If a product fails to sync from Shopify to TikTok with an error like "Missing brand authorization", "Potential Intellectual Property Infringement" or "Listing of a Prohibited Product", the block is coming from TikTok Shop's listing policies, not from the SPL app. SPL only relays the message TikTok returns. Fix brand errors by applying for brand authorization in Seller Center, fix IP flags by removing brand references and using No Brand for generic items, and fix prohibited-product errors by checking your item against TikTok's banned categories. Then re-sync.
These three errors catch a lot of sellers off guard, because the product looks fine in Shopify. The key thing to understand is where the rejection comes from. Once you know it is TikTok's policy engine talking, the fix for each becomes straightforward.
This guide breaks down what each error means, why it happens, and exactly how to clear it.
Product not syncing, or order not syncing?
This guide is about products failing to sync from Shopify to TikTok, usually a listing-policy rejection. If instead your orders are not coming through, that is a different set of causes, covered in our guide to TikTok Shop order sync issues.
TikTok Shop Integration — SPL
Surfaces the exact error TikTok returns when a product is rejected, so you know precisely what to fix. Correct the issue in Shopify or Seller Center, then re-sync from the same place.
Where these errors come from
When syncing products from Shopify to TikTok using the SPL app, you may see error messages like:
- FAILED due to Product: Missing brand authorization
- FAILED due to Product: Potential Intellectual Property Infringement
- FAILED due to Product: Listing of a Prohibited Product
The three errors at a glance
| Error | Core cause | Fastest fix |
|---|---|---|
| Missing Brand Authorization | Listing a branded product you are not authorized to sell | Apply for brand authorization in Seller Center |
| IP Infringement | Title, images or brand field resemble a protected brand | Remove brand references, use No Brand for generics |
| Prohibited Product | Item falls in a banned or restricted category | Check TikTok's prohibited list, revise or remove |
1. Missing Brand Authorization
What it means
TikTok Shop rejects your listing because it includes a registered brand name, but your seller account does not have verified authorization to sell that brand. TikTok enforces strict brand control to protect intellectual property rights and prevent counterfeit or unauthorized listings. List a product under a brand like Nike or Apple without proper documentation, and it is automatically flagged and blocked.
Why it happens
- Brand name: you are listing under a protected brand but have not provided TikTok with authorization documents.
- Incorrect brand field: a generic or unbranded product has a branded category selected, or a brand name entered that does not match the product's true nature.
- Brand flagging: the title, description or images closely resemble a protected brand, even unintentionally.
- Automatic brand matching: TikTok's system matched your product to a protected brand based on its title, description or images.
How to fix it
- Go to TikTok Seller Center.
- Navigate to My Account, then Brand Management.
- Click Apply for Brand Authorization.
- Submit documents such as an authorization letter from the brand owner, a trademark certificate, or a purchase invoice from an authorized distributor.
2. Potential Intellectual Property (IP) Infringement
What it means
TikTok's content review system has identified that your listing may infringe on the intellectual property rights of another brand, creator or organization. IP infringement includes the unauthorized use of a registered brand name, trademark, logo, copyrighted material or distinctive product design. TikTok flags a listing when it detects potential brand misuse, either through direct use of protected IP, or when your title, images, description or branding closely resemble a known brand, even unintentionally.
Why it happens
- Misuse of brand elements: the listing includes protected brand names, logos or designs without authorization.
- Similar products: your product resembles a well-known brand's products, for example unbranded items with Nike-like logos or Apple-like designs.
- Images and descriptions: images or descriptions contain trademarked terms or logos.
- Automatic brand matching: the title, name, brand field or images closely resemble popular or protected brands, even if unintentional.
How to fix it
- Double-check your Product Title, Description, Images and Brand field in Shopify.
- Avoid including brand names unless you are officially authorized.
- If it is a generic or unbranded product, select No Brand when syncing, and avoid referencing well-known brands in titles or descriptions.
