Amazon has built its reputation on customer trust — and that trust depends on the safety, legality, and authenticity of every product sold on the platform. To protect customers and maintain marketplace integrity, Amazon enforces strict policies around restricted products. Sellers who fail to comply may face serious consequences, including listing removal, account suspension, inventory destruction, and even legal action.
If you list products on Amazon, you must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and follow Amazon policies that apply to your products and product listings.
What Are Restricted Products?
Restricted products are items that cannot be sold on Amazon due to legal, safety, regulatory, or internal policy reasons. These include:
- Illegal or unsafe products
- Prescription-only or controlled substances
- Items that violate trade regulations or Amazon’s internal rules
- Products requiring special approvals or documentation
Amazon provides a detailed list of restricted product categories, but this list is not exhaustive. Just because a product isn’t explicitly listed does not mean it is allowed. Sellers are responsible for ensuring their products comply with all applicable laws and Amazon policies.
If you are unsure about the legality or eligibility of a product, consult legal counsel before listing.
Some of the most commonly restricted or regulated categories include:
- Alcohol and tobacco products
- Drugs, drug paraphernalia, and dietary supplements
- Medical devices and CPAP cleaning machines
- Explosives, weapons, ammunition, and related items
- Hazardous materials and pesticides
- Food, beverages, and cosmetics
- Electronics, especially surveillance and laser devices
- Jewelry, precious gems, and fine art
- Lock picking tools and theft-related devices
- Offensive or controversial materials
- Automotive parts, tires, and emission-controlled items
- Children’s apparel, footwear, and toys
- Items with misleading claims, such as “FDA approved” without proper documentation
The complete list can be found on Amazon’s Restricted Products help pages. Keep in mind that some products may also be restricted in specific regions or countries, and others may be prohibited from Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA).
What Happens If You Violate the Policy?
Amazon has a zero-tolerance approach to restricted products. If you list or sell a prohibited item, Amazon may take one or more of the following actions:
- Immediate removal of listings
- Suspension or permanent removal of selling privileges
- Destruction or return of inventory at your expense
- Withholding of payments
- Legal action, including civil or criminal penalties
In many cases, Amazon allows sellers to appeal enforcement actions, but you must submit a detailed Plan of Action that addresses the violation and outlines steps to prevent recurrence.
How to Stay Compliant
To avoid violations and protect your seller account, follow these guidelines:
Review the Restricted Products Help PagesThese pages are regularly updated with examples and category-specific requirements.
Check for Category Approval RequirementsSome categories require pre-approval, documentation, or supplemental guarantees before listing.
Ensure Accurate and Honest ListingsMisrepresenting or miscategorizing a product to bypass restrictions is a serious violation.
Understand FBA LimitationsCertain products may be allowed for merchant fulfillment but not for FBA.
Comply with Regional and International LawsIf you’re listing products for international sale, ensure they meet all applicable laws in the destination country.
Avoid Unauthorized ClaimsTerms like “FDA Approved” or use of the FDA logo require formal authorization and documentation.
When in doubt, research thoroughly, consult legal experts, and err on the side of caution. A single restricted listing can jeopardize your entire business.
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06 Sep, 2025
