The Complete Guide to Violations on TikTok Shop Singapore

Are you planning to bring in products to start selling on TikTok Shop? If so, please be sure to read this complete guide to violations on TikTok Shop, so that your sourcing and selling journey can be smoother. The last thing you want is to bring in a certain product in bulk only to find out that the nature of this product falls into the category of violation on TikTok Shop.

This guide is put together after a Webinar conducted by a TikTok representative, and is accurate as of the date published. There may be updates in the future, do clarify with TikTok if there’s any confusion.

I’m going to split the violations into 2 categories – Content Violation and Product Violation. Note that all violations mentioned here apply to both short videos and TikTok Live.

So, if you find your account banned and you don’t understand why, this list may help clarify.

Content Violation

1. Illegal or Criminal Activity

What’s NOT allowed:

Content promoting gambling services, or that could be perceived as advertising for casinos, sports betting, or any other commercial gambling activity.

Content that promotes phishing.

Content that promotes Ponzi, multi-level marketing, or pyramid schemes.

Content that promotes investment schemes with promise of high returns.

Content that promotes investment schemes with fixed betting, or any other types of scams.

Content that promotes human exploitation, including human smuggling, bonded labor, domestic servitude, sex trafficking, or prostitution.

Content that promotes vandalism or damage to property.

Content that promotes the poaching or illegal trade of wildlife.

Content that offers the purchase, sale, trade or solicitation of unlawfully acquired or counterfeit goods.

TikTok prohibits the promotion or facilitation of illegal or criminal activities. Content may be removed if it relates to activities that are regulated or illegal in any region. Please do not post, upload, download or distribute this type of content.

2. Infringement of Lawful Rights

What’s NOT allowed:

Any content that uses brands or logos for commercial gain (unless they have the rights holder’s express permission to do so). For example, displaying a brand’s trademark without license in the content and stating that they’ve been licensed to sell products at a low price; using TikTok’s logo in the LIVE and claiming that they have an official partnership with the platform.

Images and names of people (for commercial purposes) without the express permission from the individual themselves. This includes product endorsements, merchandise, and the use of celebrity images or collections.

Creators must not publish or distribute content that infringes the intellectual property or personal rights of others. Please do not post, upload, download or distribute this type of content.

3. Minor Safety (Minors are 15 years and below)

What’s NOT allowed:

Any content persuading children to purchase products or services.

Any content inducing children to request their parents to purchase products.

Other content that may have a negative effect on child safety.

Minors are NOT allowed to sell in LIVE, and are NOT allowed to sell goods in LIVE.

4. Sensational or Shocking Content

What’s NOT allowed:

Violent or graphic deaths/accidents.

Dismembered, mutilated, charred, or burned human remains.

Gore – where an open wound or injury is the core focus.

Real-world physical violence, fighting, or torture.

Sexual arousal, sexual stimulation, or sexual fetishes.

The slaughter or other non-natural death of animals.

Dismembered, mutilated, charred, or burned animal remains.

Animal cruelty and gore.

Creators are prohibited from uploading or sharing sensational or shocking content that might cause distress to users. Please do not post, upload, download, or distribute this type of content.

5. False Display of Information

What’s NOT allowed:

Inconsistent price or discounts. For example, advertising that the product is sold at $1 when it’s actually at $10 or advertising 50% off when it’s actually just 10% off.

False images, brand names, descriptions, key attributes, models, product guarantees, or warranties. For example, advertising substandard products as products of good quality.

Any false information regarding services such as delivery, logistics, returns, refunds, and customer services.

What’s GOOD to do:

Show the products you want to share in the content, fully displaying the products and improving the quality of content creation. Creators must review their destination market’s relevant guidelines, laws, and regulations to ensure that their content is fully compliant.

All content must be consistent with the actual products sold and must not be misleading.

6. Misleading Functionality and Effect

What’s NOT allowed:

Lotion: Get slim legs right away.

Claims of cures for incurable diseases. For example, claiming that drinking tea can cure cancer.

Showing wrinkles disappearing through “before and after” comparisons after using a product for a short period of time. For example, “I’m 50 years old and after using it for 3 days, my wrinkles are gone and I have a fairer complexion.”

What’s GOOD to do:

Show the products you want to share in the content, fully displaying the products and improving the quality of content creation.

All content must not contain exaggerated promises about a product’s performance or effect.

7. Usage of Absolute Term

What’s NOT allowed:

NO.1 Product. For example, “This face wash is the NO.1 in this country”.

100% Natural. For example, “The fabric of this clothing is 100% natural.”

Best in the world. For example, claiming that the face cleanser is the best in the world.

Best in the universe, etc.

What’s GOOD to do:

Show the products you want to share in the content, fully displaying the products and improving the quality of content creation.

All content must not contain exaggerated descriptions or absolute claims without related, valid, objective proof to support the claim.

8. Deliberate Comparison

What’s NOT allowed:

This product is XX cheaper than that on XXX website. For example, “The lipstick being sold today doesn’t cost 99 or 89. It’s only 69. This is the cheapest price across the internet, cheaper than that on XXX website.”

