This policy was updated on 29 May 2025 to reflect that machetes may not be purchased by buyers in Victoria, and is effective as of that date.
We take our role in community safety seriously, and in accordance with government regulations and international laws, we prohibit the sale of certain knives.
What is the policy?
Australia restrictions
The following types of knives are not allowed on eBay.com.au:
- Automatic knives
- Butterfly knives
- Dual-action knives
- Gravity knives
- Star knives
- Trench knives
- Out-the-front knives
- Paratrooper knives
- Push knives
- Switchblade knives
- Sword canes
- Spring-assisted knives
- Hidden or disguised knives such as writing pen knives or belt buckle knives
- Zombie knives (or knives that indicate in the listing or on the product that it is intended for violence against a person or fictional creature)
Queensland restrictions
In addition to the list of Australia restrictions above, the knives and bladed products below are not allowed for purchase by Queensland buyers due to age restrictions for these products.
- Knives with a single-sided blade, such as:
- Kitchen or steak knives
- Utility knives or box-cutters
- Fishing knives
- Craft knives and scalpels
- Cut-throat razors
- Single-sided knives within a multi-tool or kit
- Daggers that have a double-edged blade
- Knives (or multi-tools) with a blade at each end
- Swords
- Machetes
- Axes or tomahawks
- Sickles or scythes
- Spear guns or spears
Victoria restrictions
In addition to the list of Australia restrictions above, the knives and bladed products below are not allowed for purchase by Victorian buyers due to regulations - opens in new window or tab prohibiting the sale of these products.
- Machetes which are large, broad-bladed cutting knives as defined by the Victorian government - opens in new window or tab
Guidelines for listing permitted items
Sellers can list the following type of knives or bladed products:
- Knives or bladed products not listed above are allowed. The listing must also follow our international trading policy, as products allowed on eBay.com.au may not be allowed on other eBay sites globally. For example, the sale of knives on eBay.co.uk and eBay.ie is prohibited with limited exceptions
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.
Additional information
eBay may block a transaction if a buyer is located in an area where additional restrictions on the sale of knives apply.
Why does eBay have this policy?
This policy helps ensure that important government regulations are followed.
Helpful links
For more information on knife sale restrictions in Queensland, please visit:
- Queensland Police – End Knife Violence - opens in new window or tab
- National Retail Association – Sale of knives and controlled items – QLD - opens in new window or tab
For more information on regulations in Victoria, please visit: