For information about restrictions on selling pesticides on eBay, see our Pesticides policy
The Hazardous materials policy reflects our commitment to the safety of our users by strictly adhering to government regulations for the sale and transportation of dangerous goods.
What is the policy?
The following hazardous materials are not allowed on eBay:
- Carcinogens
- Class I ozone-depleting substances - opens in new window or tab: carbon tetrachloride and any product that contains it, chlorobromomethane, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, hydrobromofluorocarbons (HBFCs), methyl bromide, and methyl chloroform
- Class II ozone-depleting substances - opens in new window or tab: hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)
- Combustibles such as black powder, caps for toy guns, explosive fuses, fireworks, exploding targets, flares, flash paper, red phosphorous, gasoline, Thermite
- Corrosive substances including ammonium hydroxide, formic acid, hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, sodium hydroxide, sodium hypochlorite, and sulphuric acid
- Dinitrophenol (DNP) in any of its forms, either as a pure substance or active ingredient of any product, such as weight-loss supplements
- Explosives precursors including aluminium powder, ammonium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate, calcium nitrate, hydrogen peroxide above 12% weight by weight (carbamide peroxide above 34% by weight), magnesium nitrate hexahydrate, magnesium powder, nitric acid, nitromethane, nitro-fuel, potassium chlorate, potassium nitrate, potassium perchlorate, sodium azide, sodium chlorate, sodium nitrate, sodium perchlorate, sulphuric acid and urea nitrate
- Methylene chloride (dichloromethane) and any product that contains it, such as Formby’s Furniture Refinisher
- Non-EPA-approved substitute refrigerants
- Non-ozone-depleting substances with high global warming potential: hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) - opens in new window or tab
- Poisons
- Radioactive materials
- Trichloroethylene
The seller is responsible for complying with local laws and regulations.
Some products are prohibited by the shipping carrier or have restrictions on which type of shipping method may be used. For example, some types of batteries cannot be shipped through airmail.
- To sell restricted items, the seller must follow all shipping carrier guidelines and specify applicable shipping restrictions in the item description
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 sellers follow important government regulations.