Policy overview
When you list the types of items that are allowed on eBay (see guidelines), you're certifying that all safety and regulatory conditions have been met.
What are the guidelines?
Allowed
Food and food-related items that
- Have a clearly marked expiration date. All listings for food items are required to show the expiration date in the listing
- Will be delivered to the buyer before the expiration or 'use by' date
- Are not altered or changed in any way
- Are stored safely before dispatch
- Comply with applicable food regulations (see additional information)
Restricted
- Perishable items are allowed, but you have to clearly identify the following details in your item description:
- How you'll safely deliver the items to the buyer (for example, offer overnight delivery)
- Make sure the items are properly sealed
- All food and related products should be packaged or sealed to ensure that the buyer can tell if they have been tampered with
- All food items must have been stored safely prior to dispatch and follow all storage directions on the item's packaging
- Baby formula can be listed only if all of the following conditions are met:
- The baby formula is not expired. We recommend including the expiration date in the listing
- You deliver it to the buyer before the expiration date
- The item's packaging is intact
- The container and its contents haven't been opened or tampered with in any way
- The item has been stored safely
Not allowed
- Listings containing drug or medicinal claims
- Listings that claim the item is intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease in humans and/or animals
- Wild mushrooms (except morel or shiitake)
- Food items that are subject to recall by the FSA - opens in new window or tab (UK) or FSAI - opens in new window or tab (Ireland)
- Expired food items
- Listings that use unlawfully registered names of protected agricultural products and foodstuffs (see Additional information section for more information)
Additional information
Be sure to follow relevant laws when listing food items. Here are a few examples:
- Ingredients: Regulations govern the use of additives, sweeteners, flavourings and colourings
- Labelling: Labels are required to state, among other things, the food's name, ingredients, any special storage conditions, nutrition information, and place of manufacture
- Import/export: Laws restrict the import and export of many food products
- Protected agricultural products and foodstuffs: EU regulation - opens in new window or tab promotes and protects names of quality agricultural products and foodstuffs under three EU schemes known as: PDO (protected designation of origin), PGI (protected geographical indication) and TSG (traditional specialty guaranteed). It is prohibited to name or reference the name of a product registered under these schemes in listings for products that are not covered by the registration. For more information on PDO/PGI/TSG, please click here - opens in new window or tab
To learn more about laws relating to food sales, visit these websites:
- Food Standards Agency (UK) - opens in new window or tab
- Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (UK) - opens in new window or tab
- Food Safety Authority of Ireland - opens in new window or tab
To learn more about the protected agricultural products and foodstuffs, visit the European Commission website and refer to the list of registered products - opens in new window or tab.
Learn more about reporting Intellectual property information (VeRO).
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?
The sale of food is highly regulated so please make sure you follow all governmental laws and regulations before buying or selling these items on eBay.