A guide to the entire Amazon categories list

Amazon has 30+ product categories where you can sell your goods, but figuring out which ones require approval can feel like solving a puzzle with missing pieces. Most sellers discover category requirements the hard way: after finding the perfect product only to hit a roadblock during the listing process.

The category system matters because it determines how quickly you can get started selling. Some categories welcome new sellers immediately, others require approval applications that can take weeks, and many have specific subcategories with their own rules buried in the fine print.

This comprehensive guide covers every single Amazon category with their actual requirements. We’ll break down which ones you can start selling in today, which require extra steps, and what special conditions apply. 

This isn’t about finding the “best” categories to sell in. This is your complete reference for understanding every option available so you can plan your product sourcing strategy around real requirements instead of surprises.

Open categories (no approval required)

These categories welcome new sellers immediately with no approval process and no extra selling guidelines to worry about.

Amazon Kindle

The Amazon Kindle category is specifically for digital books and electronic documents, but you can’t list ebooks like regular products. Instead, you need to use Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform, which functions as Amazon’s self-publishing arm rather than a traditional marketplace category. You maintain full control over your content, pricing, and publishing schedule.

KDP supports ebooks, paperbacks, and hardcover books across more than 10 countries and 45 languages. You can publish novels, children’s books, cookbooks, textbooks, poetry, and journals, but magazines, periodicals, and spiral-bound books aren’t allowed. If you have already published your book elsewhere, you can still use KDP as long as you own the rights.

To get started, set up a KDP account separately from your regular Amazon seller account. Then, your books will typically appear on Amazon within 72 hours of publishing. The only restriction comes if you enroll in KDP Select, which makes your ebook exclusive to Amazon in exchange for additional promotional tools and up to 70% royalties.

👉 Learn more in this guide on listing books and edocs.

Automotive & Powersports

The Automotive & Powersports category covers car parts, motorcycle gear, and related accessories—but you can’t sell actual vehicles that need registration. 

You can list automotive batteries, vehicle accessories like floor mats and wiper blades, and even new tires as long as they meet specific federal safety standards. New tires need to comply with Department of Transportation requirements, be manufactured within the last three years, and never have been mounted on a wheel. You’ll also need to help with tire registration requirements by providing purchaser information to manufacturers.

The category gets tricky with emissions-related products. Amazon prohibits anything that interferes with a vehicle’s emissions control systems, including delete kits, performance tuners, and exhaust modifications that remove emissions components. 

Safety-related items face strict limitations, too. You can’t sell used tires, airbags, seat belts, or products designed to defeat safety features like autopilot systems or seat belt alarms. HID and LED headlight conversion kits are also prohibited, along with anything that could interfere with law enforcement, like license plate covers or GPS jammers.

👉 Learn more in this guide on the automotive and powersports category.

Camera & Photo

The Camera & Photo category welcomes all sellers without approval requirements, but international products need special handling. Amazon assumes all camera equipment is originally intended for the U.S. market unless you specify otherwise.

If you’re selling international versions (often called “gray market” items), you must add “International Version (No Warranty)” verbatim to your product titles. Amazon specifically prohibits using “gray market” as a designation. These international products also need English language support with step-by-step instructions for changing language settings, plus U.S.-compatible power plugs and North American safety compliance.

Most major brand camera products require UPCs for listing, and everything must follow Amazon’s standard condition guidelines plus camera-specific requirements. The category covers traditional cameras, digital equipment, lenses, lighting gear, and accessories as well.

👉 Learn more in this guide on selling Camera & Photo products.

Home & Garden

The Home & Garden category covers everything from kitchen appliances to garden tools and outdoor furniture. While no approval is required, Amazon enforces strict safety and condition standards that go beyond typical marketplace rules.

Safety comes first here. All equipment must be tested by an expert before listing to verify it won’t cause death, injury, or property damage. This applies to both new and used items, making this category more demanding than others. You also can’t list anything that’s been subject to a product safety recall.

The condition requirements are particularly strict. Items must work perfectly in every regard—no exceptions. If something is damaged in a way that makes it difficult to use, it can’t be listed. This means that minor cosmetic damage might be acceptable in other categories, but could disqualify a home and garden product if it affects functionality.

Amazon won’t accept consumable items where any part has been used. Think cleaning supplies, plant food, or pest control products that have been opened. Products requiring repair or service are also prohibited, along with items that aren’t manufactured by the original manufacturer and are missing essential components.

Cleanliness matters significantly in this category too. Unclean items are automatically rejected, which makes sense given that many products are used in food preparation or personal living spaces. 

👉 Learn more in this Home & Garden condition guidelines.

Kindle Accessories and Amazon Fire TV Accessories

This category covers accessories designed exclusively for Amazon devices like Kindle, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Echo, and Ring products. The keyword here is “exclusively.” If your accessory works with both Amazon and non-Amazon devices, it belongs in a different category.

Amazon’s trademark rules are strict but straightforward. You can’t include “Amazon,” “Kindle,” “Fire,” or other Amazon trademarks in your actual product name or packaging. However, you can use these terms referentially in your Amazon listing title to show compatibility, like “Red Cover for use with Kindle” or “Stand compatible with Fire TV Stick.”

The categorization happens automatically through Amazon’s algorithms based on the product type you select and the catalog information you provide. Cases, covers, screen protectors, remotes, docking stations, and device-specific mounts typically qualify for this category. Universal accessories like charging cables or generic sleeves usually don’t make the cut since they work with multiple device types.

Amazon determines exclusive compatibility pretty precisely. A case molded specifically for a Kindle Paperwhite’s dimensions would qualify, but a universal tablet stand that happens to work with Fire tablets wouldn’t. The accessory needs to be designed exclusively for Amazon’s form factor or function exclusively with specific Amazon devices.

👉 Learn more in this guide on listing Amazon device accessories.

Major Appliances

The Major Appliances category covers full-size household equipment like refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, and cooking appliances. No approval is required, but Amazon has specific information requirements for these large items.

When listing full-size appliances, you must provide detailed specifications, including item width, depth, height, unit of measurement, item weight, package weight, and model number. This information helps customers determine if the appliance will fit in their space and reduces returns from sizing issues.

The category distinguishes between different washer and dryer configurations as well. Stacked washer-dryer units are single products with one SKU that share a control console and only work when stacked together. These are different from washer-dryer pairs, which are separate appliances that can optionally be stacked using a kit, and all-in-one washer-dryer combinations, which are single appliances that both wash and dry clothes.

You can sell new, used, and certified refurbished major appliances. Used appliances need extra attention to safety verification since these are electrical products that connect to home utilities. The safety testing requirements from the general Home & Garden guidelines apply here too—everything must be tested by an expert to verify it won’t cause injury or property damage.

👉 Learn more in this guide on selling full-size appliances.

Musical Instruments

The Musical Instruments category covers everything from guitars and keyboards to drums, brass instruments, and audio equipment. 

You can sell new, certified refurbished, used, and collectible musical instruments. The category accepts a wide range of conditions, which makes sense given that many musicians prefer vintage or well-maintained used instruments that may actually be more valuable than new ones.

However, Amazon emphasizes the importance of detailed listings in this category. Musical instruments often have specific features, specifications, and conditions that matter significantly to buyers. A guitarist shopping for a vintage Stratocaster wants to know about the pickup configuration, neck condition, and any modifications, while a drummer needs to understand cymbal sizes and stand compatibility.

Sports

The Sports category covers athletic equipment, gear, and apparel without requiring approval. However, sports apparel has specific requirements that differentiate it from regular clothing.

Amazon maintains a Sports Apparel Brands List that determines whether athletic clothing belongs in Sports or in the general Clothing category. Brands like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour are considered sporting goods and must be listed in Sports, while fashion brands that happen to make workout clothes stay in Clothing.

