Policy overview
The sale of certain types of plants, plant pests, seeds and other material may be prohibited or regulated to guard against the spread of harmful pests and diseases and to ensure seed quality to the consumer. For example, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) prohibits the importation, movement and keeping of certain plants, plant pests and other material which may harm the environment. In addition, the importation or transportation of other similar material may be restricted, requiring a special certificate of compliance from government authorities. In the Republic of Ireland, the Department of Agriculture and Food has similar responsibilities.
You should seek advice from appropriate government authorities, before exporting, importing, receiving, or transporting such agricultural or plant material. There are also Seed Marketing Regulations which set out standards relating to the sale of seed and the licensing of persons to sell seed (including vegetable and grass seed). As a first step in your research, you may wish to consult APHA or the Department of Agriculture and Food if you are based in Ireland.
Make sure your listing follows these guidelines. If it doesn't, it may be removed, and you may be subject to a range of other actions, including limits of your buying and selling privileges and suspension of your account.
What are the guidelines?
Allowed
You can list plants or seeds that aren't on any restricted list.
Restricted
Importing or transporting plants, plant pests and other material which may harm the environment that require a special certificate of compliance from government authorities. Please consult the APHA website - opens in new window or tab or the Department of Agriculture and Food - opens in new window or tab if you are based in Ireland.
Not allowed
Importing, transporting or keeping plants, plant pests and other material which may harm the environment that are prohibited by law. Please consult the APHA website - opens in new window or tab or the Department of Agriculture and Food - opens in new window or tab if you are based in Ireland.
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?
Because selling plants and seeds may be prohibited or regulated, some items can’t be sold on eBay. Many plants are regulated in an effort to minimize the spread of harmful plants, insects, diseases, and other pests.