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Animal products policy

eBay is committed to animal welfare and the protection of native, endangered, and threatened species, so products from endangered or protected species can’t be listed.

Sellers can list certain animal and wildlife products on eBay such as faux or reproductions of animal products. However, it is up to the seller to check whether selling or shipping these items requires a license, permit, or other paperwork.

What is the policy?

Additional Information

California laws

There are restrictions on the sale of items made from parts of some non-protected animals, including alligators, crocodiles, and zebras. Sellers who live in California must review and follow the guidelines in the California Penal Code Section 639-653.2 - opens in new window or tab before selling these items.

CITES

Animals that aren't threatened or endangered may still be regulated by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora - opens in new window or tab (CITES). Animals protected under CITES require permits to cross international borders. This includes many butterflies and some beetles that are included in dried insect display mounts (see the CITES list of species - opens in new window or tab), and may require USFWS Form 3-200-3.

Ivory and wildlife laws

The sale of ivory and other wildlife products involves many complex laws and regulations both in the US and internationally. Individual states, including California, also regulate the sale of ivory and wildlife products. Here are some of the applicable laws:

Endangered Species: U.S. Code Title 16, 1531-1544 - opens in new window or tab

  • Generally prohibits the import, export, possession, and sale of animals that are considered endangered or threatened in interstate or foreign commerce. This includes the CITES statutory implementation

African Elephant Conservation: U.S. Code Title 16, 4201-4246 - opens in new window or tab

  • Generally restricts the import and export of African Elephant ivory

Control of Illegally Taken Fish and Wildlife: U.S. Code Title 16, 3371-3378 - opens in new window or tab

  • Generally prohibits the import, export, transport, and sale of fish or wildlife that are taken or acquired in violation of state, federal, Indian Tribal, or foreign wildlife laws

For more information on ivory and endangered animals, see the International Fund for Animal Welfare - opens in new window or tab (IFAW) website.

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

There are federal and international laws involving the sale, import, and export of all wildlife. Federal laws require anyone who wants to import wildlife or wildlife products into the US or export these items from the US to first get the necessary license from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - opens in new window or tab (USFWS). Importers/exporters need to apply for the license by filling out the Declaration for Importation or Exportation of Fish or Wildlife (Form 3-177) - opens in new window or tab.

All wildlife and wildlife products must be declared to the USFWS for inspection before import or export, and have to be processed only through designated USFWS ports. If these rules aren't met, it may result in criminal prosecution. For more information, eBay members should contact their nearest USFWS port - opens in new window or tab.

Any questions about endangered or threatened animals - opens in new window or tab, migratory birds - opens in new window or tab, endangered or threatened marine life - opens in new window or tab, live insects - opens in new window or tab or mollusks - opens in new window or tab, and other wildlife, contact the USFWS law enforcement office - opens in new window or tab, the USDA animal and Plant Health Inspection Service - opens in new window or tab, or your state's wildlife regulatory agency.

Labeling requirements

If a seller is listing apparel products that contain animal parts, they must follow Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations - opens in new window or tab on labeling requirements.

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?

This policy helps to reflect our commitment to animal welfare and the protection of native, endangered, and threatened species, while ensuring our members follow important government regulations.

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