There should be no exaggeration of the discount or any kind of groundless price comparisons or display of wrong discounts.

What’s GOOD to do:

Show the products you want to share in the content and properly display the prices and offers.

All content must not contain any deliberate or malicious comparisons with other e-commerce platforms or websites.

9. Branding of Product

What’s NOT allowed:

False claims that a product has won awards or possesses various certifications. For example, claiming that a non-certificated product has the XX patent and has won the gold prize on XX, enticing customers to make purchases.

False claims that a product is affiliated with other products. For example, claiming that the product is the affordable counterpart of a product from a famous brand, or is the same product from the product line of a famous brand.

What’s GOOD to do:

Show the products you want to share in the content, and properly display the certificates, patents and claims pertinent to the product. Creators must review their destination market’s relevant guidelines, laws and regulations to ensure that their content is fully compliant.

All content must not make false claims about a product.

10. Misleading Beauty Filters

What’s NOT allowed:

For example, when introducing the effect of the lotion, the host uses the extreme whitening and face-slimming filters and there is an obvious use of brightening filter.

When demonstrating how the pants look on models, the host uses the extreme long-leg filter, etc.

When trying to prove that people would look thinner wearing a piece of clothing, the host uses the extreme body-slimming filter, and viewers can clearly see the image is distorted.

Creators must not use misleading beauty filters for beauty and personal care products.

11. Misleading Traffic, Spam and Fraud

What’s NOT allowed:

Impersonating other individuals or organizations in order to deceive the public or make malicious representations.

Manipulating platform mechanisms in order to artificially generate orders, views, likes, comments, follows, or positive customer feedback/ratings.

Engaging in activities that deceive consumers or induce them to order, like, comment, or more.

Promoting products by inducing sympathy in the buyer, such as, claiming factory closures, bankruptcies, work shutdown, etc.

Promoting artificial traffic generation services.

Creating malicious software or modifying code to artificially increase orders, views, likes, followers, shares, or comments.

Any other attempt to direct users to non-authorized landing pages, such as, invalid landing pages; landing pages that require a user’s personal information to proceed; landing pages that automatically download files to a person’s computer.

All content must not include any form of spam or fraud in user profiles, content, comments, or chats. Transactions/activities that take place outside of TikTok Shop cannot be guaranteed of its safety or security. Content will be removed if it includes links, references, or other “calls to action” that encourage users to leave the TikTok Shop (or directs them to other platforms or websites). This includes but is not limited to links to other websites, phone numbers, social media handles, email addresses, QR codes, or other off-platform activity outside of TikTok Shop’s control.

12. Irrelevant Content

What’s NOT allowed:

The product shown in the content was not mentioned on the landing page.

The product was not explicitly or completely shown in the video, leading to an inability to identify whether it is the same product as the one on the landing page.

The product was not explicitly or completely shown in the creator’s content.

The product displayed in the creator’s content does not match the same product on their landing page. For example, showing apples when they’re actually selling pears.

The landing page shows Error 404 / page not found / other error codes.

All promoted product(s) must be relevant and clearly displayed in the related content.

13. Weight Control / Management

What’s NOT allowed:

All uploaded/created content should not promote an unhealthy body image or an unhealthy relationship with food.

Avoid making promises that the product alone, without diet or exercise, can lead to weight loss or better performance. For example, eat this, and you’ll lose 30 kilos without diet or exercise.

Products and products listings should not promote an unhealthy body image or an unhealthy relationship with food.

Product listings or promotions should not refer to specific calories or specific amounts of weight loss.

Content that involves dieting and other weight management products must make claims with a sense of responsibility.

14. Sympathy Promotion

What’s NOT allowed:

Produce deliberately tragic content and stories to draw attention and induce sympathy.

Use disadvantaged groups like elderly people and disabled people as main characters; exaggerate their situations to gain viewers’ sympathy and make more sales from that.

Gain viewers’ sympathy by claiming that the factory has been shut down, discontinued or bankrupt.

What’s GOOD to do:

Instead of pretending to lead a miserable existence to gain sympathy, creators should win audience’s trust in the product by conveying real and valuable information about the products and campaigns.

15. LIVEs with No Active Host Presence / Reproduced Content

What’s NOT allowed:

Shooting the cooking process for a long time during the LIVE without a host interacting with the viewers throughout the process.

There is LIVE content, but the host cannot be seen in front of the camera for a long time.

The edited video (without copyright) is played throughout the whole LIVE.

Documentaries and moves are played, sometimes in a loop, during the LIVE.

What’s GOOD to do:

There needs to be real hosts in front of the camera to interact with viewers in real time, introduce products, and deliver positive LIVE content.

16. Irrelevant Promotion

What’s NOT allowed:

The products are not listed in the shopping cart during LIVE product introduction.

What’s GOOD to do:

Products should be listed in the shopping cart before they are introduced during LIVEs.

(To learn how to do this, refer to this article “The Complete Guide To Setting Up TikTok Shop For Your Company“, Point 6 – Preparations for Live Selling.)

17. Smoking and Drinking Behavior

What’s NOT allowed:

The body is out of the camera and the smoke is in the camera when you smoke.

