The Definitive 2025 Guide to Amazon Restricted Products & Compliance | AMZ Sellers Attorney®

The Definitive 2025 Guide to Amazon Restricted Products & Compliance

By AMZ Sellers Attorney® | July 3, 2025

Key Takeaways for Amazon Sellers:

• Understand **Amazon restricted products** and why they're limited to avoid account suspensions.
• Master the **ungating process** and strict documentation requirements to sell regulated items.
• Proactively monitor your catalog and adhere to all **U.S. compliance standards** to protect your business.

For any U.S. Amazon seller, navigating the complex landscape of Amazon restricted products is not merely a suggestion—it's a critical imperative. Inadvertently listing a restricted item can significantly jeopardize your entire online business, risking not just individual ASINs but also leading to severe Amazon seller account suspensions. Proactively learning as much as possible about Amazon restricted products policy is paramount to keeping your business fully compliant with Amazon’s stringent Code of Conduct.

While maintaining a diverse product selection can enhance your authority and increase return on investment, overlooking restricted products or failing to update your catalogs can lead to unexpected Amazon policy violations. Mitigating these risks requires a proactive and vigilant approach, which is absolutely vital to your sustained success on the Amazon marketplace. This comprehensive 2025 guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to understand Amazon product compliance requirements, successfully navigate the Amazon ungating process, and keep your seller account in good standing.

What Do "Amazon Restricted Products" Mean?

An Amazon restricted product is an item that Amazon places explicit limitations on, either by completely prohibiting its sale or by requiring sellers to obtain prior approval (ungating) to list it, primarily to ensure legal compliance, uphold customer safety, and maintain platform integrity in the U.S. marketplace.

An Amazon restricted product is essentially an item that Amazon has placed specific limitations on. These limitations can range from outright disallowing sellers from listing the product altogether to requiring sellers to seek explicit approval—often referred to as "ungating"—before they can sell it. These restrictions are meticulously implemented to ensure legal compliance with U.S. federal and state laws, uphold rigorous customer safety standards, and foster the overall integrity of the vast Amazon platform.

Amazon restricted products arise from a variety of concerns, fundamentally linked to legal regulations, potential safety hazards, and the crucial protection of intellectual property rights on Amazon. For instance, products that violate local or international laws (e.g., certain chemicals), pose significant safety hazards (e.g., non-compliant electronics), or infringe upon existing trademarks, copyrights, or patents may be immediately categorized as restricted or prohibited on Amazon. Amazon may impose blanket restrictions or completely prohibit specific Amazon product categories, such as certain prescription medications or firearms, often requiring sellers to meet particular criteria, provide extensive documentation, or secure specific licenses to even apply for permission to sell. As a seller in the U.S., you must be acutely aware of and strictly adhere to all restricted product compliance guidelines to prevent severe consequences, including devastating Amazon seller account suspensions. Staying continuously informed regarding evolving Amazon policy updates is paramount.

Why Does Amazon Restrict and Remove Products?

Amazon restricts and removes products to safeguard its customers from unsafe, illegal, or inauthentic items, ensure regulatory compliance, protect intellectual property, and maintain a high level of trust and fairness across its marketplace.

Amazon's decision to restrict and remove products goes far beyond simply delisting an item from search results. This proactive and stringent approach is deeply rooted in its commitment to customer safety and ensuring that all sellers comply with its rigorous Code of Conduct. Amazon constantly monitors all listings and employs sophisticated systems to block products that do not comply with its stringent standards.

Restricting and removing non-compliant products helps Amazon ensure that its millions of shoppers can implicitly trust the platform, fostering continuous customer loyalty and encouraging them to return year after year. This proactive enforcement also helps Amazon avoid significant legal repercussions and maintain its reputation as a safe and reliable online marketplace in the United States.

Listing Restriction vs. Brand Restriction vs. Amazon Restricted Products: A Clarification

Understanding the nuanced differences between a listing restriction (specific ASIN), a brand restriction (brand gating by the brand owner), and Amazon restricted products (platform-wide prohibitions/requirements) is essential for comprehensive Amazon compliance and avoiding account issues.

