Beginner guide · Eligibility

Who can get the WhatsApp Business API?

Most businesses can use the official WhatsApp Business API — as long as they set up the Meta accounts it needs and follow Meta's policies. Here is what Meta actually asks for, which goods and services are not allowed, and what changes once your business is verified.

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Last updated: 5 November 2026

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A business, a Meta business portfolio and a business that follows Meta's rules

Meta says you must have a business portfolio to use the WhatsApp Business Platform, and all use must follow WhatsApp's terms and policies. Some goods and services — like firearms, drugs, adult products, dating services and real-money gambling — are not allowed. Business verification is not needed to start, but it unlocks higher limits.

Read Meta's WhatsApp Business Messaging Policy

What Meta asks for

The basic requirements

Requirement	What it means in simple words
A Meta business portfolio	Your business's home in Meta Business Suite. Meta says you must have one to use the platform. Your WhatsApp account and messaging account (templates and billing) sit inside it.
Follow WhatsApp's policies	All use must comply with WhatsApp's terms and policies. Using unauthorised third-party tools is prohibited.
Customer opt-in	You may only start conversations with people who have given you permission to message them on WhatsApp. The opt-in must make your business name and intent clear.
Accurate business profile	Keep a WhatsApp Business profile with customer-support contact details, and keep all information accurate and up to date.
A phone number you own	A number that can receive a verification code by SMS or voice call. Which number can I use? →

Sources: Meta for Developers — About the WhatsApp Business Platform; WhatsApp Business Messaging Policy.

Goods and services Meta does not allow WhatsApp's Business Messaging Policy says Meta prohibits using WhatsApp for Business to buy, sell, promote or help exchange certain regulated or restricted goods and services, as Meta decides in its sole discretion. The list in the policy is:

Firearms
Alcohol and tobacco
Drugs — prescription, recreational or otherwise
Medical and healthcare products
Endangered species (wildlife and plants)
Live non-endangered animals (livestock excepted)
Hazardous goods and materials
Real, virtual or fake currency, including ICOs and binary options
Body parts or fluids
Fraudulent, misleading, offensive or exploitative business models, goods or services
Real-money gambling and gaming
Adult products and services
Dating services
Multi-level marketing
Payday loans, paycheck advances, peer-to-peer lending, debt collection and bail bonds

Limited exceptions by country ("regulated verticals") The policy allows messaging about a few of these "regulated verticals" on the Business Platform only in limited countries and where the law allows. For India, as the policy stands today:

Over-the-counter medicines — India is on Meta's list of allowed countries.
Alcohol — India is not on the allowed list.
Online gambling and gaming — allowed only in Australia, Japan, Colombia, Mexico and Peru, and only with Meta's permission. India is not on the list.

Who else is not allowed The policy also prohibits use by political parties, politicians, political candidates and political campaigns, and by law enforcement, military and national-security or intelligence agencies. Government bodies are permitted, through a Meta partner (Solution Provider).

Read the full WhatsApp Business Messaging Policy →

Verified vs not yet verified

What business verification changes

You can start without Meta business verification. These are the limits Meta states for a new business portfolio, and how they grow.

	New business portfolio	After it grows
Messaging limit	250 unique customers in a rolling 24 hours, for conversations you start (replies inside an open customer window don't count)	2,000 after you verify your business — or after sending 2,000 delivered messages outside customer windows in 30 days with high-quality templates. Then 10,000 → 100,000 → unlimited, automatically
Phone numbers you can register	Up to 2	Up to 20, raised automatically once your business is verified or reaches a 2,000 messaging limit
Green tick (Official Business Account)	Needs a verified business first	Verification is one of the things Meta looks at for Official Business Account status. Green tick guide →

Messaging limits are shared by all phone numbers in one business portfolio. Sources: Meta for Developers — Messaging limits; Business phone numbers; About the WhatsApp Business Platform.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a registered company to get the WhatsApp Business API?+

Meta's rule is that you need a Meta business portfolio. Business verification is optional to start, but it unlocks higher limits — and it checks documents that show your business's legal name. Documents Meta asks for →

Can I use the WhatsApp Business API without business verification?+

Yes. A new business portfolio can start messaging at Meta's starting limit of 250 unique customers in 24 hours for conversations you start. Verifying your business is one way to reach 2,000. Meta business verification →

Can a pharmacy use the WhatsApp Business API in India?+

Meta's policy lists prescription drugs and medical products as prohibited, with a limited exception for over-the-counter medicines in certain countries — and India is on that list. Messaging must still follow the law.

Can I promote alcohol on WhatsApp in India?+

No. Alcohol is on Meta's prohibited list, and India is not one of the countries where Meta allows alcohol messaging on the Business Platform.

Can political parties use the WhatsApp Business API?+

No. WhatsApp's policy prohibits use by political parties, politicians, political candidates and political campaigns.

Does Lead Pattern decide who is eligible?+

No. The rules are Meta's. Lead Pattern is an official Meta Tech Provider and helps you set up the API for free, but approvals and policy decisions are made by Meta.

Keep reading

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Who can get the WhatsApp Business API?

The basic requirements

Goods and services Meta does not allow WhatsApp's Business Messaging Policy says Meta prohibits using WhatsApp for Business to buy, sell, promote or help exchange certain regulated or restricted goods and services, as Meta decides in its sole discretion. The list in the policy is:

Limited exceptions by country ("regulated verticals") The policy allows messaging about a few of these "regulated verticals" on the Business Platform only in limited countries and where the law allows. For India, as the policy stands today:

Who else is not allowed The policy also prohibits use by political parties, politicians, political candidates and political campaigns, and by law enforcement, military and national-security or intelligence agencies. Government bodies are permitted, through a Meta partner (Solution Provider).

What business verification changes

Frequently asked questions

Related beginner guides

WhatsApp Business API for beginners

Which phone number to use

App and API on one number

Documents needed

Meta business verification

Setup checklist

Move an app number to the API

WhatsApp app vs API

Get the official WhatsApp Business API — free setup, 14-day trial.

Who can get the WhatsApp Business API?

The basic requirements

Goods and services Meta does not allow WhatsApp's Business Messaging Policy says Meta prohibits using WhatsApp for Business to buy, sell, promote or help exchange certain regulated or restricted goods and services, as Meta decides in its sole discretion. The list in the policy is:

Limited exceptions by country ("regulated verticals") The policy allows messaging about a few of these "regulated verticals" on the Business Platform **only in limited countries and where the law allows**. For India, as the policy stands today:

Who else is not allowed The policy also prohibits use by political parties, politicians, political candidates and political campaigns, and by law enforcement, military and national-security or intelligence agencies. Government bodies are permitted, through a Meta partner (Solution Provider).

What business verification changes

Frequently asked questions

Related beginner guides

WhatsApp Business API for beginners

Which phone number to use

App and API on one number

Documents needed

Meta business verification

Setup checklist

Move an app number to the API

WhatsApp app vs API

Get the official WhatsApp Business API — free setup, 14-day trial.

Limited exceptions by country ("regulated verticals") The policy allows messaging about a few of these "regulated verticals" on the Business Platform only in limited countries and where the law allows. For India, as the policy stands today: