Guide to Selling in Amazon’s Restricted Categories

img

Do you want to start selling on Amazon but feel overwhelmed by the restrictions Amazon has on certain products? If so, you’re not alone. Amazon restricts a lot of products and product categories from its marketplace, and figuring out how to navigate these restrictions can be a daunting task. In this post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about selling in Amazon’s restricted categories.

Whether you’re a new seller or an experienced seller who wants to break into a new market, you’ll find the information you need to get started. We’ll cover topics such as the categories and products that are restricted, and how to apply for approval to sell in these categories. Get ready to learn the ins and outs of Amazon’s restricted categories and start selling in no time.

What are Amazon Restricted Categories?

​​Amazon is changing the approach it takes toward restrictions. Rather than applying them to wide categories, it is now targeting specific sub-category niches. This means that the list of restricted categories is now considerably shorter than that of restricted products. 

This is the current list of restricted Amazon categories: 

  • Postage Stamps
  • Collectible Coins
  • Entertainment Collectibles
  • Fine Art
  • Holiday Selling Requirements in Toys & Games
  • Jewelry
  • Amazon Subscription Boxes
  • Made in Italy
  • Music & DVD
  • Services
  • Sports Collectibles
  • Streaming Media Players
  • Video, DVD, & Blu-ray
  • Watches
  • Sony PlayStation Requirements in Video Games

How to Sell in Restricted Categories? 

No two Amazon-restricted categories have the same method of getting ungated, and some are much easier to sell in than others. For the most accurate info, contact your Amazon representative.

Just for reference, here are some of the Amazon criteria for selling in the “Entertainment Collectables” gated category: 

  • You must be on the Professional Seller plan.
  • Your seller performance metrics must be at or below Amazon’s required levels:
    • Order defect rate (ODR) must be less than 1%.
    • Pre-fulfillment cancellation rate must be less than 2.5%.
    • The late shipment rate must be less than 4%.
  • You must comply with listing requirements for items sold in the Entertainment Collectibles category.
  • Customers must be able to complete all aspects of ordering and purchasing a product using only the Amazon website

This is just an example, however, and the answer differs based on your unique situation.

What Are Amazon Restricted Products? 

Amazon does not have a universal definition for restricted products, as restrictions can vary from product to product. However, there are general qualifications to be aware of when conducting product research. 

If you plan to sell through Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), it’s essential to review Amazon’s FBA Product Restrictions to verify that the items you intend to sell meet their criteria.

Amazon restricts products to safeguard the shoppers. These restricted products fall into three categories:

  • Collectibles with specific condition demands
  • Premium expert items
  • Goods governed by state and/or federal laws.

How to Apply to Sell Restricted Products on Amazon?

Discovering whether your product is eligible for a gated category on Amazon has been made simpler, thanks to Amazon’s streamlined approval process. To confirm your eligibility, follow these quick steps: 

  1. Login to your Seller Central account.
  2. Click on the ‘Category’ tab located near the top-left of the screen.
  3. Select ‘Add Products’ from the dropdown menu.
  4. Find the item you want to sell.
  5. Click on ‘Show limitations’ to the left of the product info.
  6. If you are eligible, click the ‘Request Approval’ button to start the application process. If not, you will receive a notification indicating that applications are not being accepted at this time. 

Stay ahead of the competition by taking advantage of Amazon’s gated categories. Through this painless and straightforward process, you could easily increase your sales and broaden your market.

Are There Penalties For Violating Amazon’s Category Restrictions?

At Amazon, the strict enforcement of their policies is a top priority. Before you contemplate veering off-course, consider the potential repercussions:

  • Your offerings could be removed from the platform.
  • Constraints may be placed on your selling capabilities.
  • Your ability to list items could be temporarily or permanently revoked.
  • Securing reinstatement after disciplinary action can prove challenging.

The most prudent approach is to adhere to Amazon’s guidelines and regulations to safeguard your business operations.

Why Sell Amazon Restricted Products In the First Place? 

