Animal products policy

There are restrictions on the sale of items made from certain non-protected animals, including alligators, crocodiles, and zebras. Sellers who live in California must review and follow the guidelines in the California Penal Code Section 639-653.2 - opens in new window or tab before listing these items.

Animals that aren't threatened or endangered may still be regulated by the US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora - opens in new window or tab (CITES). Animals protected under CITES require permits to cross international borders. This regulation includes many butterflies and some beetles that are used in dried insect display mounts (see the CITES list of species - opens in new window or tab), which may require USFWS Form 3-200-3.

The sale of ivory and other wildlife products involves complex laws and regulations both in the US and internationally. Individual states, including California, also regulate the sale of ivory and wildlife products. Here are some of the applicable laws:

• Endangered Species: U.S. Code Title 16, 1531-1544 - opens in new window or tab
  • Generally prohibits the import, export, possession, and sale of animals that are considered endangered or threatened in interstate or foreign commerce. This includes the CITES statutory implementation
• African Elephant Conservation: U.S. Code Title 16, 4201-4246 - opens in new window or tab
  • Generally restricts the import and export of African elephant ivory
• Control of Illegally Taken Fish and Wildlife: U.S. Code Title 16, 3371-3378 - opens in new window or tab
  • Generally prohibits the import, export, transport, and sale of fish or wildlife that are taken or acquired in violation of state, federal, Indian Tribal, or foreign wildlife laws
• Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act - opens in new window or tab
  • Prohibits anyone without a permit issued by the Secretary of the Interior from taking bald or golden eagles, including their parts, feathers, nests, or eggs
• Marine Mammal Protection Act - opens in new window or tab
  • Generally prohibits the taking of marine mammals, including harassment, hunting, capturing, collecting, and/or killing, in US waters and by US citizens on the high seas
• Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 - opens in new window or tab
  • Prohibits the taking, killing, capturing, selling, trading, and/or transport of protected migratory bird species without prior authorization by the Department of Interior US Fish and Wildlife Service

For more information on ivory and endangered animals, see the International Fund for Animal Welfare - opens in new window or tab (IFAW) website.

There are federal and international laws involving the sale, import, and export of all wildlife. Federal laws require anyone who wants to import wildlife or wildlife products into the US or export these items from the US to first get the necessary license from the US Fish & Wildlife Service - opens in new window or tab (USFWS). Importers/exporters need to apply for the license by filling out the Declaration for Importation or Exportation of Fish or Wildlife (Form 3-177).

All wildlife and wildlife products must be declared to the USFWS for inspection before import or export, and have to be processed only through designated USFWS ports. If these rules are not met, it may result in criminal prosecution. For more information, eBay members should contact their nearest USFWS port.

If you have any questions about endangered or threatened animals - opens in new window or tab, migratory birds, endangered or threatened marine life - opens in new window or tab, live insects - opens in new window or tab or mollusks - opens in new window or tab, and other wildlife, contact the USFWS law enforcement office - opens in new window or tab, the USDA animal and Plant Health Inspection Service - opens in new window or tab, or your state's wildlife regulatory agency.

Listings for apparel that contains animal products must follow Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations - opens in new window or tab on labeling requirements.