Distinguishing between these three terms is crucial for any seller on Amazon, as they represent different layers of control and compliance within the platform:

• A Listing Restriction: This is a highly focused limitation applied to a specific product (ASIN) on Amazon. It can be triggered by individual policy violations related to that ASIN, specific customer complaints, quality issues with that product, or even data inaccuracies. A listing restriction temporarily or permanently prevents sellers from actively listing and selling that particular product. It’s important to note that a listing restriction typically does not extend to the entire seller account, though repeated listing violations can escalate to account-level issues.
• A Brand Restriction (Brand Gating): Commonly known as brand gating on Amazon, this is a proactive strategic maneuver initiated by a brand owner (often one enrolled in Amazon Brand Registry) to regulate the distribution of its products on Amazon. Brands can formally request restrictions on unauthorized third-party sellers, thereby safeguarding their brand image, preventing the sale of counterfeit products on Amazon, and maintaining strict quality standards. This strategic move is initiated by the brand itself, irrespective of individual listing performance. Requirements for brand gating often include providing proof of intellectual property ownership and evidence of prior brand protection efforts.
• Amazon Restricted Products: This term encompasses a broader category of items subjected to platform-wide restrictions dictated directly by Amazon. These restrictions are not necessarily brand-driven or prompted solely by the performance of a specific listing. Products in this category require explicit Amazon approval (ungating) to ensure adherence to relevant U.S. regulations, protect consumers from harm, and uphold the overall integrity of the Amazon marketplace. These are products that Amazon deems inherently sensitive or potentially problematic if not handled or sold correctly.

Understanding these crucial differences highlights the intricate balance between brand control, seller compliance, and platform integrity within the dynamic Amazon ecosystem.

How Do You Know Your ASIN Was Removed Due to Restricted Product Policy?

You will receive an email notification from Amazon (typically via your Performance Notifications in Seller Central) explicitly stating that your ASIN has been removed due to a restricted product policy violation, often indicating the specific policy breached and actions you need to take.

The most direct way to find out your product (ASIN) was restricted and removed is by receiving a dreaded email notification from Amazon. This communication, often found in your Seller Central Performance Notifications, is Amazon’s official way of informing you that your product is no longer available for sale due to a restricted product policy violation. The notice will typically specify the ASIN, the nature of the violation, and often, the actions required for reinstatement or to prevent further issues.

If you receive this critical notification from Amazon and fail to take prompt and appropriate action, you are putting your entire seller account at immediate and significant risk. Ignoring these warnings can lead to cascading ASIN removals and ultimately, a full Amazon seller account suspension.

What Products Are Not Allowed on Amazon (or Are Heavily Restricted) in 2025?

Amazon strictly prohibits products that are illegal, unsafe, infringe on intellectual property, or are deemed offensive, while heavily restricting categories like dietary supplements, electronics, medical devices, and alcohol, requiring pre-approval and specific compliance documentation for U.S. sellers in 2025.

Amazon restricted products encompass a vast range of items that threaten legal standards or pose significant risks to customer safety and well-being, thus being restricted or outright prohibited from sale on the marketplace. Safety concerns play a pivotal role in shaping the Amazon restricted products list. Amazon strictly bars the sale of hazardous materials, explosives, or items that do not adhere to relevant safety standards, including new packaging rules for sharp products in 2025.

Specific product categories, like prescription medications and firearms, undergo rigorous scrutiny, necessitating compliance with stringent criteria and extensive documentation requirements. Amazon also reserves the right to suspend defective, expired, or flawed products without question and at their sole discretion. Essentially, Amazon will do whatever is necessary to protect its customers and avoid legal repercussions stemming from unsafe or non-compliant products.

Examples of Amazon Restricted Product Categories (updated for 2025 considerations):

While not exhaustive, this list represents common categories and types of items that are generally restricted or prohibited.