The body is in the shot, the head is smoking outside the shot, but the body action of smoking is clearly seen in the shot.

You can clearly see the smoke igniting.

In the case of co-host, the creator who co-hosts you is smoking.

When explaining alcoholic products, drinking while explaining the products.

The content should not contain tobacco patterns, decorations, and do not smoke in LIVE. In LIVE, there should be no drinking behavior.

Product Violation

1. Prohibited Products

[Source: https://seller-sg.tiktok.com/university/article?knowledge_id=10009150]

Prohibited products are products that are either banned by local law/regulation or not allowed for sale on TikTok Shop. The following types of products are prohibited on TikTok Shop: 

Firearms, Ammunition and Weapons

Firearms, ammunition, weapons and bladed articles are prohibited from sale on the TikTok Shop platform.

This includes but is not limited to: 

Firearms. This includes but is not limited to:

​Guns, pistols, rifles, automatic weapons, military ordnance and sport/hunting guns

​Replica, antique, and other firearms (such as BB guns, paintball guns, airsoft guns, tear gas guns, cap guns, and spear guns)

​Deactivated firearms and weapons designed to fire blanks (such as starting pistols).

​All associated parts, kits, ammunition, components and accessories for firearms. This includes but is not limited to:

​Internal firearm accessories such as bullets, magazines, barrels, weapon conversion kits and firing pins

​External firearm accessories such as silencers, gun stocks, bolts, fire control groups and trigger groups

​Knives and other bladed products. This includes but is not limited to:

​Switchblades

​Butterfly knives

​Any other type of knife or article that has a blade

​Any object that is sharply pointed, made or adapted for causing injury. This excludes kitchen (cooking) knives

​Weapons. This includes, but is not limited to:

​Military weaponry, explosive weapons and grenades

​Stun guns and tasers

​Batons and telescopic truncheons

Tear gas

​Pepper spray and mace

​Brass knuckles, knuckledusters, dan claws, foot claws, and nunchucks

​Crossbows, bows and arrows, slingshots, catapults, and any other assault weapons

​Other items that are designed to cause harm to individuals or may have the potential to be modified as weapons such as oil filters.

​Any related tutorials or books with instructions for making firearms, ammunition, and weapons are also prohibited.

Hazardous and Dangerous Items

Hazardous and dangerous items are prohibited from sale on the TikTok Shop platform.

This includes but is not limited to: 

Radioactive materials and equipment to process radioactive materials

​Explosive materials and equipment to process explosive materials. This includes but is not limited to: explosive gas, explosive fuses, explosive precursors, black powder, and other similar substances and products

​Fireworks. This includes but is not limited to bangers and firecrackers, roman candles, sparklers, skyrockets, aerial bombs or shells and fountains

​Toxic substances and hazardous chemical items and waste. This includes but is not limited to:

​Poisons and carcinogenic substances

​Chemical substances and compounds that are prohibited by law or regulation or that require specific approvals for use

​Any chemical substance or compound that is intended for commercial, industrial, or professional use only

​Any chemical substance or compound that is not available for general consumer purchase

​Liquid mercury and products containing mercury such as thermometers and other devices

​Fertilizers, chemical pesticides and insecticides

​Products that contain large quantities of magnetic balls or cubes. This includes but is not limited to items such as nanodots, buckyballs, magnet balls and similar products

​Hazardous materials that are not eligible for transportation or handling

​Products recalled by manufacturers or governmental, national, or international agencies

​Any related tutorials or books with instructions for making hazardous products

​Dangerous tools such as chainsaw

​Other hazardous materials or dangerous goods that pose a significant threat to the safety and security of customers, facilities, or the environment

​Dangerous toys and games

​Toys and games (also includes electronic games) that are harmful to children (mentally or physically)

​Other toys or games that harm the security, order, and safety of others

​Food additives, food processing enhancers, micronutrients, functional foods, food with high biohazards, foods preserved by radiation and genetically modified foods not yet permitted by competent state agencies

Human Body Parts and Remains

Human body parts and remains are prohibited from sale on the TikTok Shop platform.

This includes but is not limited to:

Human body parts

​Human waste or bodily fluids

​Human remains

​Sperm, egg cells, fertilized eggs, embryos, surrogacy, or intermediary services (buying and selling sperm, egg cells, fertilized eggs, embryos or surrogacy)

Animal and Animal-related Products

Various animal products are prohibited from sale on the TikTok Shop platform.

This includes but is not limited to: 

Live animals, livestock, and pets

​Any animal body parts

​Any animal products that contain endangered animals or animals protected by local/international laws

​Non-exhaustive examples of products made from endangered/threatened animals include organs, horns, ivory, bone, skin, fur, wool, leather, or teeth

​Non-exhaustive examples of animals protected by local laws or regulations include rhinos, orangutans and elephants

Hunting equipment or tools that are potentially harmful to animals or humans

​Cockfighting “slasher” knives

​Prong collars and any other collars that have inward-facing spikes

​Glue traps for vertebrates

​Cat traps and other traps claiming that they can be used for trapping cats

​Products or media that promote any form of animal abuse

​Electrostatic dog collars (including both training and containment systems)

Protected Wildlife and Plants 

Various plant products are prohibited from sale on the TikTok Shop platform.

