Start Selling on TikTok Shop in 2026: Eligibility Requirements You Must Know

TikTok isn’t just for viral dances and funny videos anymore, it’s rapidly becoming a hotspot for e-commerce. With millions of highly engaged users scrolling, liking, and sharing content every day, TikTok Shop lets sellers connect directly with buyers in a way traditional marketplaces can’t match.

What makes TikTok Shop unique is its blend of entertainment and commerce. Instead of passive shopping, users discover products through engaging videos, influencer content, and live streams, turning casual scrolling into instant buying opportunities.

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to tap into social commerce, that moment is now. But before you can start selling, you need to know who can sell, what’s required, and how to get approved.

In this guide, we’ll walk you step by step through everything you need to get started, meet eligibility requirements, and get your TikTok Shop account approved, so you can start selling confidently and effectively.

TikTok Shop Seller Eligibility: Who Can Join and Start Selling
Products You’re Allowed to List on TikTok Shop
Age Requirements to Sell on TikTok Shop
TikTok Shop Availability by Region
Required Documents for TikTok Shop Verification
TikTok Shop Costs: Referral, Transaction & Fulfillment Fees
New Seller Promotions on TikTok Shop
How to Get Approved on TikTok Shop: Step-by-Step Process
Common Reasons for Rejection & How to Avoid Them
What Happens After Approval & How to Launch Successfully
Is TikTok Shop Worth It for New Sellers?

TikTok Shop Seller Eligibility: Who Can Join and Start Selling

TikTok Shop is open to both individual sellers and registered businesses; however, the requirements may vary slightly depending on your location and the type of account you choose. Your approval also depends on your region, and TikTok will only verify your shop once you submit the right documents.

TikTok Shop Eligibility Requirements for Individuals and Businesses

Requirements For Individual Seller Account

If you want to sign up as an individual, you’ll need:

To be at least 18 years old
A valid government-issued ID such as a passport, national ID card, or driver’s license
A personal bank account in your own name
Personal details (name, date of birth, address)
An individual seller profile during the TikTok Shop sign-up process

Requirements For Business Seller Account

If you’re registering as a business, TikTok requires additional information to verify your company. This includes:

A valid business license or certificate of incorporation
A tax identification number (VAT, GST, EIN, or your local equivalent)
A registered business address
A business bank account under the company’s name
Contact details of an authorized representative

Whether you’re selling as an individual or a business, having the right documents ready helps you get your TikTok Shop approved and open for sales much faster.

Eligible Products You Can Sell on TikTok Shop

TikTok Shop supports a wide variety of products, but every seller must follow the platform’s category rules. Before you start selling, it’s important to know exactly what’s allowed and what isn’t, so you can avoid violations.

Permitted Product Categories on TikTok Shop

Beauty & Skincare Products
Apparel, Fashion & Accessories
Shoes & Footwear
Home & Kitchen Items
Electronics & Mobile Accessories
Health & Personal Care (non-medical)
Food & Beverages (packaged, sealed, non-perishable; region-dependent)
Baby Products (non-medical)
Pet Supplies
Sports & Outdoor Gear
Handmade & Custom Items
Art, Decor & Lifestyle Products

By following TikTok’s product guidelines, sellers can avoid account warnings, listing removals, and approval delays.

Age Requirements to Sell on TikTok Shop

To keep the platform safe and compliant, TikTok Shop requires all sellers to be at least 18 years old at the time of registration. This rule applies everywhere in the world, whether you’re signing up as an individual or representing a business.

For Individual Sellers: You must be 18 years or older to create a TikTok Shop account. TikTok verifies your age through government-issued identification such as a passport, driver’s license, or national ID card. Minors (under 18) are not allowed to register or sell on the platform.

For Business Sellers: If you’re signing up as a business, the company itself can be registered under any owner, but the person managing the TikTok Shop account must be at least 18 years old.

TikTok requires verification of age through uploaded ID or business registration during the sign-up process.

Where Is the TikTok Shop Available? United States, United Kingdom, Indonesia, Vietnam, & More

TikTok Shop is currently available in selected regions. Sellers must reside in or operate from an approved country to register.