• Illegal and/or Potentially Illegal Products: Firearms, ammunition, certain weapons, illicit drugs, drug paraphernalia, prescription medications.
• Harmful or Dangerous Products: Explosives, certain chemicals (Hazmat), recalled products, products with severe safety hazards, items violating EPA or FDA regulations.
• Adult and Sexual Materials: Pornography, sexually explicit products, adult toys, products claiming to enhance sex, certain explicit media.
• Intellectual Property: Counterfeit goods, unauthorized reproductions, items infringing on trademarks, copyrights, or patents.
• Restricted Media: Recopied, promotional, pirated movies, unauthorized software, certain digital content.
• Dietary Supplements & Cosmetics: Require stringent documentation, third-party testing, and compliance with FDA regulations and labeling rules.
• Medical Devices & Accessories: Require FDA compliance, specific certifications, and may be restricted to professional use.
• Electronics: Especially those with batteries, lasers, or surveillance capabilities, requiring specific certifications (e.g., FCC, UL) and safety standards.
• Food & Beverage: Requires strict adherence to food safety, labeling, and expiry date regulations.
• Jewelry & Precious Gems: Often requires specific quality standards and may be gated.
• Pest Control Products & Pesticides: Heavily regulated by the EPA and require specific licenses and compliance documents.
• Tobacco & Tobacco-Related Products: Including e-cigarettes, vapes, and accessories – generally prohibited.
• Offensive and Controversial Materials: Content deemed hateful, discriminatory, or glorifying violence.
• Other Specific Items: Lock picking devices, certain plants and seeds, specific automotive parts (e.g., those affecting federal emissions), products requiring specific certifications (e.g., for children's products).

How Can I Sell Amazon Restricted Products (Ungating Process)?

To sell Amazon restricted products, you must typically apply for and receive Amazon's explicit approval (ungating) for the specific category or ASIN, often requiring a professional seller account, strong performance metrics, legitimate invoices from authorized suppliers, and relevant compliance documentation.

To successfully sell certain Amazon restricted products, especially those requiring pre-approval, you must prove to Amazon that you have the necessary licenses, certifications from appropriate authorities, or labels allowing you to legally sell the product in the United States. This is often part of the "ungating" process. Additionally, brands themselves can request restrictions on unauthorized third-party sellers, a practice known as brand gating. By implementing brand gating, a brand aims to maintain tighter control over its products, ensuring that only authorized and approved sellers can offer them on the Amazon marketplace. This practice safeguards a brand’s reputation, prevents , and maintains quality assurance.

8 Steps to Apply to Sell Amazon Restricted Products (Ungating):

1. Step 1: Thoroughly Research Restrictions: Before you even consider sourcing, meticulously research and identify specific restrictions associated with the product category or individual ASIN you intend to sell. Consult Amazon's Restricted Products policy pages and any specific requirements for 2025.
2. Step 2: Ensure Professional Seller Account: Only professional sellers can apply to sell restricted products. If you’re currently an individual seller, you must upgrade your account (which costs $39.99 monthly) as this is a prerequisite for most ungating applications.
3. Step 3: Log in to Seller Central & Initiate Application: Navigate to the "Inventory Tab" in Seller Central and select "Add a Product." Search for the restricted ASIN or product type. When it appears, click on "Listing Limitations Apply" or "Apply to Sell."
4. Step 4: Provide Required Documentation: Follow the prompts diligently and submit all required documentation or information Amazon requests. This often includes:
   • Invoices: Legitimate invoices from authorized distributors or manufacturers, typically dated within the last 90-180 days, showing at least 10-20 units purchased. Invoices must be legible, typed, and contain your company's full information (matching Seller Central) and your supplier’s verifiable information.
   • Product Authenticity Proof: Evidence that your supplier is the genuine manufacturer or a licensed dealer/distributor for the brand.
   • Compliance Certifications: Relevant safety certificates (e.g., CPC, GCC), lab test reports from ISO 17025 accredited labs, MSDS sheets, or specific regulatory approvals (e.g., FDA registration, EPA numbers).
   • Authorization Letters: Sometimes, a letter from the brand owner authorizing you to sell their products on Amazon.
5. Step 5: Maintain Positive Account Metrics: Amazon favors sellers with a strong track record. Ensure you have excellent performance metrics, such as a low Order Defect Rate (ODR), a low Pre-fulfillment Cancellation Rate, and a low Late Shipment Rate. A healthy account signals reliability to Amazon.
6. Step 6: Wait for Review: After submitting your application and documents, patiently wait for Amazon to review your application. This process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the category and complexity.
7. Step 7: Address Feedback: If Amazon requests additional information or provides feedback, address it promptly, thoroughly, and precisely. Missing details or vague responses will likely lead to denial.
8. Step 8: Receive Approval: Upon successful review, you will receive explicit approval to list and sell the restricted product or within the specific category. Only then should you begin listing and selling the approved product within the specified category.

