Cotecna Becomes an Amazon-Approved TIC Provider for Direct Validation of Skin-Lightening Products

As global consumer awareness of product safety continues to rise, Amazon has strengthened its compliance requirements for high-risk product categories. Due to their specific health and safety considerations and stringent regulatory requirements, skin-lightening products have been included among the product categories subject to mandatory TIC Direct Validation (DV). This means sellers cannot submit compliance documents, including certificates, test reports, and other supporting documents, directly to Amazon. Instead, these documents must be submitted directly to Amazon by an approved TIC provider. Therefore, selecting an experienced TIC partner with global capabilities and a strong international network is crucial.

Introduction to Amazon's Skin-Lightening Products Policy

Skin-lightening products include, but are not limited to, bleaching creams, whiteners, skin brighteners, and fading creams, which are often marketed as skin-lighteners and anti-aging treatments that remove age spots, freckles, blemishes, and wrinkles.

Mercury has been detected in numerous skin-lightening products, and exposure to mercury can pose serious risks to human health. Amazon therefore prohibits the sale of skincare products containing mercury. Restricted substances include, but are not limited to, mercury, ammoniated mercury, mercuric chloride, mercury oxide, mercury salts, mercurous chloride, cinnabar, red mercury compounds, and quicksilver.

Direct Validation (DV) is a mandatory mechanism introduced by Amazon to strengthen product safety and compliance on its platform. Sellers must complete comprehensive testing and audits of product ingredients, packaging, labeling, manufacturing qualifications, and market authorization documents through an Amazon-approved TIC provider (such as Cotecna),; or submit existing test reports and documents to a designated TIC provider for validation and review. The testing and validation results must be submitted to Amazon by the TIC provider. Amazon will not accept documents directly from selling partners.

Amazon Direct Validation (DV) Process

• Log in to the "Manage Your Compliance (MYC)" page in Seller Central
• Locate the ASINs that need to be processed and submit a testing request
• Select Cotecna from the list of TIC organizations
• Submit product information, samples, or existing test reports
• Cotecna completes the validation and submits the results directly to Amazon
• Once compliance is approved, the product can be sold as usual

Cotecna's Key Advantages

1. Officially authorized, Direct Submission to the platform

As an Amazon-authorized Direct Validation (DV) TIC provider, Cotecna delivers test reports and validation results directly to Amazon, helping streamline the review process, and enabling sellers to resume or maintain their products’ selling status efficiently.

2. Global Network, Local Support

With over 180 branches and accredited laboratories in more than 50 countries worldwide, Cotecna has established a localized service network covering a wide range of regions and industries. Both manufacturers and brands expanding into international markets can enjoy seamless, high-quality service.

3. One-Stop TIC Solution

From product testing, document review, label validation, and compliance assessment to the direct submission of results to Amazon, Cotecna provides a comprehensive, one-stop service covering the entire process. Sellers can efficiently complete all compliance procedures without having to coordinate with multiple organizations, allowing sellers to focus valuable time and energy on product operations and market expansion.

4. Expert Team, Forward-Looking Guidance

Cotecna's technical team has in-depth knowledge of Amazon's platform rules and applicable US FDA requirements. By continuously monitoring Amazon's policy updates, we provide accurate compliance advice, risk assessments, and tailored compliance strategies to help increase sellers’ first-pass approval rate for Direct Validation (DV), reducing the need for repeated revisions and helping sellers avoid missed business opportunities.

Amazon Direct Validation (DV) Categories Covered by Cotecna

In addition to the newly added skin-lightening products category, Cotecna has been authorized as Amazon Direct Validation (DV) TIC provider across multiple product categories, providing sellers with compliance support across a wide range of categories:

• Skin-Lightening Products
• Lithium-ion Batteries
• Lithium Battery Powered Home Appliances
• Portable Power Supplies
• Dietary Supplements
• Children's Toys
• Electronic Mobility (e-mobility) Devices
• Electronic Mobility (e-mobility) Accessories
• Children's Jewelry
• Edible Metal Foils
• Ingestible Over-The-Counter (OTC) Pain Relievers

In the face of an increasingly complex cross-border e-commerce compliance environment, Cotecna will continue to monitor the latest developments in Amazon's Direct Validation (DV) policy and provide sellers with professional support as soon as new product categories become available. Choose Cotecna for efficiency, reliability, and global compliance assurance.

For inquiries regarding Direct Validation (DV) services for skin-lightening products or DV services for other product categories, please contact Cotecna: dv-services@cotecna.com

About Cotecna

For over 50 years, we have been supporting agriculture, food and pharma, minerals and metals, and consumer products supply chains all over the world. We provide testing, inspection, and certification services to help our clients navigate evolving regulations, ensure product compliance, and support their sustainability journey.