AppStore Reject: 5.0.0 Legal Preamble

Question

Created May ’23

Replies 4

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I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to seek your assistance and guidance regarding an issue I am facing with the App Store review process.

Recently, I submitted an app to the App Store, and unfortunately, it was rejected based on Guideline 5.0 - Legal. According to the rejection notice, the app cannot be hosted, distributed, or do business with certain apps or developers connected to U.S. embargoed countries or regions, as mandated by U.S. sanctions regulations.

The challenge I am facing is that our app and its developers are not affiliated with any U.S. embargoed countries or regions, such as Iran, Syria, or Cuba. We have made every effort to ensure compliance with the App Store Review Guidelines and U.S. sanctions regulations, including removing any content related to these regions, phone codes, and names.

However, despite our compliance efforts, the app continues to be rejected without clear indication as to which specific aspect is considered in violation of U.S. sanctions regulations. We have appealed the decision multiple times, but the responses from the App Store Review Team have not provided sufficient clarification.

I am writing to seek your advice and support in addressing this issue. If anyone has faced a similar situation or has experience navigating the App Store review process, I would greatly appreciate your insights. Specifically, I am seeking assistance in understanding the specific part of the app that may be causing the rejection under Guideline 5.0 - Legal.

Any guidance, suggestions, or assistance you can provide would be invaluable to me and my team. We are eager to resolve this matter and bring our app to the App Store community. Thank you for taking the time to read this message, and I am grateful for any assistance you can offer.

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Answer 1

Claude31 OP

May ’23

There is no such 5.0.0 entry in the guidelines.

The preamble simply states:

Apps must comply with all legal requirements in any location where you make them available (if you’re not sure, check with a lawyer). We know this stuff is complicated, but it is your responsibility to understand and make sure your app conforms with all local laws, not just the guidelines below. And of course, apps that solicit, promote, or encourage criminal or clearly reckless behavior will be rejected. In extreme cases, such as apps that are found to facilitate human trafficking and/or the exploitation of children, appropriate authorities will be notified.

Is it what you are referring to ?

Could you tell from which country you submitted your app ?

Have you checked carefully the countries you selected for distribution ?

Are you using some framework ? If so, have you checked they can be used in all the countries you selected ?

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Answer 2

farhadarjmandf OP

May ’23

Thank you for your questions. Allow me to address them one by one:

its message from apple:

Thank you for your resubmission. Upon further review, we identified an additional issue that needs your attention. See below for more information.

If you have any questions, we are here to help. Reply to this message in App Store Connect and let us know.

Guideline 5.0 - Legal

In distributing apps on the App Store, Apple must comply with U.S. laws. Under U.S. sanctions regulations, the App Store cannot host, distribute, or do business with certain apps or developers connected to U.S. embargoed countries or regions.

We have recently identified that Apple may not host your app because doing so would be prohibited by U.S. sanctions regulations. Unfortunately, therefore, we are unable to include your app on the App Store at this time.

We know this is disappointing. This area of law is complex and constantly changing, and should changes be made to U.S. law in the future we hope you will resubmit your app to the App Store.

My company registred in Oman but isent app from germany

To answer your question, if you are referring to the selection of countries for distribution in terms of pricing and availability, I have carefully chosen 30 countries, including the United States. Iran and Syria are not among the countries I have selected. I have made sure to comply with the App Store guidelines and have not included any embargoed countries in my distribution choices.

i only use REACT NATIVE and EXPO

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Answer 3

farhadarjmandf OP

May ’23

any update?

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Answer 4

Alish OP

Sep ’24

I have same problem (my app uploaded on Jan 2024), have you find any solution to fix the issue?

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