The cross-border e-commerce industry is ushering in a new round of compliance upgrades. Amazon's recently implemented TIC Direct Verification Mechanism (Direct Verification by TIC Institutions) marks a new stage of the platform's product compliance control. This mechanism transfers the right of report review from sellers to Amazon-recognized third-party testing, inspection and certification institutions (TIC institutions), significantly improving the credibility and strictness of compliance verification.

From lithium battery powered small home appliances to electric mobility devices, portable power supplies and lithium-ion batteries, the platform has comprehensively tightened the review mechanism for products with built-in lithium batteries. All products must be verified by Amazon-recognized TIC institutions, and non-compliant documents will result in immediate ASIN delisting. Combined with the latest 2026 policies, this article provides comprehensive interpretation and compliance guidance for sellers.

【Important Reminder】 Amazon no longer supports sellers to upload certification reports independently. Reports must be issued by ISO 17025 accredited laboratories within the last 12 months. Only results marked "Pass" or "Not Applicable (NA)" are accepted; results showing "Fail", "Non-compliant" or left blank will not be accepted.

1. Core Change: From "Seller Self-Upload" to "Institution Direct Submission"

Amazon's TIC Direct Verification Mechanism is an important upgrade of the platform in product compliance management, and its essential change is reflected in the reshaping of the report submission process.

Old Mechanism: Seller Self-Upload

• Sellers directly upload laboratory test reports to the Amazon backend • Amazon relies on self-inspection of the authenticity of materials submitted by sellers • Report fraud and non-compliance are difficult to effectively verify • Relatively low compliance threshold with weak risk control

New Mechanism: Direct Verification by TIC Institutions

• Sellers submit test reports to Amazon-recognized TIC institutions • TIC institutions conduct independent audits on the compliance and authenticity of reports • Audit results are directly transmitted back to Amazon platform by TIC institutions • Sellers do not need to (and cannot) modify the returned content

Underlying Logic of TIC Institution Report Review

Under the TIC Direct Verification Mechanism, each TIC institution conducts independent review of submitted test reports, focusing on the following aspects: • Qualification of report issuing institution: Confirm whether the laboratory has corresponding accreditation qualifications • Correctness of applicable testing standards: Verify whether the standards used for testing meet the requirements of the target market • Completeness of report content: Check whether the report contains necessary technical data and test results

Different TIC institutions have differences in laboratory cooperation lists and report recognition standards. Sellers should understand the specific requirements of target institutions in advance before submission.

2. Affected Categories & Control Scope

Currently, Amazon's TIC Direct Verification Mechanism has covered multiple product categories including lithium battery powered home appliances, electric mobility devices (including accessories), portable power supplies (including power banks) and lithium-ion batteries. Sellers should focus on whether their products fall within the affected scope.

2.1 Lithium Battery Powered Home Appliances

Policy Coverage

Lithium battery home appliances refer to household devices powered by rechargeable batteries, including lithium-ion (Li-Ion) rechargeable batteries, lithium polymer (LiPo) rechargeable batteries, and lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) rechargeable batteries.

Specific products include: vacuum cleaners, floor scrubbers, floor washing machines, floor steam cleaners, blenders, mixers, juicers, food processors, slicers, meat grinders, grinders, electric knives, milk frothers, salt and pepper grinders, air purifiers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, desk fans, garage fans, camping fans, patio fans, curling combs, curling irons, hair straighteners and hair dryers.

Out of Control Scope

• NiMH/NiCd rechargeable models, disposable dry batteries, pure AC wired devices • Industrial heavy-duty equipment, garden tools, power tools • Digital IT products: mobile phones, tablets, Bluetooth speakers, players • Small accessories: clocks, remote controls, electronic scales

2.2 Electric Mobility Devices & Accessories

Electric mobility devices include electric bicycles, electric tricycles, electric scooters, electric hoverboards, etc. Their accessories (including matching chargers and battery packs) are also subject to the same TIC Direct Verification requirements as complete devices. Even if only accessories are sold instead of complete devices, the TIC Direct Verification process still needs to be completed.

2.3 Portable Power Supplies (Including Power Banks)

A portable power supply is a device with built-in lithium-ion or lithium polymer batteries, used to provide power when standard power sources (such as wall sockets) are unavailable, including outdoor energy storage power stations and power banks.

This policy applies to: lithium battery or LiFePO4 battery energy storage systems with a rated capacity of 20 kWh; home battery backup generators with a rated capacity of no more than 20 kWh for lithium battery systems; home battery backup generators with a rated capacity of no more than 70 kWh for lead-acid or valve-regulated nickel battery systems; and home battery backup generators with a rated capacity of no more than 3 kWh for electromechanical capacitors.

This policy does not apply to portable car emergency jump starters.

