Amazon Seller Compliance Documents

For Amazon sellers, dealing with Amazon seller compliance documentation for your products can be challenging. That is because consumer product safety and compliance standards are complex and diverse. They significantly vary across categories and geographies. They are constantly changing, often in response to new products coming to market. 

However, ensuring that your products are safe for consumers and meet all necessary regulations and standards is essential.

In this post, we will give you a complete guide to Amazon compliance documents, describe how to provide them to Amazon, and how to deal with Amazon seller compliance issues.

What Are Amazon Compliance Documents?

Amazon compliance documents are documents that sellers must submit to prove that their products meet all applicable safety and regulatory requirements. These documents are required for certain products, such as toys, electronics, food, and medical devices.

Amazon compliance documents help ensure that the products sold on Amazon are safe for consumers. By requiring sellers to submit documents, Amazon can help reduce the risk of product recalls and other safety hazards.

As a rule, you must submit compliance documents for certain products if you list a new ASIN on Amazon or if the safety requirements changed. It is essential to provide compliance documents promptly. If these documents are missing, Amazon may suspend your listing and destroy your products in the fulfillment center. Also, if you sell internationally, such products will be stopped at customs.

Examples of Amazon compliance documents

There are different types of required compliance documentation on Amazon. Below are the typical examples of documents Amazon may request.

Children’s Product Certificate (CPC)

Amazon requires from sellers that a Children’s Product Certificate (CPC) includes a detailed description of the specific product covered by the certificate, and a list of all relevant children's product safety regulations applicable to the product. 

The certificate must also specify the date and location where the product was tested, along with the name, complete address, and phone number of the U.S. importer or domestic manufacturer certifying the product. Also, it must include the contact information of the individual maintaining the test records, the date and place of manufacture (including month, year, and precise location details), and information about the third-party lab that conducted the tests, including the lab’s name, address, and phone number. 

If the product is manufactured by a registered small batch manufacturer (SBM) exempt from certain testing, the SBM registration number must be included, but the product must still comply with safety rules.

General Certificate of Conformity (GCC)

For a General Certificate of Conformity (GCC), Amazon requires the certificate to detail the specific product covered, including a list of all applicable safety regulations. It must also include the dates and locations of product testing, and the name, full address, and phone number of the U.S. importer or domestic manufacturer. 

The person maintaining test reports must provide their full contact details, and the certificate should list the date and place of manufacture, including the month, year, and exact location. Information about any third-party laboratory that tested the product, if applicable, must also be provided, though third-party testing is not always required for a GCC.

Test reports from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

Amazon requires that test reports for compliance must be from independent third-party laboratories accepted by the CPSC. These labs must be accredited to perform the necessary tests for children's products. 

The test report should be from a CPSC-accepted lab and must be accredited to the appropriate standard. This ensures that the laboratories are qualified to test products in accordance with the children's product safety rules.

Test reports from an ISO 17025 Accredited Laboratory

When Amazon requests a test report from an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory, it must include the name of the organization requesting the test, proof of compliance with relevant safety standards, age grading for children's products, a detailed product description, make and model number, and a product image that corresponds with the ASIN design.

If the product is rebranded, an affidavit may be needed to confirm that the tested product matches the listed product.

Compliance documentation from a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL)

Amazon will accept a Certificate of Compliance or a Marking Authorization Letter from a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) in place of a test report from an ISO 17025 lab for certain product types. 

The certification documents must include the applicant's and manufacturer's full contact details, a description of the product, the product’s make and model number, a product image, and the applicable safety standards.

Compliance markings

If Amazon requests compliance markings, you must provide proof that all necessary compliance markings are appropriate for the product type. These markings might include tracking labels for children’s products or FCC compliance marks for electronic products. Clear images of these markings must be provided to demonstrate compliance.

Product instructions and manuals

Amazon requires complete product instructions and manuals, including all safety statements, hazard warnings, and compliance markings, to be provided if requested. These documents ensure that all necessary information for the safe use of the product is available.

Registration cards

If Amazon requests a registration card for a product, it must include the manufacturer’s or private labeler’s name and contact information, the date of manufacture, and model details. The registration card must be a physical card, not a digital version, and must comply with specific size and format requirements.

Tracking labels

For tracking labels, Amazon requires them to be permanently attached to the product and packaging. The label must include the manufacturer's name, the location and date of manufacture, detailed information about the manufacturing process, and any other relevant identification details. Images of the tracking label must be provided, showing all relevant safety and identification information.

Why Can Amazon Ask for Compliance Documents?

Amazon can ask for compliance documents for a variety of reasons. The most frequent of the reasons to provide compliance documents are listed below.

New product compliance

Amazon may require you to provide compliance documents to ensure the new ASINs you list comply with all applicable safety and regulatory requirements. For example, Amazon requires sellers to submit test reports and Children's Product Certificates (CPCs) for all children's products sold on the platform.

Routine compliance check

Documents may be needed to conduct routine Amazon product compliance checks on existing products. Amazon can do this at any time, regardless of whether or not compliance documents were required at the time of listing. That is necessary to help ensure that all products sold on Amazon meet the company's high safety and quality standards.

Safety issue investigation

You may need to provide documents because Amazon investigates safety issues reported by customers. Suppose Amazon receives a report about a potential safety issue with a product. In that case, the company may request compliance documents from the seller to verify that the product meets all applicable safety standards.

New category requirements

Amazon may update its compliance requirements for specific product categories over time. For example, Amazon recently began requiring compliance documents from sellers of backpacks, as the company now defines all backpacks as suitable for children and, therefore, subject to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA).

Product claim verification

If a seller claims that their product has certain characteristics, such as being anti-bacterial or pain-relieving, Amazon may request documentation to support these claims. That is to help ensure sellers are not making misleading or false statements about their products.

When Do You Need to Provide Compliance Documents?

Not all sellers need to submit compliance documents to Amazon. However, sellers must provide documentation for products subject to international or local regulations or that belong to Amazon's restricted product categories.

Legal requirements

Some products fall under international, federal, state, or local regulations. It is essential to research the applicable regulations before listing your products on Amazon and get all the necessary documents.

The types of products where you may need to submit compliance documents to Amazon include children's products, food products, pesticides, medical devices, cosmetics, products that contain certain chemicals, and products that claim to have certain characteristics, such as being anti-bacterial or pain-relieving.

Examples of U.S. legal regulations for products 

Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA)

This law requires manufacturers and importers to test their products for safety and to keep records of their testing results. Sellers of children's products are required to submit a Children's Product Certificate (CPC) to Amazon before listing their products.

Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA)

This law requires food and other products to be labeled accurately and informatively. Sellers of food products are required to submit a test report from an accredited laboratory to Amazon before listing their products.

Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)

This law regulates the sale and distribution of pesticides. Sellers of products claiming pesticide properties must submit a test report from an accredited laboratory to Amazon before listing their products.

Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA)

This law sets the safety regulations for food, drugs, and cosmetics. Sellers of products that claim to have medical or therapeutic properties should submit documentation to Amazon to support their claims.

Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)

This law regulates the manufacture, distribution, and use of chemicals. Sellers of products that contain certain chemicals may be required to submit documentation to Amazon to support their compliance with TSCA.

Amazon restricted products

In addition to legal regulations, Amazon has its own product restrictions for specific categories, products, and brands. Such items can be restricted for a variety of reasons, including safety and customer protection.

Sellers who wish to sell restricted products must apply for approval from Amazon. The approval process varies depending on the product category. To be approved, you may need to provide different Amazon seller compliance documents. For example, sellers who wish to sell toys and children's products must submit a Children's Product Certificate (CPC). Sellers who want to sell medical devices must submit a letter of authorization from the manufacturer.

Once a seller has been approved to sell a restricted product, they must comply with all applicable Amazon policies and regulations. For example, sellers must ensure that their products are appropriately labeled and have adequate inventory to meet customer demand.

Related: Amazon Restricted Products – Complete Guide for Sellers

How to Know that You Need Compliance Documents?

Amazon sellers are responsible for complying with all product regulations and standards. Before listing products on Amazon, you must check if you need to provide compliance documents. 

There are several ways to know if you need to provide compliance documents to Amazon. You can check the product requirements in Amazon Compliance Reference tool or do your own research. You can also use Amazon-approved third-party providers that can help with certification, testing, and getting the necessary documents for your products.

What is the Compliance Reference tool?

Amazon's Compliance Reference tool is a self-service tool that helps sellers identify and understand the compliance requirements that apply to their products.

Sellers can use the Compliance Reference tool to determine whether or not their products are subject to any compliance requirements, understand the specific requirements that apply to their products, and identify the documentation they need to submit to Amazon. The Compliance Reference tool is available to all sellers in Amazon Seller Central.

How to use the Compliance Reference tool 

Step 1. To access the Compliance Reference tool, go to Performance > Account Health.

Step 2. Scroll down to find Manage Your Compliance, and click Product Compliance Requests.

Step 3. In the upper menu, select the Compliance Reference tab.

Step 4. Read and confirm the disclaimer, and get to the Compliance Reference tool.

Step 5. Enter the region you ship from and the store where you want to sell. 

Step 6. Find your product by category and keywords or by entering the HS (Harmonized System) code. 

Step 6. You will see what compliance documents you need. Check if you have all the necessary compliance documents and upload them.

Step 7. If you don’t have any documents, the tool will show the list of providers that may help you get them.