Sports apparel listings require specific attributes including item type, brand name, department, size, color, sport type, SKU, product name, and UPC. Licensed sports merchandise needs additional information like league name, team name, and athlete name when applicable. These requirements help customers filter by their favorite teams or sports.

Image requirements are stricter than many other categories as well. Products must be photographed at an angle and be clearly recognizable, with images at least 1000 pixels on the longest side. Each color variation needs its own representative main image—color swatches don’t cut it. Your images also need to match what appears on your own website, if you have one.

The broader Sports category includes equipment for virtually every sport and activity: fitness gear, outdoor recreation equipment, team sports supplies, individual sports equipment, and athletic accessories. You can sell new, certified refurbished, and used items, with used equipment particularly popular among budget-conscious athletes and parents buying for growing children.

👉 Learn more in this guide on selling sports apparel.

Tools & Home Improvement

The Tools & Home Improvement category covers everything from hand tools and power tools to hardware, building materials, and home maintenance equipment. No approval is required, making it accessible for sellers with construction, repair, and DIY products.

You can sell new, certified refurbished, and used tools and hardware. Used tools are particularly popular since quality tools often last decades, and experienced contractors know which brands hold their value. But the category also spans from basic household items like screwdrivers and hammers to professional-grade equipment costing thousands of dollars.

Safety considerations are crucial in this category since tools can cause injury if defective or misused. The general condition guidelines apply, meaning used tools must be tested by an expert to verify safety before listing. You can’t sell anything that’s been recalled or poses a safety risk.

👉 Learn more in this guide on selling Tools & Home Improvement products.

Open categories with extra requirements

These categories don’t require approval to start selling, but they have specific subcategory restrictions or additional selling guidelines you need to follow.

Baby Products (excluding apparel)

The Baby Products category welcomes sellers without approval requirements, but certain subcategories like car seats, strollers, and cribs have additional safety regulations. Amazon emphasizes detailed product information since parents make careful purchasing decisions based on safety, functionality, and specifications.

The category uses an extensive attribute system to capture product details. For baby furniture, you’ll need to specify mattress height options, hardware visibility, portability features, and rail types. Car seats and strollers require detailed specifications about harness systems, weight limits, installation methods, and compatibility information.

Feeding products need attributes covering bottle types, breast pump specifications, dishwasher safety, and material composition. Monitor systems require details about alert features, screen information, sensor technology, and range capabilities. Amazon wants this level of detail because parents often research extensively before buying baby products.

Battery information becomes important for electronic baby products like monitors, swings, and toys. You’ll need to specify battery type, average life, and other power-related details. Unit measurements are required whenever you provide dimensional or weight information.

👉 Learn more in this guide on the Baby category.

Beauty

The Beauty category covers cosmetics, skincare, makeup, fragrances, and personal care items. While the main category doesn’t require approval, Amazon has detailed compliance requirements that every seller needs to follow.

Your products must be new, unused, and sealed in original manufacturer packaging with visible identifying codes like lot numbers or serial numbers. 

Labeling gets technical, too. Everything needs to be in English with the product name, purpose, content amount, ingredient list, and manufacturer information. You can claim your moisturizer “reduces the appearance of wrinkles” but not that it “eliminates wrinkles.” That crosses into drug territory and requires FDA approval.

Amazon prohibits several specific ingredients and products. You can’t sell anything with methylene glycol (releases formaldehyde when heated), permanent eyelash dyes, eye makeup containing kohl, skin creams with mercury, or henna products for direct skin application. Chemical peels need sunburn warning statements, and high-concentration acid peels face strict limits.

Recent regulations add more complexity. The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) requires manufacturers to report serious adverse events within 15 days, register facilities with the FDA, and maintain safety substantiation records. Companies need to be ready for good manufacturing practice requirements by December 2025.

👉 Learn more in this guide on selling cosmetics, skin, and hair care products.

Books

The Books category accepts new, used, and collectible books without requiring approval. You can sell virtually any type of book, including textbooks, comic books, children’s books, and rare editions, across multiple condition levels from “New” to “Used – Acceptable.”

