Overview

Before listing products on Amazon, sellers must understand the specific requirements and guidelines that apply to each product category. From condition guidelines and style guides to restricted products and approval requirements, Amazon maintains a structured framework that governs what can be sold and how listings should be created. Navigating these rules correctly is essential to avoiding listing errors, account issues, and lost selling opportunities.

Key Points / What Sellers Need to Know

• Category-specific guidelines exist for every product type - Each Amazon category comes with its own set of rules covering listing conditions, product descriptions, and image standards that sellers must follow.
• Some categories require pre-approval - Certain product categories are gated, meaning sellers must receive explicit authorization from Amazon before they can list items in those categories.
• Restricted products cannot be sold at all - Amazon maintains a list of prohibited products that cannot be listed on the platform under any circumstances, regardless of category.
• Product identifiers are often mandatory - Many categories require a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) such as a UPC, EAN, or JAN code, though exemptions may be available in certain cases.
• Style guides help optimize listings - Amazon provides downloadable PDF style guides for many categories that outline best practices for titles, descriptions, and images.

Category Condition Guidelines

Amazon categories include specific condition guidelines that define what qualifies a product to be listed as new, used, or refurbished. These standards vary by category and are designed to ensure buyers receive products that match their expectations. Sellers should review the condition guidelines for each category they plan to sell in before creating listings. Mislabeling a product's condition can lead to customer complaints, negative reviews, and potential account health issues. Understanding these distinctions is particularly important for sellers dealing in open-box, renewed, or pre-owned inventory.

Approval and Gating Requirements