The Ultimate Amazon LOA Checklist

1. Essential Components Checklist

These must-haves form the core of the LOA. Ensure every element is explicitly included.

• Include the full legal name of the licensor (brand owner, manufacturer, or IP holder), plus their address, phone, and email from an official domain.
• Include your business's full legal name (matching your Amazon Seller Central account), plus your contact details and Amazon Seller ID or Merchant Token if applicable.
• Add a clear statement of rights granted, specifying permission to sell/distribute products, use of IP (trademarks, logos, images, packaging), and explicit authorization for sales on Amazon marketplaces.
• Specify the geographic scope (e.g., United States, European Union, or worldwide) to align with Amazon's regional policies.
• Define the term/duration with specific dates or clearly stated validity.

2. Formatting and Presentation Checklist

Make the document look official and professional for easy approval.

• Print on the licensor's official company letterhead, including logo, address, and contact info.
• Date the LOA with the current issuance date (ensure it's not expired).
• Have it signed by an authorized representative, with printed name, title, and contact info; electronic signatures are okay if verifiable.
• Use clear, professional language (English preferred; provide translations if needed).
• Ensure the document is clean: no alterations, redactions, handwritten changes, blurriness, or illegibility.

3. Submission Guidelines Checklist

Follow these when uploading to Amazon Seller Central.

• Use an acceptable format: PDF, Word (if self-declaration), or official emails from the licensor's domain.
• Avoid unacceptable formats: screenshots (unless self-declarations), editable files from third parties, blurry scans, or incomplete documents.
• Confirm the LOA covers the relevant products/ASINs; attach a product list if needed.
• Ensure it's not expired and stands alone as primary authorization.

4. Optional Enhancements Checklist

Add these to strengthen the LOA (optional).

• Include a statement that the licensor will respond to Amazon's verification inquiries.
• Specify exclusivity details (e.g., sole authorized seller).
• Add permissions for sublicensing if working with sub-distributors.
• Clarify use of modified or improved brand assets.
• Reference Amazon's IP policies for compliance.
• Attach supporting docs like trademark certificates (optional).

5. Common Pitfalls to Avoid Checklist

Review and confirm you've dodged these rejection triggers.

• Avoid generic templates—customize fully.
• Ensure it's from the direct brand owner/IP holder, not a distributor.
• Eliminate vague language—specify IP details beyond "authorized seller".
• Match all names and details exactly to your Amazon account.
• Confirm the document isn't expired or outdated.
• Avoid self-declarations unless you own the brand.
• Address any geographic or product-specific restrictions.

Final Steps for Success

• Obtain the LOA directly from the brand's official channels (e.g., legal department).
• Submit promptly via Seller Central for appeals or ungating.
• Test with one product first to verify before scaling.
• Check Amazon's Seller Central Help Hub for policy updates.
• If needed, consult e-commerce IP experts for review.

🧾 Learn How to Get LOAs from brands → read more