Whether you’re looking to sell your first product or expand your existing product line, you first need to check if the product you’re selling falls into a restricted category.
You can’t randomly pick a product and start selling it. Along with checking profitability, price, availability, and many other factors, you also need to confirm whether the product is eligible to be sold on Amazon. While most products are eligible, you must ensure your product isn’t in a gated category.
In this blog, our Amazon experts have answered all the questions related to Amazon gated and ungated categories.
Why has Amazon introduced category restrictions?
Before 2015 or 2016, when the online selling boom hadn’t fully taken off, many sellers and Amazon seller agencies abused the system by buying name-brand products from retail stores and reselling them at a discount without any arrangement with the manufacturer or proof of authenticity. This practice was common on platforms like Amazon as well.
Amazon wanted to take control of the situation to ensure the authenticity and quality of the products sold on its site. After all, Amazon prides itself on being the most “customer-centric company in the world.” To protect its customer base, Amazon imposed restrictions on certain categories. The main reason for doing this was to maintain a high level of quality, safety, and trust for its customers.
By gating risky categories, such as electronics or luxury goods, Amazon can easily verify the authenticity of the products and reduce the risk of counterfeit or fraudulent goods. Amazon doesn’t want just anyone selling in categories that require specialized knowledge, like health supplements or baby products, ensuring sellers are well-informed and compliant with regulations.
While these restrictions may seem challenging, they serve the greater good. Instead of being frustrated by them, it’s important to understand why they are necessary to protect customers and maintain trust in the platform.
What are gated categories on Amazon?
A gated category means that sellers must obtain approval from Amazon before they can list and sell products in those categories. For example, if a random seller wanted to sell supplements, which are products people consume, imagine the risk if someone with little knowledge sold low-quality supplements. Would it pose a health risk? Absolutely. Could it damage Amazon’s reputation? Yes, without a doubt.
To prevent this, Amazon imposes restrictions. Sellers must submit relevant documentation, demonstrate their expertise, or meet specific performance standards set by Amazon in order to sell in these categories.
Gated categories:
- Collectible Coins
- Personal Safety and Household Products
- Fine Art
- Holiday Selling Requirements in Toys & Games
- Jewelry
- Amazon Subscription Boxes
- Made in Italy
- Music & DVD
- Automotive & Powersports Products
- Services
- Sports Collectibles
- Streaming Media Players
- Video, DVD, & Blu-ray
- Watches
What are ungated categories on Amazon?
As the name suggests, these categories are not gated — they are open to all. You can list and sell products in them without needing prior approval. These categories are ideal for new Amazon sellers who want to start selling right away without getting buried in paperwork and documentation.
However, just because you’re selling in an ungated category doesn’t mean you’re left with only less profitable options. In fact, many ungated categories include highly profitable opportunities, allowing you to sell and remain competitive while still being profitable.
Ungated categories:
- Home & Garden
- Beauty
- Amazon Device Accessories
- Cell Phones & Accessories
- Automotive & Powersports
- Books (Non-Collectibles)
- Tools & Home Improvement
- Sports
- Musical Instruments
Note that while some categories are generally open, certain subcategories may still require approval. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the specific rules of these categories before listing your products.
- Office Products
- Grocery & Gourmet Foods
- Pet Supplies
- Software
- Video Games
- Toys & Games
- Baby Products (excluding apparel)
- Outdoors
- Health & Personal Care
| Product category | Approval required |
| Amazon Device Accessories | No |
| Amazon Kindle | No |
| Automotive & Powersports | No |
| Baby Products (excluding apparel) | No, but certain sub-categories require approval. |
| Beauty | No |
| Books | No |
| Camera & Photo | No |
| Cell Phones & Accessories | No |
| Collectible Coins | Yes |
| Consumer Electronics | No, but some products may require pre-approval. |
| Entertainment Collectibles | Yes |
| Fine Art | Yes, but new seller applications are limited. |
| Grocery & Gourmet Foods | No, but certain sub-categories require approval. |
| Health & Personal Care | No, but certain sub-categories require approval. |
| Home & Garden | No |
| Independent Design | – |
| Industrial & Scientific | No |
| Kindle Accessories and Amazon Fire TV Accessories | No |
| Major Appliances | No |
| Music and DVD | Yes |
| Musical Instruments | No |
| Office Products | No, but certain sub-categories require approval. |
| Outdoors | No, but certain sub-categories require approval. |
| Personal Computers | No, but certain sub-categories require approval. |
| Pet Supplies | No, but certain sub-categories require approval. |
| Software | No, but may be required for specific products. |
| Sports | No |
| Sports Collectibles | Yes |
| Tools & Home Improvement | No |
| Toys & Games | No, but certain sub-categories require approval (e.g., Children’s toys). |
| Video, DVD & Blu-ray | Yes |
| Video Games | No, but may be required for specific products. |
| Watches | Yes |
What are restricted categories on Amazon?
