Overview

Amazon maintains strict policies around restricted and prohibited products, and sellers are expected to understand and follow these rules at all times. This FAQ from Amazon's Seller Central Help Hub addresses the most common questions sellers have about restricted product listings, what happens when a listing is removed, and how to maintain compliance. Understanding these policies is essential for protecting your selling privileges and keeping your account in good standing.

Key Points / What Sellers Need to Know

• Sellers bear full responsibility for compliance — Every product you list must comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, as well as Amazon's own policies. Non-compliance can lead to loss of selling privileges.
• Listing removals can happen automatically — Amazon uses automated systems to detect restricted products, and these systems may occasionally flag compliant products due to incomplete information or system errors.
• Out-of-stock status does not equal compliance — Simply moving a restricted listing to out-of-stock does not make it compliant. You must properly close or delete the listing to avoid account penalties.
• Amazon will not pre-approve listings — It is entirely your responsibility to review policies and applicable law before listing any product. Amazon does not offer a pre-approval process.
• Recalled products are always prohibited — Any product recalled by a manufacturer or government agency cannot be listed on Amazon under any circumstances.

How Listing Removals and Appeals Work

When Amazon's systems identify a product as restricted, the listing is removed and the seller receives a notification. If you believe your product was removed in error, you can contact Seller Support with the ASIN number and a detailed justification for reinstatement. Before reaching out, make sure you have followed all instructions included in the removal notification. Amazon acknowledges that its detection systems are not perfect and may sometimes remove products that should be allowed on the platform, particularly when product information is incomplete or inaccurate.

While you work through the appeal process, it is important to close the listing immediately to maintain compliance. Leaving a flagged listing active — even in out-of-stock status — does not satisfy Amazon's requirements and could put your account at further risk.