This includes but is not limited to: 

Aquatic resources that are banned from exploitation

​Aquatic products that contain toxic or hazardous substances that exceed permitted legal limits

​Products that contain plants or other wildlife protected by local law and regulations

​Aquatic products with natural toxins that are dangerous to human life

​Livestock breeds that are not permitted by law for production and trading

​Livestock breeds that are harmful to human health, the environment, the ecosystem, and livestock gene sources

​Plant varieties that are not permitted by law for production and trading

​Plant varieties that are harmful to production, human health, the environment and the ecosystem

Adult Products and Services 

Adult products or services are prohibited from sale on the TikTok Shop platform.

This includes but is not limited to: 

Any sex-related adult products and services

​Sexually explicit content, such as adult video games and films that have a rating of X, XXX, R21, or unrated for an adults-only audience, sexually explicit anime, comics, books, animation, manga, hentai or yaoi

Sexually explicit content depicting minors

​Sexually explicit content depicting violent, non-consensual or illegal acts

​Any product that appears to be designed for use in sexual/adult activity. This includes, but is not limited to: sex toys and games, erotic clothing, bondage gear, accessories, fetish wear, sexual enhancers, or any other adult products depicting or suggestive of sex

​Dating, sexual contact or escort services, including in-person or online services

Discriminatory and Offensive Products 

Discriminatory or offensive products are prohibited from sale on the TikTok Shop platform.

This includes but is not limited to: 

Products that promote, incite, or glorify hatred, intolerance, and violence

​Products that promote discrimination against people based on their personal characteristics such as race, ethnicity, skin color, citizenship, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family status, marital status, disability, or medical or genetic condition

​Products related to terrorism or terrorist organizations

​Products related to campaigns, elections, political issues, or issues of public debate

​Products that advocate for or against, or attack a politician or political party

Products that promote or encourage any form of hate, crime, prejudice, rebellion or violence

​Products containing violent or offensive material

​Products that promote or glorify suicide

​Products that promote or glorify people who have been found guilty of violent or sexual crimes

​Products related to human tragedies and natural disasters

​Products that contain racially derogatory language

​Products that contain abuse or harassment towards individuals, including but not limited to violent threats, sexual harassment, or disparaging statements regarding appearance, intellect, personality traits, and hygiene

​Books, audio, videos, documents, and materials that promote religious or racial discrimination

​Any other materials that are prohibited by local laws and regulations from being published or sold

​In addition to the products above, any publication that is prohibited by local laws, including but not limited to those listed here. 

Illegal Drugs and Drug Paraphernalia

Illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia are prohibited from sale on the TikTok Shop platform.

This includes but is not limited to: 

​Illegal Drugs, chemicals, and raw materials. This includes but is not limited to:

​Narcotics, steroids, and other drugs prohibited by law or regulation

​Any chemicals, ingredients or raw materials used to manufacture drugs or addictive substances. This includes but is not limited to marijuana, opium and poppy seeds

​Drug paraphernalia such as products primarily intended for making, preparing or consuming “controlled substances.” This includes but is not limited to bongs, glass pipes or vaporizers designed for smoking or drug use

​Products that claim to provide a “legal high”

Security and Privacy 

Security and privacy products are prohibited from sale on the TikTok Shop platform.

This includes but is not limited to: 

Materials that contain personal information. This includes but is not limited to: 

​Personal information such as mobile phone numbers, e-mail addresses, and other identifying information.

​Software and products designed to extract personal information such as phishing websites.

​Identity cards, passports, social security cards, and other documents that can be used as proof of identity certificates.

​Software, equipment, tutorials, and services used to steal private, personal, or institutional data are prohibited.

​Any other items that infringe or have the potential to infringe upon, an individual’s privacy. 

Government and Military Items

Official government/military items and other restricted equipment are prohibited from sale on the TikTok Shop platform.

This includes but is not limited to: 

Items and equipment issued by the government, police, or military. This includes but is not limited to:

​Police uniforms, badges, insignia or military uniforms

​Signs, vehicle registration plates, and identification cards

​Government-issued certificates, diplomas and documents, or replicas of the same

​Official emergency lighting systems or sirens, electric shock sticks, bright lights, handcuffs, police sirens or other official equipment

​Items issued by or identifiable to Red Cross, Red Crescent or Red Crystal organizations.

​Items that contain or reference the Red Cross, Red Crescent, or Red Crystal emblems (unless such items are official memorabilia)

Coins, Cash, Gift cards and Financial Products

Coins, cash, gift cards and other financial products are prohibited from sale on the TikTok Shop platform.

