Amazon’s specific rules and detailed categories of prohibited items

As more and more sellers enter Amazon, the cross-border e-commerce platform, Amazon’s rules are constantly being updated and improved. For the e-commerce industry, whether it is domestic or foreign markets, there is a specific system of rules. Under this set of rules, certain behaviors are strictly restricted, and at the same time, some products are clearly prohibited from sale. This article aims to introduce in detail the contraband rules and their specific classifications on the Amazon platform.

Overview of Amazon’s Contraband Rules

After entering Amazon, merchants should carefully read the relevant regulations on prohibited and restricted sales of goods provided by the platform. For products that are not sure whether they are contraband, it is recommended that merchants make a decision after fully understanding them to avoid mis-selling, which may lead to products being removed from the shelves or stores being closed.

Amazon Prohibited Item Categories

Unauthorized products and 3C products

• Includes all products without official authorization or permission, as well as 3C (computer, communications and consumer electronics) products that have not obtained corresponding certification.

Drugs and related supplies

• All types of drugs, drug smoking tools and accessories are included in the banned list.

Human, animal and plant products

• It is prohibited to sell any human body parts (such as blood, bones, organs, etc.), as well as products made from animals, plants or their organs, especially parts involving endangered species (such as sharks, dolphins, whale meat, etc.).

Fake and shoddy cosmetics

• All adulterated and adulterated cosmetics and expired and unopened skin care products are not allowed to be sold.

Currency and Substitutes

• The sale of any form of currency, coins, cash equivalents or gift cards, especially counterfeit currency and banknotes, is expressly prohibited.

Food and Supplements

• The sale of food and dietary supplements containing alcohol or prohibited additives is prohibited.

In addition, Amazon also specifically pointed out that any products that are not targeted at the US market, such as non-regional DVDs, imported textbooks and PAL format video tapes, cannot be sold on the platform. Other prohibited items include, but are not limited to, illegal products, offensive items, nudity or pornographic content, products that violate personal privacy, and items used for advertising purposes.

FBA shipping restrictions

In addition to the above-mentioned prohibited items, Amazon also stipulates a series of products that are not suitable for shipment through the FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) service, such as improper packaging, safety hazards, or expired inventory. If sellers fail to comply with relevant regulations, they may face the risk of having their inventory rejected, being unable to use FBA services in the future, or even being charged additional fees.

Conclusion

In order to maintain order on the platform, Amazon encourages users to actively report policy violations. Once illegal sales of contraband are discovered, Amazon has the right to immediately remove the relevant product listings and take further measures, such as restricting seller permissions, depending on the severity of the case. I hope this article can help sellers better understand and comply with Amazon’s contraband management regulations.