Amazon Seller Category Approval: A Complete Guide

How to get Amazon seller category approval? Selling on Amazon offers massive opportunities, with millions of active buyers visiting the platform daily. However, not every product is immediately eligible to be listed by any seller. Some categories on Amazon require prior approval before you can sell in them — a process known as Category Approval or Ungating.

If you’re a new or experienced Amazon seller planning to expand your product range, understanding how Amazon’s category approval process works is crucial. In this blog, we’ll cover what amazon seller category approval, why it exists, which categories require it, and how you can successfully apply for approval.

What is Amazon Seller Category Approval?

When you register as a seller on Amazon, you can list products in many categories without restrictions. However, to maintain product quality, safety standards, and customer trust, Amazon places certain categories behind an approval process.

Amazon seller category approval means that before you can list products under these categories, you need to submit an application to Amazon and get permission. This often involves providing additional documentation, meeting specific performance metrics, and adhering to Amazon’s guidelines.

Once approved, you can freely list & sell products within that category.

Why Does Require Amazon Seller Category Approval?

Amazon’s marketplace is built on consumer trust. Some product categories are more sensitive due to safety regulations, health concerns, counterfeiting risks, or quality control issues.

Here are some key reasons why Amazon gates certain categories:

• Regulatory compliance: Items like medical supplies, supplements, and personal safety products require adherence to health regulations.
• Product safety: Categories such as toys, baby products, and food need stringent quality checks.
• Brand protection: High-end fashion, luxury watches, and electronics are often targeted for counterfeiting.
• Customer experience: Amazon wants to ensure sellers in restricted categories maintain high performance and quality service.

By enforcing category approvals, Amazon ensures customers receive genuine, safe, and high-quality products.

Which Amazon Categories Require Approval?

As of 2025, here’s a list of popular amazon seller category approval:

• Automotive & Powersports
• Collectible Coins
• Fine Art
• Grocery & Gourmet Foods
• Jewelry
• Luggage
• Music & DVD
• Personal Safety & Household Products
• Shoes, Handbags & Sunglasses
• Sports Collectibles
• Watches
• Medical Supplies & Equipment
• Pet Food & Supplies (Certain types)
• Topicals (Skincare, health & wellness products)

Note: Amazon’s gating policies may change over time, and some sub-categories within ungated categories may still require approval.

How to Check If a Product Requires Approval

If you’re unsure whether a product requires approval, you can easily check through your Amazon Seller Central account.

1. Log in to Seller Central
2. Go to Inventory → Add a Product
3. Search for your products use its name, ASIN, or UPC
4. If the product falls between a restricted category, you’ll see a message stating:
   “You need approval to list in this category.”
5. Click on ‘Request Approval’ to start application process.

How to Get Amazon Seller Category Approval: Step-by-Step

The approval process may differ slightly between categories, but typically involves these key steps:

1. Request Approval

Once you identify products requiring approval, click ‘Request Approval’ in Seller Central. This initiates your application.

2. Submit Required Documentation

Depending on the category, Amazon may ask for:

• Invoices from authorized distributors or manufacturers (usually dated within 180 days)
• Business licenses
• Product images
• Compliance certificates (like FDA registration for health products)
• Safety data sheets for chemicals or topical items

Ensure your documentation is clear, authentic, and meets Amazon’s specifications.

3. Meet Performance Metrics

For some categories, Amazon requires sellers to maintain:

• Order defect rate (ODR) below 1%
• Pre-fulfillment cancel rate under 2.5%
• Late shipment rate below 4%

Make sure your seller account is in better standing before applying.

4. Wait for Amazon’s Response

After submitting your documents, Amazon typically responds between 1-7 business days. Approval times vary based on category complexity.

If approved, you’ll receive confirmation via email and can start listing products in that category.

Common Reasons for Approval Rejection

Getting ungated isn’t always straightforward. Here are common reasons applications are rejected:

• Invalid or incomplete invoices: Missing information like supplier name, contact details, or purchase dates.
• Unacceptable suppliers: Amazon may reject invoices from non-authorized or third-party vendors.
• Non-compliance with regulations: Missing safety certificates or incorrect labeling.
• Poor account health metrics: Increased Order Defect Rate (ODR) or slow shipment rates.
• Low-quality images or incorrect product listings.

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Approval

1. Work with reputable suppliers
   Use authorized distributors or manufacturers and request detailed invoices.
2. Keep documentation organized
   Makes sure invoices, certifications, & licenses are clear, legible, & meet Amazon’s format.
3. Maintain excellent account health
   Consistently deliver great service, fulfill orders on time, and avoid policy violations.
4. Read category-specific guidelines
   Each category has its own set of rules. Review Amazon’s category requirement page carefully before applying.
5. Consider professional help
   If you’re struggling, there are experienced Amazon consultants and ungating services that can assist with documentation and application strategy.

Is Category Approval Worth It?

Absolutely — getting approved in restricted categories can open up low competitive, higher-margin opportunities. Since fewer sellers have access to these categories, competition is lower and customer trust is higher. Categories like Grocery, Topicals, and Jewelry often see strong demand with fewer sellers vying for top spots.

While the application process may seem tedious, the long-term benefits of accessing these profitable niches can significantly boost your Amazon business.

Final Thoughts

Selling on Amazon is one of the most rewarding eCommerce ventures, and category approval plays a vital role in maintaining product standards and customer trust. By understanding which categories require approval, preparing the right documentation, and maintaining a healthy seller account, you can successfully navigate the ungating process and expand your business into high-demand product areas.

If you’re serious about scaling your Amazon business, don’t shy away from gated categories — approach them strategically, and you might just unlock your next big sales opportunity.