Skip to main content
4 min overview

eBay rules and policies

Our policies are designed to create a safe and fair environment for all eBay members. Learning what’s allowed can help you avoid unintentionally breaking the rules and helps everyone in working with reliable, trustworthy members.

Looking to answer one of these questions?:

Solve a problem

I'm not sure whether the item I'm selling is allowed on eBay

There are some items that, due to legal restrictions and other considerations, aren't allowed or can only be listed under certain conditions. If you're not sure whether your item is allowed, you can learn why some items are prohibited or restricted and view a detailed list of items you can't sell.

I received an email that my account was suspended

Confirm that the email was sent from eBay by checking your messages in My eBay. This email from eBay explains why your account was suspended and the steps you can take to resolve the problem. Learn more about suspended accounts and recognising spoof emails.

I received an alert that a seller opened an unpaid item case against me

If you buy an item and the seller doesn't receive your payment for any reason, the seller can report the failure to pay. If you receive an unpaid item notification, it's important to respond quickly. If you don't address the seller's concerns or don't respond within 7 days, the case is escalated to our Trust and Safety team.

Help topics

Basics

Rules for sellers

Learn what items you can sell, what's allowed in your listing, and other guidelines for selling

Rules for buyers

Buyers have obligations too. Be sure to bid responsibly, always pay for purchases, and follow our buyer guidelines

Rules for everyone

These policies apply to all eBay members

Top 10 policies

Invalid bid retraction policy

Did you bid on an item by mistake? Learn when you're allowed to cancel a bid

Unpaid item policy

We require buyers to pay for items that they commit to purchase

Rules about Feedback

Our guidelines are designed to encourage open and honest Feedback about your experience with a member

Prohibited and restricted items overview

Before listing an item, make sure it's allowed on eBay. Get an overview of items that are prohibited or subject to restrictions, or click a link below to learn about items we're frequently asked about.

Rules for listings

These guidelines cover how you describe your item, what you can include in your listing, and other listing practices

Seller performance

When selling an item, buyer satisfaction is important. Learn about our requirements for seller performance and what you can do to stay in compliance

How to

Reporting inappropriate trading behavior

Find out what we can investigate and the actions we'll take

Guidelines for creating legally compliant listings

These general guidelines can help you create listings that are legal and don't infringe the intellectual property rights of others

Appealing an unpaid item

Find out how to appeal an unpaid item

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.

Was this article helpful for you?

Related help topics

See other articles in: