| Category | Status | Examples | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult products | Prohibited | Products for explicit sexual activity and some sexual wellness items. | Adult content is also banned in videos and LIVE. |
| Alcohol | Prohibited | Beer, wine, spirits and alcohol kits. | Never allowed. Listing is removed and points may follow. |
| Tobacco, nicotine and vapes | Prohibited | Cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vape liquids and parts, hookahs. | Never allowed. Listing is removed and points may follow. |
| Drugs and paraphernalia | Prohibited | Illegal drugs, controlled substances, psychoactive plants, designer drugs. | Never allowed. Listing is removed and points may follow. |
| Firearms, ammunition and weapons | Prohibited | Guns, ammo, gun parts and other dangerous weapons. | Never allowed. Listing is removed and points may follow. |
| Hazardous materials | Prohibited | Fireworks, explosives, fueled lighters, radioactive materials. | Never allowed. Listing is removed and points may follow. |
| Recalled products | Prohibited | Any item under a recall, including cosmetics. | Check CPSC and FDA recall lists. |
| Counterfeit and gray-market goods | Prohibited | Fakes, replicas and unauthorized branded items. | Selling branded goods may need brand authorization. |
| Prescription drugs and some medical devices | Prohibited | Prescription products, some devices, performance-enhancing substances. | Never allowed. Listing is removed and points may follow. |
| CBD beauty products | Prohibited | Cosmetics and skincare with CBD. | Never allowed. Listing is removed and points may follow. |
| Unsafe baby products | Prohibited | Beaded teethers, weighted baby items, unsafe crib products, some children’s supplements. | Never allowed. Listing is removed and points may follow. |
| Risky beauty products | Prohibited | Professional-use-only items, banned ingredients, skin-lightening claims. | Never allowed. Listing is removed and points may follow. |
| Harmful body-image products | Prohibited | Products tied to dangerous weight-loss or disordered-eating claims. | Never allowed. Listing is removed and points may follow. |
| Wildlife and animal products | Prohibited | Protected wildlife items, some animal-derived goods, veterinary medicines. | Never allowed. Listing is removed and points may follow. |
| Hate and offensive items | Prohibited | Products promoting hate, discrimination or violence. | Never allowed. Listing is removed and points may follow. |
| Money and financial products | Prohibited | Some currencies, crypto, securities, counterfeit-making tools. | Never allowed. Listing is removed and points may follow. |
| Government and restricted equipment | Prohibited | Military gear, police impersonation items, signal boosters, card readers. | Never allowed. Listing is removed and points may follow. |
| Spy and hacking tools | Prohibited | Hidden cameras or recorders, hacking devices, privacy-invading products. | Never allowed. Listing is removed and points may follow. |
| Services and virtual products | Prohibited | Custom documents, ghostwriting, real estate, MLM, unauthorized streaming devices. | Allowed only if TikTok specifically approves. |
| Some food | Prohibited | Homemade food, some perishables, baby formula, food not packaged for retail. | Shelf-stable packaged food is allowed with approval. |
| Beauty and personal care | Needs approval | Makeup, skincare, haircare, personal care tools. | FDA documents may be asked, like a Cosmetic Product Listing Number or NDC. |
| Food and beverages (shelf-stable) | Needs approval | Snacks, drinks, packaged foods. | Photos must show labels and expiry dates; FDA documents may be asked. |
| Medical devices and supplies | Needs approval | FDA-regulated devices and supplies. | FDA 510(k) clearance or exemption plus device establishment registration. |
| Electronics | Needs approval | Phones, gadgets and accessories. | Certificates of compliance; photos must show safety markings. |
| Household appliances | Needs approval | Small and large home appliances. | Certificates of compliance with safety standards. |
| Toys and hobbies | Needs approval | Children’s toys and hobby products. | Children’s Product Certificate and CPSC-accepted lab report within 365 days. |
| Baby and maternity | Needs approval | Baby gear and maternity products. | Some items also need product-level approval. |
| Kids’ fashion | Needs approval | Children’s clothing and shoes. | Never allowed. Listing is removed and points may follow. |
| Sports and outdoor | Needs approval | Sports equipment and outdoor recreation products. | Never allowed. Listing is removed and points may follow. |
| Automotive parts | Needs approval | Car and motorcycle parts. | Never allowed. Listing is removed and points may follow. |
| Pet supplies | Needs approval | Pet food, toys and care products. | Never allowed. Listing is removed and points may follow. |
| Pesticides | Needs approval | Pest control products. | EPA rules apply. |
| Live plants | Needs approval | Plants, seeds and bulbs. | Never allowed. Listing is removed and points may follow. |
| Collectibles | Needs approval | Sports memorabilia, entertainment items, comics, manga, magazines. | Never allowed. Listing is removed and points may follow. |
| Mystery boxes | Needs approval | Blind boxes and similar products. | Never allowed. Listing is removed and points may follow. |
| Pre-owned luxury | Needs approval | Used luxury bags, luggage, accessories and shoes. | Purchase invoice from the last 12 months that matches the listing. |
| Supplements and health products | Restricted | Vitamins and wellness products. | Allowed with conditions; no disease or weight-loss claims. Some are banned. |
| Branded and licensed goods | Restricted | Products using a brand, character or logo you do not own. | Brand authorization may be needed. |
US summary as of November 2026 from TikTok policy reports, not the full policy. Read the Prohibited and Restricted Products Policies in Seller Center.
How to check a product
Search the item
Type the product or ingredient. If it is Prohibited, do not list it: it will be removed and can add violation points.
Get approval first
For Needs approval categories, apply for category qualification in Seller Center and upload documents before listing.
Watch your claims
Even allowed products get removed for medical, weight-loss or “cure” claims in titles, images or videos.
Frequently asked questions
What can you not sell on TikTok Shop?
In the US: alcohol, tobacco and vapes, drugs, weapons, hazardous and recalled items, counterfeits, prescription products, adult products and some foods, among others.
What is the difference between prohibited and restricted?
Prohibited items can never be sold. Restricted items can be sold if you meet extra rules or get approval.
Which categories need approval on TikTok Shop US?
As of June 2026, 16: including beauty, food, electronics, appliances, toys, baby, kids’ fashion, pets, sports, auto parts, collectibles and pre-owned luxury.
What happens if I list a prohibited product?
The listing is removed, and repeat or serious cases add violation points that can suspend your shop.
Related free tools
→TikTok Shop fees by categoryReferral fee and approval for every category.→TikTok Shop violation points guidePoints, penalties and appeals.→TikTok Shop requirementsWhat you need to open a shop.
Sources: Prohibited products list on TikTok Shop 2026 (EchoTik) · TikTok Shop blocks sellers in 16 categories without qualification docs (PPC Land) · Restricted products on TikTok Shop (Hustle Got Real)