What Is Manage Your Compliance Dashboard? 

Manage Your Compliance dashboard is a self-service tool in Seller Central that helps sellers manage their compliance with Amazon's policies and requirements. The dashboard provides a centralized view of all compliance-related tasks.

Sellers can use Manage Your Compliance dashboard to upload compliance documents to Amazon, track the status of compliance submissions, identify and resolve compliance issues, and stay up-to-date on Amazon's compliance requirements.

You can find the Manage Your Compliance dashboard in your Amazon Seller Central menu. Go to Performance > Account Health.

Scroll down to find Manage Your Compliance and click Product Compliance Requests. That will bring you to the Manage Your Compliance dashboard.

How to upload compliance documents?

Amazon will inform you if you need to upload compliance documents. On the Manage Your Compliance dashboard, you may see a warning message stating that your products require safety documents. 

In the upper menu of the Manage Your Compliance dashboard, click the Upload File for Compliance tab. 

If you need to upload multiple documents for different products, download a template from Amazon and add the documents.

How to Deal with Amazon Compliance Issues?

If Amazon informs you about a compliance violation, you must deal with it ASAP. If you don’t do it, Amazon may deactivate noncompliant listings or destroy your products in the fulfillment centers. To deal with Amazon compliance issues, you can follow these steps.

Dealing with Amazon compliance issues step-by-step

Step 1. Identify the compliance issue. Amazon will notify you of any compliance issues through your Manage Your Compliance dashboard. 

Step 2. Gather the required documentation. The type of documentation required will vary depending on the compliance issue. 

Step 3. Submit the required documentation to Amazon within 48 hours (or other Amazon’s deadline). You can submit compliance documentation through the Manage Your Compliance dashboard.

Step 4. Monitor the status of your submission. You can check the status of your compliance submission through the Manage Your Compliance dashboard. Amazon will typically review compliance submissions within 2-3 business days, but it can take up to 7 days.

Step 5. Address any additional compliance issues. If Amazon requests additional documentation or information, you must submit it within the specified timeframe.

How to Avoid Products with Amazon Compliance Issues?

To effectively avoid products with potential Amazon compliance issues, utilizing Seller Assistant is highly recommended. This software helps you proactively identify and manage risks and compliance concerns for the products you wish to sell by providing convenient alerts and warnings.

IP Alert

Seller Assistant’s IP Alert extension displays a red triangle icon on Amazon search and product pages, as well as in the Side Panel View on any supplier website. Hovering over the icon reveals details about the type and date of the compliance issue.

Restriction Checker

Restriction Checker tool indicates whether a product is restricted or has other selling limitations. A green open lock icon means you can sell the product, while a red closed lock indicates that approval is needed. A red closed lock with an exclamation mark signifies that the product cannot be sold.

Bulk Restrictions Checker

For checking multiple products at once, Seller Assistant’s Bulk Restrictions Checker allows you to assess the compliance status of up to 5000 ASINs simultaneously. Simply upload your list of ASINs, and you’ll receive a comprehensive report with the results.

FAQ

What is compliance documents Amazon?

Compliance documents are documents that Amazon requires sellers to submit to prove that their products meet all applicable safety and regulatory requirements. These documents are required for certain products, such as toys, electronics, food, and medical devices.

What are the Amazon product requirements?

Amazon product requirements are the standards that products must meet in order to be sold on the Amazon platform. These requirements vary depending on the product category, but they typically include requirements for product safety, labeling, and packaging.

What is product approval on Amazon?

Product approval on Amazon is the process by which sellers obtain permission from Amazon to sell certain products on the platform. Amazon requires approval for products that fall into restricted categories, or that need special documentation, such as safety certificates.

What is Manage Your Compliance dashboard? 

Manage Your Compliance dashboard is a tool in Amazon Seller Central that helps sellers manage their compliance with Amazon's policies and requirements. It provides a centralized view of all compliance-related tasks, such as submitting compliance documents and tracking the status of submissions.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Amazon Seller Compliance Documents are an essential part of selling on the Amazon platform. By submitting the required documentation, sellers can help Amazon ensure that the products sold on its platform are safe and meet all applicable requirements.

If you are an Amazon seller, it is essential to stay up-to-date on Amazon's compliance requirements and to submit the required documentation promptly. By doing so, you can ensure that your product listings are active and compliant.

You can also identify and avoid risky products on Amazon. You can do that with Seller Assistant. This is a powerful product sourcing software that helps Amazon FBA sellers find the most profitable products to sell. It incorporates all features vital for product research: Seller Spy, Side Panel View, FBM&FBA Profit Calculator, Quick View, ASIN Grabber, UPC/EAN to ASIN converter, Stock Checker, IP Alert, and Restrictions Checker.