
Selling on the Amazon Marketplace presents numerous opportunities for profit and business growth. However, it also entails certain responsibilities, particularly when it comes to products classified as dangerous goods. Please continue reading and contact the AVASK Group to gain insight into selling dangerous goods through Amazon DBA and the associated requirements.
What Are Dangerous Goods?
Dangerous goods, also referred to as hazardous materials (hazmat), are products that can pose a serious risk if not stored, shipped, or handled properly. These products usually contain flammable, pressurized, corrosive, or otherwise harmful substances that can affect someone’s health, safety, property, or the environment if anything goes wrong during storage or transportation.
Many are surprised to learn that many everyday products are classified as dangerous goods. The following include but are not limited to some products that are commonly categorized as dangerous goods:
- Flammable liquids and solids: Alcohol-based products, paints, nail polish removers, mouthwash, essential oils, hair dyes, shaving creams, perfumes, hand sanitizers, dishwashing/laundry detergents, and deodorant sprays.
- Compressed Gases: Aerosol sprays, CO2 cartridges
- Corrosive substances: drain cleaners, auto batteries, strong acids or bases.
- Pet products: Flea and tick controls
- Toxic substances: Certain pesticides or chemicals (pool chemicals and weed killers)
- Office supplies: Printer cartridges and strong glues
- Reactive substances: Products that can react violently under certain conditions
- Lithium batteries: Used in electronics like smartphones, laptops, smartwatches, and even power banks
These products are typically regulated under international, national, and local laws. It’s important to understand that Amazon closely follows these regulations to ensure the safety of its customers, employees, and supply chain. You must ensure that all hazardous products are properly classified and meet all requirements. If you fail to classify your product correctly, it can result in listing removal, fines, or even account suspension.
What Are the Guidelines for Selling Hazardous Materials?
To ensure compliance for smooth operations, it’s important to understand the general guidelines for selling dangerous goods in the Amazon store. First, regulations vary depending on the type of product you are selling and your location. This means they can change over time, you need to check for updates regularly to stay informed and compliant. Next, dangerous products must be labeled and packaged correctly. Certain products are too risky to sell. Therefore, you should check with regional authorities and shipping companies to ensure your products are not prohibited.
If you use Amazon FBA to sell dangerous goods, you must ensure your products and shipments comply with all relevant laws and regulations. You can determine whether your product is considered a hazardous product by reviewing Amazon’s dangerous goods identification guide. At Ebiz Accounting, we are prepared to help you navigate financial matters and business-related issues when engaging in the Amazon Marketplace.