Thinking about selling on Amazon? You’ve probably heard of Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)—a service that makes selling easier by handling storage, packaging, shipping, and even customer service for you. But before you dive in, you might be wondering:
- Do I need approval to start using Amazon FBA?
- What are the benefits of using it?
- Can I sell any product I want?
The good news is that Amazon FBA itself doesn’t require special approval, but certain products and categories do.
If you’re looking to sell restricted items, you’ll need to go through an approval process. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started and get approved if necessary.
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Do You Need Approval For Amazon FBA?
Nope! You don’t need approval to use Fulfillment by Amazon—anyone with a seller account can sign up and start using it.
However, Amazon does have strict guidelines for what you can sell. Certain categories, brands, and products are restricted, meaning you’ll need approval before listing them. Ignoring these restrictions can result in listing removals or even account suspension, so it’s important to know the rules.
In case you don’t know how Amazon FBA works, here is a complete video tutorial:
Benefits Of Using Amazon FBA
Why do so many sellers choose Amazon FBA? Here are some key reasons:
1. Prime Eligibility
When you use FBA, your products automatically become Prime eligible, meaning they can be shipped fast to millions of Prime members. This can increase your chances of making a sale compared to non-FBA sellers.
2. Amazon Handles Shipping & Customer Service
No more worrying about packing, shipping, or dealing with returns—Amazon takes care of it all. This saves you a ton of time and hassle.
3. More Sales Potential
Customers trust Amazon’s fulfillment process, so they’re more likely to buy from an FBA seller than from someone handling shipping on their own.
4. Easy Business Scaling
As your business grows, Amazon FBA scales with you. Whether you sell 10 items or 10,000, Amazon’s warehouses and shipping network can handle it.
How To Get Started with Amazon FBA
Ready to start selling? Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Create an Amazon Seller Account
Sign up on Amazon Seller Central. You can choose between:
- Individual Plan: Best for small sellers (no monthly fee, but you pay per sale).
- Professional Plan: Best for serious sellers ($39.99/month + additional fees).
Step 2: Enroll in FBA
Once your account is set up, go to Settings > Fulfillment by Amazon and enroll in FBA.
Step 3: List Your Products
Create product listings in Seller Central. Make sure to use clear descriptions, accurate pricing, and high-quality images.
Step 4: Prepare Your Products for Shipment
Amazon has specific packaging and labeling requirements. Follow their guidelines to avoid delays.
Step 5: Ship Your Products To An Amazon Fulfillment Center
Once your items are ready, send them to the warehouse. Amazon will store them until a customer places an order.
That’s it! Amazon will now handle fulfillment for you. Remember, even if you are already selling on Amazon, you can always register for the Amazon FBA program anytime you want.
Can You Sell Restricted Products With Amazon FBA?
Amazon has strict policies on what you can and cannot sell. Some products require additional approval, while others are completely banned.
If you’re thinking about selling branded or high-risk items, you need to check whether you need approval before listing them. You can use Amazon FBA tools to find the best items you can sell on your account.
Examples Of Restricted Categories & Products
Some of the most common restricted categories include:
- Alcohol (wine, spirits, and beer)
- Animals & Animal Products (leather, ivory, etc.)
- Fine Art & Jewelry (high-value items)
- Automotive & Powersports (car parts, airbags, etc.)
- Electronics (certain devices, especially refurbished ones)
- Dietary Supplements (vitamins, protein powders, etc.)
- Medical Devices (anything regulated by the FDA)
- Tobacco & Related Products (cigarettes, cigars, e-cigs)
For a full list, check Amazon’s restricted products policy.
If your product is in a restricted category, you’ll need approval before selling it.
How To Get Approval For Selling Restricted Products With Amazon FBA
If you want to sell restricted items, here’s how to get approval:
Step 1: Check if Your Product Requires Approval
Go to Seller Central > Inventory > Add a Product and search for your item. If it’s restricted, you’ll see “Listing limitations apply.”
Step 2: Request Approval
Click the “Request Approval” button. Amazon will guide you through the process.
Step 3: Submit The Required Documents
Amazon usually asks for:
- Invoices from Authorized Suppliers (showing you bought the product legally).
- Compliance Certificates (for safety and quality assurance).
- Business Licenses (for certain regulated products).
Step 4: Wait For Amazon’s Decision
Amazon will review your application, which can take a few days to a few weeks. If approved, you can start selling immediately!
Step 5: Reapply If Needed
If your request is denied, Amazon will tell you why. Make the necessary adjustments and try again.
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Conclusion: You Don’t Need Approval To Get Started With Amazon FBA
Getting started with Amazon FBA is a great way to streamline your business and reach more customers without handling storage and shipping yourself.
While FBA itself doesn’t require approval, certain categories and products do. If you’re planning to sell restricted items, it’s important to follow Amazon’s guidelines, submit the necessary documents, and ensure compliance with their policies.
The approval process may take some time, but once you’re approved, you’ll have access to a vast marketplace with millions of potential buyers. By understanding the requirements and taking the right steps, you can set yourself up for long-term success on Amazon FBA.
I’m a professor, serial entrepreneur and e-commerce expert with a passion for creating successful online business models. After achieving huge success in the Amazon FBA business, I decided to make it my mission to help my fellow sellers do the same through enjoy-aiia.com .