Product Listing Standards & Guidelines
AqNova Marketplace Policies & Disclosures
AQNOVA MARKETPLACE
For the World's Conscious Consumers
PRODUCT LISTING STANDARDS & GUIDELINES
Image Requirements · Description Standards · Certification Display · Claim Language · SEO Guidance · Listing Quality Score
Effective Date: April 7, 2026 | Version 1.0 | Arivon Holding Corporation
Vendor Guide | aqnova.co/selling-on-aqnova/listing-standards
| IMPORTANT COMPLIANCE NOTICE THIS SECTION 10.6 IS THE VENDOR-FACING OPERATIONAL STANDARDS GUIDE FOR PRODUCT LISTINGS ON THE AQNOVA MARKETPLACE. COMPLIANCE WITH THESE STANDARDS IS A MATERIAL OBLIGATION UNDER THE SELLER AGREEMENT (SECTION 1.3) AND THE ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY (SECTION 1.4). NON-COMPLIANT LISTINGS ARE RETURNED FOR CORRECTION BEFORE ACTIVATION. LISTINGS FOUND TO BE NON-COMPLIANT AFTER ACTIVATION ARE SUSPENDED WITHOUT NOTICE. DELIBERATE MISREPRESENTATION — INCLUDING FALSE SUSTAINABILITY CLAIMS — RESULTS IN IMMEDIATE ACCOUNT TERMINATION AND IS RECORDED IN AQNOVA'S PUBLIC GREENWASHING ENFORCEMENT LOG. |
|---|
This Section 10.6 — Product Listing Standards & Guidelines is the complete operational reference for creating, optimizing, and maintaining product listings on AqNova Marketplace. It covers what every listing must contain, how product images must be prepared, how sustainability certifications are displayed, what claim language is permitted and prohibited, how to optimize listings for AqNova's discovery algorithm, and how AqNova's Listing Quality Score works.
These standards serve two equally important purposes: they protect buyers by ensuring every listing is honest, complete, and trustworthy — and they protect you, the Vendor, by creating a fair competitive environment where your genuine sustainability credentials are displayed to buyers who specifically seek them out, on a platform where those credentials are verified before they are displayed.
| Section 10.6 — Contents 10.6.1 Listing Architecture — Anatomy of an AqNova Listing 10.6.2 Image Requirements — Technical & Content Standards 10.6.3 Product Title Standards 10.6.4 Product Description Standards 10.6.5 Certification Display Rules — Badges, Registry & Verification 10.6.6 Claim Language — Permitted, Restricted & Prohibited 10.6.7 Category-Specific Listing Requirements 10.6.8 Pricing & Promotional Standards 10.6.9 Inventory, Availability & Processing Time Standards 10.6.10 Shipping & Returns Display Requirements 10.6.11 Global & Multi-Language Listing Standards 10.6.12 SEO Guidance — AqNova Discovery Algorithm 10.6.13 Listing Quality Score (LQS) — How It Works 10.6.14 Common Listing Rejection Reasons & Fixes 10.6.15 Listing Maintenance — Ongoing Compliance 10.6.16 Contact — Listing Support |
|---|
10.6.1 Listing Architecture — Anatomy of an AqNova Listing
Every AqNova product listing is built from the following components. Understanding which components are mandatory, which are strongly recommended, and which are optional — and how each component contributes to your Listing Quality Score — is the foundation of effective listing creation.
| Component | Mandatory / Recommended / Optional | LQS Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product Title | MANDATORY | High — 15% | Clear, accurate, keyword-relevant. Maximum 150 characters. See Section 10.6.3. |
| Main Product Image | MANDATORY | High — 15% | Product-only on white/light background. Minimum 1000×1000px. See Section 10.6.2. |
| Additional Images (2–5) | MANDATORY (min. 2 additional) | High — 10% | Lifestyle, detail, packaging, certification. See Section 10.6.2. |
| Product Description | MANDATORY | High — 15% | Minimum 200 words. Structured. Accurate. All claims verifiable. See Section 10.6.4. |
| Sustainability Certifications | MANDATORY (min. 1) | High — 15% | Only verified certifications from Registry. See Section 10.6.5. |
| Price | MANDATORY | — | Accurate, inclusive of all product costs. See Section 10.6.8. |
| Inventory Quantity | MANDATORY | — | Real-time accurate. Never set to artificial excess. |
| Processing Time | MANDATORY | Medium — 5% | Accurate and achievable. See Section 10.6.9. |
| Shipping Regions | MANDATORY | — | All markets you can actually ship to. See Section 10.6.10. |
| Return Policy | MANDATORY | Medium — 5% | Minimum 30 days from delivery. See Section 10.6.10. |
| Country of Origin | MANDATORY | Medium — 5% | Where the product is manufactured or produced. |
| Materials / Ingredients / Composition | MANDATORY (category-specific) | Medium — 5% | Full ingredient list for food/personal care; fiber content for textiles. |
| Allergen Disclosure | MANDATORY for food & personal care | High — assessed separately | 14 major allergens per EU standard applied globally. See Section 10.6.7. |
| HS Code | MANDATORY for cross-border | — | Minimum 6-digit. Required in listing for international shipping. |
| Weight & Dimensions | MANDATORY | — | Accurate packed weight and product dimensions for carrier rate calculation. |
| Sustainability Narrative (Additional) | STRONGLY RECOMMENDED | Medium — 5% | Beyond the certification badges — your story, sourcing, production practices. |
| Video (Product Demo / Story) | RECOMMENDED | Medium — 5% | 1080p minimum. Product video increases conversion by an average of 35% on sustainability marketplaces. |
| Size Guide / Technical Specifications | RECOMMENDED (mandatory for apparel, EV, solar) | Low — included in description score | Prevents size-related returns; required for technical products. |
| Bundle / Quantity Options | OPTIONAL | — | Configure in Seller Portal → Listings → Variants. |
| Multilingual Description | OPTIONAL but recommended for target markets | Low — 5% | See Section 10.6.11. |
A. Technical Image Specifications
| Specification | Minimum Requirement | Recommended | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1000 × 1000 pixels | 2000 × 2000 pixels or higher | Lower resolution images cannot be zoomed — buyers on mobile cannot inspect product detail. Below minimum: listing returned for correction. |
| File Format | JPEG, PNG, or WebP | PNG for products with transparent backgrounds; JPEG for lifestyle and studio shots | GIF, BMP, TIFF, SVG: not accepted as product images. |
| Maximum File Size | 10 MB per image | 3–5 MB (optimized JPEG/WebP for fast loading) | Images above 10 MB are rejected at upload. Use image optimization tools (TinyPNG, Squoosh, ImageOptim) to compress without quality loss. |
| Color Mode | sRGB (standard web color space) | sRGB | CMYK files uploaded for print will display incorrectly. Convert to sRGB before uploading. |
| Minimum Images | 3 per listing (1 main + 2 additional) | 6–8 images per listing | Listings with fewer than 3 images score low on LQS and have reduced discovery visibility. |
| Maximum Images | 12 per standard listing | 7–8 high-quality, purposeful images | Quality over quantity. Each image should add information the previous images do not. |
| Image Ratio | 1:1 square preferred for main; 4:3 or 16:9 for lifestyle | 1:1 for all images (prevents cropping in search results) | Non-square images are cropped to square in search results. Ensure your main subject is centered. |
B. Main Product Image — Content Standards
The main product image is the most important image in your listing — it is the image shown in search results, category pages, and recommendation carousels. It creates the buyer's first impression and directly affects click-through rate. AqNova applies strict content standards to main images.
