Product Compliance Documentation: What Amazon Sellers Need to Know
Published on September 26, 2024 by AMZ Sellers Attorney®
Overview of Amazon’s New Product Compliance Policy
Effective September 30, 2024, Amazon is introducing a policy that requires the submission and approval of product compliance documentation before new products can be listed on its platform. This is part of Amazon’s effort to ensure that products sold meet safety regulations and industry standards, fostering a safer marketplace for customers.
Sellers must submit required documentation through the Amazon Seller Central dashboard. Products will not be listed until the necessary documents have been verified and approved by Amazon’s compliance team.
Required Compliance Documents
Amazon’s documentation requirements vary by product category, but commonly required documents include:
- Children’s Product Certificate (CPC) – Mandatory for products designed for children, confirming that the item meets child safety regulations:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
- General Certificate of Conformity (GCC) – Required for many consumer products to confirm compliance with U.S. safety standards:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
- Test Reports from ISO 17025 Accredited Laboratories – Necessary for products that require safety and quality testing:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
- Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) Compliance Documentation – Required for electrical products and appliances to ensure they meet safety requirements:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
- Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) – Required for products containing chemicals to ensure safe handling and shipping:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
- Product Instructions and Manuals – Necessary for products with mechanical or electrical components, detailing safe usage:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
- Tracking Labels and Compliance Markings – Required for regulated products such as toys and electronics:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
Sellers should ensure that all required documents are up-to-date and accurate before submission to avoid delays or listing denials.
How to Submit Compliance Documents
Amazon has streamlined the process for submitting compliance documents via the Manage Your Compliance Dashboard in Seller Central:
- Log in to your Amazon Seller Central account.
- Navigate to the "Performance" tab and select "Compliance" to access the Manage Your Compliance Dashboard.
- Upload the required compliance documentation based on the specific needs of each product category.
- Monitor your compliance status and track document approvals or requests for additional information:contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}:contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
It is important to proactively manage your compliance status, as non-compliance could result in product delisting or account suspension.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
If the required compliance documentation is not submitted or does not meet Amazon’s standards, sellers risk facing penalties, including:
- Product Listing Removal – Non-compliant products may be delisted, leading to a loss of sales:contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
- Account Suspension – Repeated non-compliance or serious violations can result in account suspension, affecting your ability to sell on Amazon:contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}:contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
- Legal Liability – Selling products that fail to meet safety standards could expose sellers to legal risks and potential lawsuits:contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
How AMZ Sellers Attorney® Can Help
If you're unsure about what compliance documents you need or how to navigate Amazon’s new policy, AMZ Sellers Attorney® is here to help. We offer expert legal guidance to ensure your listings meet Amazon’s stringent standards, reducing the risk of account suspension or listing issues.
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