Amazon Ungated Categories 2025 Guide

If you search “Ungated Categories on Amazon,” you will find many results that explain gated categories and how to make your seller account ungated! It’s hard to find a detailed and comprehensive guide for newbies.

Although if you expect more profit, you must sell restricted categories with low competition and higher profit margins, selling open categories and products is a good start for new sellers.

In this article, we will explain what an open category on Amazon FBA Business is; then break down the differences between gated and open categories; finally, we list more than 20 ungated categories you can sell without permission.

What Is An Ungated Category?

If you have ever tried selling products on Amazon, you may have realized you cannot sell certain categories or products. These restricted – or gated- categories are a challenge for new sellers.

So usually, the new sellers start their business with ungated categories that don’t need approval from Amazon.

Amazon has restricted certain categories to protect its customers from counterfeit products and keep its brand reliable. So if you want to sell gated categories, you must prove you are trustworthy.

Why Are Some Categories Restricted on Amazon?

Amazon restricts (or gates) categories simply because there are reasons to be cautious about them. Some products are illegal to sell in some regions or require the seller to be approved before listing them. Why? One common factor is the product can potentially harm the buyer experience. Almost all products can be faked, but some can be duplicated in a way that violates copyrights. These include postage stamps, fine art, precious jewelry, etc.

Amazon puts the customer first and cares a lot about how they experience each purchase. That is why the platform has set strict rules for products that can decrease customer satisfaction (by being fake, arriving broken, not working, etc.). This way, it can go over the history and sales record of the seller and let them sell the product only if they are fit to do this. So ungating Amazon products and categories means proving to the platform that you can sell a product genuinely.

What Is the Difference Between Gated And Ungated Categories?

Understanding the difference between these two types of categories is very important, especially for beginner sellers in 2025.

In brief, the website SmartScout says that ungated categories are open to all sellers. You don’t need to take any special steps, like providing licenses or documents, to list your products. But gated categories require Amazon’s approval before you can list and sell anything in them.

In the comparison table below, we’ll show the differences between gated and ungated categories based on different factors, such as whether approval is needed, the level of competition, the risk of selling counterfeit items and more.

After reviewing the table, you’ll have a clear understanding of how these two types of categories differ and which one might be right for your selling strategy.

What Are the Benefits of Selling in Open Categories?

Maybe you’re wondering why ungated categories are so important, especially for beginner sellers? To answer this, we can highlight several key benefits.
The first benefit is that if you choose open categories, you can start selling immediately and don’t need to wait for Amazon’s approval. The second one is that you don’t need any special documents or licenses to list your products. This factor can help you launch your business more easily, without unnecessary complexity. Also, you’ll have access to a wider product selection. Amazon currently offers over 20 open categories, so you can choose from these based on your skills, budget, and preferences.
One of the most important advantages for beginner sellers is that, by focusing on open categories, you can concentrate on learning how to sell on Amazon and how to improve your profit. Because these categories don’t require approval or extra paperwork, you can spend your time and energy learning the platform instead of trying to get ungated.
And finally, another great benefit of open categories is that you can generate cash quickly. Since you don’t need approval, your products can be listed and sold right away, which means you can earn profits faster.
It’s true that these categories have high competition because they’re accessible to all sellers and you’ll need to find creative ways to stand out, but for your first steps in online arbitrage, especially if you have no experience yet, choosing these categories is a smart move. They allow you to start small, build confidence, and eventually expand into more competitive or gated categories once you’re ready.

What Are the Open Categories? (2025 Update)

It is true that the categories listed above are generally open to all sellers, but some specific subcategories may still be gated. For example, one of the most important things to note is that in the Beauty category, topicals such as creams, often require approval. Also, some other categories, like Automotives, are highly restricted. 

Keep in mind that Amazon frequently updates its selling policies, and this list does not guarantee future access. To get the latest and most accurate information, you should regularly review Seller Central or check the Policy Updates section.

Top Gated Categories in 2025

It’s very important to know which gated categories are trending in 2025, especially if you want to adjust your strategy and follow new market trends. Choosing the right gated category can help you grow your business more efficiently. Below is a list of popular gated categories in 2025, along with some initial information to help you get started:

1) Automotive & Powersports

This category includes car parts, motorcycle and ATV accessories. Due to safety and fitment concerns, Amazon requires approval before listing these products. Only trusted sellers are allowed. 

2) Jewelry

Not all jewelry is gated, but high-value or fine jewelry made from precious metals, gemstones or gold usually requires approval. 

3) Luxury Watches

Branded and high-end watches are considered gated because of the risk of counterfeiting. Amazon sets strict limits to protect buyers. Approval usually involves invoices and sometimes brand authorization.

4) Collectible Coins

This may be a lesser-known category, but collectible coins and currency are gated due to their high value and demand. 