| Main Image — MUST | Main Image — MUST NOT |
|---|---|
| Show the product clearly, occupying at least 80% of the image frame | Include promotional text, price, discount banners, or sales stickers on the image |
| Display the product on a clean white or very light background (pure white #FFFFFF preferred; light grey #F5F5F5 or light sand acceptable) | Show only packaging — the product itself must be visible (exception: sealed food products where the package IS the product) |
| Show the primary deliverable — exactly what the buyer will receive | Include watermarks, branding overlays, or copyright text that obscures the product |
| Be photographed in good lighting with accurate color representation matching the actual product | Use digital renderings or CGI without clearly labeling them as 'artist's impression' or '3D render' |
| Show the full product — no cropping of product edges | Include other products not included in the listing (unless clearly labeled as 'sold separately') |
| Be an original photograph or approved rendering specific to this listing | Use stock photography of another brand's product — even if it looks similar |
| For apparel: show the garment on a model or mannequin for the main image (flat lay acceptable as secondary image) | Show a model or person's face without their explicit consent and AqNova image release |
C. Additional Images — What to Include & Why
Your additional images are where you tell the full story. Each additional image should answer a specific question a buyer might have before purchasing. The following framework guides effective additional image strategy:
| Image Slot | Recommended Content | Purpose / What It Achieves |
|---|---|---|
| Image 2 — Lifestyle | Product in use in its natural environment (e.g., organic shampoo in a bathroom; solar charger outdoors; reusable container in a kitchen) | Shows scale and context; helps buyer visualize ownership; increases emotional connection to product |
| Image 3 — Detail / Close-Up | High-magnification shot of the product's most important feature — texture, material quality, stitching, certifications on label, ingredients on label | Provides the detail that distinguishes your product from cheaper alternatives; demonstrates quality that cannot be seen from main image |
| Image 4 — Certification / Label | Clear photograph of the actual product label showing: certification logos in situ (as they appear on the real product); ingredient list; country of origin; nutritional panel (food); INCI list (personal care) | One of the highest-trust images for AqNova buyers — seeing the actual certification mark on the actual product is more convincing than any badge system |
| Image 5 — Packaging | The product in its shipping/retail packaging — showing sustainability packaging if applicable; showing unboxing experience | Manages buyer expectations; demonstrates your packaging commitment; for gifts and premium products, packaging quality drives purchase decisions |
| Image 6 — Scale / Comparison | Product next to a common size reference (a hand, a coin, a ruler, a household object) | Eliminates the most common cause of size-related returns — buyer's inability to judge actual product size from main image |
| Image 7 — Story / Origin | Behind-the-scenes image: your production facility, your farm, your artisan workspace, your team, your supply chain | Most powerful sustainability trust signal — showing where and how the product is made is more persuasive than any text description |
| Image 8 — Social Proof | Collage of buyer photos or media coverage, clearly labeled | Adds third-party credibility; effective for products where visual results matter (beauty, food, apparel) |
D. Image Content Prohibitions — All Images
✗ Competitor branding, logos, or products appearing anywhere in the image
✗ Promotional pricing or discount language overlaid on images ('50% OFF,' 'SALE,' etc.)
✗ Claims in image text that are not verified (e.g., '100% Organic' as image text when the product does not have USDA NOP or equivalent certification in your Registry profile)
✗ Before-and-after medical or health claims images (e.g., images implying the product cures a medical condition or produces a specific medical outcome)
✗ Images depicting potentially unsafe product use (e.g., electrical products in contact with water without safety certification for that use)
✗ Images of children under 12 years old without documented parental consent
✗ AI-generated images misrepresenting real products — AI renders are permitted only where clearly labeled 'Artist's Impression' or 'Digital Render'
✗ Nudity or sexually suggestive imagery
✗ Images depicting AqNova's name, logo, or brand elements without prior written approval
A. Title Formula — AqNova Recommended Structure
A high-quality AqNova product title follows this structure:
| AqNova Title Formula [Brand Name] + [Primary Keyword] + [Key Feature/Certification] + [Size/Quantity/Variant] + [Secondary Benefit] Example — Organic Personal Care: 'AcaiBotanica Organic Rosehip Face Oil | COSMOS Organic Certified | 30ml | Cold-Pressed' Example — Sustainable Fashion: 'Earthwear Co. Bamboo Organic Cotton Hoodie | GOTS Certified | Unisex | Forest Green' Example — Organic Food: 'Sundari Farms Raw Wildflower Honey | USDA Organic | Single-Origin Kerala | 500g' Example — EV Accessories: 'VoltEdge Type 2 EV Charging Cable | IEC 62196 Certified | 7kW | 5-Metre' Example — Renewable Energy: 'SolarPath 200W Monocrystalline Panel | IEC 61215 Certified | 21% Efficiency | IP67' |
|---|
B. Title Rules
| Rule | Standard | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Character limit | Maximum 150 characters including spaces | Titles above 150 characters are truncated in search results and on mobile displays. Front-load the most important information. |
| Language | English (primary — required). Additional languages may be appended after the English title for market-specific versions. | AqNova's primary search index is English. The English title drives search ranking and discovery. |
| Capitalization | Title Case for the primary title (e.g., 'Organic Rosehip Face Oil'). Do not write titles in ALL CAPS — it reads as shouting and is associated with spam. | ALL CAPS titles are reviewed and returned for correction. They reduce buyer trust. |
| Brand name | Include your brand name at the start of the title. If you are a solo artisan without a brand name, include your Vendor name. | Brand name in title supports brand recognition and direct-search by brand. |
| Primary keyword | The most important keyword a buyer would search to find your product should appear within the first 50 characters. | AqNova's algorithm gives higher weight to keywords appearing earlier in the title. |
| Certification reference | Include 1–2 key certifications in the title (abbreviated: 'USDA Organic,' 'Fair Trade,' 'GOTS Certified,' 'IEC 62196'). | Sustainability certifications in titles are AqNova's strongest search filter — buyers searching for 'USDA Organic honey' find you immediately. |
| Variants | Where a product has variants (size, colour, scent), include the variant in the title so buyers know which specific variant they are viewing. | Prevents returns from buyers who expected a different variant. |
| No keyword stuffing | Do not repeat the same keyword more than twice in a title. Do not include irrelevant keywords. | Keyword stuffing is detected by AqNova's search algorithm and reduces rather than improves ranking. |
C. Title — Prohibited Content
✗ Promotional language: 'BEST,' 'AMAZING,' 'INCREDIBLE,' '#1,' 'BUY NOW' — superlatives without substantiation are prohibited
✗ Unverified sustainability claims in title: 'Eco-Friendly,' 'Natural,' 'Pure,' 'Clean' — these generic terms cannot appear in titles unless they correspond to a specific verified certification
✗ Price or discount information: 'Save 20%,' 'Was $50 Now $40'
✗ Shipping claims: 'Fast Delivery,' 'Free Shipping' — shipping terms are displayed separately in listing fields
✗ Competitor brand names — do not include competitor product names or brand names in your title
✗ HTML, special characters, or emojis in the title — plain text only
✗ Medical claims: 'Cures,' 'Treats,' 'Heals,' 'Clinically Proven' without substantiated evidence and regulatory compliance
A. Description Architecture — The AqNova Structure
A high-quality AqNova product description follows a structured format that answers the questions a conscious, sustainability-motivated buyer has before purchasing. The structure below is recommended — not mandatory — but listings using this structure consistently score higher on the Listing Quality Score and convert at higher rates.
| AqNova Recommended Description Structure SECTION 1 — THE HOOK (2–3 sentences): Why does this product exist? What problem does it solve? What does it do better — and more sustainably — than conventional alternatives? DO: Speak to values. Tell a truth. Be specific. DON'T: Start with 'We are pleased to offer you...' or generic marketing language. SECTION 2 — WHAT IT IS (core product details): Exact product name; key ingredients or materials; size / weight / quantity; scent, colour, or flavour profile (where applicable); format (liquid, powder, gel, solid). SECTION 3 — SUSTAINABILITY CREDENTIALS (most important for AqNova buyers): List all certifications with full certification body name. Describe your sourcing — where ingredients or materials come from. Describe your production — how it is made and by whom. If your supply chain has a story (women-led cooperative, regenerative farm, artisan collective), tell it here. This is your competitive advantage on AqNova. SECTION 4 — HOW TO USE / APPLY / INSTALL: Step-by-step instructions where relevant. Dosage for supplements. Usage frequency. Compatibility (for EV/electronics). SECTION 5 — INGREDIENTS / MATERIALS / COMPOSITION: Full ingredient list (INCI for personal care; common name + INCI in brackets). Fiber content for textiles. Component list for electronics. Allergen declaration (BOLD for 14 major EU allergens — applied globally). SECTION 6 — CARE INSTRUCTIONS / STORAGE / MAINTENANCE: Washing instructions for textiles. Storage for food. Care for electronics. SECTION 7 — PACKAGING: Describe your packaging sustainability. What it is made of. How to dispose of it. SECTION 8 — THE ORIGIN (optional but powerful): Where is this made? By whom? A sentence about your company and its mission. |
|---|
B. Description — Mandatory Standards
Minimum length: 200 words for all standard listings. 350 words for LQS 'Excellent' score. No maximum limit, but descriptions above 3,000 words should use formatting to aid readability.
