Amazon's Main Image Policy: Why 'Additional Items' Violations Get Your Listing Suppressed
Amazon’s “Additional Items” policy flags any main image that shows accessories, props, or packaging not sold with the SKU. The rule requires a pure white background (RGB 255,255,255), the product to fill at least 85 % of the frame, and the file to be JPEG/TIFF/PNG under 10 MB. Violations suppress the ASIN from organic search and Sponsored Products until a compliant image is uploaded.
Overview
Amazon’s image guidelines prohibit extra objects in the primary product photo, and the “Additional Items” violation flags listings that break this rule. When the main image includes accessories, props, or packaging not sold with the item, Amazon can suppress the ASIN, removing it from search results and hurting sales.
Key Points
- Main‑image focus — The rule applies only to the first image that appears in search results and on the detail page; secondary photos may contain lifestyle elements.
- No unrelated objects — Items such as gift boxes, decorative backgrounds, or accessories sold separately must be omitted from the primary photo.
- Suppression consequence – A non‑compliant main image triggers a “Additional Items” error, and Amazon removes the listing from search until a compliant image is provided.
- Amazon chooses the displayed image – Even after you upload a correct picture, Amazon may replace it with a higher‑quality image from another seller if it better meets the style guide.
- Main image cannot be deleted – Every ASIN must retain a primary image; you can only replace it by clicking the camera icon under the thumbnail and uploading a new file.
- Automated detection – Amazon’s image‑review engine scans the main slot for extra pixels that represent non‑product items and flags any violation automatically.
- Notification workflow – Sellers receive an email or Seller Central alert that specifies the “Additional Items” issue and provides a link to the affected ASIN.
- File‑type requirements – The replacement image must be a JPEG, TIFF, or PNG under 10 MB, with a pure white background (RGB 255,255,255) and the product filling at least 85 % of the frame.
- Impact on advertising – Suppressed listings become ineligible for Sponsored Products, causing wasted ad spend and lost impressions.
- Brand‑registry advantage – Enrolled brands can submit A+ Content and request image control, but they still must meet the main‑image policy to avoid suppression.
Analysis & Recommendations
Why This Matters
A suppressed ASIN disappears from search results and loses Sponsored Product eligibility, cutting traffic and ad spend. The automated scan can flag even minor props, so non‑compliant images quickly lead to revenue loss until corrected.
Key Takeaways
- Main‑image must fill ≥85 % of the frame; extra objects trigger the “Additional Items” error.
- File requirements: JPEG, TIFF or PNG, ≤10 MB, pure white background (RGB 255,255,255).
- Violation suppresses the ASIN from organic search and Sponsored Products, wasting ad spend.
- Brand‑registry owners can request image control but still must meet the main‑image policy.
Recommended Actions
- →In Seller Central go to Inventory > Manage Inventory, open the affected ASIN, click the camera icon on the thumbnail and upload a compliant JPEG <1...
- →Create a daily email filter for “Additional Items” in Seller Central > Notifications to address violations within 24 hours.
- →Add a pre‑upload checklist referencing the Amazon Image Guidelines page (Seller Central Help > Image Requirements) and verify each main image meets...
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