Amazon Ungated Categories 2024 Guide

Unlocking Open Categories on Amazon: A Guide for New Sellers

In our previous post, we discussed gated categories and how to use Amazon’s ungating service to sell restricted products. In this article, we will focus on Amazon’s open categories—those that don’t require approval to sell. This guide is especially helpful for new sellers who are looking for ungated ASINs to begin their journey.

While many search for "Ungated Categories on Amazon," most resources focus on gated categories and the ungating process. Finding detailed and beginner-friendly content can be a challenge.

If you aim for higher profits, selling restricted categories with low competition and higher margins is essential. However, open categories are a great starting point for new sellers, offering a more accessible path.

In this article, we’ll define what an open category is in Amazon FBA, explain the differences between gated and open categories, and provide a list of more than 20 ungated categories you can sell in without needing special permission.

What is an Ungated Category?

If you’ve tried selling products on Amazon, you may have encountered certain categories or products that are off-limits. These restricted, or "gated," categories can be a hurdle for new sellers.

Typically, new sellers start with ungated categories that do not require Amazon’s approval. These open categories are accessible to all sellers from the start.

Amazon restricts certain categories to protect customers from counterfeit or subpar products, helping maintain trust in the platform. To sell in gated categories, sellers need to prove their reliability and meet specific requirements.

Why Are Some Categories Restricted on Amazon?

Amazon restricts categories for various reasons, including concerns about customer safety, legal issues, and product authenticity. Some items may be illegal to sell in certain regions, while others require seller approval due to potential risks to the buyer’s experience.

For example, items like stamps, fine art, and precious jewelry can be easily counterfeited, leading to potential copyright infringement. Amazon prioritizes customer satisfaction, which is why it places strict controls on products that could harm that experience, whether through quality issues or fraud.

Selling in gated categories means proving you can provide genuine, high-quality products. This is what the ungating process is all about—demonstrating your trustworthiness to Amazon.

Gated vs. Ungated Categories: What’s the Difference?

As mentioned, Amazon restricts certain categories to protect both customers and the platform's reputation. Sellers who wish to sell products in these gated categories must meet higher standards.

For new sellers, ungated categories are the way to go. While the competition in ungated categories is often higher, these categories still offer a solid foundation for beginners.

Once you’ve built your performance metrics and established a trustworthy track record, you can begin to unlock gated categories through Amazon’s ungating process.

What Are Open Categories?

Amazon offers more than 20 open categories, meaning you don’t need permission to sell products in these areas. However, some categories only allow new products to be listed, while others may accept used or refurbished items.

It’s important to note that while categories may be open, certain brands or specific products within them may still be gated. Moreover, Amazon’s policies on open and gated categories can change frequently, so staying updated is crucial for sellers.

Here’s a list of popular ungated Amazon categories:

Product Category	Example Products
Amazon Kindle	Kindle accessories, audiobooks, digital books
Beauty	Skincare, makeup, fragrance, haircare
Baby Products	Diapers, bottles, toys, baby accessories
Books	Books, calendars, journals, card decks
Business Products (B2B)	Office supplies, printers, business furniture
Beauty Tools & Accessories	Hair brushes, skincare tools, bags, cases
Camera & Photo	Cameras, binoculars, camcorders, tripods
Cell Phones	Mobile phones, phone accessories
Clothing & Accessories	Shoes, belts, jackets, wallets
Consumer Electronics	Audio equipment, personal computers, cameras
Fashion Jewelry	Costume jewelry, bracelets, earrings
Grocery & Gourmet Food	Groceries, snacks, gourmet food items
Home & Garden	Furniture, decor, outdoor products, kitchen supplies
Industrial & Scientific Products	Laboratory equipment, printers, medical supplies
Luggage & Travel Accessories	Backpacks, luggage, travel cases
Musical Instruments	Guitars, amplifiers, microphones, keyboards
Office Products	Office supplies, paper, pens, furniture
Outdoors	Camping gear, outdoor clothing, cycling accessories
Shoes, Handbags & Sunglasses	Footwear, handbags, sunglasses
Software & Computer Games	PC games, software, computer programs
Sports	Exercise equipment, team sports gear, fishing accessories
Tools & Home Improvement	Power tools, plumbing supplies, building materials
Toys & Games	Board games, dolls, action figures, puzzles
Video Games & Consoles	Consoles, video games, gaming accessories

Popular Ungated Categories for New Sellers

For new sellers, certain categories are especially appealing due to their broad market and lack of restrictions. Here are a few top ungated categories:

1. Books – You can list books without approval unless they are rare or collectible.

2. Baby Products – Baby care items like accessories, diapers, and shampoos are ungated.

3. Amazon Kindle – Self-published books or audiobooks on Kindle don’t require approval.

4. Beauty Products – Skincare and beauty products are popular and easily sold without restrictions.

5. Cell Phones & Accessories – Phones, cases, and other accessories don’t require special permission.

6. Home & Garden – Items like garden tools, furniture, and décor are open to all sellers.

7. Pet Supplies – A growing market for pet food, toys, and accessories, perfect for new sellers.

How to Get Ungated in Amazon Categories?

Becoming ungated on Amazon is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can start:

1. Sign up for an Amazon Professional Seller account. This costs $39.99 per month.

2. Go to Seller Central and click “Inventory,” then “Add a Product.”

3. Search for the gated product you wish to sell. You can use the ASIN, product name, or brand to find it.

4. Click “Apply to Sell” and then “Request Approval.” Note that Amazon may not accept requests for all subcategories.

5. Provide the necessary documents such as invoices, letters from manufacturers, and proof of authenticity.

The process for becoming ungated varies by category, but generally, Amazon will ask for documentation to verify your products and ensure you meet their quality standards.

Final Thoughts

Not all products or categories are available to every seller, but as a beginner, you can start with open categories to get your foot in the door. Over 20 categories are available for you to explore, and as you grow, you can unlock more gated categories to scale your business.

By understanding the difference between gated and ungated categories and strategically using the open categories, you can build a strong foundation and eventually grow into more specialized areas. Stay informed about Amazon’s policies, and you’ll be well on your way to building a successful business.