There is also a third category for selling on Amazon, which includes products you cannot sell. This category is divided into two types. The first type requires approval from Amazon before listing products, while the second consists of items that are entirely banned from sale, meaning you cannot obtain approval for these products.
Products may be restricted if:
- The category requires Amazon approval before listing.
- You must provide additional information and/or a supplemental guarantee before listing.
- The product claims to be “FDA Cleared” or “FDA Approved” or displays the FDA logo in listing images.
Amazon takes policy violations very seriously. If you’re considering bending or breaking their rules, be aware of the potential consequences:
- Your listings may be canceled.
- They may limit your listing privileges.
- Your listing privileges could be suspended.
- Your listing privileges could be permanently removed.
Restricted categories on Amazon
- Grocery & Gourmet Foods
- Music Category
- Lighting Category
- Beauty Topical
- Sports & Nutrition
- Watches
- Gardening & Watering
- Automotive
- OTC Medication
- Haircare & Beauty Appliances
- Baby Topicals
- Toys
- Pet supplies
- Medical supplies & Equipment
- Pet Care
- Pet Food
- Candles & Aroma Therapy
- Power Tools
- Home Environment Electronics
- Wireless Accessories
- Baby Feeding
- Feminine Hygiene
- Baby Activity Gear
- Baby Strollers and Carriers
- Audio Visual
- Personal Safety & Household
- Restricted Products On Amazon
Restricted products on Amazon
- Alcohol
- Animals & Animal-Related Products
- Art – Fine Art
- Art – Home Decor
- Automotive and Power sports
- Composite Wood Products
- Cosmetics & Skin/Hair Care
- CPAP Cleaning and Disinfecting Devices
- Currency, Coins, Cash Equivalents, and Gift Cards
- Dietary Supplements
- Drugs & drug paraphernalia
- Explosives, Weapons, and Related Items
- Export Controls
- Food & Beverage
- Gambling & Lottery
- Hazardous and Dangerous Items
- Human Parts & Burial Artifacts
- Jewelry & Precious Gems
- Laser products
- Lock Picking & Theft Devices
- Offensive and Controversial Materials
- Other Restricted Products
- Pesticides and Pesticide Devices
- Plant and Seed Products
- Postage meters and stamps
- Recalled Products
- Recycling electronics
- Refrigerants: Ozone-Depleting Substances and Substitutes
- Subscriptions and Periodicals
- Surveillance Equipment
- Tobacco & Tobacco-Related Products
- Warranties, Service Plans, Contracts, and Guarantees
- Upholstered Furniture, Bedding, & Other Quilted Products
Gated vs. ungated categories: Which is the right choice?
It depends. Both gated and ungated categories have their own advantages and disadvantages:
| Category | Pros | Cons |
| Gated | – Less competition: Fewer sellers, potentially higher margins. | – Approval process: Requires time and documentation. |
| – Quality assurance: Amazon’s oversight can reduce risk. | – Restricted access: Limited to certain categories. | |
| – Enhanced credibility: Approval can add to product credibility. | – Complex requirements: May need specialized knowledge. | |
| Ungated | – Quick start: Easy to list and sell products immediately. | – High competition: More sellers, which can reduce margins. |
| – Broader access: More categories available for listing. | – Risk of low-quality listings: Less oversight on product quality. | |
| – Less documentation: No need for approval or extensive paperwork. | – Potential for counterfeits: Higher risk of counterfeit products. |
Ultimately, the choice is yours. If you have a specific product that you manufacture or are passionate about, you will need to go through the approval process. If you’re not up for it, you can always seek help from Amazon consultants at SIPRANSH ECOMMGROWTH.
However, if you’re a new seller looking to start for the first time, ungated categories are a good option. They are easier to enter and involve less hassle.
