Step 1: Understand Amazon Gating

Amazon restricts certain categories, brands, or products to maintain quality and compliance. To sell in these categories, you must apply for approval (ungating). Restricted categories often include health, beauty, groceries, and branded items like Nike or Apple.

Key Restricted Categories

• Automotive
• Grocery & Gourmet Food
• Health & Personal Care
• Beauty
• Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry
• Toys & Games (seasonal restrictions may apply)

Step 2: Prepare Your Amazon Seller Account

1. Create a Professional Seller Account

• Go to Amazon Seller Central and sign up for a Professional Seller Plan ($39.99/month).
• Individual accounts do not qualify for ungating.

2. Build Your Sales History

• Establish credibility by maintaining a good track record with:
  • High seller ratings
  • Positive feedback
  • Low defect rates
  • Timely order fulfillment

3. Organize Your Business Documents

• Amazon typically requests:
  • Invoices (from suppliers or distributors)
  • Business licenses
  • Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)

Step 3: Source Products from Reputable Suppliers

Amazon requires invoices or receipts to verify product authenticity and safety. Follow these guidelines:

Find Reputable Wholesalers/Distributors

• Purchase products from approved suppliers or wholesalers.
• Avoid using retail stores like Walmart or Target (Amazon does not accept retail receipts for ungating).

Order Requirements

• Place an order for at least 10 units of each product in the category you want to get ungated for.
• Ensure invoices meet Amazon’s criteria:
  • Supplier name, address, and phone number.
  • Your business name and address.
  • Product descriptions matching the Amazon listing.
  • Dates within the past 180 days.

Step 4: Apply for Category Approval

1. Log in to Amazon Seller Central.
2. Search for the Product:
   • Go to Inventory > Add a Product.
   • Search for the product you want to sell.
   • If it’s gated, you’ll see a Request Approval button.
3. Submit an Application:
   • Click Request Approval.
   • Upload the required documents:
     • Invoices
     • Business licenses (if applicable)
   • Provide any additional details Amazon requests, such as compliance certificates or safety data.

Step 5: Provide Additional Compliance Documents (If Required)

For certain categories, Amazon may require additional documentation:

• Beauty, Health & Grocery:
  • FDA registration or compliance certificates.
  • Certificate of Analysis (COA) or GMP certification for consumables.
• Toys & Games:
  • CPSIA compliance certificates (for children’s products).
• Electronics:
  • UL certifications for safety compliance.

Step 6: Wait for Amazon’s Response

• Amazon typically responds within 1-3 business days. Check your application status under Seller Central > Performance > Account Health > Applications.
• If approved, you’ll receive an email notification.

Step 7: Troubleshoot Rejections

If your application is rejected:

1. Review Amazon’s Feedback:
   • Amazon will explain why your request was denied.
2. Fix Errors:
   • Double-check your invoices or documents for accuracy.
   • Ensure supplier details are clear and match your Amazon account details.
3. Resubmit Your Application:
   • Address any issues and upload the updated documents.

Step 8: Maintain Your Approval

Once ungated, follow these guidelines to retain your status:

• Monitor your account health metrics.
• Avoid selling counterfeit or prohibited items.
• Keep invoices and compliance documents on hand for potential audits.

Pro Tips:

• Use Ungating Services: If you’re having trouble, hire professionals like Amazon Ungating Services to assist you.
• Start with Easier Categories: Categories like groceries and toys may have simpler requirements compared to top brands like Nike.
• Join Amazon Seller Forums: Participate in discussions to get advice and learn from other sellers.