There is no guarantee that Amazon will approve your request. For complex or challenging ungating processes, it’s highly recommended to employ Amazon consultation services from experts like AMZ Sellers Attorney® to help you navigate the approval process and increase your chances of success.

Can You Continue Selling Other ASINs with the Same Amazon Restricted Products Issue?

No, if Amazon removes an ASIN for a restricted product policy violation, you must immediately cease selling that product AND proactively identify and remove all other similar ASINs from your catalog that may violate the same policy, even if they haven't been removed yet, to prevent further account penalties.

When Amazon restricts an ASIN for violating its policy, this is a clear signal. You must immediately cease selling this specific product and, critically, proactively review your entire catalog to identify and remove any other ASINs that might have a similar issue or fall under the same restricted product category, even if those other ASINs are still live. Failing to do so puts your account at immediate and escalating risk.

For example, if Amazon restricts and removes a dietary supplement product from your seller catalog because of an ingredient not approved by the FDA (or a specific claim made about it), it is absolutely vital that you delete or modify all other product listings containing the same ingredient or making similar claims, even if those other ASINs have not yet been flagged. The same rule applies to categories Amazon describes as drug paraphernalia, products with inappropriate images, or items that fall under Amazon's Trust & Safety standards. Once an ASIN is blocked, determine the precise reason why and perform due diligence across all similar ASINs in your inventory. This proactive approach is key to avoiding further Amazon policy violations.

What Should You Do If Amazon Removes an ASIN Due to a Restricted Product Policy?

Upon an ASIN removal for a restricted product violation, immediately close the listing, review Amazon's notification for the specific violation, audit your entire catalog for similar non-compliant products, and then submit a comprehensive appeal with a Plan of Action and supporting documentation if you believe the removal was an error or if you've rectified the issues.

When Amazon removes an ASIN for the first time due to a restricted product policy violation, it's typically a severe warning. Unfortunately, it also means your entire account may now be under increased scrutiny. If you experience an ASIN removal, you must immediately:

1. Step 1: Close/Archive the Affected Listing: The very first action is to close, archive, or delete the offending listing from your seller catalog. This demonstrates immediate compliance and prevents further sales of the non-compliant product. Ensure that all your products and listings comply with Amazon’s policies and all applicable U.S. state and federal regulations.
2. Step 2: Check Notifications Thoroughly: After pulling down the affected listing, meticulously review the original performance notification in Seller Central. This email will detail the specific policy violation and often provide clues as to the exact nature of the problem, allowing you to understand the necessary changes or appeals.
3. Step 3: Review Your Entire Catalog for Similar ASINs: This is a critical proactive step. Evaluate all other ASINs in your catalog for potential similar violations. Compile a single, holistic appeal for all of them if you believe they were removed in error, or proactively remove them if they are indeed non-compliant. This centralized approach can save you significant time and frustration compared to going back and forth with the Amazon Seller Performance team for individual ASINs.
4. Step 4: Formulate Your Reason(s) for Appeal (if applicable): If you genuinely believe your product is compliant and should be available for sale, or you’ve fully addressed all issues with your listing, you can appeal the restricted product removal decision. Prepare a detailed Amazon Plan of Action (POA). Provide clear evidence and documents, such as updated safety certifications, supplier invoices, or a letter of compliance. The Amazon performance team will review your appeal and typically provide their decision within seven business days. For complex or challenging cases, enlisting the help of an expert Amazon suspension appeal service, like AMZ Sellers Attorney®, can significantly improve your chances of success.

