What Can I Sell on Amazon Without Approval?
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This guide will help you get started, understand the basics of Amazon selling, and explain in simple words how it all works.
Selling on Amazon sounds very straightforward – until you realize some categories and products require approval before you can list them. If you don’t check restrictions before buying inventory, you risk wasting time and money on items Amazon won’t let you sell.
The good news? Many categories and products don’t require approval, so you can start selling right away.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what you can sell on Amazon without restrictions and how to check eligibility before making a purchase.
Amazon Gated (Restricted) and Ungated Products
When selling on Amazon, categories, brands, and products fall into gated (restricted) and ungated (open) categories. These classifications determine whether sellers need approval before listing items. However, just because a category is ungated does not mean that all products or brands within it are unrestricted. Amazon applies restrictions at multiple levels–categories, brands, and individual products – so sellers must verify eligibility before purchasing inventory.
Related: How To Get Ungated On Amazon
Ungated products
Ungated categories, brands, and products do not require approval, allowing sellers to list these items freely as long as they comply with Amazon’s general selling policies. These categories are more accessible to new sellers and often have fewer entry barriers.
However, an ungated category does not mean all brands and products within it are ungated. Some brands have restrictions that prevent unauthorized sellers from listing their products. Additionally, certain product types within an ungated category may still require approval due to safety concerns, intellectual property protection, or quality control measures.
Examples of ungated categories
- Books
- Home & Garden
- Office Products
- Tools & Home Improvement
- Toys & Games (some subcategories may require approval)
- Consumer Electronics (though certain brands and products may still be gated).
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Gated categories, brands, and products
Gated categories, brands, and products require Amazon’s approval before sellers can list products. Amazon enforces these restrictions to protect customers from counterfeit items, ensure product authenticity, and comply with safety regulations. Approval may require submitting invoices, proof of authenticity, or meeting specific compliance standards.
Even within open (ungated) categories, certain subcategories, brands, and individual products may still be gated. This means that while a category may be ungated, specific brands or items within that category could still require approval. If a product is restricted and you don’t have approval, you won’t be able to list or sell it on Amazon.
Examples of gated categories
- Collectible Coins
- Entertainment Collectibles
- Fine Art
- Music and DVD
- Sports Collectibles
- Video, DVD & Blu-ray
- Watches
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Amazon Category Requirements
Not all Amazon categories are open for immediate selling – some come with specific rules, while others have restrictions. For instance, Cell Phones & Accessories have strict selling requirements to maintain product quality, brand authenticity, and customer safety. Amazon carefully regulates which phone models and accessories can be listed to prevent counterfeit or subpar items from reaching buyers. Additionally, sellers must comply with import and export regulations to ensure that only genuine, high-quality products enter the marketplace.
Other categories, such as Consumer Electronics or Collectible Books, also have strict condition guidelines, meaning sellers can only list items that meet Amazon’s quality standards.
Some categories require Amazon’s direct approval before sellers can list products, often involving extra documentation or proof of authenticity. Understanding these rules is essential for avoiding listing issues and ensuring smooth sales.
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Categories requiring Amazon’s approval
Selling in these categories requires explicit approval from Amazon, often involving additional paperwork or proof of authenticity.
- Collectible Coins
- Entertainment Collectibles
- Fine Art
- Music and DVD
- Sports Collectibles
- Video, DVD & Blu-ray
- Watches
Amazon categories with specific requirements
Amazon applies different types of restrictions across various product categories. Some have selling guidelines, others have condition requirements, and some require prior approval before listing. Below is a breakdown of these categories.
Categories with selling guidelines
These categories have specific rules that sellers must follow regarding product quality, authenticity, and compliance.
- Cell Phones & Accessories
- Amazon Kindle
- Grocery & Gourmet Foods
- Industrial & Scientific
- Collectible Coins
- Entertainment Collectibles
- Music and DVD
- Sports Collectibles
- Video, DVD & Blu-ray
- Watches
Categories with condition guidelines
These categories allow different product conditions (e.g., new, used, collectible) but enforce strict quality standards for each.
- Collectible Books
- Consumer Electronics
- Collectible Coins
- Entertainment Collectibles.
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Why Checking for Amazon Approval Is Essential?
On Amazon, product restrictions and selling eligibility are account-specific. Certain products you may not be eligible to sell based on factors like your account metrics, sales history, or performance. Others are gated due to safety concerns, regulatory requirements, or quality control measures.
Determining which products are restricted can be tricky, as Amazon updates its restricted product lists regularly. Additionally, these restrictions vary by country and marketplace, depending on local laws and compliance standards. This makes it essential to verify restrictions specific to the region where you plan to sell.
To avoid wasting time and money, you must check product restrictions before purchasing inventory. Amazon will not allow you to list items that require approval if you haven't obtained it.
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How to Know If a Product Is Gated?
As mentioned earlier, even if an Amazon category is ungated, individual products within that category may still require approval. However, checking each product manually on Amazon can be an incredibly time-consuming process.