Asia-Pacific Region: TikTok Shop first launched and gained traction in Southeast Asia, one of its strongest-performing markets for social commerce.

Supported countries include: Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Europe: TikTok has expanded its e-commerce operations across key European markets, focusing on digital-first retail environments and influencer partnerships.

Supported countries include: The United Kingdom.

North America: TikTok Shop’s most recent and fastest-growing region is North America, where it has officially launched for both local and cross-border sellers.

Supported country: United States

Other Regions (Planned or Pilot Programs): TikTok has begun pilot programs and beta rollouts in emerging markets, focusing on cross-border selling and influencer partnerships.

These regions are currently part of TikTok’s Cross-Border E-Commerce (CBEC) roadmap, enabling sellers to ship internationally through TikTok-verified warehouses.

TikTok Shop Costs: Referral, Transaction & Fulfillment Fees

TikTok Shop is built to be accessible for new and experienced sellers alike. One of its biggest advantages is its low-cost, pay-as-you-sell model, which means no setup fees, no monthly subscription charges, and no hidden costs.

1. Referral Fee: In the USA, the referral fee is around 6% of the sale price. Some categories (e.g., jewelry) may have a lower rate (e.g., 5%). The rate varies by country and product category.

2. Transaction Fee: In the U.S., TikTok merged commission and transaction-related charges into a single “Referral Fee” for most qualified orders. Outside the U.S., transaction fees can vary depending on the country.

3. Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT) Fees: Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT) costs typically cover four key areas: Storage Fees, Pick & Pack Fees, Shipping Fees, and Return Handling Fees.

Storage Fee: In the U.S., storage fee ranges from $0.20 to $0.80 per cubic foot per day, depending on product size and how long it remains in storage. Globally, storage fees vary by country, warehouse, and product size.

Pick & Pack Fee: In the U.S., this cost is included in TikTok’s fulfillment fee, with an equivalent value of about $0.40-$1.50 per order. Globally, pick-and-pack fees vary by region, and many markets bundle this into a single fulfillment charge.

Shipping Fee: In the U.S., shipping is included within TikTok’s per-unit fulfillment fee, but the equivalent shipping value typically falls between $1.50 and $6.00+, depending on package weight and delivery distance. Globally, shipping rates vary widely by country, courier partners, and weight classes.

Return Handling Fee: In the U.S., this fee is typically around 20% of the referral fee, though it can vary depending on the type of product and the specific return scenario.

4. No Monthly Subscription Fee: Unlike Amazon or Walmart, TikTok Shop does not charge monthly seller subscription fees, brand registry fees, or listing fees.

New Seller Promotions on TikTok Shop

TikTok Shop makes it easier for new sellers to launch and scale quickly by offering special promotional incentives during the first few weeks of selling. While the exact incentives vary by region, both U.S. and global markets offer generous benefits to encourage new seller growth.

1. Special Introductory Fee (2% Commission + $0.30 Per Order): New U.S. sellers receive a reduced 2% referral fee + $0.30 per order during the introductory period. This promotional rate typically applies for the first 60 days or until the seller reaches $500,000 in sales.

2. 0% Commission Period: Some U.S. sellers may qualify for 0% commission windows, depending on TikTok programs, events, or specific product categories. Many countries offer 0% referral fee or discounted commission for the first 30–90 days to help new sellers launch quickly.

3. Free or Discounted FBT Credits: TikTok encourages new sellers to use its fulfillment network by offering:

Free or discounted warehouse storage
Lower pick & pack rates
Free or discounted shipping on initial orders

In markets like the U.K., Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, TikTok commonly provides: free storage for the first month, discounted fulfillment rates, and lower shipping fees for initial orders.

4. Extra Visibility: TikTok gives new sellers a visibility boost by placing their products higher in the For You feed, Shop tab, and search results. New shops also benefit from extra exposure during major events like Flash Sales, Holiday Deals, and regional campaigns.

