Selling on Amazon can be a great way to reach a large audience and expand your business. However, getting ungated to sell certain products or in certain categories can be a challenging process. The process of ungating products can vary between different Amazon marketplaces, and it's important for sellers to understand the differences between ungating on Amazon.com versus other Amazon marketplaces. In this blog, we'll discuss the differences between ungating products on Amazon.com versus other Amazon marketplaces.

Ungating on Amazon.com:

Amazon.com is the largest Amazon marketplace and the most competitive. The process of ungating on Amazon.com can be lengthy and complex. Sellers must meet specific requirements and provide detailed documentation to prove their compliance with Amazon's policies and guidelines.

Amazon.com has strict requirements for ungating in certain categories, such as health and personal care, beauty, and grocery. To get ungated in these categories, sellers must provide documentation such as certificates of analysis, invoices, and labeling information. Amazon may also require sellers to obtain certain certifications, such as FDA registration or USDA Organic certification.

The process of ungating on Amazon.com can take several weeks or even months. Sellers must be patient and provide all necessary documentation to increase their chances of success. Amazon also has a team of experts who review ungating applications, and sellers must meet their standards to get ungated.

Ungating on Other Amazon Marketplaces:

Other Amazon marketplaces, such as Amazon UK, Amazon Germany, and Amazon Japan, have different requirements for ungating. The process of ungating on these marketplaces can also be lengthy and complex, but the requirements may vary depending on the marketplace.

For example, Amazon UK has similar requirements for ungating in certain categories as Amazon.com, but the documentation requirements may differ. Amazon Germany may have different requirements for ungating in certain categories, such as electronics and toys. Similarly, Amazon Japan has specific requirements for ungating in categories such as food and beauty.

Sellers who wish to sell on other Amazon marketplaces must research the specific requirements for ungating in each marketplace. They should also be prepared to provide documentation that meets the specific requirements of each marketplace.

Key Differences between Ungating on Amazon.com and Other Amazon Marketplaces:

Documentation Requirements:

The documentation requirements for ungating can vary between Amazon.com and other Amazon marketplaces. While Amazon.com has strict requirements for ungating in certain categories, other marketplaces may have different requirements. Sellers must research the specific requirements for each marketplace and provide accurate and complete documentation.

For example, in the UK, sellers may need to provide proof of compliance with British Standards Institute (BSI) standards for certain products, such as electrical appliances. In Germany, sellers may need to provide documentation to demonstrate compliance with the EU's Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive for Electronics.

Process Time:

The process time for ungating can also vary between Amazon.com and other Amazon marketplaces. While the process of ungating on Amazon.com can take several weeks or even months, the process on other marketplaces may be faster or slower depending on the specific marketplace.

For example, the process of ungating in the UK may take up to six weeks, while the process of ungating in Japan can take several months. Sellers must research the specific process time for each marketplace and be prepared to wait.

Expert Review:

Amazon.com has a team of experts who review ungating applications, and sellers must meet their standards to get ungated. Other Amazon marketplaces may not have the same level of expert review, which can make the ungating process easier or more difficult depending on the marketplace 

For example, Amazon Germany has an "Amazon Partner Network" program that provides support and advice to sellers. This program can help sellers navigate the ungating process and provide guidance on compliance with German regulations.

Cultural and Legal Differences:

Different Amazon marketplaces may have cultural and legal differences that affect the ungating process. For example, labeling requirements may differ between marketplaces, and sellers must comply with the specific requirements of each marketplace.

In addition, sellers must comply with local laws and regulations when selling in different Amazon marketplaces. For example, in the UK, sellers must comply with the Consumer Rights Act and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). In Germany, sellers must comply with the German Civil Code and the German Data Protection Act.

Conclusion:

Ungating products on Amazon can be a challenging process, but understanding the differences between ungating on Amazon.com and other Amazon marketplaces can make the process easier. Sellers must research the specific requirements for each marketplace, provide accurate and complete documentation, and be patient throughout the process. They must also be aware of the cultural and legal differences between marketplaces and ensure that their products meet the specific requirements of each marketplace. By understanding these differences and taking a strategic approach, sellers can expand their business across different Amazon marketplaces and reach a broader customer base.