Accuracy: every factual claim in the description must be accurate. This includes: ingredient percentages; certifying body names; country of origin; dimensions/weight; processing time; shelf life; compatibility claims. Inaccurate descriptions are a material misrepresentation under every applicable consumer protection law.
No unverified claims: every sustainability, health, environmental, or quality claim in the description must be verifiable — either via your AqNova Certification Registry profile or through independently documented evidence. See Section 10.6.6 for the full claim language framework.
Plain language: write for your buyer — not for an algorithm. Avoid jargon, acronyms without explanation, and industry-only terminology unless your buyer is a professional in that industry.
Structured paragraphs or sections: use short paragraphs (3–4 sentences maximum). Use clear section headers where the description is long. Buyers on mobile read shorter paragraphs.
Language: English required. Additional languages: see Section 10.6.11.
C. Description — Prohibited Content
✗ External links or URLs in the description directing buyers off the AqNova Platform
✗ References to other marketplace platforms by name (including competitor e-commerce platforms)
✗ Contact information in description body (email, phone, social media handles, website URLs)
✗ Promotional pricing or time-limited discount language in the description body
✗ HTML code or formatting tags (AqNova descriptions use the Seller Portal rich text editor for formatting — not raw HTML)
✗ Misleading comparative claims: 'better than [competitor product]' — comparisons must be factual, accurate, and specific
✗ Unsubstantiated medical claims: 'This product cures/treats/prevents [medical condition]' — see Section 10.6.6.D
✗ False urgency: 'Only 2 left!' when inventory is adequate; countdown timers; artificial scarcity
✗ Testimonials in the description body — buyer reviews are collected through AqNova's review system, not placed by Vendors in descriptions
A. The AqNova Certification System — How It Works
AqNova's Certification Badge system is the core trust mechanism that differentiates AqNova from general marketplaces. Every badge displayed on a product listing corresponds to a specific, verified, current certification in AqNova's public Certification Registry at aqnova.co/sustainability/certifications. Badges are not self-selected labels — they are displayed by AqNova's system only when the Vendor's certification has been verified by AqNova's Sustainability Compliance Team against the issuing body's database.
| Three Rules of AqNova Certification Display RULE 1 — VERIFIED ONLY: No badge appears on a listing unless AqNova has independently verified the corresponding certification. You cannot add a badge by typing a certification name. You upload the certificate. AqNova verifies it. The badge is displayed. RULE 2 — CURRENT ONLY: No expired badge is displayed. AqNova's system monitors certification expiry dates and automatically removes a badge when the certification expires. You receive 90-, 60-, and 30-day renewal reminders. Upload your renewal before the expiry date to maintain uninterrupted badge display. RULE 3 — PRODUCT-SPECIFIC: A badge is displayed on a specific product listing only if the certification covers that specific product. A USDA Organic certification for your facial oil does not automatically apply to your body lotion — even if they are from the same brand. Each product must be covered by the scope of the certification displayed. |
|---|
B. How to Add Certifications to Your Listing
Upload your certification: Seller Portal → Compliance → Certifications → Upload Certificate. Upload the full certificate document + enter the certification number + select the issuing body.
AqNova verifies the certificate: within 3–5 Business Days (Founding Vendors: 2–3 Business Days). You receive a verification confirmation email when approved.
Select certifications per listing: when creating or editing a listing, navigate to the Sustainability Certifications section. Check all certifications from your verified profile that cover this specific product. Only verified certifications appear in the selector.
Badge appears: the selected certification badges appear automatically on your live listing. Buyers can click any badge to view the certification details in AqNova's public Registry.
| Certification Scope — Common Mistakes MISTAKE 1: Applying a certification to all products when it only covers specific SKUs. FIX: Read your certificate carefully. The 'scope' section lists which products are covered. Apply the badge only to those specific products. MISTAKE 2: Applying an organic ingredient certification to a finished product. FIX: An organic ingredient certificate covers the ingredient, not the final formulated product. Your finished product needs its own COSMOS Organic or equivalent certification. MISTAKE 3: Applying a B Corp certification as a product certification. FIX: B Corp is a company-level certification, not a product certification. It can be displayed on your storefront as a company badge. It cannot be selected as a product certification badge for individual listings. MISTAKE 4: Continuing to display a certification after the product formulation changes. FIX: Any change to an ingredient, supplier, or production method that could affect certification compliance must be reported to your certifying body immediately. Do not continue to display the certification until you have confirmed recertification. |
|---|
C. Certification Badge Display — Rules
Maximum 6 certification badges per listing to maintain visual clarity. Additional certifications can be listed in the description text.
Primary certification badges (most recognized globally) should be selected where you have multiple: e.g., if you have both USDA Organic and EU Organic, both can be displayed as they serve different buyer markets.
Company-level certifications (B Corp, SA8000, ISO 14001): displayed on storefront as company badges, not as individual product listing badges — unless the certification explicitly covers the specific product.
Third-party test results (heavy metals testing, microbial testing, pesticide residue testing): may be referenced in the description text with the laboratory name and result summary. AqNova does not display third-party test results as formal certification badges — only regulatory certifications from AqNova-registered certifying bodies.
Halal and Kosher certifications: AqNova displays these prominently for applicable products. Essential for products targeting GCC, Middle East, and applicable Asian markets. Upload via Seller Portal → Compliance → Certifications.
D. Certification Registry — How Buyers Use It
Every certification badge on every AqNova listing is clickable. When a buyer clicks a certification badge, they see: the full name of the certifying body; the certification standard; the Vendor's certificate number; the certificate valid-from and expiry dates; and a link to the certifying body's public verification page where they can independently verify the certificate. This radical transparency is AqNova's core trust proposition — and it is why the standards for certification display are non-negotiable.
10.6.6 Claim Language — Permitted, Restricted & Prohibited
Claim language — the words and phrases you use to describe your product's sustainability, health, environmental, and quality characteristics — is one of the most regulated areas of e-commerce globally. Getting this right protects you legally, protects AqNova, and builds genuine trust with buyers. Getting it wrong exposes both you and AqNova to regulatory enforcement from the FTC (US), CMA (UK), EU consumer authorities, and equivalent bodies globally.
