What is Amazon TIC and How Can Sellers Achieve Compliance?

Recently, Amazon US has rolled out a crucial new regulation regarding product compliance for certain categories: for products falling under the Direct Validation process, compliance audits must be conducted by Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) bodies recognized by Amazon.

This change introduces a key adjustment — for categories subject to this TIC Direct Validation process, the traditional model of self-uploading compliance reports is no longer applicable. To help sellers adapt to the new regulation in a timely manner and avoid operational risks, this article will elaborate on the core points of the policy and provide the latest operational guidelines, facilitating sellers in smoothly adjusting their compliance workflows.

In simple terms, Amazon has outsourced the audit report service to TIC providers approved by itself. The results of product testing and validation must be directly submitted to Amazon by these TIC bodies, and sellers are no longer allowed to upload compliance documents on their own.

In the meantime, the submitted reports must meet the following requirements:

①　Test reports for the EU and the US must be issued within 1 year.

②　Full testing must be performed on the samples in the report; spot testing is not accepted.

③　The laboratories issuing the reports must be authorized under CPSC or ISO 17025 standards.

Applicable Marketplaces and Product Scope

If you sell goods in the following regions, compliance must be achieved through Direct Validation: the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, as well as 8 EU countries (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium).

Currently, the product categories subject to this compliance requirement include:

①　Electric mobility devices

②　Dietary supplements

③　Ophthalmic pharmaceutical products

④　Skin lightening products

⑤　Children’s toys

Impact of the New Regulation on Sellers’ Products

1. Loss of Process Control

Sellers are required to submit validation requests via the Manage Your Compliance (MYC) page, with subsequent testing or document verification directly handled by TIC bodies designated by Amazon. Take the children’s toys category as an example: sellers must complete validation by September 25, 2025; failure to do so will result in product delisting. Throughout the entire process, sellers cannot upload compliance reports independently — all validation results are directly submitted to Amazon by TIC bodies, completely altering the previous self-managed compliance model.

2. Significant Cost Increase

The cost pressure rises sharply in two specific aspects:

①　Testing Fees: A single test typically costs \(200–\)500 (varying based on product complexity), and sellers are responsible for all logistics costs. For instance, even if a dietary supplement seller already holds an ISO 17025-certified report, they may still need to pay additional testing fees to third-party institutions.

②　Time Costs: The testing cycle generally takes 7–15 business days, which may be extended during peak periods. Failure to complete validation promptly will directly lead to sales disruptions. For example, if a seller of electric mobility devices fails to finish validation within the grace period, their product listings will be removed.

Compliance Workflow Under the New Regulation

①　Go to the Manage Your Compliance (MYC) page > Locate Pending Requests.

②　Click Add or Appeal Compliance > Request Laboratory Services.

③　Check the ASINs to be tested and select a TIC body.

④　Confirm the laboratory address for sample delivery and specify the target location for shipping.

⑤　Proactively contact the selected TIC body: first confirm the testing quotation, then send the samples as required. If you already hold relevant test reports, provide them to the TIC body in advance for reference.

⑥　Wait for the completion of testing. No further action is required from the seller, as the test results will be automatically uploaded to the Amazon platform by the TIC body.

⑦　After the test results are uploaded, check the product’s compliance status on the relevant operation page to confirm whether it meets the listing requirements.

FAQs on Amazon’s New Regulation

Q1: Are test reports from other laboratories valid for TIC Validation?

A1: Compliance reports issued by laboratories with ISO 17025 accreditation remain valid. However, if a report is fraudulent or incomplete in testing items, it may be rejected after TIC review.

Q2: Why is Direct Validation (DV) required even if I already have a test report?

A2: DV does not only review test results — it also verifies the compliance of the testing laboratory and the standardization of the results. Moreover, the report must be uploaded by a TIC body to meet Amazon’s requirements.

Q3: What should I do if I believe my product is misclassified or not subject to validation?

A3: You can file an appeal with Amazon and provide supporting evidence. If the appeal is approved, the product classification can be updated or the product can be exempted from validation. Before receiving official confirmation, you must still complete validation as required.

Q4: Which categories are mandatory for Direct Validation (DV)?

A4: Currently, the new regulation mainly affects the US marketplace. The covered categories and marketplaces are as follows:

①　Dietary supplements: US marketplace

②　Electric mobility devices and accessories: US, Canada

③　Ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, skin lightening products: US marketplace

④　Children’s toys: US, Canada, UK, Belgium, Germany, France, Netherlands, Poland, Italy, Spain, Sweden

Q5: Why do I need to pay validation fees even if I already have a report?

A5: DV requires TIC bodies to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the product’s overall safety and compliance (beyond mere report review). The associated fees must be borne by the seller.

Q6: What are the consequences of failing to complete validation or non-compliance with test results?

A6: The affected products may be delisted. For certain categories, sellers can initiate re-validation. Amazon reserves the final decision on compliance matters; if you have any objections, you need to contact the relevant TIC body. Sellers must attach great importance to this process to avoid product delisting and other risks.