Amazon's New Certification Requirement: DOE Register

Recently, many U.S. sellers on Amazon have received compliance notification emails regarding DOE certification.

The email clearly states that starting February 18, 2025, all plumbing products listed on the platform must complete the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) registration process to continue selling. Failure to register within the specified timeframe may result in penalties, including product removal from the platform.

Policy Details

- Effective Date: February 18, 2025

- Applicable Products: Faucets, showerheads, toilets, urinals, and other plumbing products. Also includes over 60 categories such as home appliances, heating/cooling equipment, electronics, and lighting products.

- Compliance Requirements:

- All listed products must pass DOE energy efficiency certification and complete registration on the official DOE website.

- Amazon will automatically remove non-compliant products.

- Historical sales records may be subject to retrospective review.

What Happens If a Product Lacks Certification?

- Non-certified products will be banned from sale and may be removed from listings.

- Potential fines imposed by the DOE based on the number of days a product has been listed, ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

How Should Amazon Sellers Respond?

1. Check DOE Requirements – Verify whether your product requires certification via the DOE official website or consult a professional agency.

2. Prepare Product Samples – If certification is required, provide at least two unused, complete samples for testing at a DOE-approved third-party laboratory.

3. Complete Registration – Upon passing the test, the laboratory will issue a report and assist with DOE website registration. Required documents include:

 - Test report

 - Technical specifications

 - Product design drawings

 - Manufacturer information

4. Update Amazon Listings – Log into the Amazon Seller Central, upload the DOE certification number under product compliance information, and update product details to include energy efficiency labels (if applicable).

5. File an Appeal for Exempt Products – If your product does not require certification but you receive a compliance request, submit an appeal with the following:

 - Product technical specifications

 - Third-party test report

 - Manufacturer declaration letter

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

- Do previously sold products require certification?

DOE may review sales records from the past year. It is recommended to proactively remove non-certified products and complete the necessary procedures.

- Can certification costs be shared?

Yes. Products within the same series (differing only in color/size) can share the main model’s test report, reducing per-SKU certification costs.

By taking proactive steps, sellers can ensure compliance and avoid potential risks associated with this new policy.