Do WhatsApp reply buttons and menu lists need template approval?

No. Reply buttons and list messages are service messages, so they need no pre-approval. You can send them only inside the 24-hour window after the customer messages you.

• Reply buttons allow up to three predefined replies.
• List messages allow up to 10 sections with 10 rows in total.
• When a customer messages or calls you, a 24-hour window starts. When it closes, you can only send pre-approved templates.