5. Platform-Funded Vouchers: TikTok supports new sellers with:

Platform-funded discounts (e.g., “$5 OFF” or “10% OFF for new buyers”)
Seller training, live selling workshops, and onboarding webinars
Early access to new ad formats, seller tools, and LIVE shopping features

With these promotions, new sellers can launch with lower risk, higher margins, and significantly better reach compared to traditional e-commerce platforms.

How to Get Approved on TikTok Shop: Step-by-Step Process

Getting approved on TikTok Shop is easier when you follow a clear process and prepare everything ahead of time. Below is the complete, step-by-step workflow that most successful sellers follow.

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before you open the Seller Center, gather all the documents TikTok will ask for. The required documents include:

Individual: Valid government ID (Passport, national ID, or driver’s license), active bank account, proof of address, phone number, and email address.

Business: Business license or trade certificate, valid government ID, bank account details, business address proof, and tax registration number.

Verify Your Documents: Before submitting anything, double-check that all information matches across your ID, bank account, and business documents. Make sure your ID is valid, your address is up to date, and your document photos are clear and readable.

Step 2: Create Your Account

The next step is to set up your TikTok Shop account. You can register as either an individual seller or a business seller. During the application process, TikTok will ask you to upload documents such as your ID, business license, bank details, and address proof. The steps you should follow-

Visit the TikTok Shop Seller Center
Select Your Account Type (Individual or Business)
Enter Basic Information for Eligibility Check
Submit Required Documentation Based on Your Selection
Create Your Seller Profile
Link Your Bank Account for Payments and Tax Information

Complete Identity and Bank Verification: Once your account type is selected, you need to complete Identity verification, which includes: face verification (in some regions), uploading ID scans, and matching ID with the account holder’s name.

Step 3: Configure Your Shop & Upload Products

Once your TikTok Shop account is verified, it’s time to set up your store and start adding products.

Start by setting up your shop with a logo, banner, business details, shipping options, and return policies. Then upload your products through the Seller Center by selecting Product → Manage Products → Add New Product. Add your title, photos, price, category, description, and any required compliance documents. Use relevant keywords and high-quality images so your products show up in TikTok Shop searches. Follow these steps-

Adding shop logo and banner
Filling out business details
Setting shipping and return policies
Uploading your first product listings
Providing product category, pricing, images, descriptions, and compliance documents (if required)

Timeline Approval: Most TikTok Shop applications are approved in 24–48 hours, but delays can happen. Common reasons for delays:

Blurry or low-quality ID uploads
Mismatched names between ID and bank account
Incorrect business documents
Fake or unverifiable addresses
Incomplete shop information
Product categories requiring additional checks

By preparing your documents early and providing accurate information, you minimize delays and move into selling mode much faster.

Step 4: Choose Your Fulfillment Model

Before you start receiving orders, you need to decide how your products will be packaged, shipped, and delivered to customers. TikTok Shop gives sellers two fulfillment options, and choosing the right one can make a big difference in your delivery speed, customer satisfaction, and overall shop performance. You must select how your orders will be delivered to customers:

a) TikTok Fulfilled (Fulfilled by TikTok)

b) Merchant Fulfilled (Self-fulfillment)

Choose the option that best matches your business size, delivery speed, and logistics capacity.

Step 5: Create Engaging Video Content

Once your shop is set up, it’s time to focus on the most important part of TikTok Shop content. Start by scrolling through your For You Page to understand what kind of videos are trending. Create simple, engaging videos like product demos, unboxings, before-and-after clips, or problem-solving videos that show your product. When creating your own content, keep these tips in mind:

Grab attention fast: The first 2–3 seconds are everything. If you don’t hook viewers immediately, they’ll scroll past.
Keep it light and entertaining: TikTok isn’t the place for overly salesy videos. Focus on simple demos, problem-solving clips, before-and-after shots, unboxing videos, or fun reactions.
Repost your existing content: If you already have successful videos on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube, repost them on TikTok to reach an entirely new audience.
Use UGC or creators when possible: If you don’t have content yet, create simple videos yourself or hire micro-influencers to produce UGC.

