Brand Gating

Brand Gating Guidelines

1. Introduction to Brand Gating

At Makro Marketplace, we are committed to building a safe, compliant, and trusted platform for both customers and sellers. To support this, we are introducing Brand Gating.

Brand Gating means that certain brands cannot be listed on the marketplace unless sellers have applied through the Seller Portal and received approval.

This process ensures that:

• Customers only receive genuine and authentic branded products
• Sellers who meet compliance standards are protected against unfair competition from counterfeiters
• The overall integrity of our marketplace is safeguarded

2. Which Brands are Gated

Brand gating applies to a select number of brands where the risk of counterfeiting, parallel imports, or non-compliance is higher.

A full and updated list of gated brands will always be available on the Seller Centre which you can refer to. Please check this list before attempting to upload branded products.

Brand	Description
Stanley	Tools, flasks and other Stanley-branded products – gated to prevent counterfeit and parallel imports
30 Seconds	Board game – gated to prevent counterfeit and unauthorised versions
JBL	Audio products such as speakers, headphones and accessories – gated to ensure only authorised resellers
Labubu	Collectible figurines – gated due to brand protection requirements

3. Who Needs to Apply

All sellers who wish to list products from gated brands must apply, regardless of whether they are new or existing sellers. Approval must be obtained before uploading products.

Applications are per brand — if you want to sell multiple gated brands, you must apply for each separately.

4. Required Application Documentation

To be considered for approval, sellers must provide the following:

Tier 1: Basic Requirements (applies to ALL gated brands)

1. Proof of Purchase Documents • Acceptable: Supplier invoices, purchase receipts • Documents must clearly show:   – Supplier’s name and contact details   – Date of purchase   – Product description (matching the branded product)   – Quantity purchased • Accepted formats: PDF, scanned copy, or high-quality image

2. Product Images • You are required to upload actual images of the product in your possession • Images must be clear, original, and taken by you (not stock or online images) • Required angles:   – Top view   – Bottom view   – Left side view   – Right side view   – Front view   – Back view • Ensure branding, packaging, and any product identifiers (such as serial numbers or batch numbers) are visible Tip: Take photos against a plain background with good lighting for best results

Tier 2: Additional Requirements (for selected brands/categories – these will be specifically requested)

3. Brand Authorization / Distribution Letter (where applicable)

• Formal letter from the brand or authorised distributor confirming seller’s right to sell branded products

4. Supplier Information (where applicable)

• Full details of the supplier (name, address, contact number, website)
• Possibly request a copy of the supplier’s company registration or VAT certificate

Helps verify whether the supply chain is legitimate.

5. Import Documentation (where applicable)

• Customs clearance certificates
• SARS import/export documentation
• Proof of duty or VAT paid on imported goods

Ensures products entering via parallel imports are not being smuggled or mis-declared.

6. Product Authenticity Certificates (where applicable)

• Certificates of authenticity (where provided by the brand)
• Batch/serial numbers that can be cross-verified with the brand

Especially useful in high-counterfeit categories like luxury goods, fragrances, sneakers.

7. Warranty Information

• Proof that products carry the official local warranty (if required by law/brand)
• Or, if parallel import: clear disclosure of limited/no local warranty

Protects customers and prevents disputes when warranty claims arise.

8. Regulatory Approvals (Category-Specific)

Depending on the product type, you may require:

• ICASA Certificate – for cellphones and telecom devices
• NRCS Certificate of Compliance – for electrical appliances and gas products
• SAHPRA registration – for health-related items, medical devices, or cosmetics

This ensures sellers don’t bypass existing regulatory compliance by just having an invoice.

5. Review and Approval Process

Once your application is submitted:

• The Compliance Team will review the documents and images
• They may contact you if additional information is required
• You will receive one of the following outcomes:
  • Approved – You may now list the brand’s products
  • Additional Information Requested – You will need to resubmit missing or unclear documents
  • Rejected – If the documents or products do not meet requirements

Typical review turnaround time: 7 to 10 business days

6. Quick Tips for a Smooth Application

• Always use legitimate suppliers and keep your invoices updated
• Take clear and detailed product photos as required
• Submit applications well in advance of when you plan to list products
• Double-check that product details on invoices match the product images
• Be transparent about the source of your products — parallel imports must still comply with local consumer protection laws

Please refer to this link for the seller education guide on Parallel Imports.

https://makromarketplace.helpcentre.app/article/ip3hnnl-how-to-list-a-parallel-import