Banned Amazon Product Description: List, Reasons, and Solutions

Detailed Banned Amazon Product Description

There have been many instances when Amazon sellers have found the perfect product to sell and even started talking with suppliers only to find out that their intended product falls into a restricted category on Amazon. Hence, they are aware of what they can’t sell on Amazon. There are several categories of Amazon restricted products, so it’s advised to read the banned Amazon product description.

 

Amazon seller accounts get banned even after listing their products and making sales for years. They later have their listings taken down or their products deleted. It is something you should avoid. In this blog post, we delve into Amazon banned product details and how to work your way around them.

What Products Are Restricted on Amazon?

The vast majority of products on Amazon are for sale, but there are some items that you cannot sell on Amazon unless they meet specific requirements. Therefore, before you can start selling them, you will need Amazon’s approval.

Please be aware that some products are subject to Amazon’s approval, and some cannot be sold on the site. Documents may be submitted, performance checks performed, and fees paid, among other things, as part of the approval process. On Amazon, you cannot sell alcohol and flammable gases, among other illegal, unsafe, and prohibited products.

There are some products that you cannot sell through Amazon FBA. We recommend you always read the banned Amazon product descriptions before planning your strategy. These include vehicle tires, gift cards, and floating lanterns. The terms restricted products and restricted categories are often confused but have distinctly different meanings.

As we’ve already discussed, Amazon doesn’t allow restricted products unless they meet a specific set of conditions. For restricted categories, Amazon must approve your listing before adding a product. Amazon does not restrict entire categories anymore. Instead, they restrict certain subcategories. Because of this restriction, a product can appear in an alternative category in some cases.

What Qualifies as a Restricted Product?

Amazon doesn’t simply define what constitutes a restricted product since restrictions vary from product to product. Nevertheless, when conducting product research, we should remember to keep in mind their general qualifications. If you are selling products through Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), ensure you familiarize yourself with Amazon’s product restrictions.

Amazon’s restricted categories are divided into three basic categories to protect their two billion monthly shoppers:

• Collectibles with a specific condition requirements
• Exports of high-quality products
• State and federally regulated goods

Which products are prohibited or restricted on Amazon?

The following are Amazon commingling banned product categories you should never sell.

• Alcohol

Amazon prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages. However, wine may be sold by pre-approved sellers in some cases.

• Animals or animal-related products

Pets, livestock, flower pests, marine mammals, fur, feathers, or fur from endangered animals cannot be sold.

• Fine Art

You cannot sell fine art on Amazon including works without the artist’s name, which can later result in a copyright claim. Also, the arts include sculptures, mass-produced items, promotional posters, textiles, and objects related to the environment. Amazon must approve listings in this category.

• Products of Composite Goods 

Amazon does not allow products made from composite wood to be listed. It is also prohibited to sell composite wood products that the Environmental Protection Agency doesn’t approve.

Additional Banned Amazon Product and Their Description:

• Nutritional supplements

The ingredient composition, the packaging, and the labeling of dietary supplements sold on Amazon must adhere to FDA, FTC, and Amazon policy. FDA-prohibited substances should not be used in supplements. In addition to certificates of analysis, product images, and letters of guarantee, accredited laboratories should provide product images and certificates of research.

• Products containing CBD

As CBD products are listed on Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, Amazon prohibits them.

• Lotteries and gambling

Amazon does not sell lottery tickets, coin-operated slot machines, or similar products. Amazon allows non-functional slot machines used for display and as toys, but not slot machines that work.

• Products that use lasers

There are exceptions to this rule, but generally, you can’t sell children’s toys with lasers greater than hazard class I or laser products from classes IIIB or IV unless the FDA has given you permission.

• Precious Gemstones & Jewelry

Consumers can protect themselves from counterfeit items by using Amazon’s strict jewelry and precious gems sales requirements. A gold, diamond, or silver product that has not been certified by a certification body can’t be listed.

• Products Related To Lighting

The applicable laws and energy efficiency standards must be followed for lighting products listed on Amazon.

• Tragic Events & Disasters

Natural disasters or human tragedies are part of the banned Amazon product description list.

• Children’s Abuse and Exploitation

Amazon does not allow products that depict sexual exploitation or abuse of children. In this category are products designed for children but containing profanity, sexual references, adult content, or content that is not appropriate for children.

• Automobiles and Powersports

This category cannot sell used tires, vehicle seat belts, motor vehicles, airbag-related products, license plate covers.

• Beauty & Skin/Hair Care

You need to follow the guidelines set by various federal agencies and Amazon before listing cosmetics and skin/hair care products.

Contact lenses, products that contain more than 5% minoxidil, are not allowed to be sold on Amazon. Also, products that have more than 12% hydrogen peroxide and body washes that contain microbeads are not allowed to be sold on Amazon for the same reason.

• Cash equivalents, currency, coins, and gift cards

All paper money, imitation currency, commemorative medals, and other legal tender items are not permitted on Amazon.

• Intoxicating substances and drug paraphernalia

Prescription drugs, antibiotics, vaccines, and controlled substances are not allowed on Amazon. In addition, products for making or using controlled substances are not eligible for purchase and are highlighted in banned Amazon product descriptions. The Amazon Seller Central site contains a comprehensive list of the categories and subcategories that are restricted. You should check the most current list of categories since they are updated regularly.