A. The AqNova Claim Language Framework — Three Categories
| Category | Definition | Action Required | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| PERMITTED — Verified & Specific | Claims that are directly substantiated by a verified certification in your AqNova Certification Registry profile, or by independently verifiable, documented evidence | No additional action required beyond having the certificate in your Registry profile. The certificate is the substantiation. | 'USDA Organic Certified' (where USDA NOP cert is in your Registry); 'Fair Trade certified by Fairtrade International' (where FLO cert is in Registry); 'Made in Kenya' (where country of manufacture is Kenya); 'Contains 95% organic ingredients (COSMOS Organic certified)' |
| RESTRICTED — Conditional Permission | Claims that are permissible but only under specific conditions — including specific wording, specific evidence, and specific disclosures. Using restricted claims without meeting the conditions is an AUP violation. | Meet the specific conditions for the claim. In most cases, you must either have a specific certification, or include a clear qualification statement that explains the basis of the claim. | 'Natural' — only permissible with specific qualifying statement about what 'natural' means in your product context (not permitted as a standalone, undefined claim); 'Eco-friendly packaging' — only permissible if packaging materials meet AqNova Phase 2 standards or better; 'Sustainably sourced' — requires documented supply chain evidence uploaded to Seller Portal → Compliance → Supply Chain Evidence |
| PROHIBITED — Unsubstantiated or Misleading | Claims that are inherently misleading, cannot be substantiated, or are explicitly prohibited by applicable advertising, consumer protection, or health/safety law | Do not use these claims under any circumstances. Listings containing prohibited claims are removed immediately without warning. | '100% Natural' as a standalone claim for a formulated product; 'Green,' 'Eco,' 'Earth-friendly' without substantiation; Medical disease cure claims ('cures eczema,' 'treats diabetes'); 'Carbon neutral' without PAS 2060 or equivalent third-party verification; '#1 Organic Brand in [country]' without documented market research evidence |
B. Sustainability & Environmental Claim Language — Detailed Rules
AqNova applies FTC Green Guides (16 C.F.R. Part 260), EU Green Claims Directive (2024), UK CMA Green Claims Code, and Australia ACCC Environmental Claims Guidance as the global standard for all sustainability-related claims on the Platform. The following framework applies to all Vendors globally:
| Claim | Status | Condition for Permitted Use | Global Regulatory Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Organic | Permitted — RESTRICTED | Must be backed by a recognized organic certification (USDA NOP, EU Organic, COSMOS Organic, Soil Association, JAS, NASAA, or equivalent AqNova-registered certifier). Cannot be used as a standalone marketing descriptor without certification. | FTC Green Guides; USDA NOP (7 U.S.C. § 6501 et seq.); EU Organic Regulation 848/2018; UK Organic Certification requirements; Australian Organic Standard (AOS) |
| Natural | Permitted — RESTRICTED | Must be accompanied by a specific, accurate statement of what 'natural' means in the product context. Example: 'Made with 98% naturally derived ingredients (by weight).' Cannot be used as a standalone claim. | FTC Green Guides (16 C.F.R. § 260.7); EU UCPD (misleading practices); UK CMA Green Claims Code; FDA Draft Guidance on 'Natural' for food |
| Eco-Friendly / Environmentally Friendly | Permitted — RESTRICTED | Must specify which environmental attribute the product is friendly to — and that attribute must be verified. Example: 'Biodegradable packaging (certified to OK Compost).' Generic 'eco-friendly' alone is prohibited. | FTC Green Guides § 260.4 (unqualified claims); EU Green Claims Directive; UK CMA Green Claims Code (Code Principle 1) |
| Sustainable / Sustainably Sourced | Permitted — RESTRICTED | Requires documented supply chain evidence. At minimum: named country of origin of materials + supplier names available upon request. For 'sustainably sourced' as a certified claim: Rainforest Alliance, FSC, MSC, ASC, or equivalent certification required. | FTC Green Guides § 260.4; EU Green Claims Directive Art. 3; UK CMA Code Principle 3 |
| Biodegradable | Permitted — RESTRICTED | Must specify what degrades, under what conditions, and in what timeframe. Must be backed by third-party test results (ASTM D5511, ASTM D5338, ISO 14855, or equivalent) OR a recognized compostability certification (OK Compost, ASTM D6400, DIN Certco). | FTC Green Guides § 260.8; EU Green Claims Directive; UK CMA Code |
| Compostable | Permitted — RESTRICTED | Must specify home-compostable (OK Compost HOME; ASTM D6400 at ambient temp) vs. industrial-compostable (OK Compost INDUSTRIAL; EN 13432). Labeling must match certification type. | FTC Green Guides § 260.8; EU Regulation on packaging and packaging waste (PPWR); WRAP UK guidance |
| Recyclable | Permitted — RESTRICTED | Must accurately reflect real-world recyclability in the buyer's location — not theoretical recyclability. Must specify which component is recyclable and which collection infrastructure is required. Use How2Recycle (US) or On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL UK) where applicable. | FTC Green Guides § 260.12; EU Packaging Regulation; UK OPRL; ACCC guidance |
| Carbon Neutral / Net Zero | Permitted — RESTRICTED | Must be backed by: (a) PAS 2060:2014 Carbon Neutrality Verification; OR (b) equivalent third-party certification (South Pole Carbon Neutral, Climate Impact Partners Carbon Neutral). Self-declared carbon neutrality or claims based solely on carbon offset purchases without third-party verification: PROHIBITED. | FTC Green Guides; EU Green Claims Directive; UK BEIS Net Zero guidance; ASX governance guidance (AU); SEC climate disclosure guidance (US) |
| Vegan | Permitted — RESTRICTED | Requires recognized vegan certification (Vegan Society UK Registered Trademark, American Vegan Society, V-Label, BeVeg) OR a specific, accurate statement that the product contains no animal-derived ingredients AND was not tested on animals — with ingredient-level verification available. | ASA guidance; EU Cosmetics Regulation; FSSAI guidance (India) |
| Cruelty-Free | Permitted — RESTRICTED | Requires Leaping Bunny (CCIC), PETA Cruelty-Free, or Choose Cruelty Free (Australia) certification OR documented policy statement covering all suppliers. Note: 'cruelty-free' does not automatically mean vegan. | Leaping Bunny standard; CCIC; ASA guidance; EU Cosmetics Regulation testing requirements |
| Fair Trade | Permitted — RESTRICTED | Must be backed by Fairtrade International (FLO), Fair Trade USA, WFTO membership, IMO Fair for Life, or equivalent recognized certification. Cannot be used descriptively ('we trade fairly') without formal certification. | FTC Act Section 5; UK CMA Code; EU UCPD Art. 6 (misleading actions) |
| Non-Toxic | Permitted — RESTRICTED | Must specify which specific substances have been excluded or tested. Third-party test results required (heavy metals, specific VOCs, phthalates, parabens, as relevant). General 'non-toxic' claim alone: PROHIBITED. | FTC Green Guides; EU REACH Regulation; California Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act; FFDCA |
| 100% [anything] | Permitted — RESTRICTED | Only where literally true — 100% means every single ingredient/component/material qualifies. If even one ingredient is not organic, 'Made with 100% organic ingredients' is false. Use accurate percentage claims instead. | FTC Act Section 5; NOP regulations; EU Organic Reg; all applicable food and cosmetics labeling law |
| Green / Greener | Prohibited — STANDALONE | Cannot be used as a standalone descriptor. Must be qualified with specific comparative information and specific verified attribute. Example of permitted: 'This formulation uses 40% less water in production than our previous formula (documented in our 2025 production records).' | FTC Green Guides § 260.4; EU Green Claims Directive; UK CMA Code Principle 4 |
| Climate Positive / Regenerative / Climate Beneficial | Permitted — RESTRICTED — HIGH BAR | High-bar claim requiring substantial, third-party verified evidence. Must show net positive environmental impact — not simply offset. Regenerative agriculture claims: must reference specific documented practices (no-till, cover cropping, compost application, biodiversity metrics) and ideally third-party verification (Savory Network, Regenerative Organic Alliance, or equivalent). | EU Green Claims Directive; Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi); IPCC guidance |
C. Organic Food & Beverage — Specific Claim Language Rules
Organic food claims are governed by some of the most specific and strictly enforced regulations globally. The following rules apply to all food and beverage listings on AqNova:
'Organic' as a product descriptor: requires a recognized organic certification (USDA NOP, EU Organic, COSMOS for applicable products, or equivalent in your market). The certificate must be in your AqNova Registry profile and must cover the specific product.
'Made with Organic Ingredients' (US — USDA NOP): permissible for products containing 70–95% organic ingredients. Must specify the percentage (e.g., 'Made with 80% organic ingredients'). Products below 70% organic content: individual organic ingredient names may be listed in the ingredient list only — cannot use 'organic' in the product title or description heading.
'Biodynamic': requires Demeter certification. Cannot be used descriptively without certification.
'Raw': means unheated above 48°C (118°F) at any stage. This is a specific production claim — if you cannot document processing temperatures, do not use this claim.
'Whole Food' / 'Whole Food Plant-Based': describe exactly what this means for your product — not regulated in the same way as organic, but must be accurate and not misleading.
Country of origin for food: the country of origin of the PRIMARY ingredient must be disclosed, not just the country of final packaging. Example: 'Packaged in the UK from Kenyan-origin coffee beans' — not simply 'Product of UK.'
D. Health & Medical Claim Language — Strictly Regulated
Health claims — statements about the relationship between a product or ingredient and health — are among the most strictly regulated claims in global marketing law. The following framework applies to all AqNova Vendors making health-related claims:
| Claim Type | Status | Condition | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure/Function Claims (US — supplements) | Permitted with mandatory disclaimer | Claim must describe the role of a nutrient/ingredient in normal body structure or function. MANDATORY disclaimer: 'This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.' | DSHEA (US); 21 U.S.C. § 343(r)(6) |
| Nutrient Content Claims (US) | Permitted — specific criteria | Claims like 'High in Vitamin C,' 'Low Fat,' 'Good source of fiber.' Must meet FDA-defined thresholds for the specific claim per 21 C.F.R. Part 101. | FDA 21 C.F.R. § 101; EU Regulation 1924/2006; UK Food (Amendment) Regulations 2019 |
| Health Claims (EU — Reg. 1924/2006) | Permitted — only EU-authorized claims | EU authorized health claims are listed in the EU Register of authorised nutrition and health claims. Only claims on this list may be made for products sold in the EU. All others: PROHIBITED. | EU Regulation 1924/2006; EFSA opinions |
| Disease Treatment / Prevention Claims | PROHIBITED — ALL JURISDICTIONS | No product listing on AqNova may claim to cure, treat, prevent, mitigate, or diagnose any disease or medical condition. This includes implied disease claims. | FTC Act § 5; FD&C Act § 403(r); EU Medicinal Products Directive 2001/83/EC; Medicines Act 1968 (UK); TGA Act (AU); CDSCO (India); all national equivalents |
| Testimonials citing disease treatment | PROHIBITED | Cannot include customer testimonials that reference disease treatment or prevention even if the testimonial is genuine. | FTC Endorsement Guides (2023 updates); FD&C Act |
| Before-and-After Health Claims with Images | PROHIBITED without clinical evidence | Medical before-and-after images (weight loss, skin condition improvement, pain reduction) require randomized controlled trial evidence at the population level. | FTC Act; EU UCPD; UK CAP Code Rule 12 |
10.6.7 Category-Specific Listing Requirements
In addition to the universal listing standards above, the following category-specific requirements apply. These requirements supplement — they do not replace — the universal standards. Where a category-specific requirement conflicts with a universal standard, the more stringent standard applies.