Want the exact reason a product was rejected? SPL shows you the precise TikTok error, so you fix the right thing and re-sync in minutes. Free to install, plans from $9.99/month.
Install SPL free →3. Listing of a Prohibited Product
What it means
TikTok rejects the listing because the product violates one or more of its Prohibited Products Guidelines. Your product falls under a restricted category that TikTok does not allow to be sold. These include, but are not limited to:
- Alcohol, tobacco, vapes
- Adult products
- Weapons, knives
- Fake branded goods
- Health supplements and cosmetics without certification
Why it happens
TikTok Shop maintains a list of restricted or banned categories that cannot be listed under any circumstance. These rules are based on local laws and regulations in each operating country, community standards and user safety, and platform-specific rules about content TikTok does not support. Your product may trigger this error if it falls into a prohibited category, or if it is missing certifications or documents required for high-risk items.
How to fix it
- Review TikTok's official Prohibited Products Guidelines.
- Remove or revise the product from your Shopify store if it falls under a banned category.
- If you believe your product was flagged incorrectly, contact TikTok Seller Support and submit evidence.
What the SPL app can and cannot do
SPL cannot
Override or bypass TikTok's product listing policies. If TikTok blocks a listing, no app can force it through, the decision sits with TikTok's review system.
SPL can
Show you the exact error TikTok returns, so you know what to correct. And once you have fixed the issue in Shopify or Seller Center, you can re-attempt the sync from SPL.
Still need help?
If you are unsure how to fix the issue:
- Contact TikTok Seller Support directly via your Seller Center dashboard.
- Or reach out to SPL Support via in-app live chat or by email at support@slashcart.org.
Product sync error FAQs
Is this error caused by the SPL app?
No. Missing brand authorization, IP infringement and prohibited-product errors all originate from TikTok Shop's internal listing policies, not from SPL. The app only reflects the message TikTok returns when it rejects a listing. That is why the fix always happens in Shopify or in TikTok Seller Center, and once you have corrected the issue, you can re-attempt the sync from SPL.
Why does my product fail with "Missing brand authorization"?
Because your listing includes a registered brand name that your seller account is not verified to sell. TikTok blocks it automatically to prevent counterfeit or unauthorized listings. To fix it, go to Seller Center, open My Account then Brand Management, click Apply for Brand Authorization, and submit documents like an authorization letter, trademark certificate or purchase invoice from an authorized distributor. Until approval, you cannot list under that brand.
My product is generic but still gets flagged. What do I do?
This is common. TikTok's system can match a generic product to a protected brand based on its title, description, images or brand field, even unintentionally. Select No Brand when syncing, remove any brand names or trademarked terms from the title and description, and check that your images do not include brand-like logos or designs. Then re-sync. Correcting the brand field is usually faster than applying for authorization you do not actually need.
What counts as a prohibited product on TikTok Shop?
Restricted categories include, but are not limited to, alcohol, tobacco and vapes, adult products, weapons and knives, fake branded goods, and health supplements or cosmetics without certification. The rules are based on local laws, community standards and TikTok's own platform policies, and they vary by operating country. Review TikTok's official Prohibited Products Guidelines to confirm whether your item is banned outright or simply needs certification.
Can I re-sync a product after fixing the issue?
Yes. Once you have corrected the problem, whether that is gaining brand authorization, cleaning up brand references, or adding a missing certification, you can re-attempt the sync from SPL. The app cannot override TikTok's decision, but it will happily push the corrected product through once TikTok's policy check passes.
I think my product was flagged incorrectly. Who do I contact?
If you believe a prohibited-product or IP flag is a mistake, contact TikTok Seller Support through your Seller Center dashboard and submit supporting evidence, since the listing decision is TikTok's. For help understanding or re-attempting the sync itself, you can also reach SPL Support via in-app live chat or email at support@slashcart.org.
Keep going
More TikTok Shop guides.
Everything around syncing products cleanly.