If you fail to act diligently, Amazon will likely find more offending products you may have "forgotten about." Repeating the same violation can severely damage your Amazon seller account health and potentially lead to deeper investigations by Amazon's Safety or Seller Performance teams, which could escalate to serious legal trouble if egregious violations are found.

Tips for Amazon Ungating & Maintaining Compliance

Achieving Amazon ungating and maintaining compliance involves being a legitimate professional seller, proving product authenticity with verifiable invoices, maintaining excellent account health metrics, and continuously auditing your catalog against Amazon's evolving restricted product policies for the U.S. marketplace.

If you aim to sell restricted products on Amazon and successfully achieve ungating, you must consistently meet specific, rigorous criteria. Whether you’re selling beauty and personal care products, baby products, jewelry, or electronics, there are fundamental requirements you must fulfill:

1. Be a Legitimate Business Entity: Amazon prefers to work with established businesses. Consider formally establishing an LLC or other legal entity and creating a professional company website. This helps prove you are a legitimate seller and business, not just an individual operating casually.
2. Prove Product Authenticity & Sourcing: Amazon prioritizes genuine products. You must be able to unequivocally show that your supplier is either the direct manufacturer or a verifiable, licensed dealer/distributor for the products you intend to sell. Provide robust invoices and supply chain documentation.
3. Maintain Professional Seller Status: As mentioned, only professional sellers (paying the $39.99 monthly fee) can apply to sell in most restricted categories. Ensure your account is upgraded.
4. Demonstrate Positive Account Metrics: Your overall account health is paramount. Show that you consistently have strong performance metrics, including a low Order Defect Rate, a low Pre-fulfillment Cancellation Rate, and a low Late Shipment Rate. A healthy account signals reliability to Amazon.
5. Provide Compliant Invoices: Share invoices that meet Amazon's exacting criteria:
   • Dated within the last 90-180 days.
   • Legible and typed (no handwritten invoices).
   • Contain your company's information (matching your Seller Central account).
   • Contain your supplier’s verifiable information (name, address, phone number, website).
   • Show at least 10-20 units purchased.
6. Adhere to Packaging & Labeling Standards: For categories like sharp products or hazardous materials, ensure your packaging meets Amazon’s latest requirements (e.g., for 2025 sharp product packaging rules) and all labeling is accurate and compliant with U.S. regulations.

Meeting these requirements will significantly increase your chances of achieving  and maintaining compliance.

The Ultimate Takeaway: Proactive Compliance is Your Best Defense

Amazon is a global marketplace built on paramount principles of customer trust, safety, and fairness. They want shoppers to have the best possible experience and to remain safe long after purchase. Like any major business and mega-corporation, Amazon's operations are guided by extensive legal frameworks and internal policies. As a result, Amazon continually carries out rigorous compliance checks to identify and remove products they believe violate their policies.

As a seller, having your product listings pulled by Amazon’s compliance team for restricted product violations is incredibly frustrating, especially if you believe you’ve done everything right or if you’re a newer seller. However, preventing an Amazon restricted products violation by proactively avoiding products on Amazon’s restricted product policy list is always your best strategy.

If your listing still gets hit with a notification of a restricted product, remember that an appeal is possible. Always clear your catalog of any product you believe Amazon may consider restricted, even if it hasn't been flagged yet. This vigilant approach will help you protect your account from warnings, ensure customers have a safe and trusted shopping experience, and build a reputable Amazon business that is well-positioned for long-term growth or a successful exit in the competitive U.S. e-commerce landscape.

Get Your Free Consultation on Amazon Compliance Today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Amazon Restricted Products & Compliance

What are Amazon restricted products?

Amazon restricted products are items that sellers can't list without explicit Amazon approval (ungating) or are entirely prohibited from sale on the platform. These restrictions are in place to ensure compliance with legal regulations, uphold customer safety (e.g., hazardous materials, unsafe toys), and protect intellectual property rights (e.g., counterfeits, unauthorized sales) across the Amazon marketplace in the U.S.

How do I know if a product is restricted on Amazon?

