Overview

Amazon organizes its marketplace into dozens of product categories, each with its own rules about who can sell there and in what condition products can be listed. Understanding these category requirements is essential for Amazon sellers because listing in a restricted category without approval can result in blocked listings or even account issues. This reference guide breaks down which categories are open to all sellers, which require approval, and what product conditions are permitted in each.

Key Points / What Sellers Need to Know

• Not all categories are open — While many Amazon categories allow any seller to list products immediately, several require prior approval before you can create listings. These are commonly referred to as "gated" categories.
• Condition restrictions vary by category — Each category specifies which product conditions (New, Used, Collectible, Refurbished) are permitted. Some categories only allow new items, while others permit a range of conditions.
• Brand-level restrictions exist on top of category rules — Even if a category allows new or used items, specific brands within that category may impose their own approval requirements. Sellers must secure brand approval separately.
• Check before you buy inventory — Amazon strongly recommends verifying whether a product requires approval before purchasing inventory. The "Request approval to sell" button on a product listing page signals that additional authorization is needed.
• Additional documentation may be required — Certain categories or products may require invoices, certifications, or other documentation as part of the approval process, even if the category itself appears relatively open.

How Category Approvals Work

Amazon divides its product catalog into categories that range from fully open to heavily restricted. To check whether a specific product requires approval, sellers should navigate to their Seller Central account, search for the product they want to sell, and look for the "Request approval to sell" button. If this button appears, the seller must submit an application before they can list that product. The application process varies by category — some approvals are granted automatically, while others require documentation such as wholesale invoices, letters of authorization from brand owners, or product safety certifications. Sellers should be aware that approval in one category does not guarantee access to all products within it, as individual ASINs and brands may carry their own restrictions.