How Amazon Product Compliance Documentation Works

From time to time, Amazon requires sellers to submit product compliance documentation. In mid-2020, Amazon Europe started notifying sellers about product compliance requests. In 2021, Amazon US sellers received that same notice.

But what is this all about?

Well, it means that sellers must prove that their products meet certain requirements, and this must be accompanied with visual proof.

Today, we’ll tell you how to manage product compliance documentation for Amazon. 

What is Compliance Documentation?

Let’s define what Amazon compliance documentation is.

First off, it means complying with any local, state or federal policies related to the selling of specific items.

Additionally, sellers must provide proof that their products are safe for customer use.

For example:

• Photos and descriptions
• Manuals and instructions
• Safety usage rules
• Third-party inspections
• Relevant certifications

Amazon requires that brands submit such documents to verify product compliance. The goal is to assure customers that they are buying safe items.

But there is a slight issue. Not all sellers are aware of the documents they should submit to Amazon.

Here, we’ve compiled the most relevant compliance documentation for Amazon. Let’s dive right in.

Note: Always review all legal requisites before committing any compliance data to Amazon.

Compliance Documentation for Amazon

Children’s Product Certificate (CPC)

CPC certificates should include the following data: 

• Product description 
• Safety rules for use of the item
• Place and date of testing for the consumer safety rules (as listed in the CPC)
• Name, address and phone number of the testing laboratory
• Contact data of the holder of the test records
• Month, year, country, and region of manufacturing
• Contact data of the product importer or manufacturer

General Certificate of Conformity (GCC)

GCC documentation requires the following info: 

• Product description
• Applicable safety rules for the item
• Place and date of testing for the consumer safety rules, as listed in the GCC
• Name, address and phone number of the testing laboratory
• Contact data for the holder of the test records in favor of the GCC
• Month, year, country and region of manufacturing
• Contact data of the product importer or manufacturer 

Test Reports from ISO 17025 Accredited Labs

Amazon requires testing reports from ISO 17025 laboratories on specific items, such as dietary supplements. If that’s your case, here’s what you should submit: 

• Product description, image, make and model number
• Name and address of applicant
• Business name of the test requester
• Proof of compliance for all sections of the relevant safety standard
• Age grading for children’s items
• Manufacturer’s name and contact info

Note: Submit the report in a non-editable layout, like a PDF file or a scanned image.

Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) Compliance Documentation

Amazon also accepts compliance certificates issued by an NRTL. Here’s what the documents must contain:

• Item description, image, make and model number
• Product label image
• Applicant’s name and address
• Business name of the test requester
• Proof of compliance of applicable safety standards
• Age grading for children’s items
• Manufacturer’s name and contact info

Note: Upload NRTL documents in a non-editable format.

Registration Cards and Tracking Labels

Some products may require registration cards. In such cases, upload the following. 

• Name and contact data of the manufacturer or private label supplier
• Date of product manufacture
• Product model name and number
• Postage-Paid

For tracking labels, sellers must provide: 

• Name and contact data of the manufacturer or private label supplier
• Date and place of manufacture
• Information about the manufacturing process
• Relevant data to determine the product source

Compliance Markings

The marketplace may request compliance markings for some products. For example, tracking labels for children’s items, or FFC markings for electronics.

In that case, make sure you provide proof that all tags are appropriate for the item. Your manufacturer or testing lab can help you select the appropriate markings.

Product Manuals and Instructions

Upload full copies of product instructions in manuals, if required. This includes safety statements, compliance markings, or hazard warnings.

In short, submit all relevant data not included in the product itself.

Product Safety Policy

What happens if you fail to comply? Amazon may block your listings, or even remove them from the marketplace.

That’s why Amazon requests product compliance documentation. Plus, the practice ensures customers can get safe products at all times.

Now, what if one of your ASINs gets blocked? Amazon will notify you to help you fix the situation. Here’s what the marketplace will request:

• The most recent safety and compliance documents for the product
• A list of supporting records for all manufacture or design changes (since the last product testing)
• ISO-9001 certificate documentation (if applicable) 
• Recent in-line inspection reports. These should state the reasons for item rejection, and the relevant quality limits

Sellers must respond within 7 days of the initial notice to reactivate ASINs. Otherwise, Amazon will not reinstate the product listings. Plus, the marketplace will dispose of your inventory.

Amazon Compliance Audit Tools

Merchants can find Amazon compliance requests on Seller Central. You can find all notices in the Amazon Health Dashboard.

Here, you can go to Product Compliance Requests to review all documentation requests.

To complete each enquiry, access Manage to Compliance.

This tool is fairly new to Amazon. Sellers can use it to submit documents, appeals and product attributes.

There, you can see all policy requirements, based on the location of each listing.

• Product compliance requisites to meet in the selling territory.
• Case filter to attend to the most time-sensitive compliance actions.
• Bulk data submissions for up to 5000 ASINs.

Another great app you can use to stay on top of your documentation is the Compliance Reference Tool.

The tool is also accessible through Seller Central. 

Here’s how it works: 

1. Go to Compliance Reference. 
2. Choose the product’s country of origin, and the selling territory. 
3. Submit a keyword or product category to find the relevant compliance policies. 
4. Click on Help Content, and then on View Compliance.
5. Review all compliances for a specific item. 

It’s ideal to meet all policy requisites on prohibited items or dangerous goods.

Final Thoughts

The retail giant expects all sellers to provide safe products in all territories. So, keep track of your compliance requisites. Both Amazon and your clients will thank you for it.

Proper compliance documentation will only boost your credibility. Additionally, you’ll earn the customer’s trust, and also keep a solid presence in Amazon.

Author

Esteban Muñoz is an SEO copywriter at AMZ Advisers, with several years’ experience in digital marketing and e-commerce. Esteban and the AMZ Advisers team have been able to achieve incredible growth on the Amazon platform for their clients by optimizing and managing their accounts and creating in-depth content marketing strategies.