This includes but is not limited to: 

​Any coins or paper money (whether collectible or circulating) that have a legal tender status in any country

​Replica or counterfeit coins, stamps and paper money, such as banknotes, bonds, money orders, silver certificates, gold certificates and other derivatives

​Equipment designed to create counterfeit coins, stamps, or paper money

​Cash equivalent instruments, including bitcoin, precious metal bullion, money orders, travelers’ cheques, and other stored value instruments

​Gift cards, coupons, gift certificates, electronic stored-value redemption codes or other similar items

​Stocks and securities

​Gold, silver, platinum and other precious metal bullion

​Products or services that offer the sale or purchase of virtual currencies. This includes, but is not limited to Bitcoin and Litecoin

​Protected art craft and antiques

​Gold or silver products that are not stamped in compliance with applicable laws

​Financial products and services. This includes but is not limited to the provision of funds, insurance, stocks, loans, money transfer, and other financial management services

Products that Facilitate Illegal Activity or Dishonest Behaviour

Products that facilitate illegal activity or dishonest behaviour are prohibited from sale on the TikTok Shop platform.

This includes but is not limited to: 

​Products that may facilitate illegal activities and dishonest behavior include but are not limited to:

​Falsified documents, certificates, official seals, or anti-counterfeiting labels such as identification cards, passports, immigration papers, driving licenses, degrees, certificates and business licenses

​Instruments that can be used for reimbursement and services that act as agents for customs declarations, checklists, and commodity inspections

​Unpublished examination answers, surrogate exam-taking services, and ghostwriting services

​Devices and equipment that may be used for illicit purposes such as:

​Electronic surveillance equipment and other similar electronic equipment such as cable TV, descramblers, radar scanners, traffic signal control devices, wiretapping devices and telephone bugging devices

Circumvention devices used in modifying, decoding, recording of vital information

​Telecommunication equipment that has not been registered or authorised by the relevant authorities

​Satellite signal transceivers and software

​Wireless network cards with free net functions or claims in the description for free net

​Devices designed to intentionally block, jam, or interfere with authorized radio communications, such as phones, GPS, radar, and other signals

​Mobile phone repeaters/boosters or enhancers

Odometer modification devices to tamper with recorded mileage on motor vehicles

​Products that descramble, or gain access to, cable or satellite television services without permission

​Spy equipment and hidden photographic devices

​Products used to evade or impair traffic safety

​Credit card reader terminals and portable magnetic stripe card-readers

​Lockpicking or locksmithing devices, tools, related books and tutorials. Examples include but are not limited to bump keys, slim jims, devices to make or duplicate keys, devices designed to pick a lock, code-grabbing devices, and key breaking devices

​Gambling and Lottery

Lottery tickets, instant win tickets and scratch cards

​Slot machines and other gaming machines.

​Mystery Boxes (including but not limited to, surprise boxes, mystery pouches, mystery bundles, lucky scoops, or any products of the like) that allow customers to receive random products.

​Other illegal activities. This includes but is not limited to: 

​Illegal possession.

​Lock-prying tools, unlocking services, and related tutorials and books.

​Any other product that promotesillegal or dangerous activity, including counterfeit designer goods, cable descramblers, fireworks, or websites that promote hacking or evading law enforcement.

Medicines and Medical Devices 

Harmful and banned medicines, prescription medicines and pharmacy-only medicines and medical devices are prohibited from sale on the TikTok Shop platform.

This includes but is not limited to: 

​Any drug, vitamin, herbal product, or any other product that requires a prescription

​Any product that must be provided or sold by a doctor or other healthcare provider

​Any Non-household medicine

​Unlicensed medicines or herbal/homeopathic products that make medicinal or health claims regarding cannabidiol (CBD), other cannabinoids, or hemp.

​Any veterinarian medicines

​Unsafe supplements and dietary supplements including, but not limited to: 

​Anabolic steroids

​Chitosan

​Comfrey, Dehydroepiandrosterone, or Ephedra

​Human growth hormones

​Sexual enhancement or performance supplements

​Any other similar products that are prohibited from being sold under applicable laws and regulations

​Medicines that claim can cure diseases.

Tobacco, E-cigarettes and Related Products

Tobacco, e-cigarettes and related productsare prohibited from sale on the TikTok Shop platform.

This includes but is not limited to: 

E-cigarettes or other smokeless tobacco products

​Tobacco or any product that contains tobacco – including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars and dipping tobacco, chewing tobacco, tobacco pipes, vaporizer devices, or similar devices and their refill cartridges or liquids

​Shisha, barak or hookah products and all substances associated with these products

​Any smoking apparatus, including pipes and rolling papers

Unsafe Food Products

Certain unsafe food products are prohibited from sale on the TikTok Shop platform.

This includes but is not limited to: 

Any food product that has medicinal claims, including claims that the food product interferes with the normal operation of the body’s physiological functions (whether permanently or temporarily), or can terminate, reduce, postpone, increase or accelerate the operation of physiological functions (for example, pharmaceutical drugs, misbranded dietary supplements)

​Any food product intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease in humans or animals

​Noxious food items that contain prohibited substances or substances above legally permitted proportions

Any adulterated food items

​Non-pasteurized dairy products

​Wild mushrooms

​Any food item that is hazardous to human health

​Any food item that is prohibited by local laws or regulations, or recalled for health and safety reasons 

Other Prohibited Products 

There are various other products that are prohibited from sale on the TikTok Shop platform.

