Imagine preparing meticulously for a sales peak, only to have your products suddenly removed from Amazon due to compliance issues. This scenario can be devastating for sellers, particularly those offering lithium battery products like power banks and portable energy storage devices. Understanding and completing Amazon's TIC (Testing, Inspection and Certification) Direct Verification is essential to avoid such setbacks.
Understanding TIC Direct Verification
TIC Direct Verification represents Amazon's initiative to enhance product safety and compliance. This mechanism requires specific product categories—including power banks and portable energy storage devices—to undergo testing or review by Amazon-approved third-party TIC agencies. Unlike traditional methods where sellers upload compliance documents themselves, TIC agencies directly submit results to Amazon's system, ensuring data authenticity and improving consumer safety.
Key difference: TIC verification bypasses seller-submitted documentation, relying instead on direct submissions from authorized testing agencies to Amazon's system.
Power Products Requiring TIC Verification
Currently, Amazon US requires TIC Direct Verification for these power-related products:
- Power banks: Portable devices designed to charge mobile electronics
- Portable energy storage devices: Higher-capacity portable power units capable of charging multiple devices
- Electric transportation devices: Including e-bikes and electric scooters
- Electric transportation accessories: Such as batteries and chargers
The TIC Verification Process
1. Initiating Verification
Sellers should:
- Navigate to "Performance" > "Account Health" > "Policy Compliance" in Seller Central
- Locate the relevant product ASIN
- Click "Verify Your Product" and submit the request
- Complete the TRF (Test Request Form) accurately
2. Selecting a TIC Provider
Amazon provides a list of approved TIC agencies. Sellers should:
- Compare multiple providers using Amazon's Excel template
- Submit the TRF to the chosen provider and obtain a TRF ID
- Ensure the TRF ID is shared with the TIC provider if using offline communication
3. Completing Testing or Report Review
Two pathways exist:
- Full product testing: Submit samples for comprehensive evaluation
- Existing report review: Submit valid compliance reports (must be less than one year old)
4. Reviewing Results
TIC providers directly submit results to Amazon. Sellers can check compliance status in Seller Central. Failed verifications require addressing the identified issues before resubmitting.
Consequences for Sellers
Successful verification: Products continue normal sales operations.
Failed or incomplete verification: Products face potential removal from Amazon's marketplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the TIC verification timelines?
Sellers have 21 days from notification to initiate the process, with 30 days allowed for completion.
Q: Can existing test reports be used?
Valid reports (under one year old) meeting these standards are acceptable:
- UL 2056
- IEC/UL/CSA 62368-1 + IEC/UL/CSA 62133-2
- IEC/UL/CSA 62368-1 + UL 2054
UN 38.3 transportation safety testing reports are also mandatory for lithium battery products.
Recommendations for Sellers
- Begin verification immediately upon notification
- Carefully evaluate TIC providers before selection
- Confirm report validity if using existing documentation
- Respond promptly to TIC provider requests
- Monitor Amazon policy updates regularly