2.4 Lithium-Ion Batteries

Covered products include rechargeable lithium storage batteries, Li-Ion rechargeable batteries, LiPo rechargeable batteries, LiFePO4 rechargeable batteries, rechargeable lithium-ion coin or button batteries, and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for designated devices.

3. Mandatory Compliance Standard Comparison Table

3.1 Mandatory Compliance Standards for Lithium Battery Small Home Appliances

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3.2 Electric Mobility Devices (Including Accessories)

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3.3 Electric Mobility Device Accessories

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3.4 Portable Power Supplies (Including Power Banks)

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3.5 Lithium Batteries

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4. Differences in Accreditation Standards Among TIC Institutions

Currently, institutions participating in Amazon's TIC Direct Verification do not adopt unified standards, which is a key point for sellers to pay special attention to.

Main Manifestations of Inter-Institutional Differences

• Different laboratory cooperation lists: Some institutions have recognized cooperative relationships with reports issued by specific laboratories, and submission of reports from these laboratories will result in smoother audits • Different report format requirements: Some institutions require reports to meet specific format specifications • Different additional technical document requirements: Some institutions may require additional technical document support

Seller Response Strategy

• Different TIC institutions have different recognition standards for test reports • It is recommended to clarify which TIC institution the review will be submitted to before starting testing • Understand the institution's specific requirements for report format, laboratory qualifications and testing standards • Avoid subsequent rework from the source

5. Common Compliance Pitfalls & Countermeasures

The following are the most common compliance traps for sellers, please check against them:

1. Report older than 12 months: All test reports are only valid for the last 12 months. Expired reports are not accepted and require re-testing.
2. Mismatched standard versions: Using expired or non-Amazon required versions of UL standards will result in platform verification failure.
3. Ignoring battery UN 38.3: Even with complete UL reports for complete devices, products will still be rejected if the battery has not undergone UN 38.3 transport testing.
4. Laboratory without ISO 17025 qualification: Reports must be issued by laboratories with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation; ordinary test reports are not recognized.
5. Abnormal report result fields: Result fields marked "Fail", "Non-compliant", "Not met" or left blank are not accepted by the platform, and must be verified and re-issued.

6. Seller Compliance Action Recommendations

Facing the TIC Direct Verification Mechanism, relevant sellers are recommended to promote compliance according to the following steps to reduce policy risks.

Step 1: Confirm Product Category & Sales Sites

• Verify whether the product belongs to lithium battery small home appliances, electric mobility devices (including accessories), portable power supplies (including power banks) or lithium-ion batteries • Confirm sales sites (US / Canada / Europe) • Determine whether it is subject to TIC Direct Verification constraints

Step 2: Understand Recognition Requirements of Target TIC Institutions in Advance

Step 3: Complete Product Testing According to Corresponding Standards & Obtain Test Reports

Ensure reports are issued by laboratories with ISO/IEC 17025 qualification within the last 12 months.

Step 4: Submit Reports to TIC Institutions & Wait for Review

• Submit test reports to Amazon-recognized TIC Direct Verification institutions • The institution conducts independent audit on the compliance and authenticity of the report • If the institution has supplementary requirements, promptly cooperate to provide explanatory materials to avoid affecting audit progress

Step 5: TIC Institution Returns Results & Completes Amazon Compliance

• After passing the audit, the TIC institution will directly transmit the verification results back to the Amazon platform • Product compliance status is updated automatically • No manual report upload to the backend by sellers is required throughout the process • There is no link for sellers to intervene in the returned content

Closing Remarks

The implementation of Amazon's TIC Direct Verification Mechanism reflects the platform's increasing emphasis on product compliance. For cross-border e-commerce sellers selling relevant categories, this is both a challenge and an opportunity to enhance product competitiveness and win consumer trust.

Sellers are advised to pay close attention to Amazon platform policy updates, understand in advance whether their products are affected, and start compliance preparation as early as possible. Choose qualified testing institutions, complete product testing according to the requirements of the target market, and ensure that reports can be recognized by TIC institutions, so as to successfully pass verification and maintain normal store operations.

About Energy Storage Testing

Guangdong Energy Storage Testing Technology Co., Ltd. specializes in testing and certification services, with rich testing experience and professional technical capabilities in the fields of lithium battery small home appliances, electric mobility devices, portable power supplies, lithium-ion batteries, etc.

We are committed to providing reliable testing and certification solutions for enterprises, helping them successfully enter target markets.

Accreditation Qualifications • CNAS L13753 (ISO/IEC 17025 Testing Laboratory Accreditation) • CNAS IB1376 (ISO/IEC 17020 Inspection Body Accreditation) • CMA (202019014977) • IECEE (TL777) • Qualifications from institutions including UL, TUV, CQC, Eurofins, etc.