Amazon uses five condition categories for books. “New” means unopened and undamaged, while used conditions range from “Like New” (minimal wear) to “Acceptable” (readable but may have significant wear). The key test Amazon suggests: would you be satisfied receiving this book as a customer?

Most books need an ISBN (International Standard Book Number) for listing, but you can request exemptions for rare books, collectibles, or books printed before 1970 that lack ISBNs. The ISBN helps differentiate between editions since the same title might have multiple versions with different publishers, formats, or content.

👉 Learn more in this guide on selling books on Amazon.

Cell Phones & Accessories

The Cell Phones & Accessories category doesn’t require approval but has detailed quality and authenticity requirements to protect customers from counterfeit or damaged products. 

All new cell phones and accessories must use the manufacturer’s Universal Product Code (UPC) for listing. U.S.-sourced phones need manufacturer warranties, while international versions must clearly state “No-Warranty” in the title since manufacturers may not honor warranties for non-U.S. versions.

Unlocked phones face strict branding restrictions. They cannot have any carrier logos on the phone, software, documentation, or packaging. But you also can’t alter phones by switching battery doors or keypads to remove carrier branding—all parts must be original. International unlocked phones need U.S. chargers and English instructions for changing language settings and configuring U.S. carrier connections.

Carrier-branded phones follow different rules. U.S. carrier phones from Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint can include applicable carrier logos throughout the phone and packaging. Before shipping used or refurbished carrier phones, you must cancel existing accounts, remove SIM cards, and restore default settings.

👉 Learn more in this guide on selling phones and accessories.

Consumer Electronics

The Consumer Electronics category doesn’t require approval for most products, but certain items may need pre-approval. The category includes everything from smartphones and tablets to gaming systems, audio equipment, and smart home devices.

Amazon emphasizes six key success factors for this category: selection variety, complete product information, excellent customer service, high-quality images, competitive pricing, and proper product classification using Browse Tree Guides (BTG). The BTG system determines where your products appear in search and browse results—critical since customers won’t find misclassified items.

Bundle listings have specific requirements. Each bundle needs a unique UPC (not from individual items), must contain highly complementary products, and should provide customer value compared to buying items separately. You can’t include separate warranties or extended service plans in bundles. Amazon reviews all bundles for accuracy and may remove them without notice.

Performance expectations are strict as well: maintain 100% positive feedback with under 5% negative ratings, keep A-to-z Guarantee claims below 0.5% of orders, and maintain refund rates under 5% of units sold. Exceeding 15% negative feedback over 30 days triggers performance warnings that can lead to account termination.

👉 Learn more in this guide on the Consumer Electronics category.

Grocery & Gourmet Foods

The Grocery & Gourmet Foods category doesn’t require approval but has strict performance and safety requirements. You must maintain an order defect rate under 1%, pre-fulfillment cancel rate under 2.5%, and late shipment rate under 4%—higher standards than most categories.

All food must be sold as new with proper preparation, packaging, sealing, and labeling. You need appropriate licensing from government agencies for your products and must comply with all federal, state, and local food laws. Every unit needs an expiration date permanently marked unless specifically exempt.

Temperature-controlled products face complex requirements. Refrigerated foods need packaging that maintains 32-41°F for most items, while frozen foods must stay below 10°F. You must validate your “chill chain” through independent lab testing that simulates worst-case delivery scenarios, then verify through regular real-world testing that products arrive at proper temperatures.

Labeling must be in English and follow FDA and USDA requirements. Multi-packs need expiration dates matching the earliest-expiring product inside. You cannot alter or remove expiration dates, and products must ship with adequate remaining shelf life.

Plant products face additional restrictions. Only plants permitted in all U.S. jurisdictions are allowed, and they must be double-packaged to prevent pest attraction. Anything classified as “noxious” by USDA or subject to quarantines is prohibited.

👉 Learn more in this guide on selling grocery and gourmet foods.

