When you sell on Amazon, you’re required to meet certain legal standards that ensure the safety, quality, and authenticity of your products. These standards can vary greatly depending on the type of product you’re selling. 

One of the most important aspects of product compliance is the product compliance certificate. This certificate acts as proof that your product has undergone necessary testing and complies with the appropriate laws and regulations.

As of September 30, 2024, Amazon has made it a requirement for sellers to submit product compliance certificates before new ASINs (Amazon Standard Identification Numbers) can be listed. While this change specifically targets high-risk product categories, there’s a growing likelihood that compliance documents may become necessary for all product categories — even books.

What Is a Compliance Certificate on Amazon?

A compliance certificate is a formal document issued by an accredited testing laboratory or regulatory body. It verifies that a product complies with local, national, or international safety standards. For Amazon sellers, submitting the correct compliance documentation is essential, especially when selling products in regulated categories.

The role of a compliance certificate is simple but vital: it demonstrates that your product has passed all necessary safety checks and adheres to relevant regulations. Without it, you run the risk of having your listings suppressed, removed, or even permanently banned from the platform.

Amazon requires different types of compliance certificates depending on the product category. Some of the most common certificates include:

• General Certificate of Conformity (GCC): This is typically required for general consumer goods and verifies compliance with U.S. safety regulations.
• Children’s Product Certificate (CPC): A must-have for products intended for children, including toys and baby products, to meet the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA).
• Safety Data Sheet (SDS): Required for hazardous materials, such as chemicals, batteries, and certain electronics.
• Test Reports & Certifications: These include test results from accredited labs that show your product has passed safety standards, such as ISO 17025-certified testing.
• Compliance Markings: Certain products may require specific compliance markings like CE for products sold in the EU or FCC for electronics in the U.S.

By ensuring that your product has the correct compliance documentation, you demonstrate that it has been tested and verified to meet all safety and legal requirements. This builds trust with Amazon, your customers, and regulators, helping you avoid penalties and keep your listings active.

When Do You Need to Provide Compliance Documents?

Knowing when you need to submit compliance documents is essential for staying ahead of Amazon’s requirements. Here are some key scenarios where you’ll need to provide a compliance certificate:

1. Restricted Product Categories

Certain product categories are more heavily regulated than others. For example, electronics, supplements, baby products, and medical devices often require detailed compliance documentation. If your product falls into one of these categories, Amazon will almost certainly request that you submit a compliance certificate before your listing can go live.

2. New ASIN Creation

When you create a new ASIN for a product, Amazon may require you to submit compliance documents to confirm that your product meets relevant safety standards. Without this documentation, your product may be rejected or flagged during the listing process.

3. Amazon’s Routine Compliance Audits

Amazon regularly audits seller accounts and product listings for compliance. Even if your product was listed years ago, Amazon may request compliance certificates as part of a routine check. Sellers have been caught off guard by these audits, so always ensure that your compliance documents are up-to-date and ready for review.

4. Changes in Safety Regulations

The landscape of product safety is always evolving. If a new regulation comes into effect — for example, stricter chemical safety standards or updated testing protocols — your products may need to undergo re-testing. If this happens, Amazon will require updated compliance documentation before your product can be sold again.

5. Customer Safety Complaints or Investigations

If Amazon receives a customer complaint about the safety or quality of your product, they may request compliance documentation to verify that the product meets necessary standards. In such cases, having valid certificates ready can help resolve the issue swiftly and avoid account suspension.

6. Product Claims That Require Verification

If your product includes claims like “organic,” “non-toxic,” or “antibacterial,” you’ll need to back them up with compliance certificates. Amazon may request documentation to verify these claims and ensure that your product is in compliance with relevant regulations.

7. New Amazon Regulations (Effective September 30, 2024)

A key change that Amazon implemented on September 30, 2024, requires sellers to submit compliance documentation for all new ASINs before listing. While the immediate impact of this regulation affects high-risk categories, it’s possible that compliance certificates may soon be mandatory for all product categories, including books. This means that sellers across the board will have to be vigilant in obtaining and submitting compliance documentation.

How to Get a Compliance Certificate for Your Product

Now that we know why compliance certificates are needed, let’s take a look at the steps involved in obtaining them. While the process may seem daunting, breaking it down into manageable steps can simplify things considerably.

1. Contact Your Manufacturer

The first place to look for compliance certificates is your product’s manufacturer. Many reputable manufacturers already have the necessary certificates for their products, especially if they are sourcing from regulated regions or countries. Always ask them to provide copies of these certificates before you list the product on Amazon.

