In the first half of 2025, TikTok Shop has taken aggressive steps to enhance platform safety, blocking over 70 million product listings and rejecting 1.4 million seller applications, according to a recent safety report highlighted by Ecommerce Bridge. This move comes as the platform prepares for the high-stakes Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM) shopping season, with executives emphasizing stricter compliance to combat fraud and unsafe goods.

The crackdown is part of a broader initiative to reshape e-commerce standards on the app, where viral content drives impulse buys. As reported by WebProNews, TikTok Shop’s global gross merchandise value (GMV) is projected to double in 2025, despite regulatory hurdles, prompting brands to adapt through creator-led strategies.

Rising Fraud Threats in Social Commerce

AI-driven fraud has surged on TikTok Shop, with scammers using generative tools to peddle fakes and steal data, as detailed in a WebProNews deep dive. Executives like Nicolas Waldmann are deploying advanced detection methods to counter organized crime networks, but challenges persist.

According to GadInsider, TikTok has released its Shop Safety Report, revealing a significant takedown of fake and unsafe products. This includes blocking listings that violate the platform’s Prohibited Products Policy, which bans items like certain weapons, drugs, and counterfeit goods, per a guide from Zorilla Marketing.

Stricter Seller Vetting and Bans

In addition to product blocks, TikTok Shop banned 700,000 sellers for policy violations in the first half of 2025, as noted in a Reddit post from the r/ecommerce community linking to industry news recaps. This enforcement signals a zero-tolerance approach, urging e-commerce executives to audit inventories by November 15 to avoid delistings.

Posts on X (formerly Twitter) from users like Social Media Today echo these figures, stating TikTok rejected more than 70 million product listings in early 2025. Another X post from Marketplace Change Tracker outlines TikTok’s BFCM safety plan, including boosted fraud prevention, stricter seller vetting, and enhanced return controls.

Preparing for Black Friday and Cyber Monday

As BFCM approaches, TikTok is intensifying measures to police fraudulent behavior, with plans starting October 27 for heavy discounts up to 50% to compete with Amazon, according to a 2023 Pop Crave post on X that remains relevant amid ongoing strategies. However, a Forge and Fire Gaming X post highlights real-world enforcement, where a seller was banned for exceeding order limits, resulting in canceled transactions.

Industry insiders, as per an Admetrics post, advise sellers on integrating with platforms like Shopify for compliance. BigSeller’s 2025 update on brand qualification emphasizes submitting proper documents to avoid rejections, including business licenses and trademarks.

Navigating Potential U.S. Ban Risks

Amid safety efforts, TikTok Shop faces external pressures, including a potential U.S. ban. eMarketer reports that brands should prepare without panicking, noting a deadline extension to June 19, 2025, announced by President Trump in April. Business Insider warns that sellers could be hit harder than creators if the app is pulled from U.S. stores.

Rithum’s blog urges sellers to diversify channels, highlighting the uncertain landscape. Despite this, TikTok Shop’s explosive growth continues, with trends like creator collaborations and live shopping driving sales, as outlined in Hui Creative’s 2025 trends analysis.

Customer Service and Policy Updates

TikTok Shop has updated its customer service requirements for 2025, introducing a 12-hour response rate and chat satisfaction metrics that impact store ratings, according to BigSeller. Starting July-August 2025, these rules aim to improve buyer experiences amid rising complaints.

Xtended reports on the new Fair Pricing Policy, advising sellers to avoid penalties by keeping listings compliant. This includes not inflating prices or misleading discounts, crucial for BFCM promotions.

Impact on Multichannel Revenue

The platform’s enforcement could unlock 35-50% multichannel revenue potential for compliant sellers, as suggested in the Reddit ecommerce recap. However, mistakes like low commissions or lack of exclusive bundles can kill BFCM sales, per an X post from Ashley Wright.

TLinky’s guide details seven steps to sell on TikTok Shop in 2025, from launching stores to scaling with viral videos and ads. This underscores the need for sellers to align with updated policies to thrive.

Lessons from Prohibited Products Enforcement

Zorilla Marketing’s guide warns against common listing errors, such as prohibited items including certain electronics or health products. An X post from Sam Habibi in 2023 listed surprising bans, like specific brands or categories, which have evolved into 2025’s stricter regime.

Consumer protection extends beyond products; a Wendy Knowler X post on national commissions shaming fraudulent companies highlights broader e-commerce risks, indirectly pressuring platforms like TikTok to maintain high standards.

Future Outlook for TikTok Shop Sellers

As TikTok Shop battles AI fraudsters and enforces safety, sellers must stay vigilant. WebProNews notes ongoing responses to threats, while EvolvedLotus on X questions if other platforms’ strategies are keeping pace.

PingMobile’s X post details how TikTok will monitor BFCM for fraud, including product screening and return controls. With 70 million blocks already, this crackdown positions TikTok as a leader in safe social commerce, provided it navigates regulatory storms.

Strategic Adaptations for Brands

Brands are advised to focus on compliant, creator-driven content, as per WebProNews projections for doubled GMV. An ash X post humorously urges gatekeeping merch drops to avoid sellouts, reflecting community strategies amid high demand.

Tupoino on X reinforces the rejection stats, emphasizing TikTok’s commitment to quality. For industry insiders, this means auditing listings, boosting response times, and diversifying amid ban risks to capitalize on TikTok Shop’s viral potential.