How to Open Restricted Categories on TikTok in Just 4 Super Quick Steps
In 2022, TikTok Shop achieved a GMV (Gross Merchandise Value) of $4.4 billion, an 11-fold increase compared to 2021. This is an impressive figure, demonstrating the potential growth of TikTok Shop in the future. Because of this, you have even more motivation to do business on TikTok. However, sometimes the products you want to sell fall under TikTok’s restricted categories. To sell these products, you need to know how to unlock restricted product categories on TikTok. In this article, we will show you four super-fast steps to remove category restrictions.
What are restricted products on TikTok?
Restricted products are items that must go through TikTok’s approval process before they can be sold on the platform. This measure is in place to create a safe and healthy shopping environment for both sellers and consumers. Additionally, restricting certain products and categories helps minimize risks and potential disputes. This is because, depending on the country or region, there are regulations on which products and industries are prohibited from being sold.
Restricted Categories on TikTok
Some categories are restricted or only available to invited sellers on TikTok Shop, including:
Restricted categories:
- Beauty and personal care products
- Food and beverages
- Dietary supplements and infant formula
- Functional foods
Categories for invited sellers only:
- Jewelry and accessories
- Books
- SIM cards
- Weight management supplements
- Motorcycles
- Contact lenses
- Fresh and frozen food (due to transportation limitations)
If a category is not listed in these two sections and does not appear in TikTok Shop’s business categories, it is likely prohibited. Be sure to research prohibited products thoroughly in the article below.
>>> Read more: List of prohibited products on TikTok Shop
How to Unlock Restricted Categories on TikTok
To list and sell restricted products, sellers must go through TikTok’s strict approval process. If your product does not meet TikTok’s requirements, you will not be able to sell it on the platform. To help you quickly start selling your desired products, we have outlined a four-step process below.
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Step 1: Prepare Legal Documents
According to TikTok Shop’s regulations, sellers who want to apply for category restriction removal must provide the following required documents:
- Business registration license of the seller.
- Brand certification (such as proof of brand ownership, brand distribution authorization, or an official invoice from the brand owner).
- Product certification (including licenses, distribution permits, product certifications, and third-party test reports).
Additionally, sellers must submit supporting documents such as certifications, test reports, product/package images, and other paperwork depending on the specific category.
Required documents by category:
Food and beverages
Dietary supplements and infant formula
Functional foods
Jewelry and accessories
Books
SIM cards
Fresh and frozen food (due to transportation limitations)
Weight management supplements
Motorcycles
Contact lenses
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Step 2: Submit Documents to TikTok Shop
TikTok Shop provides the following link for sellers of restricted products to submit the necessary documents for approval and category unlocking: Submission Link
Your task is to fill in all the required information and click Submit to send your application. After submission, patiently wait for TikTok to review and approve your request so you can start selling restricted products on TikTok Shop.
Step 3: Prepare Product Images, Videos, and Descriptions
TikTok’s review and approval process for unlocking restricted categories typically takes 3 to 5 days. While waiting for TikTok’s response, you should prepare all the necessary information for listing your products on TikTok Shop. This will help you save time and allow you to start creating product advertisements, planning sales strategies, and attracting customers immediately after approval.
Below are some key specifications for listing products on TikTok Shop:
Product Images
- Each product can have up to 9 images.
- Image aspect ratio: 1:1.
- Minimum image resolution: 600px x 600px.
- Maximum file size: 5MB.
Product Description
- Use bullet points to provide product details.
- A maximum of 30 banners and related images is allowed.
Product Video
- Recommended aspect ratios: 1:1, 9:16, or 16:9.
- Maximum file size: 20MB.
Order Weight Calculation Formula
Total order weight = Product weight + Packaging weight
- Allowable weight range: 1 – 100kg.
Step 4: List Your Product
By reaching this step, congratulations! Your category restriction has been successfully lifted on TikTok Shop. To quickly and easily list your product for sale, follow these five steps:
- Go to TikTok Shop Seller Center and select the “Products” section.
- Click “Manage Products” and then “Add New Product.”
- Enter product details, including the product name, category, and brand.
- Provide classification information for your product.
- Check the product status to ensure it is listed correctly.
5 Tips for Successful Selling on TikTok Shop with Buybm365
Tip 1: Optimize Your TikTok Profile
Your TikTok profile represents your brand or business on the platform. Optimizing it can help attract more followers, increase engagement, and boost conversion rates. Here are some tips to optimize your TikTok profile:
- Choose an eye-catching profile picture or cover video: This is the first thing users see when visiting your profile. Use high-quality images or videos that reflect your brand or personality.
- Create a memorable username and nickname: Your username and nickname should be easy to remember and related to your business, making it easier for users to find and recognize you.
- Write a clear TikTok bio: Your bio should briefly introduce your brand, include relevant keywords, and be concise to enhance searchability on TikTok.
- Switch to a Business Account: A personal TikTok account requires at least 1,000 followers to add a website link in your bio. However, switching to a TikTok Business Account will unlock more business opportunities right from the start.
Read more: How to Build a Successful TikTok Selling Channel in Just 4 Steps
Tip 2: Choose Trending Products
Selecting trending products is key to increasing visibility and boosting sales on TikTok. To identify trending products in your niche, you can:
- Monitor the latest trends using popular hashtags and viral challenges.
- Use tools like Top Products on TikTok, Google Trends, etc.
Note: Choose trending products that align with your target customers. Since trends change quickly, stay flexible and adapt your product selection strategy to keep up with market shifts.
Tip 3: Create Engaging TikTok Content
Creating trending TikTok content requires more than just great ideas and interesting scripts; it also involves key elements such as background music, hashtags, trending dances, and more. It might sound complicated, but don’t worry—we’ll guide you through creating viral TikTok videos with 10 simple steps in our article, “10 Ways to Make Viral TikTok Videos.“
- Choose the right ad format
- Pay attention to video composition and size
- Select engaging and captivating video topics
- Capture attention within the first 3 seconds
- Use effects and sound appropriately
- Maintain content balance
- Utilize text overlays
- Feature influencers, KOLs, and KOCs
- Take advantage of TikTok’s ad support features
- Encourage interaction and calls to action
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Tip 4: Run TikTok Ads
TikTok Shop advertising is one of the easiest and most effective ways to generate sales—if done correctly. With ads, sellers can leverage existing video content on their channel to reach a broader audience of potential buyers.
Tip 5: Join TikTok Affiliate Marketing
You can collaborate with content creators to join TikTok Affiliate Marketing. This method offers several significant benefits:
- Expands brand presence on TikTok
- Reaches a large audience of potential customers
- Increases consumer trust in your products and brand
Conclusion
We hope this article has provided you with all the necessary information to unlock restricted product categories on TikTok. With these insights, we wish you success in achieving your business goals on TikTok Shop!
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