On Makro Marketplace, customer trust and safety form part of our top priorities. To protect our customers, our sellers, and the integrity of Marketplace, we’ve introduced a process called gating.
Gating is a protective measure used to control which products can be listed in certain categories. It means that sellers must first be approved before they can upload products in specific high-risk verticals.
In simple terms, gating acts like a secure checkpoint. Only sellers who provide the correct documents and meet regulatory and compliance requirements are allowed through the gate.
This process helps us achieve key goals:
It is important to note that gating is not a barrier. Instead, it is a way to create a safe platform for all sellers. Once you’re approved, your products can be listed confidently.
By going through the gating process, you build trust with customers, reduce the risk of returns and disputes, and protect your business reputation.
Some product and categories are considered high risk because they could pose health, safety, or legal risks if not properly controlled.
Examples of high risk products include gas related products, cellphones, electronic devices, medical products, fragrances, etc.
By gating these categories, we protect customers from harmful products and help sellers avoid penalties and disputes.
| Category | Description |
| Safety and Health Risk | Products that could cause harm to consumers if used incorrectly, are faulty, or fail to meet required safety standards. Examples: electrical appliances without certification, cosmetics with unverified ingredients, supplements, or toys with choking hazards. |
| Legal and Regulatory Risk | Items that are heavily regulated or restricted by law due to their nature or potential misuse. Examples: alcohol, tobacco, firearms, prescription medicines, or counterfeit goods. |
| Financial and Reputation Risks | Products that could expose the marketplace to fraud, intellectual property disputes, or customer dissatisfaction. Examples: luxury goods prone to counterfeiting, unlicensed software, or products with misleading claims. |
| High risk vertical gating | Documents required |
|---|---|
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Gas related verticals 1.1. gas_stove_oven 1.2. gas_cylinder 1.3. gas_cylinder_regulator 1.4. gas_stove_accessory 1.5. gas_refill 1.6. gas_lighter |
Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association of South Africa (LPGSA) Certificates |
| 2. Mobile |
1. Proof of purchase (minimum of 10 units purchased per model is required). 2. South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) / International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) compliance certification and product safety test reports. 3. Warranty terms and processes (minimum 12 months). 4. After-sales service and support details, including repair centre contact information. 5. A valid import permit and customs clearance certificate – applicable to imported goods only. |
| 3. Tablets |
1. Proof of purchase (minimum of 10 units purchased per model is required). 2. South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) / International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) compliance certification and product safety test reports. 3. Warranty terms and processes (minimum 12 months). 4. After-sales service and support details, including repair centre contact information. 5. A valid import permit and customs clearance certificate – applicable to imported goods only. |
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4. Pre-owned products relating to the verticals below: 4.1. Mobile CPO 4.2. Tablet CPO 4.3. Laptop CPO |
Valid second-hand goods certificates Proof of Quality Control (QC) and diagnostic testing, including secure data wiping Minimum 6-month warranty offered on all devices Generic packaging where applicable Conformity to agreed grading standards Imported goods only: International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) permit Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) and National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) certification |
| 5. Car seat |
1. National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) certification 2. Letter of Authorization (LOA) |
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Fashion related verticals bib, gown, kids_apparel_combo, kids_sandal, kids_shoe, kids_slipper_flip_flop, night_dress_nighty, sandal, shoe, slipper_flip_flop, sock |
No products allowed until further notice. | Standard_Trailers |
No products allowed until further notice. |
Learn how to apply and submit your certification: