[What is Rakuten Forced Store Closure? Thorough Explanation of Risk Management and Guideline Compliance for Beginners]
The worst-case scenario that must be avoided above all else when expanding an EC business on Rakuten Market is "forced store closure." This refers to contract termination measures executed by the platform when there is a significant violation of Rakuten's store opening terms and guidelines. Once a store is forcibly closed, reopening is extremely difficult, leading directly not only to a loss of sales but also to a loss of the brand's social credibility. In this article, we thoroughly explain the mechanisms of the violation point system and risk management of forced store closures that beginner operators should know.
Table of Contents (Click to expand/collapse)
1. Definition and Main Causes of Rakuten Forced Store Closure
Forced store closure on Rakuten means the suspension of RMS (Store Operation System) use and termination of the store contract. This is not a mere temporary penalty, but a very severe measure—meaning "banishment from the Rakuten Market economic zone".
Main causes include the following:
- Legal Violations: Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act, Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations, copyright infringement (e.g., selling fake branded goods).
- Continuation of Terms Violations: Repeating prohibited acts (inappropriate review manipulation, guiding to other sites, etc.).
- Significant Lack of Customer Support: Significant drop in customer satisfaction due to neglecting complaints or chronic shipping delays.
- Accumulation of Violation Points: When 100 or more violation points are accumulated in a single year.
2. Algorithm of the Violation Point System (Penalty)
Rakuten Market has introduced a "Violation Point System," where points are added depending on the level of the violation. These points are accumulated over a year from January 1st to December 31st, and graduated penalties are imposed when a certain threshold is exceeded.
In principle, reaching an accumulated score of 100 points makes a store subject to consideration for forced closure. Furthermore, it's necessary to be careful as there are cases of immediate forced closure if actions are deemed "highly malicious," regardless of points.
3. Governance Design to Avoid Forced Store Closure
To minimize risks, strengthening governance (corporate governance) in daily operations is indispensable.
Specifically, it's recommended to periodically review the Rakuten violation point system measures list and incorporate a "legal check" into the internal product registration flow.
4. Initial Response in the Unlikely Event a Warning Notice Arrives
Should a notice regarding "Suspicion of Terms Violation" arrive from Rakuten, do not panic; first, thoroughly confirm the facts. Submitting a prompt and sincere improvement report for the pointed-out issues is the only way to avoid forced store closure.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q Q. If a forced store closure occurs, what happens to the payment of sales proceeds?
- A. Based on the terms, there's a possibility that payments will be suspended for a certain period or confiscated as a penalty. Details vary depending on the individual contract status.
- Q Q. When do violation points reset?
- A. Accumulated points are reset on December 31st each year, and a new count begins from January 1st the following year. However, severe violation histories remain on record.
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Forced store closure on Rakuten is the greatest risk that makes business continuation impossible. Let's correctly understand the algorithm of the violation point system and strictly conduct sound store operations that comply with the guidelines. Small moments of carelessness in daily operations lead to massive losses. We recommend making regular terms checks and consulting an expert when feeling risk a habit.
Published: 2026/3/24
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References
- [1] Rakuten Market Store Opening Terms and Operation Guidelines
- [2] Consumer Affairs Agency: Handouts related to the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations and the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act