Health & Personal Care

The Health & Personal Care category doesn’t require approval but has specific subcategory restrictions and must comply with cosmetics regulations covered in the Beauty category. The category includes vitamins, supplements, personal hygiene products, medical devices, and health-related items.

Handmade health and personal care products face additional restrictions. They must meet general Amazon Handmade policies and cannot contain cannabis. Adult products need proper flagging and must comply with adult product guidelines.

Over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements fall under this category but may have specific subcategory approval requirements. These products must comply with FDA regulations for dietary supplements and non-prescription drugs.

Medical devices, even basic ones like thermometers or blood pressure monitors, may also require FDA clearance depending on their classification. First aid supplies and basic health monitoring devices typically don’t need approval, but more complex medical equipment might.

Personal care items like toothpaste, deodorants, and hygiene products follow similar safety and labeling requirements to cosmetics. Products containing active ingredients like fluoride in toothpaste or antimicrobials in deodorants need careful attention to regulatory compliance.

Industrial & Scientific

The Industrial & Scientific category requires a Professional selling plan and limits new sellers to ensure product quality and safety. This category serves businesses, contractors, laboratories, and industrial buyers who need specialized equipment and supplies.

You must conduct thorough research to ensure your products comply with local, state, federal, and international regulations. All products need to meet North American safety standards, with resources available through the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada’s Consumer Product Safety divisions.

Amazon strictly enforces that only genuine industrial and scientific supplies belong in this category. Listing products that don’t qualify as industrial or scientific supplies can result in losing your approval to sell in the category entirely.

The category covers laboratory equipment, safety supplies, industrial tools, measuring instruments, electronic components, cleaning supplies for commercial use, and scientific instruments. Products range from basic safety equipment to sophisticated laboratory analyzers costing tens of thousands of dollars.

👉 Learn more in this guide on selling industrial and scientific products.

Office Products

The Office Products category accepts new, certified refurbished, used, and collectible items without requiring approval for the main category, though certain subcategories do require approval. This category serves businesses, home offices, and educational institutions with workplace essentials.

The category covers traditional office supplies like paper, pens, folders, and binders alongside modern workplace technology, including printers, scanners, shredders, and office furniture. Software, computer accessories, and business equipment also fall under this umbrella.

Used office products can be particularly valuable since many businesses upgrade equipment that still has significant useful life. Office chairs, desks, filing cabinets, and electronic equipment often retain functionality well beyond their original purchase. However, condition accuracy becomes crucial since businesses depend on reliable equipment for daily operations.

Outdoors

The Outdoors category accepts new, certified refurbished, and used products without requiring approval for the main category, though certain subcategories do require approval. This category serves outdoor enthusiasts, campers, hikers, hunters, and recreational athletes with gear for outdoor activities.

The category includes camping equipment like tents, sleeping bags, and portable stoves, hiking gear including backpacks and boots, fishing tackle and equipment, hunting supplies, outdoor clothing and footwear, and recreational sports equipment. Seasonal items like snow sports gear and water sports equipment also fall under this category.

Used outdoor gear presents interesting opportunities since quality equipment often maintains functionality for years. Many outdoor enthusiasts upgrade gear regularly or purchase seasonal items they use infrequently, creating a robust used market. However, safety becomes paramount with items like climbing gear, helmets, or life jackets, where wear and damage could pose serious risks.

Seasonal demand patterns affect this category significantly. Camping gear peaks in spring and summer, while snow sports equipment sells primarily in fall and winter. Water sports items follow warm-weather patterns, and hunting equipment sees seasonal spikes around hunting seasons.

Personal Computers

The Personal Computers category accepts new, certified refurbished, and used computers without requiring approval for the main category, though certain subcategories do require approval. This category covers desktops, laptops, tablets, and computer components for both consumer and business markets.

Before selling any computer, you must restore the hard drive and software to the original state using either the included restore discs or by reformatting and reinstalling the original software. This requirement protects both buyers and sellers from data privacy issues and ensures computers function properly upon delivery.