2. Work with Third-Party Testing Labs

If your manufacturer doesn’t provide the required certificates, you’ll need to work with a third-party testing lab. These labs can test your products for various safety standards and generate the necessary compliance certificates. Look for labs that are Amazon-approved and recognized by regulatory bodies like ISO or the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

3. Use Amazon’s Compliance Reference Tool

Amazon offers a Compliance Reference Tool within Seller Central that helps you identify the documents required for specific product categories. This tool is invaluable when you’re unsure which certifications are necessary for your products. Simply input your product category and Amazon will provide guidance on which documents are needed.

4. Apply for Certification

Once you’ve identified the required certifications, apply for testing through an accredited lab. Some certifications, such as the Children’s Product Certificate (CPC), can take longer to obtain due to the extensive testing required. Be sure to plan accordingly to avoid delays in your product launch.

5. Ensure Documents Are Valid and Up-to-Date

Always double-check that your compliance certificates are valid and up-to-date. Expired or outdated certificates will not be accepted by Amazon. Keep track of the expiration dates for each document and renew them well in advance to avoid disruptions in your listings.

6. Keep Copies of Compliance Records

Finally, always maintain copies of your compliance records, as Amazon may request them at any time. Having your documentation readily available will ensure that you can quickly respond to any compliance-related issues, saving you time and frustration.

Bulk Submission of Compliance Documents for Multiple Products

If you need to submit compliance certificates for multiple ASINs, Amazon allows bulk document submissions through Seller Central. This is useful for sellers managing a large catalog with multiple product variations. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Download the Bulk Compliance Request File

• Go to Seller Central → Performance → Account Health.
• Under “Manage Your Compliance”, click “Product Compliance Requests”.
• Look for the bulk upload option and download the required compliance template.

Step 2: Fill Out the Template

• Open the Excel file and enter the ASINs, compliance document types, and relevant certification numbers.
• Ensure that the document names match those of the files you will upload.
• Save the file in the correct format as specified by Amazon.

Step 3: Upload and Submit the Compliance Documents

• Return to Seller Central and go to the bulk upload section.
• Attach the filled-out compliance template and the respective PDF files of the compliance certificates.
• Click Submit and wait for Amazon’s review.

Bulk submissions significantly reduce processing time and help sellers stay compliant across multiple ASINs at once.

How ZonHack Can Help with Amazon Compliance

Ensuring compliance on Amazon can be a daunting task, especially when dealing with multiple product categories, regulatory changes, and Amazon’s evolving policies. ZonHack simplifies the process by providing expert guidance on compliance documentation, certification requirements, and submission strategies. 

With ZonHack’s tailored compliance solutions, sellers can avoid costly mistakes, prevent listing removals, and reduce the risk of account suspensions. If you’re unsure about your product’s compliance status or need assistance in handling rejected documents, ZonHack offers step-by-step support to help you resolve issues quickly.

Handling Compliance Document Rejections

Amazon may reject your compliance certificate if it does not meet the required standards. Here’s how to handle a rejection:

Step 1: Identify the Issue

• Go to Seller Central → Performance → Account Health.
• Under Product Compliance Requests, check the rejection reason.
• Common rejection reasons include:
  • Invalid document format (e.g., blurry scans, incorrect file type).
  • Mismatched product details (e.g., brand name, ASIN, or model number discrepancies).
  • Expired or outdated compliance certificates.
  • Non-approved testing labs issuing the certificate.

Step 2: Fix the Issue and Resubmit

• If the document format is incorrect, re-scan and upload a high-quality PDF.
• If product details don’t match, ensure the product name, ASIN, and certificate details align.
• If the certificate is expired, request an updated compliance document from the manufacturer or testing lab.
• If the certificate comes from an unapproved lab, get a new test report from an Amazon-approved certification body.

Step 3: Appeal if Necessary

• If you believe the rejection was in error, submit an appeal via “Add or Appeal Compliance” in the compliance request dashboard.
• Provide supporting documents and explain why the certificate should be accepted.
• Amazon usually reviews appeals within 3-5 business days.

Bottom Line: Why Compliance Matters More Than Ever

With Amazon’s increasingly strict compliance regulations, sellers must be proactive in ensuring their products meet all safety and quality standards. Starting September 30, 2024, Amazon will require compliance documents before new ASINs are approved, and industry experts predict compliance rules may eventually apply to all product categories.

By understanding what compliance certificates are required, how to obtain them, and how to submit them properly, sellers can avoid listing suppressions, maintain account health, and build long-term customer trust.

If you haven’t yet reviewed your product compliance documents, now is the time to take action. Ensuring compliance today means avoiding costly disruptions tomorrow.