This includes but is not limited to: 

Products that violate the intellectual property rights of brands or other rights owners

​Counterfeit products

​Used Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE)

​All second-hand products

​Used cosmetics

​Artifacts and antiquities

​Conflict minerals (natural sources extracted in a conflict zone and sold to perpetuate fighting)

​Conflict diamonds (diamonds mined in war zones and sold to finance an insurgency)

​Embargoed, mislabelled, or expired products

​Stolen goods that are not the property of the seller, or were obtained through illegal means

​Products recalled by manufacturers or governmental, national, or international agencies

​Products and services that involve the following:

​Government-subsidized housing

​Illegal marriages

​Supernatural and mystical topics

​Black magic or witchcraft

​Money laundering

​Pyramid schemes

​Products that are inappropriate according to local cultures and social conventions

​Obscene, seditious and treasonous materials

​Products that may not be compliant with local laws, regulations, product qualifications, certifications, technical standards, or standard requirements

​Products that are illegal, prohibited from being sold, or determined unsafe by the relevant local authorities

Products that may not be lawfully imported into the country where the buyer is located

​Products, services, technology, or website content that promotes any illegal or dangerous activity. This includes false document services, counterfeit designer goods, cable descramblers, fireworks, or websites that promote hacking or evading law enforcement. 

​Any other products that are prohibited from sale according to applicable laws and regulations

TikTok reserves the right to judge whether or not a listing is appropriate. If we determine that a product is prohibited, potentially illegal, or inappropriate, we may remove it from our platform.

2. Restricted Products (Product Categories that Require Approval) 

[Source: https://seller-sg.tiktok.com/university/article?knowledge_id=10009151]

All sellers must pass a product approval process before selling restricted products on TikTok Shop. This process requires sellers to submit documents including but not limited to certifications, testing reports, product/package images, and other qualifications. 

The guidelines below set out the relevant requirements sellers must meet before making a submission to sell certain categories of restricted products. We may verify the submitted documents for compliance, verification, and validation purposes. Sellers who fail to pass the product approval process are prohibited from selling restricted products on TikTok Shop. 

Jewelry, Watches and Accessories (Restricted) 

Sellers who wish to list jewelry, watches, or accessories containing gems or precious metals, such as gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, must obtain necessary product approvals in accordance with the requirements below.

Various documents that may be required for submission include: 

Certificates

​Testing reports

​Pictures of product

​Pictures of packaging 

​Other information where applicable

Please note there are products within this category that must not be sold via TikTok Shop under any circumstances. Some examples are: 

Precious metals over 1 gram that have not been accurately weighted with stamped weighing and measuring equipment.

​Rough diamonds that do not comply with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.

Beauty and Personal Care Products (Restricted) 

Sellers who list beauty and personal care products must ensure that all product details are appropriately described and labeled. Sellers may also be required to submit documents showing that the product(s) are safe for customers and compliant with relevant laws and regulations.

Below is a list of supporting documents/information that may be required for submission. 

Name and complete address of the seller

​Image(s) of packing labels containing all mandatory information required by relevant laws and regulations

​Cosmetic product name

​Functions

​Usage instructions

​Ingredients

​Name and country of origin of production

​Batch number

​Size, content, or net weight

​Expiration date

​Notification number

​Warning/caution statements

​Valid cosmetic product notification issued by Health Sciences Authority

​Other details where applicable

Please note: There are products within this category that must not be sold via TikTok Shop under any circumstances. Some examples are:

Beauty and personal care products that have medical claims or applications. This includes but is not limited to claims indicating a product is intended to be used to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent disease in humans or animals

​Beauty and personal care products that are prohibited by governmental agencies or contain prohibited ingredients such as mercury, hydroquinone, etc.

​Beauty and personal care products that are restricted or recommended for professional use only

​Second-hand beauty and personal care products

Computers, Office Equipment, Phones and Electronics (Restricted) 

Electronic equipment and devices such as computers, office equipment, phones and other transmitting devices may also require product approval before being sold on TikTok Shop. Sellers may be required to submit supporting documents to verify that their electronic products are compliant with relevant laws and regulations. 

In addition to the above examples, electronic equipment also includes wireless data network (WDN) equipment, short range devices (SRDs), transceivers/transmitters, radio communications equipment (RCE), and all other computing devices that utilize radio frequencies.

Exception: print servers, access control and attendance devices, printers and scanners can be listed by all sellers. 

Toys & Musical Instruments (Restricted) 

Sellers may be required to submit supporting documents to verify that toys and musical instruments are compliant with relevant laws and regulations.

Home Improvement and Appliances (Restricted) 

Sellers may be required to submit supporting documents to verify home improvement products such as lights, lighting products, electrical equipment, pest control, and building supplies are compliant with relevant laws and regulations.

Exception: beekeeping supplies, garden décor and garden buildings can be listed by all sellers. 

“Invite Only” Product Categories

Sellers may only sell within the following categories if they have been onboarded via a limited, “invite-only” process. 

Pet Supplies (Invite Only)

The following pet supplies can only be sold if a seller has been onboarded via a limited, “invite-only” process. 