| Category | Mandatory Additional Fields | Claim Language Specific Rules | Regulatory Compliance Fields |
|---|---|---|---|
| Organic Food & Beverages | Full ingredient list (by descending weight); Nutritional panel (where applicable); Net weight; Use-by/best-before display method; Allergen declaration (14 major — BOLDED in ingredients list); Country of origin of primary ingredient; Shelf life at dispatch | 'Organic' requires USDA NOP, EU Organic, or equivalent certification. 'Natural' requires specific qualifying statement. Health/nutrient claims: EU Reg. 1924/2006 basis required. | NAFDAC registration number (Nigeria listings); FSSAI license number (India listings); ANVISA registration (Brazil listings); SFDA registration (Saudi Arabia listings); GACC registration (China listings); Arabic label availability for GCC markets |
| Organic Personal Care & Beauty | Full INCI ingredient list; Allergen disclosure (EU Cosmetics Reg. 1223/2009 major allergens); Net content (volume/weight); Period After Opening (PAO) symbol where applicable; Batch number system disclosure | 'Organic' requires COSMOS Organic or equivalent. 'Natural' requires COSMOS Natural or specific percentage claim. 'Hypoallergenic' requires documented clinical evidence. 'Dermatologist tested' requires documented test data. | CPSC FHSA compliance (US); EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009; UK Cosmetic Products Regulation (as retained); TGA therapeutic goods register (AU); CDSCO Central Drug Standard Control (India); MDL/MFDS notification (South Korea) |
| Dietary Supplements & Nutraceuticals | Supplement Facts panel (US)/Nutrition Facts adapted format (EU); Serving size; Recommended daily intake; 'Not a medicine' disclaimer; GMP certification of manufacturing facility; Allergen declaration; Country of origin of key ingredients | DSHEA structure/function claim rules (US); EU 1924/2006 authorized claims only; No disease claims (global). 'Clinically proven' requires RCT-level evidence, trial number, published study reference. | NSF/USP/Informed Sport certification recommended for third-party purity testing; FDA DSHEA compliance (US); EU Novel Food Regulation 2015/2283 for novel ingredients; FSA Novel Food authorization (UK); FSSAI Novel Food (India) |
| Sustainable Textiles & Fashion | Fiber content by percentage (by weight); Country of manufacture of textile AND country of manufacture of finished garment (may differ); Care instructions (ISO 3758 or equivalent symbol set); Sizing in multiple systems where sold internationally (EU, UK, US, Asian) | 'Sustainable' for textiles requires GOTS, OEKO-TEX, Fair Wear, or equivalent certification. 'Recycled' claims require percentage specification and GRS (Global Recycled Standard) or RCS certification. 'Organic cotton' requires GOTS certification. | TFFIA (Textile Fiber Products Identification Act) fiber disclosure (US); EU Textile Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011; UK Textile Products Regulations 2012; Canadian Textile Labelling Act (CTLA); FTC Care Labeling Rule (US) |
| EV Accessories & Charging Equipment | IEC certification standard and edition; Connector type (J1772/Type 1; IEC 62196 Type 2; CCS1/CCS2; CHAdeMO; GB/T); Input voltage and current; Output rated power (kW); Cable length (metres/feet); Warranty terms; Vehicle compatibility disclosure | No 'universal' claim without specific documented vehicle compatibility list. 'Smart charging' must specify which OCPP protocol version. Power output claims must be verified against IEC 61851-1 or IEC 62196 certification. | CE marking (EU); UKCA marking (UK post-Brexit); UL 2594 (US); BIS certification (India electronics products); KC Mark (South Korea); PSE Mark (Japan); SAA certification (Australia) |
| Renewable Energy Products | Rated peak power output (Wp for solar); Efficiency percentage; Panel dimensions and weight; Temperature coefficient; Standard Test Conditions (STC) specification; Warranty — product warranty AND performance warranty separately stated; Cell type (monocrystalline/polycrystalline/thin film) | Power output must be STC-rated (1000 W/m² irradiance, 25°C cell temp, AM1.5G spectrum). 'Maximum power' must match STC rating. Performance warranty claims (e.g., '80% at 25 years') must match the warranty document provided. | IEC 61215 + IEC 61730 (solar modules); IEC 62619 or UL 1642 (lithium batteries); MCS certification (UK); BIS IS 14286 (India); TUV or equivalent third-party certification |
| Live Plants & Seeds | Scientific name (genus, species, and variety); Country of origin; Days to germination / maturity (seeds); Pot size / plant size at shipping; CITES status statement ('Not CITES regulated' or applicable Appendix) | No 'invasive species safe' claims without documented species assessment in destination country. 'Heirloom variety' must be documented. | Phytosanitary certificate availability statement; USDA APHIS permit requirements (US import); DEFRA plant passport (UK/EU); KEPHIS certification (Kenya export); DAFF biosecurity requirements (Australia) |
| Artisan / Handcrafted Products | 'Handmade by [Vendor name]' declaration; Production location (city/region/country); Materials sourcing statement; Whether any components are outsourced or machine-made | 'Handmade' means hand-produced by the Vendor — a Vendor who outsources production may not describe products as handmade by themselves. 'Artisan' should be used to mean small-batch, craft-skill production. | No specific regulatory certification required for basic artisan goods — but all claims about materials (organic, natural, sustainable) still require certification or evidence |
A. Pricing Rules
Prices must include all product costs — no hidden charges added after the buyer adds to cart. Shipping and applicable taxes are displayed separately, but the product price shown must be the complete product cost.
Prices must be displayed in the Vendor's configured transaction currency. Buyers see prices in their local currency via AqNova's real-time conversion display.
Minimum price enforcement: AqNova may enforce minimum price thresholds for specific categories where below-threshold pricing signals a non-genuine listing or an uneconomic pricing strategy that suggests fake product.
Price consistency: where the same product is listed by the same Vendor at significantly different prices across multiple listings, AqNova may request clarification. Pricing manipulation to circumvent commission structures is an AUP violation.
No fee manipulation: inflating the product price and offering 'free shipping' when the combined total exceeds the genuine cost of the product plus fair shipping is a prohibited form of price manipulation.
B. Promotional Pricing & Discounts
'Sale' or 'Was/Now' pricing: the 'was' price must be the genuine price at which the product was sold for a meaningful period (minimum 28 consecutive days at full price, within the previous 90 days) — consistent with the EU Omnibus Directive requirements and equivalent consumer protection law globally.
'Introductory offer' pricing: permissible where clearly labeled as introductory and with a specific end date. Cannot be maintained indefinitely.
'Limited time offer': cannot be used indefinitely. AqNova monitors repeated use of time-limited language on listings and may require removal if the 'limited time' has clearly elapsed.
Coupon codes: available through AqNova Seller Portal → Promotions → Create Coupon. Coupons must not be used to circumvent AqNova's commission structure.
No price matching obligations: AqNova does not require Vendors to match prices from other platforms. Vendors are not obligated to honor prices from other marketplaces and must not reference other platform prices in their AqNova listings.
A. Inventory Accuracy
Inventory quantity displayed in your listing must reflect actual available stock at all times. Never set inventory to an artificially high number to avoid 'out of stock' display.
Real-time inventory sync: if your inventory management system supports API sync with AqNova, connect it via Seller Portal → Inventory → External Sync. This is the most reliable way to maintain accurate inventory.
Overselling: selling more units than you have in stock results in forced cancellation and buyer refund at your cost. Repeated overselling (>2 events in any 90-day period) triggers a performance flag and potential listing suspension.
