Recently, many Amazon sellers on the North American site have encountered a tough situation: previously well‑performing product listings have been taken down without warning, FBA inventory has been marked as unsellable, and account health performance has simultaneously turned red.
Many sellers’ first instinct is to suspect product quality defects. However, after reviewing a large number of real‑world cases, it turns out that a considerable portion of listing removals are not caused by unqualified product hardware, but by sellers still following old compliance practices and failing to understand Amazon’s latest policies for lithium‑battery‑powered smart home and consumer electronic products.
The era of simply uploading a UL report in Seller Central is over. Based on Amazon’s official policy documents, this article provides a full breakdown covering category identification, policy changes, standard matching, documentation pitfalls and on‑the‑ground implementation, to help sellers avoid compliance risks.
I. Which products are subject to the new regulations? Which are exempt?
This policy applies to devices powered by rechargeable lithium‑ion, lithium‑polymer or lithium‑iron‑phosphate batteries, falling into four main categories:
Smart home devices: surveillance cameras, video doorbells, smart locks, motion sensors, electric curtain rollers
Consumer electronics: Bluetooth earphones, Bluetooth speakers, displays
Environmental monitoring devices: air quality monitors, temperature and humidity sensors, radon detectors
Measuring instruments: digital multimeters, current clamps
Products exempt from this policy: Products powered by disposable alkaline batteries, Ni‑MH / Ni‑Cd batteries; pure AC‑powered devices; medical devices, fall‑alert devices; clocks, remote controls, timers; products powered solely by coin or cylindrical cells.
Important reminder: Exemption does not mean full release from compliance obligations. It only means the current TIC direct verification process is not required. Other Amazon compliance requirements such as lithium battery transportation safety still apply. Standalone lithium batteries are not covered by this policy and must follow Amazon’s separate lithium battery regulations.
II. Core Change: DV Direct Verification – Seller Upload Portal Permanently Closed
1. Fundamental shift from old to new compliance models
Old model: Sellers obtained test reports from ISO 17025 accredited laboratories, submitted documents directly in Seller Central, and Amazon completed the review.
New model (permanently effective): Sellers no longer have a portal to upload compliance documents. All materials must be submitted to an Amazon‑authorized TIC body for verification, and verification results are sent directly to Amazon’s system by the body.
2. Two business scenarios
Existing valid test reports: Reports must be issued by an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory within the last 12 months. Submit the full set of documents to an authorized TIC body for validity assessment and verification. Note: Even if the report itself is valid, verification will fail immediately if there are inconsistencies between the report model, product labeling, physical product and listing detail page information. Reports from non‑Amazon‑authorized laboratories must also be reviewed by an authorized TIC body.
No report / expired report: Send samples to an authorized body for a full set of tests. After obtaining a compliance report, proceed with the TIC verification process.
III. Compliance Is Not a One‑Time Effort: Platform Continuous Monitoring Mechanism
Many sellers mistakenly believe that completing TIC verification means they are in the clear. It must be emphasized that compliance is an ongoing requirement, not a one‑time clearance. Amazon conducts random monitoring tests: the platform directly purchases samples from active inventory for blind testing and re‑verification.
If tested samples are found to be inconsistent with submitted samples in terms of structure, materials or key electrical parameters, or if document forgery is discovered, the ASIN will be immediately suspended from sale.
Seller practical recommendations: Mass‑produced goods must be consistent with submitted samples. Fully retain test reports and supply chain records, and establish a complete traceable file.
IV. Mandatory Safety Standards by Product Category
Mandatory standards apply not only to the main device, but also to the bundled lithium battery and charger. Many sellers only certify the main unit and overlook accessory requirements, leading to audit failures.
Product Category | Mandatory Compliance Standard |
Cameras, video doorbells, speakers, earphones, displays | UL/CSA C22.2 No. 623681 |
Environmental monitors, sensors, multimeters, current clamps | UL/CSA C22.2 No. 610101 + UL 610102‑032 / UL 610102‑033 (either one) |
Device‑bundled chargers | UL 1310 / UL 623681 (either one) |
Device‑built‑in lithium batteries | UL 1642 / UL 2054 / UL 62133 (either one); mandatory UN 38.3 transport test report + BTS battery test summary |
V. Mandatory Thresholds for Test Reports and Documentation
Laboratories issuing reports must be ISO 17025 accredited; reports are valid for 12 months.
Reports are only accepted with a conclusion of Pass or N/A (Not Applicable); reports indicating failure, non‑compliance, or blank test conclusions will be rejected outright.
User manuals and warning labels must be in the language of the target sales site; packaging images must fully show all sides of the product.
For products sold as a set, each individual item in the set must have its own corresponding compliance document.
Tampering with, Photoshop‑editing or AI‑generating test materials is strictly prohibited; confirmed violations will result in platform penalties.
VI. Practical Action Guide for Sellers by Scenario
A、Existing active ASINs
Category screening: Verify whether your products fall under the scope of the new regulations.
With valid reports: Engage an Amazon‑authorized TIC body to complete document verification and finish the DV verification process.
Expired, missing reports, or non‑recognized laboratories: Arrange sample re‑testing as soon as possible.
Improve backend information: Complete product model numbers, part numbers, brand and manufacturer information; submit commercial insurance COI certificates for verification.
B、New products to be listed
Design products against safety standards from the R&D stage, rather than adding certification after mass production, to avoid extra costs from later tooling changes.
Prepare samples in advance and complete the full set of safety tests.
Complete TIC third‑party DV verification before listing, to avoid the risk of immediate delisting after launch.
VII. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: If my product is in an exempt category, do I need to worry about compliance at all?
A: No. Exemption only means the current DV direct verification process is not required. Products must still comply with Amazon’s other safety policies and local regulations. Regular self‑audits for risks are recommended.
Q: I have a report from an ISO 17025 laboratory – can I complete verification directly?
A: The report itself is valid, but it must be submitted to an Amazon‑authorized TIC body for review. If the issuing laboratory is not on Amazon’s whitelist, an authorized body must also conduct a re‑check for confirmation.
Q: Is TIC verification permanently valid once completed?
A: Reports are only valid for 12 months. If the product undergoes design changes or key component replacements, re‑testing and verification are recommended even before expiration.
Q: Can an ASIN removed due to verification failure be reinstated?
A: Yes. You must supplement all required compliance documents, resolve all issues for that ASIN, and successfully pass TIC verification before the listing can be sold again. Details of issues can be viewed in the Unresolved section of Account Health.
Amazon’s regulatory logic for lithium‑powered products has evolved from “report submission” to a full‑chain compliance system covering R&D, testing and mass production. Numerous cases show that listing removal does not necessarily mean poor product quality; more often it stems from procedural missteps and overlooked details.
Sellers are advised to regularly review lithium‑powered smart home and consumer electronics ASINs in their stores, and complete compliance screening as early as possible – do not wait for the platform to trigger an audit before rushing to remedy the situation.