Step 6: Partner With Creators, Affiliates & Influencers

One of the biggest advantages of selling on TikTok Shop is the powerful network of creators and affiliates who can promote your products. These creators make short videos or live demos featuring your items, and you pay them a commission only when a sale is made.

To get started, open your TikTok Shop Seller Center and add your products to the Affiliate Marketplace. From there, creators can find your products, request samples, and create videos if they love what you’re offering. To attract quality creators, offer competitive commissions, send sample bundles, and run limited-time bonus promotions to encourage more creators to promote your items.

Step 7: Engage With Your Audience

Engagement is one of the fastest ways to build trust and increase your visibility on TikTok Shop. Start by responding to comments on your videos. When you reply using a video, TikTok often shows that reply to everyone who watched the original post.

Another highly effective strategy is going LIVE. Live sessions let you answer questions, demo your products in real time, and build genuine connections with viewers. This will increase your reach because TikTok’s algorithm pushes LIVE videos to more users. Keep in mind that you need at least 1,000 followers to go live, so focus on consistent posting until you reach that milestone.

Step 8: Leverage Influencers Through Open Collaboration

TikTok makes it easy for brands and influencers to connect through a feature called Open Collaboration. This allows creators to browse products inside the Affiliate Marketplace and request samples directly from sellers.

Once you enable Open Collaboration, influencers can:

Request a sample of your product
Create a video if they like your product
Earn a commission every time their video generates a sale

Common Reasons for Rejection & How to Avoid Them

Getting rejected on TikTok Shop is more common than many new sellers realize. Most issues come down to simple mistakes in documentation, account details, or policy compliance. Here are the most frequent reasons sellers get rejected and how you can avoid them:

1. Mismatched Names on ID, Bank Account, or Business Documents: TikTok requires all legal information to match exactly across every document. If your ID, bank account, and business license have different spellings or names, TikTok can’t verify your identity. How to avoid it:

Ensure your legal name is identical across all documents.
Update bank records before applying.

For businesses, use the official registered name, not a trading name.

2. Blurry, Low-Quality, or Expired Documents: TikTok automatically rejects unclear or outdated documents. How to avoid:

Upload high-resolution scans or photos.
Make sure your ID or license is not expired.
Avoid shadows, glare, or cropped edges.

3. Attempting to Sell Restricted or Prohibited Items: The TikTok shop has a strict list of products that cannot be sold on the platform. Listing restricted items during onboarding triggers immediate denial.

4. Poor Fulfillment Performance: Sellers with late shipping, order cancellations, or poor operational reliability pose a risk to the platform’s customer experience.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you dramatically increase your chances of getting approved on the first try.

Is TikTok Shop Worth It for New Sellers?

TikTok Shop gives new sellers a massive reach to grow fast through organic visibility, viral trends, and an in-app checkout experience.

However, TikTok Shop isn’t like traditional e-commerce. It comes with higher demands and expectations:

Consistent Content Production: You must post frequent videos or use creators to stay visible.

Strict Shipping & Service Standards: Expect fast 24–48 hour shipping and strong customer service.

Heavy Algorithm Dependency: Success relies on TikTok’s algorithm, engagement, and video performance.

Increasing Seller Competition: More sellers mean you need strong branding to stand out.

Need for Continuous Trend Adaptation: Trends change fast—your content must adapt quickly to stay relevant.

So, is it worth it? If you approach it strategically. TikTok rewards sellers who stay consistent with their content, maintain fast and reliable fulfillment, and deliver a great customer experience. Those elements work together to boost your visibility and help you grow without depending heavily on paid ads.

FAQs: Common Questions Sellers Ask About TikTok Shop Eligibility & Approval

Q: Do I need a minimum number of followers to start selling on TikTok Shop?

No. TikTok Shop does not require any follower count to begin selling. Your follower number only matters if you’re joining the creator or affiliate programs. As a seller, you can open a shop even with a brand-new account.

Q: Can I sell on TikTok Shop if I’m not a U.S. citizen but own a U.S.-registered business?

