Overview

Amazon will start requiring every seller—both new and existing—to upload a valid commercial general liability (CGL) insurance certificate before any product can be listed on the marketplace. The policy enforcement begins this quarter, and the compliance check is performed automatically through Seller Central’s “Compliance” tab. Sellers who ignore the new rule risk having their listings removed, losing Buy Box eligibility, and potentially facing account health penalties.

Key Points

• Policy requirement — Amazon will block any new product listing that lacks a current business liability insurance certificate, meaning a kitchen‑ware seller cannot publish a new saucepan until proof of coverage is attached.
• Coverage scope — The required policy must protect against third‑party bodily injury, property damage, and product‑related claims, such as a broken toy causing a child’s injury or an electronic device sparking a fire.
• Verification method — Sellers upload a PDF of the insurance certificate in the “Compliance” section of Seller Central, where Amazon’s automated system checks the document’s validity, expiration date, and that Amazon is listed as an additional insured.
• Cost implication — Basic liability policies for small e‑commerce businesses typically start at a few hundred euros per year, with premiums rising for high‑risk categories like electronics or outdoor equipment and for sellers whose annual sales exceed €500,000.
• Enforcement timeline — Existing accounts receive a 30‑day grace period to submit the certificate; after that date, any non‑compliant listings are automatically hidden from search results and the Buy Box.
• Risk mitigation — Maintaining proper coverage shields sellers from costly lawsuits, protects brand reputation, and satisfies Amazon’s risk‑management standards that influence account health metrics.

How Business Liability Insurance Works

1. Select a provider — The seller contacts an insurance carrier that offers CGL policies tailored to e‑commerce, such as a broker specializing in Amazon merchants; for example, a vendor of silicone bakeware might choose a provider that understands kitchen‑product liability nuances.