Stay Compliant with Amazon’s ASIN Creation Policies
Stay Compliant with Amazon’s ASIN Creation Policies
Amazon’s catalog system relies heavily on ASINs (Amazon Standard Identification Numbers) to organize and manage products. The process of creating new ASINs allows sellers to introduce new products to the marketplace, but it must be done carefully to comply with Amazon’s strict guidelines. Failing to follow Amazon’s ASIN Creation Policy can lead to account suspension, listing deactivation, or even permanent account deactivation.
In this article, we’ll explore what Amazon’s ASIN Creation Policy entails, the common violations that lead to suspensions, and how sellers can avoid these pitfalls. We’ll also discuss strategies for handling reinstatement if your account is suspended due to policy violations.
What is an ASIN on Amazon?
An ASIN is a unique alphanumeric identifier assigned to every product listed on Amazon. It allows Amazon to organize its catalog and helps customers find products quickly. When creating new products or variations, sellers must create or assign new ASINs to those items. Amazon requires that each ASIN be unique and that sellers do not create unnecessary or duplicate ASINs, which could clutter the marketplace and confuse customers.
Example: If you’re listing a new color or size of an existing product, it must be categorized as a variation of the original ASIN rather than creating an entirely new listing.
What is Amazon’s ASIN Creation Policy?
Amazon’s ASIN Creation Policy is a set of rules designed to ensure that products in the catalog are unique and correctly categorized. This policy prevents the creation of unnecessary, duplicate, or misleading ASINs and helps maintain an organized and trustworthy marketplace. Key aspects of the ASIN Creation Policy include:
1. Avoiding Duplicate ASINs
Sellers must check for existing ASINs before creating a new one. Listing the same product under multiple ASINs is a violation and can lead to penalties.
2. Using Accurate and Descriptive Titles
Product titles should accurately describe the product without using misleading information or unrelated keywords. Misleading or over-optimized titles can create confusion and affect the shopping experience.
3. Assigning Variations Properly
Different sizes, colors, or styles of the same product should be listed as variations under a single parent ASIN rather than creating separate listings for each variation. Proper use of Amazon’s parent-child ASIN structure is crucial to avoid confusion and policy violations.
Why ASIN Creation Violations Lead to Account Suspensions
Amazon aims to maintain an organized catalog that is easy for customers to navigate and search. Violating the ASIN Creation Policy can result in the creation of duplicate or misleading listings, which disrupts the shopping experience and compromises the marketplace’s integrity. Duplicate listings or inaccurate ASINs can lead to customer confusion, incorrect purchases, and negative reviews.
If Amazon flags an account for ASIN violations, the consequences may include listing removal, account suspension, or even permanent deactivation. Sellers may also face temporary freezes on their funds while Amazon conducts an investigation.
Common ASIN Creation Violations Leading to Suspensions
Several common practices often result in violations of the ASIN Creation Policy. These include:
1. Creating Duplicate ASINs
One of the most frequent violations is the creation of duplicate ASINs for the same product. Sellers sometimes create new ASINs to increase visibility or bypass issues with existing listings. For example, creating separate ASINs for different sizes of the same shirt instead of grouping them as variations under a single parent listing is a clear violation.
2. Incorrect Variation Assignments
Sellers must assign variations correctly based on attributes recognized by Amazon, such as size, color, or style. Creating new ASINs for products that should be listed as variations of an existing product can lead to suspension. For instance, listing two variations of a backpack as separate ASINs based on color without using a parent-child relationship violates Amazon’s guidelines.
3. Misleading Product Titles or Descriptions
Creating ASINs with misleading titles or descriptions that include unrelated brand names, keywords, or inaccurate product information is also a common violation. Amazon requires titles to be descriptive and accurate to prevent misleading customers.
4. Listing the Same Product in Multiple Categories
Listing the same product under different ASINs in multiple categories without permission from Amazon is another form of violation. Sellers sometimes attempt this tactic to increase exposure, but it can lead to serious penalties.
How to Avoid ASIN Creation Violations on Amazon
To avoid suspensions and maintain compliance with Amazon’s ASIN Creation Policy, sellers must follow these best practices:
1. Check for Existing ASINs
Before creating a new ASIN, search Amazon’s catalog to confirm whether the product already exists. Use Amazon’s “Add a Product” tool to find and list under existing ASINs when appropriate.
2. Follow Amazon’s Variation Guidelines
Ensure that variations, such as color or size, are properly assigned using Amazon’s parent-child relationships. Different variations of the same product should not be listed under separate ASINs.
3. Create Accurate and Descriptive Titles
Make sure product titles are clear, accurate, and aligned with Amazon’s guidelines. Avoid including unrelated brand names or irrelevant keywords to gain visibility.
4. Review Amazon’s Category Guidelines
Each product category may have specific rules for listing and ASIN creation. Familiarize yourself with Amazon’s guidelines for each category you operate in to avoid violations.
What to Do If Your Account is Suspended for ASIN Creation Violations
What to Do If Your Account is Suspended for ASIN Creation Violations
If your account is suspended or deactivated due to an ASIN creation violation, quick and effective action is needed to resolve the issue. Here’s a step-by-step guide for handling reinstatement:
Review Amazon’s Notice
Amazon typically provides a suspension notice explaining the reason for the suspension. Review this notice to understand the specific violations.
Correct the Violations
Identify and remove any duplicate ASINs or listings with incorrect variations. Ensure all ASINs are properly assigned and accurate.
Submit a Detailed Appeal
When submitting an appeal, acknowledge the violation and describe the corrective steps you’ve taken. Include supporting documentation, such as evidence of corrected ASINs or screenshots of updated listings, to demonstrate compliance.
Follow Up Promptly
After submitting your appeal, follow up with Amazon’s Seller Performance team to ensure your case is being addressed. Be prepared to provide additional documentation if requested.
Example: A seller who faced suspension for creating duplicate ASINs successfully reinstated their account by removing the duplicates, assigning correct variations, and
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, repeated or severe violations—such as intentionally creating duplicate ASINs to mislead customers—can lead to permanent account deactivation. To avoid this, follow Amazon’s ASIN creation guidelines strictly.
The timeline for reinstatement depends on the severity of the violation and the thoroughness of your appeal. Simple cases may be resolved within a few days, while more complex issues could take several weeks.
If your appeal is rejected, review Amazon’s feedback carefully and address any unresolved issues. Consider revising your appeal with additional documentation or corrective measures to strengthen your case for reinstatement.
Protecting Your Amazon Business from ASIN Creation Violations
ASIN creation violations can have serious consequences for your Amazon business, including listing removal, account suspension, or permanent deactivation. Sellers must follow Amazon’s ASIN Creation Policy closely to avoid duplicate listings, misleading product titles, or incorrect variations. Protecting your business begins with understanding and adhering to Amazon’s guidelines.
If your account has been suspended due to ASIN creation violations, taking prompt and well-documented action is crucial to reinstatement. At Amazon Sellers Appeal by ASA Compliance Group, led by Or Shamosh, we specialize in helping sellers navigate Amazon’s complex compliance landscape and offer expert support for reinstatement. Contact us today to fast-track your account’s reinstatement and keep your business running smoothly.