The primary way to identify restricted products is to consult Amazon's official Restricted Products policy pages in Seller Central. Additionally, when you attempt to add a product in Seller Central, Amazon will often notify you if it's in a restricted category or if approval is required. Automated tools or services can also help pre-check ASINs for restrictions before sourcing inventory. Ignoring these warnings can lead to ASIN removal or account suspension.

What happens if I accidentally list a restricted product on Amazon?

If you accidentally list a restricted product, Amazon will typically remove the ASIN, which can lead to a policy violation strike on your account health dashboard. Depending on the severity and frequency, repeated violations can escalate to a full Amazon seller account suspension. It's crucial to immediately close the listing, investigate the cause, and proactively remove any other similar non-compliant products from your catalog to prevent further penalties.

What is "ungating" on Amazon, and how do I do it?

"Ungating" is the process of gaining Amazon's approval to sell in a restricted category or for a specific restricted product. To do this, you typically need a professional seller account, strong account health metrics, and will submit an application through Seller Central. This application often requires legitimate invoices from authorized suppliers (usually for 10-20 units), product compliance certifications (e.g., CPC, test reports), and sometimes a letter of authorization from the brand owner.

Can I sell hazardous materials (Hazmat) on Amazon FBA?

Selling hazardous materials (Hazmat) on Amazon FBA is highly restricted and requires specific approval. Products containing flammable, corrosive, pressurized, or other dangerous substances are classified as Hazmat. Sellers must enroll in Amazon's Hazmat program, provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and ensure all packaging, labeling, and shipping comply with strict federal and state regulations. Not all Hazmat products are eligible for FBA, and some are entirely prohibited.

What is Amazon's policy on intellectual property (IP) and restricted products?

Amazon has a strict zero-tolerance policy for intellectual property infringement. Products that violate trademarks, copyrights, or patents are considered restricted/prohibited. This includes selling counterfeit items, unauthorized reproductions, or using copyrighted content without permission. IP infringement can lead to immediate ASIN removal, account suspension, and potential legal action against the seller. Brand owners can also use "Brand Gating" to restrict unauthorized third-party sellers.

What are the consequences of repeated restricted product violations?

Repeated restricted product violations can lead to severe consequences, escalating beyond single ASIN removals to significant damage to your Account Health, warnings, temporary Amazon seller account suspensions, and ultimately, permanent deactivation or even a ban from selling on Amazon. Amazon's algorithms are designed to detect patterns of non-compliance, making consistent adherence to policies crucial for long-term success.

Do I need a business license to sell restricted products on Amazon in the US?

While Amazon generally doesn't require a universal business license to sell on its platform in the U.S., selling certain restricted products often necessitates specific federal, state, or local licenses, permits, or certifications (e.g., for dietary supplements, medical devices, pesticides, alcohol). Amazon will require you to prove you have these specific licenses or comply with the relevant regulations during the ungating application process.

What is "Brand Gating" and how does it relate to restricted products?

Brand Gating is a proactive measure taken by brand owners (often enrolled in Amazon Brand Registry) to restrict who can sell their products on Amazon. It effectively "gates" their brand, making it a restricted product for unauthorized sellers. This helps brand owners control distribution, prevent counterfeits, and maintain brand image and pricing integrity. To sell a brand-gated product, you typically need direct authorization from the brand itself and sometimes a fee.

Can I appeal an Amazon restricted product removal?

Yes, you can appeal an Amazon restricted product removal if you believe it was an error or if you have corrected the underlying issue and can prove compliance. You'll typically submit a Plan of Action (POA) through Seller Central, explaining the situation, detailing corrective actions, and providing supporting documentation (e.g., updated certifications, invoices, or a letter of compliance). A clear, factual, and well-supported appeal is essential for reinstatement.

Additional Resources for Amazon Sellers

• Amazon Restricted Products on Amazon - AMZ Sellers Attorney®
• Amazon Restricted Product Policy Violations: What You Need to Know

© 2025 AMZ Sellers Attorney®. All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimer: This article provides educational content and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance regarding Amazon restricted products or account issues, please consult with a qualified attorney.