Imagine, As a seller on Amazon, you did your best and hunted for a product with a good profit margin, huge demand, and low competition.
After proceeding, you will find that Amazon has not approved your product for sale because it falls within the list of Amazon-restricted categories.
Thankfully, Amazon offers its sellers approval for the product by following some guidelines and processes, so be sure to know every essential factor before starting a typical and complex working process of product hunting.
Although getting permission to sell in Amazon’s restricted categories can be a long and complicated process, you have to do it if you want to sell more on Amazon and offer more products.
It would be in your best interest to contact the professional Amazon seller account management services to remove any obstacles to your achievement.
This guide aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of Amazon’s restricted categories, the reasons for the restrictions, how to obtain approval for selling in these categories, and how to maintain that approval once granted.
- What are the Amazon Restricted Categories?
- Why are Categories Restricted?
- How to Apply to Ungated Restricted Categories
- Tips for Getting Approved to Sell in Restricted Categories
- How to Maintain After Getting Approved
1- What are the Amazon Restricted Categories
Restricted categories are product categories that require approval before a seller can list and sell products in them. Amazon restricts these categories to safeguard its customers from low-quality or unsafe products and to ensure that sellers listing products in these categories adhere to specific standards.
Some of the most popular restricted categories on Amazon include:
- Beauty
- Health and personal care
- Clothing, shoes, and jewelry
- Grocery and gourmet food
- Watches
- Luggage and travel accessories
- Automotive and Powersports
2- Why are Categories Restricted?
Amazon limits certain types of products to ensure they follow laws, rules, and company policies and keep their customers safe and trusting. These rules are different for each country and region and are often changed.
Some things, like dangerous materials or weapons, sellers cannot offer for sale because they could endanger customers. Other categories, like prescription drugs or certain types of food, may have restrictions because of the law.
Amazon also limits some categories to keep its platform honest and its customers safe from fake or fraudulent products. For example, some categories may require sellers to meet specific requirements or get special permissions before listing items for sale.
Ultimately, Amazon imposes category restrictions to protect customers, comply with legal requirements, and ensure that everyone using the site enjoys a positive shopping experience.
3- How to Apply to Ungated Amazon Restricted Categories
Step By Step
1: Log in to your Amazon Seller Central account.
2: Click the “Inventory” tab and select “Add a Product.
3: Search for the product you want to sell in the restricted category
5: Click “Request Approval” and follow the prompts to complete the application.
4: If the category is restricted, you will see a notification that says, “Category approval required
It’s important to remember that not all categories can be unlocked and to apply for approval in some of them, you may need to fulfill specific requirements or obtain certifications. Also, you may need extra credentials or licenses from third-party companies before listing products in some categories. Before sending in your application, you should review the category’s rules and requirements carefully.
4- Tips for Getting Approval to Sell in Restricted Categories
1- Build a strong sales history
2- Follow Amazon’s policies
3- Provide documentation
4- Be patient
Build a strong sales history:
Amazon wants to see that you have a successful track record as a seller before approving you to sell in a restricted category. Build your sales history by selling products in non-restricted categories and maintaining positive customer feedback.
Follow Amazon’s policies:
Ensure you follow all of Amazon’s policies, including product descriptions, pricing, and shipping. Violating these policies can hurt your chances of getting approved.
Provide documentation:
Depending on the category, you may need to provide additional documentation to prove that you meet Amazon’s standards. For example, if you want to sell health products, you may need to provide proof that your products meet FDA regulations.
Be patient:
The approval process for some categories can take several weeks or even months. Be patient and follow up with Amazon if you are still waiting to receive a response after a few weeks.
Remember to maintain high-quality products and follow Amazon’s policies to ensure you continue being a successful seller on the platform.
How to Avoid Losing Approval for Restricted Categories on Amazon
Once approved to sell in a restricted category, it’s crucial to maintain that approval by following Amazon’s guidelines and policies. Here are some tips to help you avoid losing approval:
Keep up with policy changes:
Amazon frequently updates its seller policies and guidelines. Ensure you stay informed of any changes affecting your ability to sell in a restricted category.
Monitor your listings:
Regularly check your listings to ensure you follow Amazon’s product descriptions, images, and pricing guidelines.
Stay on top of inventory: Ensure you have a good list of the products you sell in the restricted category to avoid running out of stock or overselling.
Respond to customer inquiries promptly:
Respond to customer inquiries and complaints quickly and professionally to maintain positive feedback and avoid negative reviews.
