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Breaking Through the Barriers: A Guide to Selling in Amazon’s Restricted Categories

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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%.
    • 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.

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