Overview

When sellers try to add or modify a product that falls under a regulated category, Amazon may return error 18967, blocking the listing until required safety or compliance paperwork is supplied. The error appears instantly in Seller Central, forcing sellers to pause the launch of new inventory and potentially delay revenue. Understanding the trigger, required documents, and the exact submission workflow is essential for anyone expanding into toys, electronics, cosmetics, or other regulated segments.

Key Points

• Regulated categories prompt the error — Items such as children’s toys, Bluetooth speakers, and skin‑care creams automatically invoke error 18967 if the platform cannot locate the mandatory certification for that category.
• Multiple agencies may be involved — Depending on the product, sellers might need a Children’s Product Certificate (CPC) from the CPSC, an FCC ID for wireless devices, or an FDA registration for cosmetics.
• Listing remains offline until approval — Amazon will not activate the ASIN on the marketplace until the compliance team validates every uploaded document.
• Document quality is scrutinized — Blurry PDFs, expired test reports, or certificates that do not match the exact SKU are rejected, extending the resolution timeline.
• The error can affect existing listings — Even a previously live product can be pulled and flagged with 18967 if Amazon’s periodic audit discovers missing or outdated paperwork.
• Resolution time varies by product — Simple categories like basic plastic toys may be cleared within 24 hours, while complex items such as medical‑grade supplements can require several business days for lab verification.

How Error 18967 Works

1. Category detection — When a seller selects a product type, Amazon cross‑checks the category against its internal list of regulated groups. Example: A seller creates a new ASIN for a battery‑operated remote‑control car; the system flags the “Toys & Games” category as regulated.
2. Compliance check — The platform searches the seller’s compliance library for a matching certificate (e.g., CPC, FCC, FDA). If no current file is found, the system generates error 18967 and displays a “Compliance Documentation Required” banner on the listing page.