Businesses WhatsApp doesn't allow (Commerce Policy)
Meta enforces the WhatsApp Commerce Policy on every business using the platform. If your store sells restricted goods, the WhatsApp Business Account application (or later, your templates) can be rejected.
Restricted categories include
- Goods: alcohol, tobacco/vapes, drugs, weapons and ammunition, animals, body parts/fluids, hazardous materials
- Services: gambling and betting, adult services, dating
- Financial: loans and payday lending, real/fake/virtual currencies (including crypto)
- Health claims: weight-loss products with unrealistic claims, some supplements
The list evolves — always check the live policy for current rules and country nuances.
If you were rejected
- Re-read the policy and identify the likely category match.
- If it's a misclassification (e.g. you sell kitchen knives, flagged as weapons), appeal through Meta Business support with your website and product evidence.
- If part of your catalog is restricted, you may still use WhatsApp for the compliant part — keep restricted items out of templates, catalogs and media you send.
Remember you're solely responsible for sales terms, taxes and legal compliance in transactions conducted over WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
Why was my business rejected by WhatsApp?
Usually because Meta classified it into a restricted category under the WhatsApp Commerce Policy — e.g. alcohol, tobacco, weapons, gambling, adult content, dating, loans, supplements/weight-loss claims, or real/virtual currency. If you believe it's a misclassification, appeal via Meta Business support with evidence of what you actually sell.