Counterfeit policy

Counterfeit items are goods that mislead buyers into believing they are genuine, authorised or compliant when they aren’t. They include items that misuse trademarks (such as brand names and logos), copyrights, protected designs or trade dress to create the impression they were made by or authorised by a brand. These items are fraudulent and can misrepresent their nature by making false claims about composition, purity origin, grading or safety or regulatory compliance.

Counterfeit items aren’t allowed on eBay. Examples include:

• A watch displaying a brand’s trademark but not made by the trademark owner
• Perfume labelled with a trademark but not produced or packaged by the trademark owner
• Electronics (for example, smartphones, headphones, chargers or charging cables) sold under a trademark without authorisation
• Software advertised under a trademark but not originating from the trademark owner
• Jerseys showing team logos without authorisation
• Bullion described as '999 fine' but plated or missing accurate purity, weight, mint and clear photos
• Products with fake or invalid conformity marks (e.g., CE, UKCA, UKNI, UL) or missing required economic operator information
• Counterfeit postage or fake postage stamps, as well as tools to produce them
• Forged overprints or cancellations listed as genuine

Category-specific exceptions:

• Altered or repaired stamps (e.g., reperfed, regummed, repaired, cleaned) are allowed only with clear disclosure and photos of front and back
• Reference forgeries or CTO/remainder stamps are allowed if clearly labelled and not presented as genuine postage or rare issues

Unauthorised copies are duplicates of protected works made or shared without the rights owner’s permission. They include unlicensed reproductions of media or printed materials.

Unauthorised copies aren’t allowed on eBay. Examples include:

• Bootleg or self-made recordings of concerts, films, shows or games
• Burned or copied music, movies or software
• Scans, rips or reprints of art
• Unauthorised reprints of trading cards or stamps
• Preloaded USB drives or SD cards with copied files
• Copies of autographs or COAs/LOAs issued by unaccepted sources

Unauthorised replicas are fraudulent items that aren't authentic.

Unauthorised replicas aren't allowed on eBay. Examples include:

• Unauthorised replica coins or stamps
• Unauthorised replica paper currency
• Replica bullions without trade name on the bar itself, fineness or refiner details 
• Replica unbranded plated or clad bullion

Category-specific exceptions:

• Replica paper currency is allowed only if:
  • It’s one‑sided and resized to less than 75% or more than 150% of the original 
  • 'Replica' appears in the title and description 
  • Photos clearly show the actual item
• Bullion listings must say mint/refiner, weight and fineness and show clear photos (both sides and assay/COA if present)
• Replica stamps must be permanently marked (e.g., 'FASCIMILE') and disclosed in the title, description and photos

'Dupe' is a common slang term often used to market counterfeit items. While the word 'dupe' itself is allowed, it must not be used in listings in a way which misleads buyers into thinking a good is genuine and originates from or is connected to a specific brand.

Infringing dupes aren’t allowed on eBay. Examples include:

• Listings using 'dupe' or 'inspired‑by [Brand]' with logos, trademarks or protected designs implying brand association

No. Only list items you’re certain are genuine. If authentication can’t be confirmed, don’t list.

Keep clear documentation such as invoices from the brand or authorised distributors, serial numbers, grading reports, accepted COAs/LOAs or assay cards.

Replica coins aren't allowed. Replica paper money is allowed only if:

• It’s one-sided and resized (less than 75% or more than 150% of the original)
• It’s labelled 'replica' in the title and description
• Photos show the actual item

We’ll review and may request proof of authenticity. If the item appears counterfeit, it must be disposed of and not resold. Not following this policy can lead to restrictions or suspension.