Casestudy – Successful Resolution of a Restricted Product Suspension (1st Appeal)

Name: Amazon Suspension Appeal
Brand: The Appeal Guru
Rating: 5 (1235 reviews)

Box containing hazardous items like a flammable liquid container, a bottle, and a smartphone, symbolizing restricted products and compliance issues relevant to Amazon account suspensions.

Client Background

Our client’s account was deactivated by Amazon after listing products flagged as restricted in a specific marketplace. The challenge was to understand the underlying reasons for the restriction and develop a comprehensive strategy to appeal the suspension.

Suspension Reason Challenges

The product listed by the client was classified as an automotive defeat device, which is illegal under Title II of the Clean Air Act as it bypasses emission control systems, contributing to environmental pollution. An error in the client’s barcode mapping process led to the product being mistakenly linked to automotive defeat devices. This misclassification occurred due to keyword and title mismatches in their internal software. This led to the suspension of the Amazon account leading to loss in sales, restricted access to funds and inability to sell on Amazon.

Our Appeal Strategy

Group analyzing data and charts on a laptop during a meeting, focusing on research and strategy for Amazon product listing compliance.

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Step 1: Comprehensive Research and Analysis

ASIN Analysis

Conducted a detailed examination of the ASINs to understand the specific products flagged as restricted.

Policy Investigation

Researched Amazon’s marketplace-specific policies and guidelines to identify the reason for the product restriction. “This product may interfere with the proper operation of a vehicle’s emissions control systems which violates Title II of the Clean Air Act. Amazon policy prohibits the sale of products that violate the Clean Air Act, including products intended to defeat, bypass or shut down emission control devices.”

Communication with Amazon

Made multiple calls to Amazon Seller Support to gain clarity on the specific restriction and gather actionable insights.

Independent Research

Consulted government websites and relevant legal resources to understand external regulations and restrictions affecting the product category. (Clean Air Act Overview, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, EPA Air Enforcement on Mobile Sources et).

Step 2: Formulating an Argument for the Appeal

Root Cause Analysis

Identified the core issue as a listing error by the client. Acknowledged the violation and accepted responsibility for the mistake.

Corrective and Preventive Measures

Based on the findings, developed a robust plan of action focused on listing accuracy to prevent future violations.

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Step 3: Crafting and Refining the Appeal

Created an appeal based on factual research and insights from communication with Amazon.

Emphasized the seller’s commitment to compliance and detailed a comprehensive root cause argument acknowledging the listing error.

Highlighted corrective measures already implemented and preventive measures planned to avoid recurrence.

Step 4: Continuous Follow-Up and Revisions

Consistent Calls with Amazon

Engaged in ongoing discussions with Amazon Seller Support to explore potential solutions and clarify concerns.

Problem-Solving Discussions

Collaborated with Amazon representatives to identify additional elements to strengthen the appeal.

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Process, Outcome & Results

The client’s account was reactivated with the submission of just 1 appeal. I began by thoroughly analyzing the ASINs to understand the products and identify why Amazon had flagged them as restricted in that particular marketplace. I reached out to Amazon’s support team to gain clarity on the restriction and conducted in-depth research using government websites and relevant policy links to compile comprehensive insights.

Based on this research and an assessment of the client’s product listing practices, I formulated a well-structured appeal. Recognizing that root cause analysis is critical for restricted product cases, I acknowledged the client’s listing error, accepted responsibility, and presented targeted corrective and preventive measures focused on addressing and preventing such mistakes in the future.

This meticulous and research-driven approach was pivotal in achieving a successful resolution. These steps ensure that the business is fully aligned with Amazon’s policies and that such violations will not re-occur.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Dealing with restricted product suspensions on Amazon can be complex and overwhelming. Our team specializes in crafting effective, research-driven appeals with a strong focus on root cause analysis and compliance strategies. With a proven track record of successful reinstatements, we help you navigate Amazon’s policies and secure long-term compliance. Contact us today for tailored solutions designed to get your account back on track and safeguard your business operations.