This policy was updated on 27 March 2026 to provide more extensive guidance regarding listing adult items on eBay, and is effective as of that date.
At eBay, we have policies to ensure our platform remains a trusted and inclusive environment for our global community of buyers and sellers. We're committed to preventing bias in the application of our policies. Adult content that doesn't follow our policy will be removed. Most adult items are subject to some form of restriction or prohibition. We'll review the content of the listing, images and the category of the items to determine if it is allowed.
What is the policy?
Although most adult-only items are prohibited, listings that show nudity are allowed in limited situations when they follow the guidelines below. When listing films, magazines, books or photos that contain images with nudity that are allowed under this policy, you must ensure that all nude persons were above the age of 18 at the time the images were produced.
eBay defines nudity as showing any part of male or female genitalia, anus, or female breasts where the areola or nipple is visible. The following are also considered nudity:
- Modelled clothing that is see-through or very tight and shows human genitalia, the anus, or the nipple/areola of female breasts
- Male erections, even if the model is clothed
- People engaged in sexual contact or activity
Nudity is never allowed in the following places:
- eBay-hosted video content
- Images included when leaving feedback, even if the actual item or original listing included nudity
The following items are not allowed:
- Adult items with content that is illegal or does not comply with our Illegal explicit content policy, Prohibited adult items policy or Protecting minors policy
- AI-generated or digitally altered nude or sexually suggestive images of public figures
- Sexually explicit materials, including items displaying sexual activities, including the following:
- Sexually explicit films and video games classified as Restricted (X 18+) or RC (refused classification)
- Sexually explicit magazines, books and comics classified as Category 2 Restricted or RC (refused classification)
The following items are allowed only under the conditions outlined below and in accordance with the guidelines set out in this policy:
- Adult magazines or comics that don't contain sexually explicit content and have received Category 1 Restricted classification can be listed. Issues of the following magazines have received Category 1 Restricted classification: Bear (magazine), Blue (magazine), Butt (magazine), Gayletter, Mayfair, On Our Backs, Penthouse, Playboy, Playgirl and Playguy. This isn't an exhaustive list of magazines, books and comics we allow.
- Nude art listings that do not contain sexually suggestive poses or sexual acts are allowed, but they must include the item specifics attribute Subject: Nudes. They can only be listed in the following categories:
- Art categories
- Collectables > Photographic Images > Photographs
- Collectables > Postcards > Non-Topographical Postcards
- Sex toys and sex accessories may be listed in the Health & Beauty > Health Care > Sexual Wellness categories following these guidelines:
- The Sex Toys and Fantasy, Fetish & Accessories categories are restricted to pre-approved sellers*
- Items must be new and in the original packaging
- Listings must not include images of nudity or sexual content
- Educational materials that don't contain sexually explicit content can be listed as long as the listing doesn't show nude images
*To apply for approval to list in restricted sexual wellness categories, please contact us - opens in new window or tab. Be ready to provide your eBay username, Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN), registered business name and website. Approval to list in these categories will be at eBay's discretion. Learn more about products with eligibility requirements.
Activity on eBay is required to follow this policy, the eBay User Agreement and all applicable laws, as well as respect the rights of third parties. If it doesn't, eBay may take action consistent with applicable laws and the eBay User Agreement, and may even be legally required to do so. Such actions may include, as an example only: Removing the listing or other content, issuing a warning, restricting activity or account suspension.
Tip
Visit Seller Help to find details of any policy issues with your account or listings, and get the information you need to quickly resolve them.
Why does eBay have this policy?
We want to make adult items available to those who wish to purchase them and can do so legally, while preventing those who do not wish to view or purchase these items from easily accessing them.