• •​Pet supplies such aspet food (including food for dogs, cats, birds, fish and reptiles) 
• •​Note: As part of the “invite only” process, sellers may be required to submit supporting documents to verify that the pet supplies are compliant with relevant laws and regulations. They may also be required to produce relevant licences/certificates.

Select Clothing Items (Invite Only) 

The following select clothing items can only be sold if a seller has been onboarded via a limited, “invite-only” process. 

Underwear. This includes but is not limited to bras, men’s underwear, women’s underwear, and stockings.

​Swimwear. This includes but is not limited to swimsuits and bikinis.

Select Household Items and Equipment (Invite Only)  

The following select household items and equipment can only be sold if a seller has been onboarded via a limited,”invite-only” process. 

Home improvement building materials used for construction. This includes but is not limited to wood, bamboo, stone, cement, concrete, metal, brick, and paint.

​Large household appliances and commercial appliances. This includes but is not limited to televisions, refrigerators, microwave ovens, dryers, washing machines, ovens, electric fans, electric blankets, printers, and scanners.

​Kitchenware. This includes, but is not limited to products regulated as “ceramic ware” that is intended for the use in the preparation, packaging, storage, delivery or exposure of food.”

​Large office equipment. This includes but is not limited to audio and video conferencing equipment, shredders, printing equipment, and copiers.

Luxury Items and Books (Invite Only)

The following select luxury items and books can only be sold if a seller has been onboarded via a limited,”invite-only” process. 

​Luxury items. This includes but is not limited to haute couture clothing, accessories, and luggage.

Books of the following accepted categories:

​Art

​History

​Lifestyle

​Education

​Professional

​Text Book

Medical

​Travel

​Business

​Fitness

​Science Fiction

​Cooking Book

​Law

​Sport

​Calendar

​Entertainment

​Science

​Biography

​Technology

​Comic

​Self Help

​Dictionary

​Literature

​Social

​Study

​Fiction

​Babies’ Books

​Toddler’s Books

​Teens’ Books

​Parent’s Books

​Religion (Except Holy Scripture)

Miscellaneous Items (Invite Only) 

The following miscellaneous items can only be sold if a seller has been onboarded via a limited,”invite-only” process. 

​Prepaid phone cards

​Medical masks and PPE masks

Food and Beverages (Invite Only) 

All food and beverage items can only be sold if a seller has been onboarded via a limited,”invite-only” process. 

This includes but is not limited to, fresh/ chilled and frozen food, beverages (non-alcoholic), biscuits, snacks, crisps, chocolate, sweets, home baking, pasta, noodles, jam, honey, spreads, oils, vinegar, salad dressings, cereal, muesli, nutrition, cream, milk and supplements. 

Sellers must ensure that all food sold on TikTok Shop has proper packaging and a reasonable remaining shelf life. Perishable products should also have details of the expiration dates indicated visibly in the product description.

Sellers who wish to list these types of products may be required to submit documents showing that the product(s) are safe for customers and compliant with relevant laws and regulations. 

Seller Documentation Requirements (Food Product Listing)

 Below is a list of supporting documents/information that may be required for submission. 

Valid certification(s) issued by an authorized certification body

​Valid notification ID number of the product (also known as notification number)

​Note: expired certificates, or nearly expired certificates (within 30-days of the expiration date) are unacceptable

​Images of packing labels containing all mandatory information required by relevant laws and regulations

​Product name

​Ingredients

​Net weight or content

​Name and address of the product’s producer or importer

​Halal certification (if the product has obtained halal certification).

​Production date and batch number

​Expiry date

​Sources of the product’s listed ingredients (i.e., sourced from certain animals or genetically modified/ irradiated ingredients)

​Other details where applicable

Please note there are products within this category that must not be sold via TikTok Shop under any circumstances. Please refer to Section 6 “Unsupported Products,” for more information.  

Brand Approval

TikTok Shop is dedicated to protecting the rights of all Intellectual Property (IP) holders. Sellers who wish to list products on our platform must do so in accordance with local regulations, laws, and our TikTok Shop Intellectual Property Guidelines.* 

Sellers are required to submit brand-related approval documentation before listing any branded products. Required documents are as follows:

For brand owners

​Copies of authentic trademark certification(s) 

​Trademark registration verification issued by lawful authorities

​For distributors of branded products

​Trademark certification(s)

​Licensing agreements of the registered trademark

​Authorization from the brand owners

​Purchase proof to demonstrate the authenticity of the products

Note that the approval documentation requirements may vary. Sellers must follow the Seller Center instructions and submit all required documentation promptly.

Unsupported Products 

All unsupported products are currently prohibited from being sold on TikTok Shop. 

While sellers may have the necessary qualifications or permissions for selling these products locally, TikTok shop does not support the sale of the following products on our platform:

Medicines and Medical Devices (Unsupported)

Certain medicines and medical devices are currently unsupported on TikTok Shop. 