5) Fine Art

Some might assume fine art is an open category, but it’s actually highly restricted. Amazon only works with vetted sellers and professional galleries. New seller submissions have been closed for 2025, so only existing, approved sellers can continue listing here. Approval typically requires proof of art authority and a verified gallery portfolio.

6) Food

Especially for perishable or ingestible items, Amazon requires strict approval to ensure food safety. Because these products affect human or pet health, only sellers with proper documentation and compliance can sell them.

7) Health & Personal Care

This category has been gated for years and remains so in 2025. It includes vitamins, dietary supplements, creams, ointments and other topical products. Selling in this category requires compliance with safety regulations, lab testing or product certificates.

It is important to note that this list isn’t exhaustive. Other popular gated categories that you can also see in forceget.com website include:

• Toys & Games (especially during the holiday season)
• Sexual Wellness
• Sports Collectibles
• Professional Medical Supplies

For the most up-to-date list and requirements, always refer to the official Amazon Seller Central or check Amazon’s Policy Updates section regularly.

How to Get Ungated in Amazon Categories?

The application to become ungated on Amazon is very straightforward. First of all, sign up for an Amazon Professional Seller account. The monthly subscription fee is $39.99. Then you need to follow the below steps:

1) Go to “Seller Central,” then choose “Inventory.” Then, choose to Add a Product.

2) Look for the gated product in the category, subcategory, or brand you wish to sell. It is possible to find the product by ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number), name, and brand.

3) Across from the product in the search results, click on “Apply to sell.”

4) Now, you can ask for approval by clicking “Request Approval.” You have to consider Amazon doesn’t accept any requests for specific subcategories.

The specific documents you need to show to Amazon are different and related to the category you’re applying for. But most often, you need to submit invoices and sometimes letters of authorization.

The most common document Amazon asks for is a purchase invoice from a wholesaler or manufacturer. This is a very typical requirement, and Amazon usually wants to see at least one or more invoices dated within the last 90 to 180 days. These documents prove that you purchased the products and that they are legitimate. In general, Amazon requires invoices showing at least 10 units of each product in gated categories. For example, if you’re applying to sell in the health category, you’ll need an invoice for at least 10 units of supplements. It’s important to note that the invoice must be from an official manufacturer or distributor, retail receipts from stores like Walmart are not accepted by Amazon.

Each invoice should clearly show:

• Your business name and address
• Contact information
• Invoice date and invoice number
• Product name and quantity

Another document you might need for ungating is a Letter of Authorization, especially for brands or sensitive categories. This letter should be on official letterhead from the brand, stating you are approved to sell their products on Amazon.

Product compliance documents may also be required. For example, in the food category, you might need FDA approval or lab test certificates. Sometimes Amazon also asks for clear photos of the product and packaging. These photos should show the barcode, serial number, or any important labeling that proves the product matches the invoice.

Finally, Seller Performance Metrics also play an important role in the ungating process. Amazon looks at metrics like Order Defect Rate and late shipment rate to evaluate your seller account.

Final Thoughts

All the products and categories are not available for selling for all the sellers. It has several reasons, but the important point is that as a beginner, you need open products to sell.

There are more than 20 categories that you can use. But to be a professional and scale your business, you need to use more gated categories gradually. If you wanna know more about Amazon FBA & online arbitrage deals, follow our weblog’s articles.

FAQ

What’s the difference between open and restricted categories on Amazon?
Open categories let sellers list products without prior approval, while restricted categories require Amazon’s approval and documentation before listing.

Do open categories still require product approval?
No, most products in open categories can be listed immediately, though some individual ASINs might still have restrictions or brand gating.

Can I sell in open categories without a professional account?
Yes, individual sellers can sell in open categories, but having a professional plan offers more tools and better exposure for your listings.

Do open categories have fewer return disputes?
Not necessarily, open categories still follow Amazon’s A-to-Z Guarantee, and return disputes depend more on product type and customer experience.

Are there limits on how many listings I can create in open categories?
New sellers may face temporary listing quantity limits, even in open categories, until they build sales history and account trust.

Can brands still be gated inside open categories?
Yes, even within open categories, certain brands may be restricted and require separate approval to sell.

Why would Amazon remove a product from an open category?
If a listing violates Amazon’s policies, includes counterfeit goods, or gets too many complaints, it may be removed—even in open categories.

Do open categories change over time?
Yes, Amazon occasionally moves product types between open and restricted categories based on risk, abuse reports, or legal regulations.

How can I tell if a product is in an open category?
You can check by attempting to list the product in Seller Central. if it’s restricted, Amazon will prompt for approval or documentation.

Can I run ads on products in open categories right away?
Yes, you can advertise immediately once your listing is active, assuming your account meets Amazon Ads eligibility requirements.