Skip to main content
2 min article

Product safety policy

Products that pose a health or safety hazard aren't allowed.

To ensure the safety and well-being of our members, eBay does not allow listings for items that are banned, recalled, or dangerous to a buyer.

What is the policy?

The following types of items are not allowed:

Current information about recalled products and products that pose health or safety hazards can be found on the following websites: 

Please review and follow all applicable laws and regulations for the countries where you ship. To protect buyers and sellers, we will remove any item that is reported to us as recalled or otherwise unsafe from any of the regulatory authorities worldwide.

Certain items can be listed only if they follow specific regulations. The following types of items must comply with these safety standards:

  • Toy magnets with small pieces that can be swallowed or that may appeal to children are not allowed. Small magnets must be listed only as fasteners and listed in the Business & Industrial > Fasteners & Hardware > Magnets category
  • Laser pointers must have an output of 5mW or less and be a class 1M, 1C, 2/II, 2M/IIM, or 3A/IIIA, 3B/IIIB or 3R/IIIR. Military, tactical or “high powered” lasers are not allowed
  • Smoke or carbon monoxide detectors must be from one of the approved brands. Unbranded and unsafe brands of smoke or carbon monoxide detectors are not allowed
  • 18650 batteries cannot be listed individually, as they are not intended for sale to consumers and can be potentially hazardous to consumers when handled, transported, stored or charged. 18650 batteries must be pre-installed
  • Products where the button battery is easily accessible are considered unsafe. Button batteries are easily swallowed and can cause health issues or death
  • Eligible sellers can list cribs. All cribs must meet federal safety standards issued by the CPSC in 2011. Sellers must state in the listing that the crib meets these standards. Used cribs are not allowed
  • Eligible sellers can list child car safety seats. All car seats must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 213. Sellers must state in the listing that the car seat meets this standard. Used car seats are not allowed
  • Eligible sellers can list new bicycle helmets that meet the requirements detailed by the CPSC - opens in new window or tab. Used bicycle helmets are not allowed
  • Hoverboards, self-balancing scooters, electric skateboards, electric roller skates, electric pocket bikes, electric kick scooters, electric unicycles and other personal e-mobility devices typically intended for use by one person must be certified to meet UL 2272 safety standards. The listing must state that the item is certified to UL 2272 standards and, upon request, provide appropriate verification, such as including a link to the UL Product iQ - opens in new window or tab document showing the certification
  • E-bikes must be certified to meet UL 2849 safety standards. The listing must state that the item is certified to UL 2849 standards and, upon request, provide appropriate verification, such as including a link to the UL Product iQ - opens in new window or tab document showing the certification
  • Batteries that are sold separately for e-bikes, hoverboards, self-balancing scooters, electric skateboards, electric roller skates, electric pocket bikes, electric kick scooters, electric unicycles and other personal e-mobility devices typically intended for use by one person must be certified to meet UL 2271 safety standards. The listing must state that the item is certified to UL 2271 standards and, upon request, provide appropriate verification, such as including a link to the UL Product iQ - opens in new window or tab document showing the certification
  • Battery chargers for all micromobility devices, including e-bikes, e-scooters, self-balancing scooters, hoverboards, and e-unicycles, cannot be marketed as “universal” or suitable with multiple types of micromobility devices. In addition, listings for battery chargers for these devices must state that the charger is certified to one of the following standards: UL 1310, UL 1012, UL 60950-1, or UL 62368-1. Upon request, sellers must provide appropriate verification, such as including a link to the UL Product iQ - opens in new window or tab document showing the certification.

Additional information

Before you list an item, take a few minutes to check the manufacturer's website to get information about recalled items. You need to make sure your product complies with any mandatory U.S. safety standards. You should also provide clear and accessible product safety information (labels, warnings, descriptions) in your item description.

If your product is potentially unsafe, you have a responsibility to remove risk to public safety by recalling unsafe products and to tell the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) about the recall. For more information, please visit the CSPC guidelines for How to Conduct a Recall - 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.

Why does eBay have this policy?

This policy helps sellers follow important government regulations.

Manufacturers or retailers can inform eBay about product safety recalls by sending an email to recalls@ebay.com and including specific information about the recalled product.

Helpful links

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.

Was this article helpful for you?