Fortunately, you can streamline this process using product sourcing tools. The most efficient way to check restrictions quickly and accurately is by using Seller Assistant, a widely-used product sourcing software. It allows sellers to verify their eligibility and restrictions for individual products as well as in bulk.
Note. Seller Assistant is all-in-one product-sourcing software offering 20+ tools that helps Amazon sellers quickly find profitable and low-risk deals. It provides you with effective solutions for bulk wholesale price list scanning and brand analysis alongside advanced product research extensions, tools, and features providing you with in-depth product research data.
It combines three extensions: Seller Assistant Browser Extension, and IP-Alert Chrome Extension by Seller Assistant, and VPN by Seller Assistant, Amazon seller tools: Price List Analyzer, Brand Analyzer, Seller Spy, Bulk Restrictions Checker, and API integrations, and features: Side Panel View, Storefront Widget, Quick View, FBM&FBA Profit Calculator, Sales Estimator, Offers, Variation Viewer, Stock Checker, and offers secure and efficient solutions for teamwork.
Checking restrictions for individual products
Seller Assistant’s Restriction Checker makes identifying product restrictions simple by displaying a red lock icon in key areas while you conduct product research:
- On Amazon product pages
- On Amazon search result pages
- Directly on supplier websites, side-by-side
- On Amazon competitor storefronts
The Restriction Checker uses a color-coded lock system:
- Red closed lock → The product is restricted or you cannot sell it with your account.
- Green open lock → The product is ungated, and you can sell it without approval.
If you see a red lock, you can click it to check whether ungating is possible. This will redirect you to Amazon, where you can enter the ASIN, choose the "new" condition, and request approval.
Checking restrictions in bulk
For sellers managing large inventories, Seller Assistant’s Bulk Restrictions Checker offers a time-saving solution. This tool allows you to check up to 20,000 ASINs at once – and add more if needed.
How to use Bulk Restriction Checker
- Upload a list of ASINs to the Bulk Restrictions Checker.
- Download a report with the results.
- The restriction statuses will be marked with:
- Green open lock → The product is sellable on Amazon.
- Red closed lock → The product or brand is restricted.
- Red closed lock with an exclamation mark → You cannot sell this item on your Amazon seller account.
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How to Find Profitable Ungated Products for Amazon
Finding profitable products is the key to success on Amazon. Sellers use various sourcing strategies, each offering unique benefits. Below, we’ll explore the most effective ways to find profitable products and the best methods for researching them properly.
Strategy 1. Manually search for deals
What it is
This approach involves searching for individual deals where there is a clear price difference between the supplier's price (lower) and Amazon's price (higher). It’s ideal for sellers who prefer a hands-on approach to product selection, though it can be time-consuming.
What you gain
Manually selecting products gives sellers full control over sourcing decisions, allowing them to pick high-quality, low-risk items and to maximize profits.
How it works
Search for popular, low-risk products manually on retail websites. Use Seller Assistant Extension to access critical product data while browsing Amazon product pages, search results, supplier websites, and competitor storefronts.
How to research effectively
- Get instant product insights on Amazon pages, including sales velocity, competition, profitability, and restrictions.
- Use Side Panel View on supplier websites to compare supplier pricing against Amazon market data.
- Quickly assess profitability on Amazon search pages using Quick View,.
- Detect high-risk products and brands with IP Alert to avoid Amazon policy violations.
- Calculate real profitability using the FBM&FBA Profit Calculator,, which factors in fees, logistics, and taxes.
- Check for VAT obligations with the VAT Calculator when selling internationally.
- Verify selling eligibility and Amazon restrictions with the Restriction Checker.
- Get hazmat alerts and risk warnings for fragile, meltable, or bulky items.
- Forecast expected sales volume with the Sales Estimator.
- Track competitor inventory levels with the Stock Checker.
- Analyze product variations and best-selling options with the Variation Viewer.
- Monitor competitor pricing strategies with the Offers feature.
- Export product data directly to Google Sheets for easier tracking.
- Use Lookup Links to find supplier sources on Google, eBay, Walmart, and Target.
- Organize research with custom notes across Amazon and supplier websites.
- Review historical pricing and sales trends with Keepa charts.
How to check for restrictions
Seller Assistant Extension shows red closed locks (restricted) and green open locks (ungated) directly on Amazon search pages, product pages, supplier websites, and competitor storefronts.
Who it's best for
- Beginners who want to learn how to analyze products manually.
- Sellers who prefer full control over their sourcing and don’t mind spending extra time researching.
- Virtual assistants and freelance researchers who want to effortlessly research profitable deals.
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Strategy 2. Parse and automatically scan supplier lists
What it is
This strategy uses automation to scan bulk supplier product lists, allowing sellers to analyze thousands of products quickly. It’s perfect for sellers scaling their business and managing a large inventory.
What you gain
By automating product scanning, sellers can save time while filtering for high-margin, low-risk products. This method also helps reduce sourcing mistakes by flagging potential restrictions, high competition, or pricing issues in advance.
How it works
- Parse supplier websites with their full product inventory.
- Use Seller Assistant's Price List Analyzer to upload and scan a supplier’s product list.
