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
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
- Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water – Wildlife trade - opens in new window or tab
- Australian Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry – Biosecurity - opens in new window or tab
- Animals Australia - opens in new window or tab
- Coalition to End Wildlife Trafficking Online - opens in new window or tab
- International Fund for Animal Welfare - opens in new window or tab (IFAW)
- TRAFFIC - opens in new window or tab
- United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre - opens in new window or tab (UNEP-WCMC)
- World Wildlife Fund - opens in new window or tab (WWF)