Amazon Error: 18532 Error 18532: Unauthorised Distribution

The "Error 18532: Unauthorized Distribution" indicates that Amazon has identified your product listing as violating distribution rights. This error means that you are not authorized to sell or distribute the product according to the manufacturer or brand owner's policies. Unauthorized distribution is taken seriously by Amazon to protect intellectual property rights, maintain product quality, and ensure that only authorized sellers can list certain products.

Common Causes:

1. Brand Restrictions: The brand restricts distribution to authorized sellers or distributors only.
2. Lack of Distribution Rights: You do not have the necessary rights or agreements to distribute the product.
3. Supplier Misrepresentation: The supplier may not be an authorized distributor, leading to unauthorized sales.
4. Counterfeit Products: Selling counterfeit products that violate brand distribution policies.
5. Compliance Issues: Failure to comply with specific distribution agreements or brand policies.

To resolve the "Error 18532: Unauthorized Distribution" on Amazon, follow these steps:

1. Review Distribution Policies:
   • Familiarize yourself with the distribution policies of the brand or manufacturer. Understand the specific criteria for authorized distribution and ensure that you meet these requirements.
2. Verify Authorization:
   • Check if you have the necessary authorization to distribute the product. This may involve reviewing distribution agreements, authorization letters, or licenses from the brand owner.
3. Gather Documentation:
   • Collect all required documentation that proves your authorization to distribute the product. This may include distribution agreements, authorization letters, and purchase orders from authorized distributors.
   • Ensure that these documents are clear, complete, and accurately reflect your distribution rights.
4. Update Product Listing:
   • If you do not have authorization to distribute the product, remove the listing from Amazon to comply with the distribution policies.
   • If you obtain the necessary authorization, update the product listing to reflect compliance with the brand’s distribution policies.
5. Submit Proof to Amazon:
   • Provide Amazon with the necessary documentation that proves your authorization to distribute the product. Use Amazon Seller Central to upload the required documents and respond to any requests for additional information.
   • Clearly label and organize the documentation to facilitate Amazon’s review process.
6. Address Supplier Issues:
   • If the issue arose due to products received from suppliers, communicate with your suppliers to ensure that all products provided are authorized and compliant with distribution policies.
   • Consider working directly with brand owners or authorized distributors to minimize the risk of receiving unauthorized products.
7. Implement Quality Control Measures:
   • Establish rigorous quality control procedures to verify the authenticity and authorization of products before listing them on Amazon. This includes checking for proper labeling, packaging, and documentation.
   • Train your staff on how to identify unauthorized products and the importance of maintaining compliance with distribution policies.
8. Monitor Listings for Compliance:
   • Continuously monitor your product listings for compliance with Amazon’s distribution policies. Address any new issues promptly to maintain compliance.
   • Use Amazon’s Brand Registry program if you own a trademark to protect your brand and manage your listings more effectively.
9. Contact Amazon Support:
   • If you encounter any issues during the resolution process or need further assistance, contact Amazon Seller Support. Provide detailed information about the error, the steps you have taken, and any relevant documentation.
   • Engage with Amazon seller forums and communities to seek advice from other sellers who might have faced similar issues.