TikTok Shop has recently updated its policy regarding certain product categories. As a seller in these categories, you may need to apply for Category Qualification before listing products under them on TikTok Shop.
How to know if you need Category Qualification
If you haven’t obtained the necessary qualification for a restricted category, you may encounter an error message in your ShoppeDance dashboard or TikTok Shop Seller Center stating:
"TikTok Shop error: Couldn't use or obtain category information as this is an invite-only category. Contact the account manager or TikTok Shop support team for permission to access this category or select another one"
No need to worry. For most categories, you can easily obtain Category Qualification by applying directly in your TikTok Shop Seller Center.
Apply for Category Qualification
Go to your TikTok Shop Seller Center.
Navigate to Profile Image -> My Account -> Account Settings -> Qualification Center -> Category Qualification. Click "Add Category Qualification"
(You can use this direct link: https://seller-us.tiktok.com/qualification?tab=category)
Under the Categories dropdown, select all categories relevant to your products.
The page will prompt you to upload the necessary documents to validate your Category Qualification. Simply follow the instructions and upload the required documents as prompted.
Submit the application after all required documents are uploaded.
Approval for your Category Qualification may take a few business days, up to a week. Please keep an eye on your email and notifications in your TikTok Shop Seller Center for updates.
After your Category Qualification is approved:
Once your Category Qualification is approved, you can start listing products under the categories for which your qualification has been granted.