The tool matches products to Amazon listings, calculates profitability, The tool automatically matches products to Amazon listings, calculates profitability, and populates your sheets with numerous data including product BRS, sales velocity, competition, Buy Box %, variations and their share, flags potential risks like gated products, too high ROI, hazmat, meltable, etc, and much more.
How to research effectively
- Check sales demand using Best Sellers Rank (BSR).
- Avoid high-competition listings with more than 15 sellers or those dominated by Amazon.
- Identify Buy Box ownership to determine competitiveness.
- Ensure profit margins meet business goals.
- Verify restrictions on products, brands, and IP complaints.
How to check for restrictions
Price List Analyzer displays restrictions and selling eligibility in a sortable table, allowing filtering by gated/ungated products.
Who it's best for
- Wholesale sellers who want to automate research and save time.
- Online arbitrage sellers and dropshippers managing bulk product sourcing.
- Agencies providing product research and listing services to Amazon sellers.
Related: Price List Analyzer by Seller Assistant
Strategy 3. Research your competitors’ best-selling products
What it is
Competitor research involves analyzing successful Amazon sellers to identify high-performing products and brands. This method helps sellers capitalize on proven deals and reduce guesswork.
What you gain
By tracking competitors, sellers can increase their chances of success by selling the same or similar in-demand products.
How it works
- Use Seller Assistant’s Seller Spy to automatically track competitor storefronts.
- Identify what they are selling, what’s newly added or removed, and pricing strategies.
- Use the insights to replicate successful product choices.
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How to research effectively
- Track new competitor listings to stay ahead of trends.
- Identify discontinued products to avoid slow-moving inventory.
- Analyze customer feedback to find in-demand items.
- Monitor competitor pricing to stay competitive.
How to check for restrictions
Seller Spy requires uploading product lists to the Bulk Restrictions Checker to verify gated vs. ungated products at scale.
Who it's best for
Wholesale sellers who want to reduce risk by focusing on already successful products.
Online arbitrage sellers and dropshippers looking for proven, high-demand products.
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Strategy 4. Automated brand research
What it is
This method focuses on identifying profitable and reseller-friendly brands using data-driven automation. It’s ideal for sellers wanting to build long-term supplier partnerships.
What you gain
The goal is to find brands with high revenue potential, low competition, and products that meet Amazon’s selling criteria.
How it works
- Use Seller Assistant's Brand Analyzer to research brand performance.
- Identify brands dominated by Amazon to avoid competition.
- Prioritize brands with high ratings and scalable product ranges.
How to research effectively
- Check revenue and sales trends to gauge demand.
- Avoid brands where Amazon controls more than 30% of sales.
- Look for brands with 500+ products for better sourcing opportunities.
- Focus on brands with 4+ star ratings and strong customer reviews.
How to check for restrictions
Upload product lists from Brand Analyzer to the Bulk Restriction Checker to verify ungated products.
Who it's best for
- Wholesale sellers seeking long-term brand partnerships.
- Online arbitrage sellers looking for specific brands to sell.
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FAQ
What does it mean when a product is gated on Amazon?
A gated product on Amazon requires seller approval before it can be listed. This restriction is in place to ensure product quality, brand protection, and compliance with safety regulations.
Can I sell in an ungated category but still need approval for certain products?
Yes, even if a category is ungated, specific brands or products within that category may still be restricted. Always check selling eligibility for each product before purchasing inventory.
How can I check if a product is restricted before buying it?
You can use Seller Assistant’s Restriction Checker, which displays red closed locks for restricted products and green open locks for ungated ones. Bulk Restriction Checker also allows you to verify thousands of ASINs at once.
Why does Amazon gate certain products and brands?
Amazon gates products and brands to prevent counterfeit sales, ensure consumer safety, and comply with legal regulations. Approval requirements vary based on factors like brand protection policies, category risks, and local laws.
How do I get approval to sell gated products on Amazon?
To request approval, go to your Amazon Seller Central account, enter the ASIN, and click “Request Approval.” You may need to provide invoices, brand authorization letters, or meet performance metrics to get approved.
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Final Thoughts
Selling on Amazon without approval is possible, but it requires careful research to avoid restricted products. Even if a category is ungated, specific brands and products may still require approval, so always verify eligibility before purchasing inventory.
Using tools like Seller Assistant can save time and prevent costly mistakes. By understanding Amazon’s gated and ungated categories, you can confidently source profitable products and grow your business without unnecessary setbacks.
Seller Assistant is an all-in-one product sourcing software offering all the features vital for product sourcing. It combines three extensions: Seller Assistant Extension, IP Alert, and VPN by Seller Assistant, tools: Price List Analyzer, Seller Spy, Bulk Restrictions Checker, and API integrations, and features: Side Panel View, FBM&FBA Profit Calculator, Quick View, ASIN Grabber, UPC/EAN to ASIN converter, Stock Checker, and other features that help quickly find high-profit deals. Seller Assistant also offers integration with Zapier allowing to create custom product sourcing workflows.
