Selling on Amazon is a massive opportunity—but it’s also a heavily regulated marketplace. If you're offering toys, cosmetics, supplements, electronics, or any product that touches health or safety, you're entering the world of regulated products.
Amazon has strict compliance standards, and if you don’t meet them, your product listing can be suspended or your seller account banned.
Also Read: Guide on Amazon Referral Fees
In this guide, we break down what you must prove to stay live when selling regulated products on Amazon, what documents are required, and how to stay compliant with U.S. and Canadian regulations.
What Is a Regulated Product on Amazon?
Amazon defines regulated products as any item subject to federal, state, or provincial regulations related to health, safety, labeling, or performance. This includes:
- Children’s products and toys
- Supplements and vitamins
- Skincare and cosmetics
- Medical devices
- Electronics and batteries
- Food and beverages
- Pesticides and cleaning agents
Even private-label sellers and dropshippers must meet compliance requirements if the product falls into a regulated category.
What Amazon Requires You to Prove?
To keep your listing live, you must upload documentation proving that your product meets all applicable regulatory standards. This may include:
1. Children’s Product Certificate (CPC)
Required for any product marketed to children under 12 in the U.S.
You’ll need to:
- List the applicable CPSC rules (e.g., ASTM F963 for toys)
- Include lab test results from a CPSC-accepted lab
- Match details between your listing and the CPC
2. Lab Testing Reports
Products like supplements, electronics, and cosmetics often require third-party lab testing to prove safety and ingredient compliance.
Reports must:
- Come from approved labs (not just any vendor certificate)
- Be up to date (recently tested batches)
- Match product descriptions exactly
3. Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
For any product containing chemicals (like skincare, perfumes, cleaning products), Amazon may request an SDS formatted according to GHS standards.
4. Label Images & Packaging
Amazon may ask for:
- Photos of your product label and packaging
- Proof of bilingual labeling for Canada
- Warnings, age grading, country of origin, and net quantity
5. Certificates of Analysis (CoA)
Used often for supplements, cosmetics, and health products, CoAs verify ingredients and concentration levels.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Listing Suspensions
Even experienced sellers can make small mistakes that trigger listing takedowns. Here’s what to avoid:
- Uploading supplier-provided documents that aren't from certified labs
- Missing required fields in CPCs or SDS
- Product photos that don’t match the documents
- Listing under the wrong category or age grading
- Ignoring local (Canadian or provincial) regulations if selling in Canada
Amazon’s bots—and human compliance teams—are quick to suspend non-compliant listings.
Category-Specific Examples
Toys & Kids’ Products
- Must have CPC and small parts testing
- Age grading is mandatory
- Warnings (e.g., “Choking hazard”) must appear both on the listing and the packaging
Cosmetics & Skincare
- Require ingredient disclosure and labeling
- May need SDS, CoA, and proof of Health Canada CNF for Canadian listings
- Claims like “chemical-free” or “anti-aging” can trigger reviews
Dietary Supplements
- Require FDA or Health Canada registration
- CoA, SDS, and manufacturer details are mandatory
- Product claims must avoid disease treatment language
Staying Ahead of Compliance
To protect your Amazon account and keep your listings live:
- Work only with certified testing labs
- Keep a product compliance file (CPCs, SDS, CoA, labels, invoices)
- Use compliance software or hire a broker who understands Amazon regulations
- Periodically audit your listings for changes in regulation
- For international sellers: Stay informed of cross-border rules (especially when importing into the U.S. or Canada)
Final Thoughts
Amazon has built a customer-trust-first marketplace, and sellers are expected to meet high safety and compliance standards. If you're selling regulated products, be proactive, not reactive.
Having the right documents before listing will save you from takedowns, account holds, and legal risks.
Need Help Navigating Amazon Compliance?
Clearit.ca helps eCommerce sellers import regulated products and stay compliant across U.S. and Canadian markets.
From CPCs and SDS reviews to label audits and customs classification, our team ensures your products are ready for Amazon—and for safe, legal sales.