5 min read

Amazon Listing Compliance: How to Prevent Suppression

Written by
Vanessa Hung
September 16, 2025

Amazon listing compliance is no longer optional, it’s critical. A single wrong word or unsupported claim can get your listing suppressed or even flag your account for review. From restricted keywords to strict product safety documentation, Amazon’s compliance models are smarter and stricter than ever in 2025.

In this blog, we’ll break down why compliance matters, which keywords trigger suppression, how to use Amazon’s Manage Your Compliance Dashboard, and provide pro tips to keep your listings safe, compliant, and visible.

1. What Is Amazon Listing Compliance

Amazon listing compliance ensures that your products meet Amazon’s safety, policy, and regulatory standards. It involves following Amazon’s restricted keyword policies to prevent suppressed listings, submitting the required product compliance documentation to meet marketplace regulations, and avoiding unsupported claims such as “safe,” “guaranteed,” or “detox” that could trigger violations.

Additionally, maintaining up-to-date certifications for regulated categories is essential to remain compliant and protect your listings from potential flags or account-level actions.

Related: Best Practices in Amazon Product Listing Optimization

2. Why Listing Compliance Matters

Compliance is about more than avoiding suppressed listings, it’s about trust. Amazon expects sellers to:

  • Provide accurate and substantiated claims.
  • Avoid prohibited phrases and misleading descriptions.
  • Maintain valid certifications for sensitive products.

A single non-compliant phrase can:

  • Hide your product from search results.
  • Trigger an account-level warning.
  • Lead to policy violations affecting your Account Health.

External Resource: Amazon Product Safety and Compliance Guidelines

3. Common Restricted Keywords That Trigger Suppression

Amazon automatically scans listings for risky or unsupported language. Here are examples of commonly flagged keywords by category:

Table of Amazon restricted keywords by category and suppression reasons.
S.O.S. tip graphic: validate claims with third-party certifications to avoid suppression.

4. How to Use the Manage Your Compliance Dashboard

Amazon’s Manage Your Compliance Dashboard centralizes all your product compliance tasks into one powerful tool, making it easier to stay on top of Amazon’s evolving requirements. Instead of juggling multiple dashboards or email notifications, this platform streamlines every aspect of compliance management.

One of its most valuable features is the bulk document upload function, which allows sellers to submit compliance documentation for up to 5,000 ASINs at once. This is a game-changer for brands with large catalogs, as it eliminates the need for repetitive, one-by-one submissions. Sellers can also use the dashboard for appeal management, meaning if your documentation is rejected or flagged, you can quickly submit corrections without losing time.

Another critical benefit is compliance status tracking by SKU, giving you full visibility into which products are in good standing and which are missing required documentation. The dashboard highlights at-risk ASINs, helping you prioritize urgent compliance issues that could affect your sales the most. By consolidating compliance and appeals into one system, sellers save time and reduce the risk of oversight that could lead to suppressed listings.

External Resource: Manage Your Compliance Dashboard

Related: Amazon Seller Account Troubleshooting: My Listing Is Not Showing Up

5. Step-by-Step Guide to Avoid Listing Suppression

Step 1: Audit Your Listings Regularly

Routine audits are the first line of defense against listing suppression. Use Amazon’s Listing Quality Dashboard to review product titles, descriptions, and backend keywords. Check for restricted terms, unsupported claims, or formatting violations that could trigger suppression. A proactive audit ensures that non-compliant content is caught early, reducing the chance of sudden listing removal.

Step 2: Validate Compliance Documents

Product documentation is at the heart of compliance. Use Amazon’s Compliance Reference Tool to confirm the regulatory requirements for your product type. For example, supplements may need FDA documentation, while toys may require safety certificates. Submitting only valid and up-to-date certificates ensures Amazon accepts your documentation without delays. Non-validated or outdated certificates are among the top reasons for suppressed listings.

Step 3: Handle Violations Promptly

If you receive a compliance alert, speed is critical. Amazon typically gives sellers 72 hours to address violations before listings are automatically suppressed. Respond quickly by reviewing the violation notice, correcting errors, and submitting the required documents via the Manage Your Compliance Dashboard. Failing to act promptly not only risks suppression but can also impact your overall Account Health, making reinstatement harder.

Related: Was Your Listing or Account Suppressed? Here’s How to Create a Plan of Action

S.O.S. tip graphic: audit listings monthly to avoid suppression.

6. Pro Tips for High-Risk Categories

Categories like supplements, cosmetics, and pesticides have zero tolerance for unsupported claims:

  • Avoid making any health-related claims without FDA-approved documentation.
  • Never use phrases like “guaranteed results” or “clinically proven” without evidence.

Always review Amazon’s restricted keyword list before updating listings.

S.O.S. tip graphic: high-risk products require certifications before listing.

Amazon listing compliance is not optional, it’s an ongoing process. Sellers who master compliance can:

  • Avoid suppressed listings and policy violations.
  • Build trust with Amazon and customers.
  • Maximize product visibility and conversions.

Online Seller Solutions specializes in Amazon compliance support, from keyword audits to Plan of Action creation.

Need help protecting your listings? Book your free consultation today.

7. Final Thoughts:

Amazon listing compliance is not optional, it’s an ongoing process. Sellers who master compliance can:

  • Avoid suppressed listings and policy violations.
  • Build trust with Amazon and customers.
  • Maximize product visibility and conversions.

Online Seller Solutions specializes in Amazon compliance support, from keyword audits to Plan of Action creation.

Take Your Amazon Business to New Heights

FAQs

01
What is Amazon listing compliance?
02
How do restricted keywords affect my listings?
03
How can I find compliance requirements for my products?
04
What if my listing gets suppressed?
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How can OSS help with Amazon listing compliance?

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