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Hazardous materials policy

Hazardous materials such as carcinogens, combustibles, explosive precursors, corrosive substances, ozone-depleting chemicals, poisons, radioactive materials and items that contain or release such substances are generally prohibited on eBay.

For information about restrictions on selling pesticides on eBay, see our Pesticides policy

This policy reflects our commitment to the safety of our users by strictly adhering to government regulations for the sale and transportation of dangerous goods.

What is the policy?

The following hazardous materials are not allowed on eBay:

  • Carcinogens
  • Class I ozone-depleting substances - opens in new window or tab: carbon tetrachloride and any product that contains it, chlorobromomethane, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, hydrobromofluorocarbons (HBFCs), methyl bromide, and methyl chloroform
  • Class II ozone-depleting substances - opens in new window or tab: hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)
  • Combustibles such as black powder, caps for toy guns, explosive fuses, fireworks, exploding targets, flares, flash paper, red phosphorous, gasoline, Thermite
  • Corrosive substances including ammonium hydroxide, formic acid, hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, sodium hydroxide, sodium hypochlorite, and sulfuric acid
  • Dinitrophenol (DNP) and any product that contains it, such as weight-loss supplements
  • 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, sulfuric acid and urea nitrate
  • Methylene chloride (dichloromethane) and any product that contains it, such as Formby’s Furniture Refinisher
  • Non-EPA-approved substitute refrigerants
  • Non-ozone-depleting substances with high global warming potential: hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) - opens in new window or tab
  • Poisons
  • Radioactive materials
  • Trichloroethylene

The seller is responsible for complying with local laws and regulations. 

Some products are prohibited by the shipping carrier or have restrictions on which type of shipping method may be used. For example, some types of batteries cannot be shipped through airmail. For more information, see our page on hazardous materials - 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. 

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