Step-by-Step Guide to Amazon Topical Products Approval
Struggling to understand how to get approval for topical products on Amazon? Not sure where to begin, or feeling stuck after multiple rejections? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. The good news is that with the right preparation and documents, you can successfully reapply and get approved.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the exact steps, requirements, and best practices to help you secure approval for selling topical products on Amazon with confidence.
What You Need to Get Started
The approval process for topical products is similar to other restricted categories on Amazon. Before submitting your application, it’s important to make sure all requirements are properly met to avoid unnecessary rejections.
1. Professional Seller Account
To apply for approval to sell topical products, you must have a Professional Seller account on Amazon. Individual selling plans are not eligible for restricted category approvals.
The Professional plan costs $39.99 per month, in addition to standard selling fees, and allows you to list and sell unlimited products. This plan is essential if you want access to gated or regulated categories.
2. Seller Account Health
Maintaining good account health is critical, especially if you’re fulfilling orders yourself through FBM. Amazon closely evaluates your performance metrics before granting approval.
Make sure your account meets the following standards:
- Order Defect Rate: below 1%
- Pre-Fulfillment Cancellation Rate: below 2.5%
- Late Shipment Rate: below 4%
You can review these metrics by logging into Seller Central and navigating to Performance > Customer Satisfaction > Account Health. If your metrics don’t meet Amazon’s benchmarks, resolve these issues before applying.
3. Purchase Products from a Reputable Wholesaler
Amazon requires proof of inventory before granting approval. You’ll need to show invoices for at least 10 units of products within the restricted category you’re applying for.
Make sure the products you purchase:
- Fall under the topical or restricted category
- Are already listed on Amazon
- Come from a legitimate and verifiable wholesaler
Since this purchase is for approval purposes only, you don’t need to invest in expensive items. Low- to mid-priced products work perfectly for ungating.
4. Invoice Requirements
Your invoices must match your Seller Central account details exactly. This includes your business name, address, phone number, and email address.
Ensure the invoice includes:
- Seller’s name at the top
- Product name, ASIN, UPC, and model number
- Clear quantity information for each item
Any pricing details should be blacked out. Once finalized, you can either scan the invoice or submit clear photos—blurry or incomplete invoices are a common reason for rejection.
5. Photo Requirements
Having the right documents isn’t enough—Amazon is extremely strict about product images. Even if everything else is correct, poor-quality photos can lead to application failure.
Your product photos must meet Amazon’s criteria, including:
- Real, live photos (no digital renders)
- Clear images showing all sides of the product or packaging
- Visible product name or model number
- Manufacturer or brand name with physical business address
- Text displayed in the local language of the selling marketplace
High-quality photography is essential, so investing in professional product images can significantly improve your chances of approval.
How to Apply for Topical Products on Amazon
Once all documents and images are ready, you can proceed with submitting your application.
Follow these steps:
- Log in to Amazon Seller Central
- Go to Inventory and select Add a Product
- Search for the ASIN you want to sell
- Click Listing limitations apply
- Select Request Approval and submit the required details
For faster results, it’s recommended to submit applications during U.S. business hours. Approval may take anywhere from a few hours to several days. You’ll receive an email notification, and you can also track your status under Selling Application Status.
What to Do If You Get Rejected
If your application isn’t approved on the first attempt, don’t panic. Rejections are common and usually fixable.
Review each requirement carefully, double-check your invoices and images, and reach out to Amazon Seller Support to identify what went wrong. Address those issues and reapply with improved documentation.
You may also choose to work with a professional ungating service that specializes in restricted categories to simplify the process.
Final Thoughts
Getting approval to sell topical products on Amazon can feel overwhelming, but it’s a worthwhile step toward accessing less competitive and higher-trust categories.
By following the correct process, maintaining strong account health, and submitting accurate documentation, you greatly improve your chances of approval. Stay patient, stay compliant, and you’ll be well on your way to expanding your Amazon business.