The Sale of Some Products On Amazon Requires Approval

Following is the brief list we extracted from the banned Amazon product description

• Products that are hazardous or dangerous

According to Amazon’s policies, many of its hazardous and dangerous product categories are hazardous. Explosives, BPA products, nitric acid, cyanide, hydrofluoric acid, wheel weights, kiddie pool floats that are flammable, and many others.

• Guns and related items

Amazon does not allow the sale of firearm ammunition and accessories.

• Electronics

Electronic items that can’t be listed on Amazon include many things. Products that meet industry standards can be sold on Amazon, however.

• Food & Beverage

On Amazon, you can sell a wide range of food and beverages. Amazon does not permit the sale of some types of food and beverages. Betel nut products, horse meat products, and many others fall under this category.

What is the reason for Amazon’s category restrictions?

Amazon designated certain products as ‘restricted’ to ensure the consumers’ best possible buying experience. Amazon puts security measures in place to protect consumers against dangerous products, which is the reason for the most restrictions.

Furthermore, this banned Amazon product description prevents Amazon from being tarnished by unscrupulous sellers. A positive shopping experience and the protection of consumers enable Amazon to increase consumer trust, thus providing more opportunities for sellers. Another reason Amazon restricts certain products is to prevent legal issues when it sells illegal, unsafe, or dangerous products.

The use of HTML tags in Amazon product descriptions

You should already know the news about HTML tags if you are an Amazon seller. In the description of product detail pages, HTML tags will no longer be supported after July 17, 2021.

How does this affect the usability of the platform? They cite performance reasons and vague security reasons, without being too specific, as reasons for making the platform easier to use on devices that do not support HTML. Although seemingly insignificant, this seemingly little change could affect sellers’ conversion rates since product descriptions are a critical decision factor for buyers.

What HTML Tags Mean to Your Sales

Creating a product description sounds simple, and in fact, it is, but it will look like a block of text. As soon as the HTML ban was implemented, Amazon stopped showing HTML formatting in product descriptions. Amazon encourages sellers to remove the tags on their listings and update their listings.

Your product descriptions aim to highlight how your product differs from others so that potential buyers can ask questions about your product. Amazon listings cannot be complete without product descriptions. When descriptions are written disorderly, it doesn’t look good. HTML tags helped make the text visually appealing and versatile. Before July 17, 2021, HTML was allowed in product descriptions, but no longer. It was particularly beneficial for non-brand registry sellers to use HTML tags.

FAQ’s

When an item on Amazon is restricted, how can I tell?

If you want to know the listing limitations for an item, you can check out the Amazon Sellers App. After scanning the barcode, you’ll be able to view detailed instructions detailing the restrictions that apply to that item. When you click on the line, specific restrictions will appear. The condition of some items determines whether they can be sold – new, collectible, used, etc.

How to dispute a banned product on Amazon?

You must follow Amazon’s performance metrics and policies to sell on Amazon. Amazon will surely suspend or permanently ban your account if you sell a prohibited or restricted item or your account may be temporarily deactivated, listings may be removed, or you may be restricted from using the Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN).

The following steps can be followed to appeal the deactivation of your account and reinstatement of your listings to sell banned products.

• Click Account Health under Performance in Seller Central.
• Reactivate your account by clicking Reactivate at the top of the Account Health page.
• Find out how to reinstate your selling privileges by creating a plan of action. Your appeal can be submitted by following the instructions on the page. Supporting documents and a plan of action can be included.
• Send Amazon your appeal by clicking Submit.

Check your email for an Amazon decision after you’ve submitted your appeal. You can expect a response to your appeal within two business days. Amazon may request more information from you; click View Appeal from Account Health to provide the additional documentation and information.

Does listing HTML in Amazon product description will it get you banned?

Yes. Amazon banned using of HTML in product descriptions on July 17, 2021. If you continue to use HTML in the product description, your account will be suspended or banned permanently.

What happens if your product gets banned from Amazon multiple times?

When Amazon customers buy restricted or illegal products, they don’t face that severe of suspension or ban. Although Amazon doesn’t notice illegal purchases on its listings, seller accounts are immediately suspended if they happen. Upon receiving a report that violates Amazon’s policies or applicable laws, Amazon will investigate and take appropriate action.

How do you deal with restricted products on Amazon?

The following possible consequences may result from Amazon not tolerating violations of its policies:

• Cancellation of listing
• Selling privileges may be suspended or terminated
• Limitations on listing privileges
• Amazon refuses to reimburse it for inventory destroyed at its fulfillment centers
• Inventory being returned
• Payments Withheld Permanently
• Accounts of sellers could be banned

 What practices can get you banned on Amazon?

• Selling poor quality products.
• Selling prohibited or banned Items.
• Violating Copyright Laws
• No Certification
• Getting fake reviews from customers
• Getting Amazon banned product reviews from third-party

Conclusion

Amazon’s approval process is complicated and time-consuming, but it’s inherently worth all the effort. So, it is better to read the banned Amazon product description thoroughly for a hassle-free process. Because there is less competition in Amazon seller restricted categories, getting approval gives you a competitive edge. Additionally, you can access a larger audience which means greater visibility and profitability. You should always seek Amazon’s approval before adding restricted items to your listings if you plan to sell them on Amazon. Selling banned products discussed in this article will get you suspended immediately, so avoid that at any cost.