Medicines. Any drugs, vitamins, herbal products, or other products, including over-the-counter (TOC) drugs

​Medical devices (all types). Medical devices/products that include but are not limited to any medical instrument, apparatus, appliance, software, or material. This also includes:

​Any device or product intended by its manufacturer to be used, alone, or in combination with other products

​Any device or product intended for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes

​Any device or product that requires a prescription, application, fitting or sale by a doctor, optician or other healthcare provider

​Examples of medical devices. This includes but is not limited to:

​Thermometers 

​Ventilators

​Sexual wellness items (e.g contraceptives, lubricants and other similar products)

​Blood pressure monitors

​Testing kits (e.g HIV testing, paternity testing, fetal testing, and other similar products)

​Contact lens inserters/removers

​Contact lens and its cleaners

​Soaking solutions

​Bandages

​Alcohol swabs

​Menstrual care products

​Therapeutic massagers

​Oral care products

​Breastfeeding care products

  Exception: Sellers may only sell medical masks and PPE masks if they have been onboarded via a limited, “invite-only” process (see section 4). 

Veterinary Products (Unsupported)

Veterinary products are currently unsupported on TikTok Shop. 

Veterinary/Pet Products. This includes but is not limited to: 

​All veterinary products and devices

​Animal drugs, medicated feed

Alcohol (Unsupported)

Alcohol and related products are currently unsupported on TikTok Shop. 

Automotive and Automotive Parts (Unsupported)

Vehicles and automotive parts are currently unsupported on TikTok Shop. 

Automotive and Automotive Parts. Certain types of automotive vehicles and automotive components are not allowed. This includes but is not limited to:

Cars, motorcycles, motorbikes.

​Parts or components of automotive vehicles such as brakes, engines, tyres, rims, car lighting, fuel, meter devices, seats, oil filters, and more.

Media Products (Unsupported)

Various media products are currently unsupported on TikTok Shop. 

Media products. This includes but is not limited to: 

​Book categories that are not listed in “Invite Only”

Play scripts

​Manuscripts, magazines, periodicals

​Sound and video recordings (e.g. CDs and DVDs)

​Music and printed music

​Video games and SIM cards (sellers with TikTok Shop approval are excluded)

Virtual Products (Unsupported)

Various virtual products are currently unsupported on TikTok Shop. 

Virtual products. This includes but is not limited to:

​Memberships, services, warranties, or subscriptions

​Digital downloads of books, magazines, newspapers, music, videos

​Other products such as rechargeable cards

Services (Unsupported)

Services are currently unsupported on TikTok Shop. 

Services. Offers for the sale of any type of service. This includes but is not limited to:

​Any type of job promotion

​Travel services

​Construction services

​Lawn care

​Electrician services

​Plumbing and cleaning services

​Automotive services

​Recycling services

​Fitness guidance

​Financial services 

​Veterinary or animal-related services

​Show tickets

​Shares, securities or other postage

Political Products (Unsupported)

Political products are currently unsupported on TikTok Shop. 

Political products. Political products are products that contain or refer to political elements.  Products are considered political if they are: 

​Related to a politician, political party, or political figure.

​Related to campaigns or elections.

​Related to political issues of public debate.

​Advocate for or against a politician or a political party.

Sex or Adult Products and Services (Unsupported)

Sex or adult products and services are currently unsupported on TikTok Shop. Sex or adult products and services. Any product that appears to be designed for use in sexual or adult activity. This includes but is not limited to: 

Sex toys and games

​Erotic clothing

​Erotic wellness and massage

​Bondage gear/ accessories

​fetish wear, sex furnishing, sexual enhancers, or any other adult products depicting or suggesting sexual activity

​Dating, sexual contact or escort services (including in-person or online services)

​Sexual wellness items (e.g contraceptives, lubricants and other similar products)

Weight Loss Products and Supplements (Unsupported)

Weight loss products and supplements. This includes but is not limited to: 

​Supplements that include undeclared ingredients or ingredients prohibited by law

​Body building supplements that include undeclared ingredients or ingredients prohibited by law

Further Information and Audit

TikTok Shop may review and audit product listings at any time. Random audits may also be performed to identify any changes in listing information that violates this page’s guidelines. 

Product detail pages that violate these Restricted Product Guidelines may be removed. We may also temporarily or permanently suspend the selling privileges of sellers who are involved in severe or repeated violations. We reserve the right to report sellers who violate local laws and regulations to the necessary legal authorities.

Appeal

Sellers who believe their products were blocked or removed erroneously can raise a ticket through Seller Center to file an appeal. If the product is found to be permitted for sale, appropriate adjustments to our systems and the seller’s account status will be made.

Violation Points Accumulation and Consequences

12-23 Points Consequences

Formal warning

Cannot enroll in new campaigns and free shipping subsidy for 30 days

24-35 Points Consequences

Formal warning

Cannot enroll in new campaigns and free shipping subsidy for 30 days

Cannot enroll in Affiliates for 30 days

36-47 Points Consequences

Formal warning

Store closure for 30 days

Cannot enroll in new campaigns and free shipping subsidy for 60 days

48 Points Consequences

Perpetual shop suspension (with appeal allowed)

Violation Points Reset

Note that Violation Points Reset after 180 days.

If a seller incurred one violation point on 1 April 2022, the violation point will reset after 180 days on 28 September 2022 (starting from the date the violation point was issued.)