Amazon Restricted Keywords Guide: Words That Can Get Your Listing Suspended
Amazon Restricted Keywords Guide: Words That Can Get Your Listing Suspended
🚨 Amazon’s algorithm constantly scans listings for high-risk words. Even if your product is completely compliant, using the wrong keywords in your titles, bullet points, descriptions, or backend search terms can trigger automatic suspensions.
This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of restricted, flagged, or high-risk keywords across different niches and product categories.
🚫 General High-Risk Keywords Across All Categories
These words commonly trigger Amazon’s enforcement system across multiple product types:
✔ Illegal or regulatory terms – “FDA Approved,” “EPA Registered,” “100% Certified” (unless officially documented)
✔ Medical & Health Claims – “Cures,” “Prevents,” “Treats,” “Eliminates,” “Stops”
✔ Pesticide & Chemical References – “Antibacterial,” “Pesticide-Free,” “Disinfects”
✔ Misleading Claims – “Risk-Free,” “Guaranteed Results,” “100% Effective”
✔ Inflammatory Language – “Best in the World,” “No Side Effects,” “Proven to Work”
⚠️ Amazon automatically flags many of these words, even if your product does not violate policies.
💊 Supplements, Health, and Wellness Products
Amazon follows FDA regulations for supplements and does not allow medical claims.
Words That Will Get Your Listing Flagged:
- Medical Claims: “Reduces Anxiety,” “Boosts Immunity,” “Lowers Blood Pressure”
- Cure/Treatment Language: “Treats Depression,” “Eliminates Migraines,” “Prevents Flu”
- Illegal Terms Without FDA Approval: “FDA Approved,” “Clinically Proven,” “Doctor Recommended”
- Performance Enhancements: “Stronger Than Prescriptions,” “Works Instantly,” “No Side Effects”
- Misleading Claims: “100% Safe,” “No Risk,” “Guaranteed Results”
✔ Safe Alternative: Instead of “Reduces Anxiety”, use “Supports Relaxation”.
🦠 Cleaning, Household, and Disinfecting Products
Amazon strictly follows EPA guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting claims.
Restricted Keywords:
- Pesticidal Terms: “Kills 99.9% of Germs,” “Disinfectant,” “Antibacterial,” “Antiviral”
- False Safety Assurances: “Non-Toxic,” “Safe for Babies” (unless certified)
- Medical & Health Claims: “Eliminates Mold,” “Cures Skin Irritations,” “Prevents Viruses”
- Guaranteed Claims: “Completely Removes Stains,” “Stops Odors Forever”
✔ Safe Alternative: Instead of “Kills Bacteria”, use “Cleans Surfaces Thoroughly”.
🍽️ Kitchen, Food, and Drink Products
Amazon has strict labeling rules for food-related claims and follows FDA & USDA guidelines.
Flagged Words That Lead to Listing Suppression:
- Medical Health Benefits: “Boosts Metabolism,” “Reduces Cholesterol,” “Aids Digestion”
- Dietary & Weight Loss Claims: “Fat-Burning,” “Keto Approved,” “Appetite Suppressant”
- Misleading Purity Claims: “100% Organic,” “All Natural,” “Certified Gluten-Free” (without certification)
- False Guarantees: “Guaranteed to Work,” “Best Taste Ever”
✔ Safe Alternative: Instead of “Boosts Metabolism”, use “A Great Addition to a Healthy Lifestyle”.
👶 Baby, Kids, and Toy Products
Amazon is extremely strict with safety-related terms for children’s products.
Restricted Terms That Can Cause Issues:
- Safety Claims: “Childproof,” “Baby-Safe,” “Non-Toxic,” “BPA-Free” (unless certified)
- Educational Guarantees: “Improves IQ,” “Enhances Brain Development,” “Teaches Faster”
- Health & Hygiene Claims: “Prevents Rashes,” “Protects from Germs,” “Eliminates Bacteria”
✔ Safe Alternative: Instead of “Childproof”, use “Designed for Child Safety”.
🛑 Electronics & Tech Accessories
Electronics listings often get flagged for misleading performance claims or intellectual property violations.
Flagged Keywords in This Category:
- Compatibility Issues: “Works with Apple,” “Samsung Certified” (unless licensed)
- Unverified Performance: “Fastest on the Market,” “Longest Battery Life”
- Safety Guarantees: “Overheat-Proof,” “Shockproof,” “Waterproof” (unless certified)
- Trademark Violations: “AirPods Alternative,” “Beats-Style”
✔ Safe Alternative: Instead of “Works with Apple”, use “Compatible with Multiple Devices”.
🏋️♂️ Sports, Fitness, and Recovery Products
Health-related fitness products must comply with FDA & FTC guidelines.
Restricted Words That Will Cause Issues:
- Medical Claims: “Speeds Up Recovery,” “Eliminates Pain,” “Heals Injuries”
- Performance Guarantees: “Increases Strength by 50%,” “Faster Weight Loss”
- Pesticide References (for mats or grips): “Antimicrobial,” “Antifungal”
✔ Safe Alternative: Instead of “Speeds Up Recovery”, use “Supports Active Recovery”.
🔒 Legal & Compliance: How to Avoid Keyword Flags
Amazon automatically scans listings and backend search terms for violations.
Here’s how to stay compliant:
✅ Use Neutral, Fact-Based Language – Instead of “Kills 99.9% of Germs”, say “Designed for Thorough Cleaning”.
✅ Never Claim Government Approval Without Proof – Phrases like “EPA Registered” or “FDA Approved” are immediate red flags unless documented.
✅ Review Amazon’s Prohibited Terms Regularly – Policies change without notice, so stay updated.
✅ Audit Your Listings with AI or Compliance Experts – Use tools like ChatGPT to scan your listings for risky words before Amazon does.
🚀 Final Takeaway: Stay Ahead of Amazon’s Algorithm
Amazon’s keyword restrictions are always evolving. What was allowed yesterday may trigger a suspension tomorrow.
To protect your business, regularly review your listings, scan for risky words, and preemptively remove high-risk claims before Amazon flags them.
