Selling on Walmart Marketplace presents immense opportunities for third-party sellers—but it also requires strict adherence to Walmart’s product compliance standards. From prohibited items to labeling requirements, even a small misstep can result in product suppression, penalties, or account suspension.
In this post, we’ll explore the most common Walmart product compliance issues, how to identify them, and what actionable steps you can take to fix them and remain in good standing.
What Is Walmart Product Compliance?
Walmart product compliance refers to the adherence to laws, regulations, and Walmart’s own policies regarding the listing, labeling, packaging, and sale of products. Walmart enforces compliance to protect its customers and uphold marketplace integrity.
Common areas of compliance include:
Prohibited or restricted products
Proper product categorization
Accurate labeling and product descriptions
Legal certifications (e.g., FDA, FCC, CPSIA)
Safety and age-appropriate warnings
UPC and GTIN accuracy
Common Walmart Product Compliance Issues:
Understanding where sellers often go wrong can help you avoid pitfalls. Here are the most frequently encountered product compliance issues:
1. Listing Prohibited or Restricted Products
Walmart strictly prohibits items such as weapons, controlled substances, expired food, and counterfeit goods. Selling these can lead to immediate deactivation.
Fix:
Review Walmart’s Prohibited Products Policy and conduct regular catalog audits to remove restricted items.
2. Incorrect Product Categorization
Misclassified products can mislead buyers and violate category-specific policies.
Fix:
Use accurate and specific categorization when uploading listings. Utilize Walmart’s category guides to ensure consistency.
3. Missing or Inaccurate Product Labels
Many products require legal compliance labels like California Prop 65, age restrictions, or FDA disclaimers.
Fix:
Work with compliance experts or use compliance software to ensure your product labeling meets all federal and state regulations.
4. Invalid or Duplicate GTIN/UPC Codes
Walmart requires unique, valid GTINs (Global Trade Item Numbers). Invalid or recycled UPCs lead to listing rejections.
Fix:
Purchase authentic GTINs from GS1 or verify them through Walmart’s item setup process.
5. False or Misleading Claims
Claims like “FDA-approved” or “100% organic” without proof are a fast track to delisting.
Fix:
Ensure all product claims are supported by documentation and align with Walmart’s product content guidelines.
6. Non-Compliant Images or Content
Images must meet quality standards and not include watermarks, promotional text, or graphic overlays.
Fix:
Follow Walmart’s image and content policy strictly. Use professional, high-resolution images with clean backgrounds.
How to Identify Product Compliance Issues
1. Monitor Walmart Seller Center Alerts
Walmart sends compliance notifications and warnings via Seller Center. Regularly check for alerts about suppressed or flagged listings.
2. Use Compliance Management Tools
There are tools designed to scan your listings for potential violations (e.g., Helium 10, ChannelAdvisor, or Walmart’s API).
3. Conduct Internal Product Audits
Set a schedule to regularly review your entire catalog. Create a checklist covering labeling, certifications, claims, images, and categories.
4. Review Customer Feedback and Returns
Customers may flag compliance issues in reviews or returns. Take their feedback seriously—it could point to listing or safety problems.
How to Fix Walmart Product Compliance Issues
Step 1: Identify the Exact Violation
Check the error message or notification in Seller Center. Walmart often provides a reason for the compliance issue.
Step 2: Update or Remove the Listing
Make the necessary edits (e.g., fix the UPC, change the description, remove a claim) or unpublish the item until the issue is resolved.
Step 3: Gather Documentation
If the issue involves certifications or labeling, provide proof (e.g., FDA letters, lab reports, or Prop 65 warnings).
Step 4: Contact Walmart Seller Support
If you believe a listing was removed in error, open a case with Walmart Support and include all necessary documentation.
Step 5: Establish Internal Compliance SOPs
Train your team on Walmart’s product policies. Create an internal standard operating procedure (SOP) for uploading and reviewing product listings.
Why Staying Compliant Matters
Failing to address product compliance issues can result in:
Listing removal or suppression
Account suspension or termination
Customer dissatisfaction and negative reviews
Legal liability or government fines
Maintaining Walmart product compliance isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s about building a trustworthy, scalable brand on one of the world’s largest retail platforms.
Final Thoughts
Walmart product compliance is complex but manageable. By staying proactive, using reliable tools, and following Walmart’s detailed guidelines, you can safeguard your listings and scale your business with confidence.
If your team needs help managing Walmart compliance issues, our marketplace experts are here to help. Contact us today to ensure your listings are 100% compliant and optimized for success.