How to requesting approval to sell on Amazon? If you’re thinking about expanding your business by selling on Amazon, you’re not alone. With over three hundred million active customers worldwide, Amazon is one of the largest e-commerce platforms of in the world. While getting started as a seller can be relatively simple, depending on what you intend to sell, you may need to request approval to offer certain products or sell in specific categories.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through why requesting approval to sell on Amazon for some categories, what you need to do to request it, and some tips to increase your chances of getting approved.
Why Does Requesting Approval to Sell On Amazon in Some Categories?
Amazon aims to be the leading company globally in terms of customer focus. To maintain this high standard, they regulate the kinds of products that can be sold and who can sell them. Certain product categories & brands are “gated,” meaning sellers need to request approval before listing them for sale.
There are a few reasons for this:
- Customer safety and product quality: Some items, like groceries, health supplements, and cosmetics, can directly affect a customer’s health and well-being. Amazon wants to ensure these products meet legal standards and are sold by responsible sellers.
- Brand protection: Some popular brands require special permissions to sell their products on Amazon to prevent counterfeit items and unauthorized sales.
- Category restrictions: Certain categories like Jewelry, Fine Art, Collectible Coins, and Automotive may require approval because they involve high-value items or legal regulations.
Understanding this framework is key before you start selling — because ignoring it can lead to listing removals, account suspensions, or worse.
Categories That Commonly Require Approval
While many categories are open for new sellers, here’s a list of commonly gated categories or product types on Amazon:
- Automotive & Powersports
- Collectible Coins
- Fine Art
- Grocery & Gourmet Food
- Jewelry
- Watches
- Music & DVD (in some regions)
- Professional Services
- Medical Devices & Equipment
- Personal Safety and Household Products
Amazon occasionally updates this list, so it’s a good idea to check the current requirements in your seller account.
How to Check if a Product Requires Approval
Before you go through the hassle of listing your product, you should check if it’s restricted. Here’s how you can do that:
- Log in to your Seller Central account.
- Open the ‘Inventory’ tab & choose ‘ Add a Product.’
- Search for the product you want to sell.
- If the products requires approval, you will see a ‘Listing Limitations Apply’ link next to it.
- Click on the link to start the application process.
Alternatively, you can visit the ‘Category Requirements’ page in Seller Central for a full list of restricted categories and their conditions.
The Process of Requesting Approval
How to requesting approval to sell on Amazon? Once you’ve identified that your product or category requires approval, follow these steps to submit your request:
Step 1: Prepare Your Documentation
Most approval processes involve submitting certain documents such as:
- Invoices from your supplier or distributor (usually three invoices from the last 90 days)
- A business license or tax registration
- Photos of the product and its packaging
- Safety and compliance certifications (for certain categories like electronics or medical devices)
Make sure the documents are clear, up-to-date, & match your business details on your Amazon account.
Step 2: Submit the Application
Go back to the ‘Add a Product’ page or the ‘Apply to Sell’ link you found earlier. Fill out the necessary details & upload your document. Double-check everything before submitting to avoid delays.
Step 3: Wait for Approval
Amazon typically reviews requests within a few business days, though it can take longer during peak periods. You’ll receive a notification in your Seller Central account and via email once your application has been processed.
If approved, you can start listing your products in that category right away. If denied, Amazon usually provides a reason and you can address any issues and reapply.
Tips for Getting Approved Faster
Getting approval can sometimes be tricky, especially for new sellers. Here are a few tips to increase your more chances:
- Work with recognized suppliers: Use invoices from reputable distributors or manufacturers. Amazon tends to be cautious about invoices from online marketplaces or unknown suppliers.
- Submit high-quality, clear documents: Ensure all documents are legible, unaltered, & match the information in your seller account.
- Ensure product compliance: For categories like Health, Beauty, or Electronics, make sure your products meet local regulations and have the necessary certifications.
- Maintain good account health: If your seller account has a history of policy violations or poor performance metrics, your approval request maybe denied.
- Start with less restricted categories: If you’re new, build your reputation in open categories before attempting to sell in gated ones.
What Happens If You Sell Without Approval?
Attempting to list restricted products without approval is against Amazon’s policies. The consequences can be serious:
- Product listings may be removed.
- Your account could receive warnings or suspensions.
- Amazon maybepermanently ban your selling privileges in severe cases.
It’s always better to follow the proper process, even if it takes a little extra time.
Final Thoughts
How to requesting approval to sell on Amazon? Selling on Amazon is a fantastic opportunity for entrepreneurs and businesses to reach millions of customers worldwide. While category and product restrictions might seem like a hurdle at first, they’re in place to protect customers, brands, and sellers alike.
By understanding the approval process, preparing the right documents, and following Amazon’s guidelines, you can gain access to high-demand categories and grow your business confidently on the platform.
If you’re considering selling on Amazon, start by exploring open categories, build a strong track record, and then gradually expand into gated areas once you’re ready. The additional effort will yield advantages in the long term.
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