Yes. Citizenship doesn’t matter—your business documentation does. As long as your company is properly registered in the U.S. (with an EIN, business license, and required documents), TikTok allows you to join as a business seller regardless of your nationality.

Q: What happens if my TikTok Shop application gets rejected?

TikTok will send you an email explaining why your application was denied and how to fix it. Most rejections are caused by issues like mismatched personal details, unclear or expired documents, missing address information, or applying with restricted product categories. Once corrected, you can resubmit your application.

Q: Can I use the same products I sell on Amazon or Shopify for TikTok Shop?

Yes, you can cross-list your inventory across Amazon, Shopify, and TikTok Shop. Many sellers do this successfully. Just make sure you can meet TikTok’s stricter shipping expectations (usually 24–48 hours) and maintain consistent customer service across all platforms.

Q: How fast do I need to ship orders on TikTok Shop?

TikTok Shop requires quick fulfillment—orders typically must be shipped within 24–48 hours. Slow processing or repeated delays can lead to penalties, reduced visibility, or even temporary account restrictions. Reliable fulfillment is essential for keeping your shop in good standing.

Q: Is TikTok Shop better than Amazon for new sellers?

Both platforms offer different strengths. TikTok Shop is ideal for products that perform well in short-form videos and appeal to a younger audience. Amazon offers massive search-based demand but also tougher competition and higher fees. Most successful brands eventually use both—Amazon for stable sales and TikTok for viral growth.

Q: Can I dropship on TikTok Shop?

Yes, dropshipping is allowed as long as you meet TikTok’s policies. You must ensure fast shipping, accurate tracking, and dependable customer service. Even if a supplier handles fulfillment, you remain responsible for the entire buyer experience, so choose reliable partners.

Q: Can I switch from an individual seller account to a business account later?

Yes. Many sellers start as individuals and upgrade to a business account once they grow. You simply need to provide your business registration documents, tax ID, and business bank account during the transition.

Q: Does TikTok verify where my products come from?

Sometimes. TikTok may request invoices, authenticity certificates, or supplier proof—especially for branded, regulated, or high-risk categories. This helps ensure product quality and prevent counterfeit listings.

Watch how we help new sellers launch successfully-

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How Ecomclips Helps You Succeed on TikTok Shop

Launching and scaling a TikTok Shop can unlock massive growth opportunities—but succeeding on the platform requires strategy, strong content execution, and continuous optimization. That’s where Ecomclips comes in. Our team helps brands turn TikTok Shop into a consistent, high-performing revenue channel.

Shop Strategy & Setup: We guide you through choosing the right seller type, preparing documents, and setting up your store correctly to ensure fast approval and a strong launch.

Product Listing Optimization: We create keyword-rich titles, clear descriptions, and high-quality images so your products rank better and convert more shoppers in the TikTok Shop feed.

Content & Creator Collaboration: We help you build a content plan and connect with the right creators and affiliates—covering creator selection, commissions, and performance tracking.

Advertising & Promotions Management: From Spark Ads to Shop vouchers, we manage promotional campaigns that boost visibility and bring high-intent buyers to your listings.

Performance Tracking & Data Insights: We monitor key metrics—conversion rate, engagement, creator ROI—and make data-driven adjustments to improve profitability.

Ongoing Growth Support: Our team stays ahead of algorithm updates, fulfillment standards, and platform trends to keep your TikTok Shop competitive and performing long-term.

With Ecomclips, you don’t just open a TikTok Shop—you build a scalable, optimized system that turns viral moments into repeat customers and sustainable profits.

Contact us today at info@ecomclips.com or book an appointment with our e-commerce experts to start selling smarter on both marketplaces.

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Since 2012, we’ve been helping businesses of all sizes launch, scale, and dominate online. From Amazon, Walmart, eBay, and Etsy to Shopify and WooCommerce, our team of marketplace experts, designers, developers, and marketers works together to deliver measurable results.

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Whether you’re launching a new store or managing multiple global marketplaces, Ecomclips acts as your single strategic partner, simplifying complexity and driving sustainable revenue growth.