Pre-order listings: clearly label as 'Pre-Order — Expected dispatch [date]'. Buyers must be clearly informed they are pre-ordering before purchase. The expected dispatch date must be accurate and based on confirmed production/import timeline.
Low stock: AqNova recommends setting up automated low-stock alerts in Seller Portal → Inventory → Alerts at your chosen threshold. This gives you time to restock before going out of stock.
B. Processing Time — Rules
Processing time is the number of Business Days from order confirmation to physical dispatch. It must be set accurately in every listing.
Processing time options in the Seller Portal: 1 Business Day; 1–2 Business Days; 1–3 Business Days; 2–5 Business Days; 5–7 Business Days; 7–14 Business Days; as stated (for custom/artisan items).
Custom-made items: clearly disclose production time in the product description if it extends beyond 7 Business Days. Buyers must know production time before purchase — not after.
Do not set a shorter processing time than you can consistently achieve. Processing time below your actual capability is the fastest route to late dispatch performance flags.
Seasonal adjustments: if your processing time increases during busy periods (harvest season, holiday season, certification renewal periods), update it in your listings before the period begins — not after buyers start complaining.
A. Shipping Information — Required Display
Shipping regions: all countries and regions you can ship to must be configured in Seller Portal → Shipping → Regions. Buyers in unconfigured regions do not see your listing.
Estimated delivery window: AqNova displays estimated delivery windows to buyers based on your dispatch timeline + regional transit time data from Section 3.1.8. You do not manually enter this — it is calculated automatically from your processing time + shipping method configuration.
Free shipping threshold: if you offer free shipping above a minimum order value, configure it in Seller Portal → Shipping → Free Shipping. It appears automatically in the listing and at checkout.
Shipping methods: configure all available shipping methods and their costs per destination zone in Seller Portal → Shipping → Rates. Buyers at checkout see all available methods and select their preferred option.
B. Return Policy — Required Display
Your return policy must appear on every listing. AqNova requires the following minimum information to be configured in your return policy settings (Seller Portal → Policies → Returns):
Return window: minimum 30 calendar days from confirmed delivery. Longer windows can be configured and are a positive LQS factor.
Condition requirements: what condition the item must be in for return (e.g., 'unused, in original packaging').
Who bears return shipping cost: clearly stated. For defective/misdescribed items: Vendor. For change of mind: Buyer (unless Vendor offers free returns).
Refund amount: full purchase price; full purchase price + original shipping; or restocking fee (maximum 15%; must be disclosed before purchase).
Non-returnable exceptions: any category that cannot be returned for change of mind must be explicitly disclosed (sealed hygiene items, perishables, custom/personalized items, opened digital goods).
Food products: all food product listings must display the non-returnable designation for change-of-mind returns, with the note that defective/expired/contaminated food receives a full refund without requiring return, per Section 3.2.8.
A. Primary Language Requirement
All product listings on AqNova must have a complete, compliant English-language version as their primary listing. English is AqNova's primary search language and the language in which AqNova's compliance review team verifies listing content. A listing is not considered for activation until the English version is complete and compliant.
B. Multi-Language Listings — Regional Markets
AqNova enables Vendors to create translated versions of their listings for specific markets. The following markets have mandatory or strongly recommended language requirements:
| Market | Language Requirement | Mandatory / Recommended | Configuration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quebec, Canada | French — all buyer-facing content for Quebec | MANDATORY under Quebec CPA and Charter of the French Language (Bill 101) | Seller Portal → Listings → [Listing] → Add Language → French (Canadian). Contact vendors@aqnova.co for bilingual listing support. |
| European Union (French-speaking markets) | French for Belgium, Luxembourg, France | STRONGLY RECOMMENDED — improves conversion; UCPD language preference compliance | Add French translation via Seller Portal → Listings → Add Language → French (European) |
| Germany | German | STRONGLY RECOMMENDED — German buyers show strong preference for German-language product information | Add German translation via Seller Portal → Add Language → German |
| Saudi Arabia, UAE, GCC | Arabic | STRONGLY RECOMMENDED — required for SFDA and some GCC regulatory labels; significantly improves buyer trust | Add Arabic translation via Seller Portal → Add Language → Arabic. Contact vendors@aqnova.co for Arabic listing support: 'Arabic Listing Support — [Vendor Name]' |
| Brazil | Portuguese (Brazilian) | STRONGLY RECOMMENDED — LGPD-compliant consumer communication; ANVISA regulatory label requirement for physical product label (not listing) | Add Brazilian Portuguese via Seller Portal → Add Language → Portuguese (Brazilian) |
| China (Mainland) | Simplified Chinese | STRONGLY RECOMMENDED — Chinese buyers overwhelmingly prefer Chinese-language product information; SAMR label requirements for physical product | Add Simplified Chinese via Seller Portal → Add Language → Chinese (Simplified). Contact vendors@aqnova.co for Chinese listing support. |
| Japan | Japanese | STRONGLY RECOMMENDED — Japanese buyers have strong language preference; METI/MHLW labeling may require Japanese | Add Japanese via Seller Portal → Add Language → Japanese |
| South Korea | Korean | STRONGLY RECOMMENDED — Korean customs and MFDS compliance may require Korean product information | Add Korean via Seller Portal → Add Language → Korean |
| Spain, Latin America (Spanish-speaking) | Spanish | RECOMMENDED — significantly improves conversion in Spanish-speaking markets | Add Spanish via Seller Portal → Add Language → Spanish |
| India (Hindi-primary markets) | Hindi | RECOMMENDED — Legal Metrology Act labeling requirements for physical product labels; Hindi listing improves reach in Tier 2/3 markets | Add Hindi via Seller Portal → Add Language → Hindi |
AqNova's compliance review covers the English listing only. Translated listings are the Vendor's responsibility for accuracy. AqNova recommends professional translation rather than machine translation — mistranslated sustainability claims in other languages carry the same regulatory risk as English-language false claims. AqNova's compliance team may flag translated listings if a buyer dispute reveals inaccurate translation.
10.6.12 SEO Guidance — AqNova Discovery Algorithm
AqNova's discovery algorithm determines which listings appear in search results, category pages, sustainability filters, and recommendation carousels. Understanding how the algorithm works — and how to optimize your listing for it — is the difference between a listing that buyers find and a listing that doesn't get seen.
| AqNova Discovery Algorithm — What It Prioritizes AqNova's algorithm is purpose-built for a sustainable marketplace. Unlike general e-commerce algorithms, it does not primarily rank by price or review volume. It ranks by: 1. CERTIFICATION DEPTH (highest weight): How many verified certifications does the listing have? Which certification tier? (USDA Organic ranks higher than a generic 'natural' label.) How recently were certifications renewed? 2. LISTING QUALITY SCORE (high weight): See Section 10.6.13 for full LQS breakdown. Higher LQS = better discovery placement. 3. KEYWORD RELEVANCE (high weight): How closely does the listing content match the buyer's search query? This includes title, description, and certification names. 4. PERFORMANCE SIGNALS (medium weight): On-time dispatch rate; dispute rate; return rate; tracking upload rate. Strong performance = higher visibility. 5. ENGAGEMENT SIGNALS (medium weight): Click-through rate; save-to-wishlist rate; conversion rate; review score and volume. 6. RECENCY (lower weight): New or recently updated listings receive a recency boost for a 14-day window after publication or major update. |
|---|
A. Keyword Strategy — How to Research and Apply Keywords
Keywords are the terms buyers type into AqNova's search bar to find products. Your goal is to ensure your listing uses the specific words your target buyers use — placed in the right locations within your listing.
Keyword Research Methods
AqNova Search Suggest: type your product category into AqNova's search bar and observe the autocomplete suggestions — these are real buyer searches on the platform.
AqNova Seller Dashboard → Analytics → Search Terms Report: shows which search terms are leading buyers to your listing (and how many buyers searched but did not click). Available after 14 days of listing being live.
Competitor listing analysis: review the top-ranked listings in your category. What terms appear in their titles and descriptions? What certifications do they display?
Google Trends and keyword tools (Semrush, Ahrefs, Ubersuggest): useful for broader sustainable product keyword research, particularly for understanding what terms buyers in specific regions use.