Technical specifications require accuracy since compatibility issues can render computers unusable for buyers’ intended purposes. Operating system licensing, including software and hardware specifications, needs precise documentation.

👉 Learn more in this guide on the Electronics category and selling personal computers.

Pet Supplies

The Pet Supplies category accepts new, certified refurbished, and used products without requiring approval for the main category, though certain subcategories do require approval. This category serves pet owners with everything from food and toys to grooming supplies and accessories.

The category must comply with comprehensive animal and animal-related product regulations. You cannot sell live animals except insects, fish, shellfish, and crustaceans (subject to geographic restrictions). Products made from endangered species, parts from federally protected animals, or items containing ivory are strictly prohibited.

Pet food faces specific restrictions, too. Prescription pet medications require licensed pet pharmacy status, while veterinary diets need veterinary direction confirmation at checkout. Food products must be registered or licensed as required by law, and you cannot sell animal vaccines or products containing shark, whale, dolphin, or porpoise ingredients.

Handmade pet supplies face additional restrictions. Pet food and treats are prohibited in the Handmade category, and all products must be new and authentic. Pet toys with lasers must comply with laser pointer regulations, and products sold by weight or volume need unit count specifications.

👉 Learn more in this guide on animals and animal-related products.

Software

The Software category accepts new and used software but has strict restrictions to prevent piracy and protect intellectual property rights. Only full retail versions of physical software can be sold. No digital downloads, activation codes, or license keys are permitted through any means.

You cannot sell duplicated or copied software, including anything not copied by the original manufacturer. OEM software that comes bundled with hardware can only be sold together with the associated hardware and listed against the hardware ASIN, not separately.

Promotional software, beta versions, freeware, shareware, backup copies, and expired subscription software are all prohibited. These restrictions exist because such software wasn’t intended for retail sale or lacks transferable licenses.

Academic software faces special restrictions. Pre-purchase verification of academic software is prohibited since Amazon can’t verify academic status. Post-purchase verification of academic software is allowed only if the license is transferable and the buyer remains eligible for technical support and upgrades.

👉 Learn more in this guide on selling software.

Toys & Games

The Toys & Games category accepts only new products and collectible items, with certain subcategories requiring approval. Used, open box, repackaged, or refurbished toys are not permitted.

Children’s toys have strict safety requirements. Products intended for children 12 years or younger must comply with ASTM F963-23 toy safety standards and undergo annual third-party testing through certified providers. This includes sensory toys, educational games, pretend play items, infant toys, vehicles, action figures, outdoor play equipment, and electric toys.

Product listings must include specific safety information: manufacturer details, age recommendations, mandatory cautionary statements, and compliance markings. Images must show model numbers, manufacturer information, product labels, hazard warnings, and CPSA tracking labels permanently affixed to products and packaging.

Handmade toys must comply with all children’s product safety laws if intended for kids 12 and under. 

👉 Learn more in this guide on selling children’s toys.

Video Games

The Video Games category accepts new, used, and collectible games, but may require approval for certain products. The category assumes all games are U.S. market products unless otherwise specified, similar to international product requirements in other electronics categories.

New video games must be in full retail packaging unless specifically noted in the title. Bulk packaging, plain white boxes, or other non-retail packaging isn’t allowed without clear disclosure. This protects customers who expect complete retail presentations with original artwork and documentation.

Used games face realistic restrictions regarding downloadable content and activation codes. From “Like New” through “Acceptable” conditions, activation codes for bonus online content may be missing or expired, and downloadable content may not be included. This acknowledges that digital components often can’t be transferred with physical game media.

The “Unacceptable” category specifically mentions games without essential accompanying material, though this doesn’t necessarily include the box or instructions. This suggests that while cosmetic packaging isn’t always essential, core components like the actual game disc or cartridge must be present and functional.

👉 Learn more in these condition guidelines for video games and computer games.

Approval-required categories

These categories require Amazon approval before you can start selling.

