Why is my apparel listing blocked on Amazon EU marketplace?

Amazon blocks apparel listings in the EU marketplace when products fail to meet new safety compliance requirements, particularly under the General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988 (GPSR) that became applicable on December 13, 2024. These blocks occur when sellers lack proper documentation, haven’t appointed a required responsible person, or fail to provide adequate product safety information for EU market surveillance authorities.

What does it mean when Amazon blocks your apparel listing in the EU?

Amazon listing blocks happen when your apparel products don’t meet EU regulatory requirements, preventing them from being sold on the platform. The General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988 (GPSR) now requires all consumer products, including clothing and textiles, to have proper safety documentation and an EU-based responsible person before they can be made available on the market.

Amazon’s compliance systems automatically scan listings to verify that sellers have met these legal obligations. When the platform detects missing documentation or non-compliance with GPSR requirements, it immediately blocks the listing to avoid regulatory penalties. This affects both new listings and existing products that haven’t been updated to meet current standards.

The blocking system works as a safeguard for both Amazon and consumers. Online marketplaces like Amazon face specific obligations under the GPSR to ensure that products offered through their platform comply with EU safety requirements. They must verify that traders have provided minimum required information and that responsible persons are properly designated for products from non-EU manufacturers.

Why are new EU safety regulations affecting Amazon apparel sellers?

The General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988 (GPSR) replaced the previous General Product Safety Directive on December 13, 2024, creating stricter compliance requirements for all consumer products sold in the EU.

Key Changes Under GPSR	Impact on Sellers
Expanded product scope	Covers new, used, repaired, and reconditioned apparel
Enhanced marketplace obligations	Amazon must verify seller compliance before listing
Stricter documentation requirements	Comprehensive technical files and risk assessments required
Mandatory EU responsible person	Must designate EU-based contact for regulatory matters

Amazon enforces these regulations because online marketplaces now have legal responsibilities under the GPSR. The platform must ensure that sellers provide detailed product information, maintain proper documentation, and have designated responsible persons established within the EU. Failure to comply can result in significant fines and removal from the European market.

The regulation covers both physical and safety risks, including those related to materials, manufacturing processes, and potential consumer misuse. For apparel, this means ensuring that clothing items don’t pose risks through harmful chemicals, choking hazards from small parts, or inadequate safety warnings. Enhanced product safety obligations now require manufacturers to proactively assess risks and provide comprehensive technical documentation.

What documents does Amazon require for apparel listings under EU regulations?

Amazon requires comprehensive product safety documentation including technical files, risk assessments, and proof of responsible person designation. Under the GPSR, manufacturers must compile technical documentation that demonstrates product safety, provides detailed product information in relevant EU languages, and includes proper labelling and safety warnings.

Essential Documentation Checklist

Technical Documentation
- Product specifications and manufacturing details
- Safety assessments and risk evaluations
- Evidence of compliance with applicable standards
Apparel-Specific Requirements
- Materials composition and chemical testing results
- Care instructions and safety warnings
- Potential safety risks documentation
Regulatory Compliance
- Designated responsible person proof
- EU-based economic operator contact details
- Market surveillance authority cooperation agreements

A crucial requirement is having a designated responsible person established within the EU who serves as the primary contact point for regulatory matters. This EU-based economic operator must have access to all technical documentation and be able to cooperate with market surveillance authorities during inspections or investigations. Without this designation, Amazon will not allow products to be listed on their platform.

An authorised representative can also fulfil documentation requirements and often serves as the responsible person, streamlining compliance obligations. This representative holds technical documentation, verifies completeness of safety documents, and handles communication with EU authorities when needed.

How do you get your blocked apparel listing reinstated on Amazon EU?

Getting your blocked listing reinstated requires a systematic approach to addressing compliance issues and meeting GPSR requirements.

Step-by-Step Reinstatement Process

Contact Amazon Seller Support
Reach out immediately to understand the specific compliance issues causing your listing block. Amazon will provide details about missing documentation or regulatory requirements that need to be addressed. Most blocks relate to GPSR compliance, requiring you to appoint a responsible person and provide proper product safety documentation.
Appoint a Qualified Responsible Person
Designate a responsible person established within the EU who can handle your GPSR obligations. This person must have access to your technical documentation, be able to cooperate with market surveillance authorities, and notify relevant parties of any safety issues. Many sellers choose professional services that specialise in these regulatory requirements.
Prepare Required Documentation
Compile and submit all required documentation to Amazon, including updated product information, technical files, and proof of responsible person designation. Ensure your product listings include proper safety warnings, care instructions, and contact information for your EU representative.
Update Product Information
Revise product labels and packaging if necessary to meet current requirements. All product information must be available in relevant EU languages and include appropriate safety warnings.
Implement Ongoing Compliance
Monitor your listings regularly to maintain ongoing compliance. The GPSR requires continuous adherence to safety obligations, meaning you must keep documentation current and respond promptly to any regulatory inquiries.

Proactive compliance management prevents future blocks and ensures uninterrupted market access across EU marketplaces. Regular monitoring and documentation updates are essential for maintaining listing status.

Getting your Amazon apparel listings reinstated requires understanding and addressing the specific GPSR compliance requirements that caused the block. By appointing a qualified responsible person, maintaining proper documentation, and ensuring ongoing regulatory compliance, you can restore your market access and prevent future disruptions. We specialise in helping businesses navigate these complex EU regulations, providing the authorised representative and responsible person services needed to keep your products available on Amazon and other EU marketplaces while meeting all safety obligations.

If you are looking for support or to learn more, contact our team of experts today.