
Operating as both an online retailer and a physical store, Walmart stands as one of the largest superstores around the world. Walmart offers a wide range of products, including apparel, electronics, food, and household items. In addition to selling goods directly, Walmart.com gives independent sellers the opportunity to promote their goods. Furthermore, Walmart enforces some restrictions on what is and isn’t allowed for sale on their website. These restrictions are in place to protect the consumers, abide by legal stipulations, and preserve Walmart’s brand reputation.
This article will focus on why certain products restricted products on Walmart USA website and the implications of such restrictions for buyers and suppliers.
What Are the Restrained Products?
Products restricted products on Walmart USA are those that are either completely banned on Walmart.com or can only be sold under certain conditions. The items may be deemed by ethical/legal standards too sensitive; in such instances they will face compliance restrictions and state or local legal regulations.
These restrictions can take form in various ways, such as requiring permission beforehand, meeting set preconditions, or needing to address specific guidelines before being sold on Walmart’s site. The limitations affect both Walmart’s direct sales and the sales of third-party service providers on the marketplace.
Categories of Products Restricted Products On Walmart USA
1. Alcohol and Tobacco Products
Tobacco and alcohol sales are strictly restricted at Walmart. While physical Walmart stores in some states may sell alcoholic beverages, online sales are largely restricted due to interstate commerce laws and age verification complexities.
- Alcohol: Typically not available for sale online.
- Tobacco and vaping products: Completely prohibited for online sales on Walmart.com, including e-cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco.
2. Firearms and Ammunition
Firearms are among the most tightly regulated items in the U.S., and Walmart has gradually scaled back its sales over the years. While certain stores still sell hunting rifles and shotguns, firearms and ammunition are not available for sale through Walmart.com.
This includes:
- Firearms of any type (handguns, rifles, shotguns)
- Ammunition
- Gun parts and accessories (e.g., silencers, high-capacity magazines)
Some non-lethal self-defense items like pepper spray may be sold, but usually come with specific shipping and age restrictions.
3. Drugs and Medical Products
Walmart handles all medications and medical supplies in accordance with the law and FDA regulations.
- Prescription drugs: Not sold online via Walmart Marketplace.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) medications: Can be sold, but must meet labeling, packaging, and safety requirements.
- CBD and Hemp products: Subject to scrutiny and only allowed if derived from hemp (not marijuana) and if they meet FDA regulations.
Medical devices such as blood pressure monitors or thermometers are permitted, but sellers must comply with FDA registration and listing.
4. Hazardous and Regulated Materials
Products considered hazardous are restricted for public safety and environmental reasons. This includes:
- Explosives or fireworks
- Flammable liquids or gases (certain cleaning products, lighter fluid)
- Pesticides and herbicides not approved by the EPA
- Mercury-containing items (like old thermometers)
Products like car batteries or certain automotive fluids may be allowed, but must adhere to strict shipping and handling regulations.
5. Counterfeit or Unlicensed Goods
Walmart takes intellectual property rights seriously. Counterfeit, pirated, or knock-off products are strictly prohibited. This includes:
- Fake designer handbags, shoes, or clothing
- Unlicensed branded merchandise
- Unauthorized DVDs, music, or software
Selling these can lead to account suspension and legal consequences for sellers.
6. Adult Content and Products
Walmart maintains a family-friendly image, so adult-only products are heavily restricted or banned outright.
- Pornographic material, sex toys, and explicit magazines are not allowed.
- Products with adult themes or suggestive content may be removed or flagged.
Among the allowed items are personal lubricants, but they must follow content guidelines and be discreetly marketed.
7. Animals and Animal Products
Walmart.com does not allow the sale of live animals, including pets or livestock. Additionally, certain animal products are banned or restricted:
- Bones, ivory, and goods derived from endangered species (which is against CITES regulations)
- Untested or unsafe pet supplements
- Raw or homemade pet foods without proper certifications
Approved pet supplies and food from trusted brands are available, but sellers must comply with strict health and safety standards.
8. Currency, Coins, and Collectibles
Selling currency, gold, silver, or collectible coins is restricted due to concerns around fraud, value misrepresentation, and legal regulation.
- Bullion and precious metals are generally not permitted.
- Reputable organizations are required to certify and verify collectible currency.
9. Recalled or Unsafe Products
Any item that has been recalled by a manufacturer or regulatory body cannot be sold on Walmart.com. This applies to:
- Toys
- Electronics
- Appliances
- Baby products (like cribs, car seats)
Walmart actively monitors and removes listings that involve recalled products.
Why Are These Restrictions Important?
Walmart’s restrictions are not arbitrary—they serve several critical purposes:
- Legal compliance: Ensures Walmart and its sellers follow federal and state laws.
- Consumer safety: keeps dangerous goods out of the public’s hands.
- Brand reputation: Maintains trust in the Walmart brand by offering safe, ethical, and reliable products.
- Fraud prevention: Reduces scams, counterfeit goods, and misleading listings.
What Happens If a Seller Violates These Rules?
Walmart enforces its policies rigorously. Sellers who list prohibited or restricted items may face:
- Immediate removal of the product listing
- Warnings or temporary account suspension
- Permanent ban from the Walmart Marketplace
- Legal consequences depending on the violation
Steps To Take To Find Out If A Products Restricted Products On Walmart USA
Products restricted products on Walmart USA, for both sellers that want to list a product and buyers who may be confused with an item, scroll down for the steps you can take.
- Walmart Restriction Products: Read on Seller Help Center.
- Check with the FDA, ATF, EPA, and other applicable regulations: Consult regulatory laws.
- Reach out to Walmart support: Important border questions or necessary certifications.
- Compliance: Requirements are frequently updated. Caution must always be exercised.
Final Thoughts
Products restricted products on Walmart USA, marking products as restricted helps maintain marketplace order and trust, something that Walmart prides excessive on. It’s integration in numerous services across the US means it can’t compromise on the legal trust buyers place in it.
Keeping your business protected and compliance in-check is a necessity in every commercial space. When products become available for customers to browse through, trust becomes easy in a click. Being a shopper wanting to browse or a third-party seller looking into Walmart’s ecosystem, getting educated is the first building block to achieve success.

Hello, I am an E-commerce Expert with extensive experience providing services to numerous e-commerce brands and individuals since 2017. My primary areas of expertise include the Amazon, Walmart, and Shopify marketplaces. Linkedin