Keyword Placement Priority
| Location | Keyword Impact | Character Limit | Guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product Title (first 50 chars) | Highest | 150 total | Primary keyword + certification + brand name should appear in first 50 characters |
| Product Title (characters 50–150) | High | 150 total | Secondary keywords, variant details, secondary certification reference |
| First 100 words of Description | High | No limit | Primary keyword + certification names naturally integrated into the first paragraph |
| Throughout Description | Medium | No limit | Secondary keywords integrated naturally into the structured description. Do not force keywords — write for the buyer. |
| Certification Badges Selected | High — independently indexed | By certification | Each certification badge is a keyword signal. USDA Organic, Fair Trade, GOTS etc. are directly searchable. |
| Materials/Ingredients Field | Medium | 500 chars | Ingredient names + material names are searchable and indexed. |
| Sustainability Narrative Field | Medium | 1,000 chars | Additional space for sustainability-specific terms (regenerative, zero-waste, circular, plastic-free, upcycled). |
B. High-Value Keywords for AqNova's Sustainable Consumer Audience
The following keyword categories are particularly high-value on AqNova — reflecting the specific vocabulary and search behaviour of conscious consumers:
| Keyword Category | High-Performance Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certification names (highest search intent) | USDA Organic; COSMOS Organic; Fair Trade; GOTS; Fairtrade; Leaping Bunny; FSC Certified; B Corp; Rainforest Alliance; Vegan Society | These exact terms generate the highest buyer purchase intent. Include the full certification name exactly as the certifying body uses it. |
| Ingredient/material specifics | Rosehip oil; Shea butter; Bamboo; Recycled cotton; Hemp; Moringa; Argan oil; Virgin coconut oil; Cold-pressed; Wildcrafted | Buyers search for specific ingredients — not just 'natural oil.' Be specific. |
| Origin terms | Single-origin; Kenyan; Ethiopian; Colombian; Tamil Nadu; Himalayan; Andean; West African; Artisan-made; Small-batch; Cooperative | Origin is a significant trust and quality signal for conscious consumers. |
| Production method | Handmade; Hand-poured; Small-batch; Cold-processed; Raw; Fermented; Stone-ground; Air-dried; Shade-grown; Slow-pressed | Production method signals craft quality and differentiates from mass-produced alternatives. |
| Sustainability attributes | Plastic-free; Zero-waste; Compostable; Biodegradable; Refillable; Recyclable packaging; Carbon neutral; Climate positive; Regenerative | Buyers filter by these terms. Each must be substantiated per Section 10.6.6.B. |
| Dietary attributes | Gluten-free; Dairy-free; Soy-free; Nut-free; Keto; Paleo; Whole30; Vegan; Plant-based; Raw vegan | Highly searched for food products. Each claim must be accurate and documented. |
| Ethical sourcing | Women-led; Cooperative; Fair wages; No child labour; Artisan collective; Indigenous-owned; Community-owned | Social impact claims resonate strongly with AqNova's audience — but must be accurate. |
| Technical/performance (for EV and solar) | IEC 62196; SAE J1772; Type 2 cable; CCS2; OCPP 1.6; OCPP 2.0; 7kW; 11kW; 22kW; Monocrystalline; PERC; Half-cell; 400W; 500W | Technical buyers search by specification. Include full technical specifications. |
C. SEO Mistakes That Reduce Discovery
✗ Keyword stuffing: repeating the same keyword 5+ times in a short description. Algorithm detects and penalizes this.
✗ Generic titles: 'Organic Product by Our Brand' — no specific keyword, no certification reference, no product descriptor. These titles have near-zero search visibility.
✗ Unclaimed sustainability terms: writing 'eco-friendly' without a corresponding badge is both an SEO weakness (no certification weight) and a claim language violation (per Section 10.6.6.B).
✗ Missing descriptions: listings with less than 200 words score low on LQS and are deprioritized in discovery.
✗ Ignoring the Sustainability Narrative field: this dedicated field is independently indexed and is a low-effort way to add 500+ characters of high-value sustainability keyword content.
✗ Using competitor brand names as keywords in your listing — this is prohibited and triggers algorithm suppression.
10.6.13 Listing Quality Score (LQS) — How It Works
The AqNova Listing Quality Score (LQS) is a 0–100 score calculated for every product listing. It reflects how completely and effectively a listing uses AqNova's full listing capability. Higher LQS means better discovery placement in search and category results, priority for featuring in editorial collections, and eligibility for AqNova's Trending and New Arrivals carousels.
LQS is calculated automatically and updated in real-time as you update your listing. Your LQS is visible in Seller Dashboard → Listings → [Listing Name] → Listing Quality Score.
A. LQS Scoring Breakdown
| LQS Component | Maximum Points | What Earns Full Points | What Reduces Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product Images | 20 points | 7+ images including main (white bg), 2+ lifestyle, 1 certification label, 1 packaging, 1 scale reference | Below 3 images: 0 points in this category. 3–4 images: 8 points. 5–6 images: 14 points. 7+ images: 20 points. |
| Product Title | 15 points | Brand name + primary keyword in first 50 chars + certification reference + variant + 80–120 character total length | Missing brand name: -5. Missing keyword: -5. Under 40 characters: -5. Keyword stuffing or prohibited terms: 0 in category. |
| Product Description | 15 points | 350+ words; structured sections; all 8 recommended sections present; first paragraph mentions certification; accurate sustainability narrative | Under 200 words: 0 points. 200–350 words: 8 points. 350+ words with structure: 15 points. |
| Sustainability Certifications | 15 points | 3+ verified certifications from AqNova Registry covering this specific product | 1 certification: 6 points. 2 certifications: 10 points. 3+ certifications: 15 points. 0 certifications: listing ineligible for activation. |
| Completed Mandatory Fields | 10 points | All mandatory fields (price, inventory, processing time, shipping, returns, country of origin, materials/HS code) completed accurately | Each missing mandatory field: -2 points from this category. |
| Sustainability Narrative Field | 5 points | 250+ characters in the Sustainability Narrative field describing sourcing, production, and impact beyond what certification badges show | Empty: 0. Under 100 characters: 2 points. 250+ characters: 5 points. |
| Video | 5 points | 1080p minimum product video (demo, story, or production footage) uploaded | No video: 0 points. Video present: 5 points. |
| Processing Time Accuracy (performance signal) | 5 points | On-time dispatch rate above 96% in trailing 30 days (earned in performance, not at listing creation) | Below 96%: pro-rated. Below 90%: 0 in this category. |
| Return Policy Quality | 5 points | Return window above 30 days; free returns offered; or no restocking fee | Minimum 30 days + no fee: 4 points. 45+ days: 5 points. Restocking fee present: 3 points. |
| Multi-Language Content | 5 points | Translation provided in at least 1 additional language relevant to target market | No translation: 0. 1 translation: 3. 2+ translations: 5 points. |
B. LQS Bands — What Your Score Means
| LQS Range | Band | Discovery Impact | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85–100 | EXCELLENT | Priority placement in search results; eligible for editorial featuring; eligible for New Arrivals and Trending carousels; Eco Packaging Badge eligibility (where packaging standard also met) | Maintain your listing. Review quarterly for freshness. Add video if not present. |
| 70–84 | GOOD | Above-average search placement; eligible for category spotlight features; visible in most sustainability filter results | Review missing 5-point components (video, multi-language, sustainability narrative). Adding one or two will move you to Excellent. |
| 55–69 | AVERAGE | Standard search placement; visible in general category results but lower in sustainability filter rankings | Focus on description length (350+ words) and additional images (5+ images). Check certification count. |
| 40–54 | BELOW AVERAGE | Reduced search visibility; not eligible for editorial featuring or carousels | Major improvement needed. Review all mandatory fields. Minimum: 3 certifications, 5 images, 350-word description. |
| 0–39 | POOR | Minimal discovery visibility; listing may be deprioritized until improved | Comprehensive listing rebuild recommended. Review checklist below. |
C. LQS Improvement Checklist — Quick Wins
✓ Add 2 more images (lifestyle and scale reference images are highest-impact quick additions) — can add +8 points if below 5 images
✓ Add a product demo video (1080p, 30–90 seconds) — instant +5 points
✓ Complete the Sustainability Narrative field (250+ characters) — +5 points if currently empty
✓ Add a translation in a target-market language (Arabic for GCC, French for Quebec/France) — +3–5 points
✓ Extend return window from 30 to 45+ days — +1–2 points; builds buyer confidence
