This policy was updated on 18 December 2023. Our policy guidelines have not changed, but the information about activity that doesn't follow this policy has been updated for clarity.
We take great care to protect the health and safety of our members. Our hazardous, restricted or regulated materials policy reflects this commitment to eBay user safety by strictly adhering to government regulations on the transportation of dangerous goods.
What is the policy?
Most hazardous materials are prohibited on eBay.
The following are not allowed:
- Poisons and carcinogenic substances
- Dinitrophenol (DNP) in any of its forms, either as a pure substance or active ingredient of any product (such as weight-loss supplements)
- Fire extinguishers that contain carbon tetrachloride
- Non-government-approved refrigerants
- Radioactive materials
- Combustible materials like black powder, caps for toy guns, explosive fuses, fireworks, exploding targets, flares, flash paper, red phosphorous, gasoline, Thermite
- Explosives precursors including aluminium powder, ammonium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate, calcium nitrate, hydrogen peroxide above 12% weight by weight (carbamide peroxide above 34% by weight), magnesium nitrate hexahydrate, magnesium powder, nitric acid, nitromethane, nitro-fuel, potassium chlorate, potassium nitrate, potassium perchlorate, sodium azide, sodium chlorate, sodium nitrate, sodium perchlorate, sulphuric acid and urea nitrate
- Hazardous materials banned by a selected delivery provider (Sellers should check with them before listing an item)
The following are restricted:
- If the material can be sent by standard postage services and is not prohibited by local laws or regulations, then it can be listed
- If hazardous materials have specific postage restrictions required by the delivery provider, these must be outlined in the item description
Sellers need to comply with any applicable laws and regulations. You can find important information about regulations concerning some of the hazardous materials mentioned in this policy in the Australian National Security guidance for chemical security - 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 sellers follow important government regulations.