Collectible Coins

The Collectible Coins category requires extensive qualifications, and Amazon is no longer accepting new seller applications. Current approved sellers must maintain strict requirements. 

Unless 100% of your inventory comes from legally recognized government mints or is graded by approved services, you need membership in professional organizations like the Professional Numismatist Guild (PNG), Industry Council for Tangible Assets (ICTA), or major grading services.

At least 70% of inventory must be graded by NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) or PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), or come directly from government mints in original packaging. These are the only two accepted professional grading services, ensuring standardized quality assessment.

All coins priced at $1,500 or above must have professional grading from PCGS or NGC. Lower-value coins can be “graded by seller” only if they’re not professionally graded and aren’t in original government packaging.

Only legal tender coins or those issued by government entities qualify. This includes coins no longer in circulation or from governments no longer in power, but excludes privately minted tokens or medallions. Authorized government restrikes are permitted, but replicas, copies, or reproductions are prohibited.

Coins cannot be altered from their original state beyond accepted numismatic preservation or cleaning methods. This protects the integrity and collectible value of the coins.

Image requirements include both obverse and reverse views at 1001+ pixels for zoom functionality, plus detail images for slabbed coins showing labels, edge views, or mint marks.

👉 Learn more in this guide on selling collectible coins.

Entertainment Collectibles

The Entertainment Collectibles category requires approval and only accepts items in “Collectible-Like New” condition. This category covers items like limited edition movie memorabilia, signed photographs, vintage concert posters, promotional materials, trading cards, action figures in original packaging, and other items that have gained value through their connection to entertainment properties.

The “Collectible-Like New” condition requirement means items must be in near-perfect condition with minimal signs of handling or age. This is because of the premium nature of entertainment collectibles where condition significantly impacts value and collector interest.

Items may need documentation proving authenticity, especially for autographed materials or rare promotional items. Also, age and rarity don’t automatically create value—collector demand drives pricing, which can fluctuate based on anniversaries, reboots, or renewed interest in specific franchises.

Fine Art

The Fine Art category requires approval and has limited new seller applications. Amazon restricts this category to ensure authenticity and quality in the high-value art market.

Only specific types of artwork qualify. One-of-a-kind paintings, watercolors, drawings, and two-dimensional mixed media are accepted. Limited edition prints or photographs must be in editions of 200 or fewer, numbered and signed by the artist, or accompanied by certificates of authenticity.

Secondary-sale works with previous ownership history are permitted but require authentication by the seller, proof of purchase or title, and provenance documentation when applicable. Ex-libris prints qualify if they have named artists and meet the edition size requirements.

Three-dimensional artwork, like sculptures, is prohibited, along with textile or anthropological pieces. Mass-produced commercial works that have been hand-painted (“brush to canvas”) don’t qualify, even with named artists. Giclée prints on canvas, promotional posters, and reproductions of existing works are also excluded.

Estate signed editions, plate signed editions, Creative Commons works, editions over 200 pieces, and open editions are not permitted regardless of other qualifications. Products related to art but not artworks themselves—like art books, posters, or artwork printed on clothing—belong in other categories.

👉 Learn more in this guide on the Fine Art category.

Music and DVD

The Music and DVD category requires approval due to authenticity concerns, particularly around counterfeit products. The category includes CDs, vinyl records, DVDs, Blu-rays, and 4K formats, with some products restricted entirely, while others require application approval.

Amazon evaluates applications based on your inventory sources, planned sales volume, and documentation. You must provide your primary inventory sources, the estimated quantity you plan to sell, and at least one invoice from your largest supplier representing the types of products you intend to list.

The invoice requirement helps verify legitimate sourcing since counterfeit music and movies are significant problems in these categories. Amazon specifically rejects pro-forma invoices (advance purchase documents) and requires actual purchase documentation. Providing fabricated documents results in permanent removal of selling privileges.

Used music and DVDs in various conditions are accepted, but the approval process helps ensure sellers understand proper grading and can source legitimate products. The entertainment industry’s complex distribution channels create opportunities for gray market or counterfeit products to enter the supply chain.