Additional Resources for Help on Amazon
There are many resources available to help you navigate it. Here are some additional resources to help you become a successful Amazon seller:
Amazon Seller University:
Amazon Seller University is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in selling on Amazon. It offers free, high-quality courses and tutorials that can help sellers to navigate the complexities of the Amazon marketplace, regardless of their level of experience or expertise.
By taking advantage of this platform, sellers can gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed on Amazon and build a profitable business.
Amazon Seller Forums:
The Amazon Seller Forums are a vibrant and supportive community of sellers on the Amazon marketplace. It is an online platform where sellers can come together to ask questions, share experiences, and get advice from other sellers. The forums cover various topics, from product listing and advertising to shipping and customer service.
It is also a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest news and trends in the Amazon marketplace. Amazon frequently updates its policies and procedures, and the forums are a great place to stay informed about these changes and how they may affect your business.
Amazon Seller App:
The Amazon Seller app allows you to manage your account, view sales reports, and respond to customer inquiries from your mobile device. This app is available for both Android and iOS devices.
The Amazon Seller app lets you view your account information, sales reports, and customer inquiries. You can also respond to customer inquiries and manage your account settings.
Read More: The Most In-Demand Services Offered by Amazon Consulting Firms in the USA
It is an excellent tool for Amazon sellers to manage accounts on the go and respond to customer inquiries quickly and easily.
Amazon Seller Support:
Amazon Seller Support is a team of experts available 24/7 to help you with any account, technical, or policy issues.
If you need help, you can contact Seller Support in several ways. The easiest way is to log in to your Seller Central account and click on the “Contact Us” link at the bottom of the page. From there, you can select the type of issue you are having and choose how you would like to contact Seller Support. You can chat with a support agent online, call them on the phone, or email them.
No matter how you choose to contact Seller Support, you will be sure to receive prompt and professional assistance. They will work with you to resolve your issue as quickly as possible.
So if you are an expert at doing these tasks comfortably, do it. If not, hire eMarpro’s expert Amazon management services to get quick and fast approval without any hurdles for selling your product in Amazon restricted categories.
Unlock Amazon Restricted Categories FAQs:
Can anyone sell in a restricted category on Amazon?
Not everyone can sell in Amazon restricted categories. Amazon requires sellers to meet specific criteria and obtain approval from Amazon before they can sell products in those categories.
For example, categories such as Beauty, Health & Personal Care, and Grocery require sellers to provide Amazon with additional information, such as product compliance documents and ingredient lists. Other categories, such as Automotive and Video, may require sellers to have specific certifications or qualifications.
To sell in a restricted category on Amazon, you’ll need to meet the requirements and apply for approval. You must obtain approval to sell products in that category..
Is there a fee to apply for approval to sell in a restricted category?
There is no fee to apply for approval to sell in a restricted category. However, dealing in a restricted category may involve other costs, such as shipping your products to Amazon fulfillment centers.
Once approved to sell in a restricted category, you will be subject to the exact charges as any other seller on Amazon.
If you have any other questions about selling in a restricted category, please Consult with our Amazon seller account services.
How long does it take to obtain approval to sell in a restricted category?
It can vary depending on the category and the specific requirements. In some cases, approval takes just a few days; in others, it may take many weeks or months.
To get quick approval, it’s essential to carefully review the category requirements and ensure that you have all the necessary information and documentation before submitting your application. Except this, you can reach out to eMarpro’s experienced Amazon services and support team for guidance and assistance throughout the approval process.
What happens if my application to sell in a restricted category is denied?
If your application is denied, you cannot list products in that category.
Before appealing, it’s essential to carefully review the reason for the denial and ensure that you have addressed any issues or concerns.
You can also reach out to Amazon’s seller support team for guidance on improving your application and increasing your chances of approval.
Suppose your appeal still needs to be approved. In that case, you may need to choose alternative products or categories to sell, explore other sales channels outside of Amazon, or consider talking with a professional Amazon consultant.
Remember, Amazon has strict requirements and policies to ensure the safety and quality of its marketplace, so comply with these guidelines to maintain your seller account and protect your business reputation.
Final Words
This guide provides a comprehensive understanding of Amazon’s restricted categories, the reasons behind the restrictions, how to gain approval to sell in these categories, and how to maintain them after approval.
The most important details are that Amazon limits certain products to protect customers from low-quality or unsafe products and that the sellers who list products in these categories meet specific standards.
It is crucial to contact professional Amazon seller account management services to remove any obstacles to your achievement.
