If you can't verify an item is authentic, it can't be listed on eBay.
Authenticity disclaimer policy overview
Sellers should make sure that their items are authentic before listing them on eBay. Sellers may not disclaim knowledge of, or responsibility for, the authenticity or legality of the items they offer in their listings. If a seller cannot verify the authenticity of an item, it can't be listed on eBay.
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.
What are the guidelines?
Allowed
Sellers can use statements like these to describe an item they know is authentic:
- 'Guaranteed authentic'
- '100% authentic or your money back'
Not allowed
Sellers are not allowed to:
- List items that aren't authentic
- List items if they're not sure if they are authentic
In addition, sellers can't disclaim authenticity of their item by stating, for example:
- 'I cannot guarantee the authenticity of this item, so please bid accordingly'
- 'Vintage handbag Chanel???'
- 'Looks like this could be a Louis Vuitton bag'
- 'I believe this is painted by Degas, but I can't be sure'
- 'I got this from an estate sale, so I have no idea if it's real or not'
- 'The autograph looks real to me'
- 'I'm no expert, so look at the pictures and decide for yourself if it's real'
Additional information
Members may be able to find out if an item is authentic by contacting the manufacturer or trademark owner directly. For more information, please visit our page about Intellectual property and the VeRO programme.
Why does eBay have this policy?
The sale of unauthorised replica and counterfeit items is illegal and against eBay policy. Sellers who aren't sure of the legality or authenticity of their items can't sell those items on eBay. This policy helps protect buyers from purchasing illegal merchandise and helps intellectual property rights owners protect their rights.