👉 Learn more in this guide on selling music and DVD products.

Sports Collectibles

The Sports Collectibles category is highly restricted, and Amazon no longer accepts new seller applications. Existing sellers must maintain strict requirements to continue selling in this specialized market.

Current sellers need Professional selling plans and must keep order defect rates below 0.75%. Most products require authentication or grading from approved third-party services, with only certain factory-sealed trading card items exempt from this requirement.

Amazon recognizes specific authentication services, including major names like PSA/DNA, JSA (James Spence Authentication), Beckett, Steiner Sports, and league-official authenticators like MLB Authenticated. For trading cards, accepted grading companies include PSA, BGS (Beckett Grading Services), BCCG, and SGC (Sportscard Guaranty).

Products must be authentic collectibles that are rare, exclusive, one-of-a-kind, or otherwise unique. Counterfeits, replicas, and knock-offs are strictly prohibited. This requirement reflects the high-value nature of sports memorabilia, where authenticity directly impacts worth.

Image requirements are strict, with photos needing white backgrounds, no watermarks, and a minimum 1000-pixel resolution. Images must be sourced from independent websites or hosting sites, not directly from manufacturer catalogs, helping verify legitimate inventory sources.

👉 Learn more in this guide on selling sports collectibles.

Video, DVD & Blu-ray

The Video, DVD & Blu-ray category requires approval and has performance thresholds that exceed many other categories. You need an Order Defect Rate of 1% or less, Cancellation Rate of 2.5% or less, and Late Shipment Rate of 4% or less. These stricter standards reflect Amazon’s focus on ensuring customer confidence in this category.

Applications require substantial documentation including your primary inventory sources, estimated sales volume, and minimum three invoices or purchase orders from your largest suppliers. Amazon verifies all submitted documents, and providing fabricated paperwork results in permanent loss of selling privileges.

You must also comply with Amazon’s video content policy guidelines, which can change over time. Amazon reserves the right to restrict content availability or take corrective actions including listing cancellations, payment suspension, or removal of selling privileges for policy violations.

👉 Learn more in this guide on selling video, DVD, & Blu-ray.

Watches

The Watches category requires approval and only accepts new products. Sellers need strict performance metrics: Pre-fulfillment cancel rate of 2.5% or less, Order Defect Rate of 1% or less, and Late Shipment Rate of 4% or less. 

Professional selling accounts in good standing are required, along with plans to sell multiple items including variations and colors. All products must be authentic with no counterfeits, replicas, or knock-offs permitted. Sellers must implement quality control and inspection procedures to ensure product authenticity and condition.

Products need manufacturer UPC codes for listing and must meet North American safety standards. This includes compliance with CPSIA requirements for choking hazard warnings and material content limits, particularly relevant for watch components and jewelry elements.

Warranty disclosure is required—sellers must clearly state whether watches carry manufacturer warranties. This transparency helps customers understand their purchase protection and sets appropriate expectations for support and repairs.

👉 Learn more in this guide on selling watches on Amazon.

Ready to take Amazon by storm?

Understanding Amazon’s category structure gives you a strategic advantage in product selection. Start with open categories like Books, Camera & Photo, or Sports to build your seller metrics and experience. These categories let you focus on learning Amazon’s systems without approval delays.

Once you’ve established strong performance metrics, consider approval-required categories where reduced competition can mean higher profit margins. Categories like Watches or Fine Art have fewer sellers precisely because of their restrictions, creating opportunities for approved sellers.

Whatever route you choose, know that navigating Amazon’s category requirements doesn’t have to slow down your business growth. There are solutions like Seller 365 that give you the tools to research, source, and manage products across every category we’ve covered—from straightforward ones like Books to complex approval-required categories like Watches.

Ready to master every Amazon category? Try Seller 365 free for up to 14 days and see how the right tools can accelerate your success across Amazon’s entire marketplace.