approval on Amazon can vary depending on your goal. Let’s break down some common scenarios and their approximate approval durations:
Amazon Seller Account Approval
Typically, getting approved as a seller on Amazon takes about 24 to 48 hours. However, if Amazon needs more information from you, it might take a bit longer.
Product Listing Approval
The approval time for product listings can range from a few hours to several days, depending on factors such as the product type and complexity.
Amazon Associates Program Approval
If you’re applying for the Amazon Associates program, you should wait up to 5 business days. Amazon manually reviews each application to ensure it complies with its program rules.
Amazon Handmade Seller Account Approval
The approval process can take up to 7 business days for those looking to become Amazon handmade sellers. Amazon carefully reviews each application to ensure the products are handmade and meet quality standards.
Remember that these are approximate timeframes, and actual approval times can vary. It’s essential to be patient during the approval process and ensure you’ve provided all necessary information to expedite the approval whenever possible.
“Amazon Approval Needed”: FAQs
What should I do when Amazon says approval needed?
When Amazon says “approval needed,” it’s a sign that the product you’re trying to list or sell requires extra verification. This could be due to restricted categories, hazardous materials, or quality assurance processes. Start by visiting Seller Central and checking the notification for details. Click on the “Listing limitations apply” message to understand the specific requirements. Typically, you must provide invoices, certifications, or other documentation. Make sure the documents are clear and meet Amazon’s standards (e.g., recent invoices showing the supplier’s name, address, and order details). Submitting accurate information promptly will help resolve the issue quickly.
How to accept approval on Amazon?
Accepting approval is part of the listing process for restricted products. After identifying that your product requires approval in Seller Central, follow these steps:
- Navigate to Inventory and locate the product.
- Click “Request Approval,” or the equivalent button under the “Listing limitations apply” notice.
- Submit the required documents (e.g., invoices, authorization letters, or safety data sheets).
- Wait for Amazon’s team to review your submission. You will receive a confirmation notification if approved, and the product can be listed or sold.
Remember, providing precise and complete documentation increases the chances of approval on the first attempt.
How do I approve Amazon verification?
Amazon verification refers to processes that confirm your identity or product compliance. Amazon may request business licenses, utility bills, or tax documents for seller account verification. To approve this:
- Log in to Seller Central and navigate to the “Performance Notifications” or “Account Verification” section.
- Upload the requested documents as per the instructions.
- Ensure the documents are legible, up-to-date, and match your account information.
If Amazon requires product verification (e.g., gated categories), follow the “Request Approval” process for your listing. Always keep communication with Seller Support open if unsure about the process.
How do I change my approval settings on Amazon?
Amazon doesn’t offer direct control over approval settings since policies and product categories determine them. However, you can manage compliance proactively:
- Regularly update your product details, ensuring they align with Amazon’s guidelines.
- Maintain your account health with accurate listings, on-time deliveries, and excellent customer service.
- Use reliable suppliers and prepare invoices for categories requiring regular approvals (e.g., beauty, electronics).
- Use the “Manage Inventory” section to monitor flagged listings and respond promptly to approval requests.
How to accept approval on Amazon?
Accepting approval on Amazon isn’t a direct “accept” button but involves completing specific steps to meet Amazon’s guidelines. For example, if you’re trying to sell in a gated category, you must provide supporting documents like invoices or certifications. Once you submit these and Amazon approves, your account automatically updates, and you gain access to that feature or category. If approval relates to account settings or permissions, you must follow prompts in your “Account Settings” or “User Permissions” page to finalize the process.
How do I change my approval settings on Amazon?
Approval settings on Amazon refer to how permissions and access work for your account. Sellers can adjust settings by going to Seller Central and navigating to “Account Settings” > “User Permissions.” Here, you can assign roles or permissions to team members or third-party tools. For product-specific approvals, the settings are determined automatically by Amazon’s compliance policies, so you can’t manually adjust them. However, regularly reviewing your account’s compliance status and maintaining proper documentation helps avoid unnecessary approval requests.
Why does Amazon require approval to sell certain products?
Amazon enforces approval for specific products or categories to maintain quality, ensure compliance, and protect customers from counterfeit or unsafe items. For instance, healthcare, beauty, and food categories require strict documentation, such as lab reports or certifications, to meet regulatory standards. Brand gating also exists to protect intellectual property rights and limit unauthorized sellers. By requiring approval, Amazon ensures customers get authentic and safe products, while sellers benefit from reduced competition in restricted categories.
What happens if my approval request is denied?
If Amazon denies your approval request, they usually provide a reason. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, blurry or illegible files, or information mismatches. Review their feedback carefully in the case log or notification section. Correct the issues they point out—like submitting a clearer invoice, correcting business details, or providing additional documentation. Once corrected, you can reapply. Sometimes, contacting Amazon Seller Support for clarification or advice may speed up the process.
Can I appeal if Amazon denies my approval request?
You can appeal a denial by addressing the specific reasons for rejection. For example, if your product approval request was denied due to insufficient documents, you can resubmit with accurate and complete documentation. Write a concise explanation addressing Amazon’s concerns and submit your appeal through the “Case Log” in Seller Central. If the appeal process is unclear, contacting Seller Support for guidance is a good step.
Are there fees for getting approval to sell restricted products?
Amazon typically does not charge a direct fee for product or category approvals. However, meeting approval requirements may involve costs. For instance, you might need to pay for lab testing, certifications, or brand authorization from the product’s manufacturer. These expenses ensure you meet regulatory standards and maintain compliance. It’s important to factor in these costs when selling restricted items on Amazon.
How can I prevent constant “approval needed” messages on Amazon?
To reduce frequent approval requests, focus on maintaining a compliant and professional seller account. This includes keeping your business information up-to-date, sourcing products from reliable suppliers, and maintaining proper invoices and certifications. Enroll in programs like the Amazon Brand Registry to avoid unauthorized seller conflicts. Regularly review Amazon’s selling policies and gated category updates to stay prepared. Preventative measures save time and keep your account in good standing.
Being proactive about your Amazon seller account management reduces the likelihood of repeated approval requests.
Conclusion
We’ve discussed why Amazon may require order approval for sellers and buyers. Knowing these reasons can help you identify and address the need for approval when you encounter it, whether you’re buying or selling on Amazon.
eMarspro is your trusted Amazon Agency, helping sellers and vendors to streamline their operations. If you still have questions or concerns regarding Amazon’s approval process, please don’t hesitate to contact our professional Amazon consulting experts at +1-682-472-4939 or schedule a free consultation call. We’re here to assist you and provide the necessary guidance.
