Do I Need Approval To Sell On Amazon?

So, you have a great product and you want to sell it on Amazon? Well, we hate to break it to you, but it’s not that simple. There are a number of products and categories that are in the ‘restricted’ section in Amazon. This means they require Amazon approvals before selling/ advertising – and these approvals take up significant time. You may be required to pay additional fees, undergo performance checks, and provide other qualifications.

We created this chart to help you better understand where you fit, and the conditions and approvals required around your category:

Product categoryTypes of productsConditions allowedApproval required
Amazon Device AccessoriesAmazon Device AccessoriesNew, Refurbished, UsedYes. See Requirements.
Automotive Parts & AccessoriesParts, Tires, Tools & Equipment, AccessoriesNew, Refurbished, Used, Collectible

Tires may only be sold in new condition.

No. See Category
Guidelines
Baby ProductsNursery, Feeding, GearNew onlyNo
BeautyFragrance, Skincare, Makeup, Hair Care, Bath and Shower. (See also: Restricted Products)New onlyNo
BooksBooks, Calendars, Card Decks, Sheet Music, Issues of Magazines and Journals, and other publicationsNew, Used, CollectibleNo
Camera & PhotoCameras, Camcorders, TelescopesNew, Refurbished, UsedNo
Cell PhonesUnlocked Cell PhonesNew, Refurbished, UsedNo. See Category Guidelines.
Consumer ElectronicsTVs, CD Players, Car Audio, GPSNew, Refurbished, UsedNo
Electronics AccessoriesAccessories for Audio & Video, Camera & Photo, Car Electronics, Cell Phone, Computer, and Office Electronics Accessories. (See a list of examples.)New, Refurbished, UsedNo
Grocery & Gourmet FoodBeverages, Breakfast, Canned Goods, Snacks, Meat, Seafood, Chocolate, Desserts, Gift BasketsNew onlyNo
Health & Personal CareFirst Aid, Nutrition, Baby & Child Care, Personal Care Appliances, Medical Equipment, Household Supplies, Sexual Wellness (See also: Restricted Products)New onlyNo
Home and GardenKitchen & Dining, Home Appliances, Vacuums & Storage, Furniture & Décor, Bedding & Bath, Sewing, Craft & Hobby, Patio, Lawn & GardenNew, Refurbished, Used, CollectibleNo
Industrial & ScientificJanitorial & Sanitation Supplies, Lab & Scientific Products, Occupational Health & Safety Products, Power & Hand ToolsNew, Refurbished, UsedNo. Selling Guidelines
MusicCDs, Cassettes, Vinyl, and other sound recordingsNew, Used, CollectibleNo
Musical InstrumentsGuitars, Keyboards, Band & Orchestra, Recording Equipment, Instrument AccessoriesNew, Refurbished, UsedNo
Office ProductsOffice Supplies, Electronic Office DevicesNew, Refurbished, UsedNo
Personal ComputersDesktops, Laptops, Drives, StorageNew, Refurbished, UsedNo
Pet SuppliesPet Apparel, Pet Bedding & Furniture, Pet Carriers & Travel Accessories, Pet ToysNew, Used, RefurbishedNo
SoftwareBusiness, Media Education, Utility, Security and Children’s SoftwareNew, UsedNo, but may be required for specific products. Learn more.
Sports & OutdoorsSports Equipment, Athletic Shoes, Bicycles, Fan Gear, Camping Equipment, Hiking BootsNew, Refurbished, Used, CollectibleNo, but may be required for specific products
Sports CollectiblesTrading Cards, Game-Used and Autographed ItemsCollectible – Like NewYes. See Requirements.
Tools & Building SuppliesPower Tools, Hardware, Hand Tools, Lamps and Light Fixtures, Kitchen and Bathroom FixturesNew, Refurbished, UsedNo
Toys & GamesInfant and Preschool Toys, Learning and Exploration Toys, Ride-ons, Action Figures, Dolls, Board Games, Arts, Crafts, HobbiesNew, CollectibleNo
Video & DVDMovies and TV shows, VHS tapes, DVD discs, Blu-ray discsNew, Used, CollectibleNo
Video GamesGame Consoles, Console Games, PC Games and AccessoriesNew, Used, CollectibleNo, but may be required for specific products. Learn more.
WatchesAll Watches Product TypesNew onlyYes. See Requirements.

Since Amazon requires you to obtain approval before listing in certain product categories, it is important for you as a seller, to know where you stand. We hope this chart helps you understand if your category requires approval. If you are still unsure, or don’t know how to proceed with gathering the right documentation, we can help! Get in touch with us for a free, no-obligation consultation.

**category information taken directly from Amazon.

Alex Zertuche
[email protected]

Alex is a copywriter from Monterrey, México. He graduated from the Institute of Technology and Higher Education of Monterrey with a degree in Communications in Digital Media, specializing in Project Management for Creative Industries and Digital Media Production. He is passionate about entertainment, creative writing and generating engaging content through his work.

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