Although some of Amazon’s restricted categories have demanding requirements, determined sellers can tap into substantial sales opportunities. Registering for Amazon’s restricted categories can provide sellers with increased visibility by enabling them to list their products in more areas of the platform. This will not only provide them with additional exposure but also increase the likelihood that their listings will be seen by customers looking for particular items. Sellers in restricted categories also have a better chance of reaching customers who would otherwise not be able to find them. This could potentially result in increased sales and even improved customer relationships as buyers tend to appreciate having access to a wider variety of products when shopping online.

MaverickX Lead Form 2023

Register with us

Send a message

Terms & Conditions

Standard Terms & Conditions - MaverickX.io

General Service Agreements. MaverickX.io and Client will enter into written agreements for membership in the MaverickX Network and MaverickX services. Cancellation/Termination. Membership and MaverickX services may be cancelled and/or terminated at any time by either party for any reason upon thirty (30) days written notice. MaverickX membership and services automatically terminate if the other Party: a) becomes insolvent; b) files a petition in bankruptcy; c) makes an assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or (d) liquidates, dissolves, or ceases operations.           Member Benefits. As a member in the MaverickX Network, Client is eligible to receive additional MaverickX services and benefits offered by MaverickX.io from time to time. Client Data.  As a member of the MaverickX Network, Client will provide MaverickX.io requested by MaverickX.io pursuant to Client’s service agreement with MaverickX.io, access and use of certain Client data solely and exclusively within the scope and purposes of providing the MaverickX Services. Client grants MaverickX.io a non-exclusive and limited license to access and use such data solely and exclusively within the scope of the MaverickX service and Client’s service agreement. Dashboard. MaverickX.io will provide Client access and use of the MaverickX Dashboard under license as outlined in Client’s service agreement. All service reporting, analytical summaries and performance indexes will be provided to Client via the MaverickX Dashboard, unless otherwise provided by MaverickX.io. Dashboard Restrictions.  Client will not share with any third-party individual, group, affiliate, entity, business, or potential business or personal relationship, in any manner, fashion, form or media, the existence or scope of the MaverickX Dashboard or any information or data related to or derived from the MaverickX Dashboard. Service Fees.  Client will pay MaverickX.io all monthly service fee for the MaverickX services, as outlined in Client’s service agreements. Invoicing. Unless otherwise specified in Client’s service agreement with MaverickX.io, MaverickX.io will submit written monthly invoices to Client, via email or other means as determined by MaverickX.io, for all MaverickX services rendered during the previous month. Intellectual Property. AS between Client and MaverickX.io, each party owns and retains all right, title, and interest in and to their respective intellectual property, including all patents, copyrights, trademarks and proprietary materials and information. Non-Exclusivity. Nothing in the membership or agreement for MaverickX services will be deemed to limit or restrict MaverickX.io from entering into any agreements similar hereto with any other outside third parties. Client acknowledges and agrees that (i) MaverickX.io has and will continue to provide similar services to third parties; (ii) MaverickX.io can engage in transactions with third parties, or undertake its own activities, whether or not similar to the services and transactions provided or contemplated by the Agreement or which may be competitive with Client’s business or Client Products; (iii) MaverickX.io has no obligation to inform Client of its relationship with such third parties or the nature of the services provided to such third parties; (iv) MaverickX.io has no obligation to limit or modify its relationship with such third parties or the nature of the services provided to such third parties; and (v) the relationships with and services provided to such third parties do not interfere with Client’s relationship with MaverickX.io or the performance of the MaverickX service or create a conflict of interest between Client and MaverickX.io. Governing Law & Jurisdiction.  Client’s service agreement with MaverickX.io will be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio, without giving effect to conflicts of law principles thereof. Client agrees and irrevocably consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of any state or federal court located in Columbus, Ohio in any dispute related to or arising out of Client’s service agreement with MaverickX.io. Force Majeure.  Neither party will be liable for any failure to perform any obligation hereunder, or from any delay in the performance thereof, due to causes beyond its reasonable control, including industrial disputes of whatever nature, acts of God, public enemy, acts of government, fire or other casualty provided that the either party affected by such event will promptly begin or resume performance, as soon as practical after the event has been abated.