Access
You need an approved Amazon Associates account in the relevant marketplace and API credentials from Associates Central. Access is linked to performance: accounts without recent qualifying sales can lose it. Amazon has been updating the Associates API, so confirm the current version and access rules before you start a build.
What the API returns
You can search for products, look up items by ASIN, read variations and browse categories, choosing which resources (title, images, offers, reviews summary and so on) to return. Responses include affiliate links tagged with your Associate ID.
Limits and caching
Request limits start low and increase with the shipped revenue your traffic generates. That makes caching essential, but the agreement limits how long and how you may store and show data, especially prices. Keep a cache with expiry times that match the rules, and refresh popular items first.
Staying compliant
- Show the affiliate disclosure required in your country and by Amazon.
- Do not display prices or availability older than the agreement allows.
- Do not use Amazon data in ways the agreement excludes, such as in emails or offline material where that is not permitted.
- Check the current Operating Agreement; it changes, and it is the source of truth.