✓ Upload a second or third sustainability certification for this specific product if eligible — each certification adds +4–5 points
✓ Expand description to 350+ words with structured sections — +7 points if currently 200–349 words
10.6.14 Common Listing Rejection Reasons & Fixes
| Rejection Category | Common Reason | Specific Fix |
|---|---|---|
| IMAGES — Main image | Product not visible against background; background too dark or coloured | Re-photograph on white (#FFFFFF) or very light grey (#F5F5F5) background. Product must fill at least 80% of frame. |
| IMAGES — Main image | Image below 1000×1000 pixels | Re-shoot at higher resolution. Use a smartphone with a minimum 12MP camera in good natural light if professional equipment is unavailable. Do not upscale a low-resolution image — it will be blurry. |
| IMAGES — Any image | Promotional text overlay ('Sale!', '20% OFF') on image | Remove all text overlays from images. Price and promotional information belong in listing fields, not on images. |
| IMAGES — Below minimum count | Fewer than 3 images submitted | Add at least 2 additional images beyond the main image. Lifestyle and label images are fastest to add. |
| TITLE — Prohibited language | Title contains unverified sustainability claim ('100% Natural,' 'Eco-Friendly') without corresponding verified certification | Remove the unverified claim from the title. Replace with a verified certification reference (e.g., 'COSMOS Natural Certified') if you have that certification in your Registry profile. |
| TITLE — ALL CAPS | Title written in all-capital letters | Rewrite in Title Case. Example: 'ORGANIC SHEA BUTTER 200ML' becomes 'Organic Shea Butter | USDA Certified | 200ml' |
| DESCRIPTION — Insufficient length | Description under 200 words | Expand using the AqNova structured description framework in Section 10.6.4.A. Add sourcing story, ingredient detail, usage instructions, and sustainability narrative. |
| DESCRIPTION — Unverified claim | Description contains 'organic,' 'natural,' 'eco-friendly,' 'non-toxic,' or similar without a corresponding verified certification | Either: (a) remove or qualify the claim with specific evidence; or (b) upload the corresponding certification to your Registry profile. Once verified, the claim can be used. |
| DESCRIPTION — Medical claim | Description contains disease treatment, prevention, or cure claim | Remove all disease claims. Replace with structure/function claims (US) or EU-authorized claims only. Add mandatory DSHEA disclaimer for US supplement claims. |
| CERTIFICATIONS — Expired | Certification selected but certificate has passed expiry date | Upload your renewed certification to Seller Portal → Compliance → Certifications. Renew before expiry to avoid listing suspension. |
| CERTIFICATIONS — Scope mismatch | Certification does not cover the specific product in the listing | Read your certificate's scope section carefully. Apply the badge only to products explicitly listed in the certificate scope. |
| CERTIFICATIONS — None selected | No sustainability certification selected for the listing | AqNova requires minimum 1 verified certification per listing. Upload your certification via Seller Portal → Compliance → Certifications and verify it before creating the listing. |
| ALLERGEN DISCLOSURE — Missing | Food or personal care listing without full allergen declaration | Add a complete allergen declaration to the ingredient list section. Bold all 14 major allergens where present: celery, cereals containing gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, lupin, milk, molluscs, mustard, nuts (specify which), peanuts, sesame, soybeans, sulphur dioxide/sulphites. |
| RETURN POLICY — Below minimum | Return window set to less than 30 days | Update return policy in Seller Portal → Policies → Returns. Minimum 30 calendar days from delivery is AqNova's platform standard. |
| PRICING — Suspicious pricing | Product priced suspiciously below market rate for the claimed certification level | AqNova may request evidence of product authenticity and certification validity where pricing is inconsistent with certified organic / fair trade production costs. Provide the requested evidence within 5 Business Days. |
A. Regular Listing Review Obligations
Certification renewal: upload all renewed certifications before their expiry dates. AqNova sends automated reminders at 90, 60, and 30 days before expiry. Upon expiry, the badge is removed from your listing automatically. Upon uploading and verifying the renewed certificate, the badge is restored within 1 Business Day.
Price accuracy: keep your prices current. Where your production costs change, update your pricing accordingly. Do not maintain listings at prices that cannot reflect the actual certified production cost — this is a quality integrity signal to AqNova's compliance team.
Inventory updates: if you make significant changes to your product (new formulation, new supplier, new production location), you must update the relevant listing fields to reflect the change. A material product change that affects a certification claim (e.g., changing a supplier which may affect your GOTS certification scope) must be reported to your certifying body immediately.
Image refresh: AqNova recommends reviewing listing images annually and refreshing lifestyle images to reflect current products and current brand aesthetic. Outdated images that no longer accurately represent the current product must be updated.
Description accuracy: review your description quarterly to ensure all claims, ingredients, certifications, and details remain accurate. Any change to the product requires a corresponding description update.
Seasonal adjustments: adjust processing time and shipping information in advance of periods when your dispatch capability may be reduced (harvest season, production shutdown, holiday closures, shipping delays during peak periods).
B. When to Contact AqNova Compliance
Any material change to a product that affects a certification claim (ingredient change, supplier change, formulation change, production location change).
Any regulatory recall or product safety notice affecting a listed product — notify AqNova immediately at compliance@aqnova.co and remove the listing from sale until AqNova's compliance team confirms the appropriate action.
Any request from a certifying body to suspend use of a certification pending renewal or recertification investigation.
Any regulatory inquiry from a consumer protection authority, food safety authority, or advertising standards body related to a product listed on AqNova.
Any change in your business structure that affects your legal entity, business name, or operating location that was the basis of your KYC verification.
10.6.16 Contact — Listing Support
| AqNova Listing Standards — Contact Directory LISTING REVIEW & SUBMISSION: vendors@aqnova.co Subject: 'Listing Review — [Listing ID / Product Name] — [Vendor Name]' LISTING REJECTION QUERY: vendors@aqnova.co Subject: 'Listing Rejection Query — [Listing ID] — [Rejection Reason]' CERTIFICATION UPLOAD & VERIFICATION: compliance@aqnova.co Subject: 'Certification Upload — [Vendor Name] — [Certification Name]' CERTIFICATION REGISTRY ASSESSMENT REQUEST:compliance@aqnova.co Subject: 'Certification Registry Assessment — [Certifying Body Name]' CLAIM LANGUAGE COMPLIANCE QUERY: compliance@aqnova.co Subject: 'Claim Language Query — [Vendor Name] — [Specific Claim]' GREENWASHING / SUSTAINABILITY COMPLIANCE: compliance@aqnova.co Subject: 'Sustainability Compliance — [Vendor Name]' ECO PACKAGING BADGE (Section 10.5.14): compliance@aqnova.co Subject: 'Eco Packaging Badge Application — [Vendor Name]' MULTI-LANGUAGE LISTING SUPPORT: Arabic / French / Chinese / German / Portuguese / Japanese / Korean: vendors@aqnova.co — Subject: 'Listing Language Support — [Language] — [Vendor Name]' SELLER PORTAL (LISTING MANAGEMENT): vendors.aqnova.co LISTING STANDARDS GUIDE: aqnova.co/selling-on-aqnova/listing-standards CERTIFICATION REGISTRY (PUBLIC): aqnova.co/sustainability/certifications GREENWASHING ENFORCEMENT LOG: aqnova.co/sustainability/enforcement EU HEALTH CLAIMS REGISTER: ec.europa.eu/food/safety/labelling_nutrition/claims WCO TARIFF FINDER (HS CODES): wcoomd.org FTC GREEN GUIDES: ftc.gov/green-guides EU GREEN CLAIMS DIRECTIVE: ec.europa.eu/environment/topics/circular-economy UK CMA GREEN CLAIMS CODE: gov.uk/government/publications/green-claims-code REGISTERED OFFICE: Arivon Holding Corporation | C/O Arivon Holding Corporation 2571 Saturn Avenue, Unit #265, Huntington Park, CA 90255, USA EIN: 41-3210066 | CA File No: B20250418195 | D-U-N-S: 142957477 Nigeria — Sahara Eagle Ltd: Reg: 1957145 | Tax ID: 31052811-0001 | NEPC: 0030281 |
|---|
AqNova Marketplace | Section 10.6: Product Listing Standards & Guidelines | Version 1.0 | April 7, 2026
© 2026 Arivon Holding Corporation. All rights reserved. Operated by Arivon Holding Corporation | Huntington Park, CA 90255, USA
THIS GUIDE IS FOR VENDOR OPERATIONAL COMPLIANCE. IT SUPPLEMENTS THE SELLER AGREEMENT (SECTION 1.3) AND THE ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY (SECTION 1.4). IN THE EVENT OF CONFLICT, THE SELLER AGREEMENT GOVERNS.