3 min article

Animal products policy

eBay is committed to animal welfare and the protection of native, endangered and threatened species, so products from endangered or protected species can't be listed.

This policy is effective as at 6 May 2024. Some of the wording has been updated for clarity, and some links to additional information have been added or updated. This policy was previously updated on 11 April 2024 with some minor amendments to the guidelines about ivory.

Sellers can list certain items made from non-endangered or non-threatened animals and wildlife on eBay. However, it is up to the seller to check whether selling or posting these items requires a licence, permit or other paperwork.

What is the policy?

  • Items made from the following animal and wildlife products are not allowed:
    • Species listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) Appendix I - opens in new window or tab
    • Species listed in CITES Appendix II - opens in new window or tab offering international postage
    • Ivory, bones or other products from dugong, elephant, hippopotamus, narwhal, orca, sperm whale or walrus
    • Bears
    • Marine mammals
    • Protected turtles or tortoises
    • Protected birds
    • Cats or dogs

In some Australian states, permits are required to possess certain animal species, even after the process of taxidermy has been applied. Sellers and buyers should ensure that they are aware of the rules in their state when listing or buying stuffed or mounted animals.

The commercial export of any native Australian animal specimen requires an export permit from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water - opens in new window or tab.

International postage of animal products must follow all country laws.

Additional Information

Australian laws

There are many more products made from endangered or threatened wildlife than those listed above. In addition to eBay policy, state and territory governments may also have their own laws about trading native wildlife items. You could face severe penalties if you break the law, so make sure you understand your responsibilities.

Please visit the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water website - opens in new window or tab for more information about wildlife trade into and out of Australia - opens in new window or tab and contact the Department (wildlifetrade@dcceew.gov.au) or your state or territory government - opens in new window or tab if in doubt.

You can also consult the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 (EPBC Act) - opens in new window or tab to determine whether a wildlife species is protected.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES)

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora - opens in new window or tab (CITES) is an international agreement between governments which helps to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten species with extinction.

CITES places species into three appendices based on their conservation status and risk from trade, and has established a worldwide system of controls on international trade. Individual countries can also specify stricter domestic measures.

Australia is one of more than 179 countries that are party to CITES. The CITES management authority in Australia is the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water - opens in new window or tab.

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 - opens in new window or tab 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?

This policy helps to reflect our commitment to animal welfare and the protection of native, endangered and threatened species, while ensuring our members follow important government regulations.

 

Helpful links

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