This article is intended as a practical guide for sellers to address common product safety questions. Sellers are ultimately responsible for the safety and compliance of their products.
Friendly disclaimer: If you list products for sale on Etsy, you must comply with all federal, state, and local legal requirements and Etsy policies applicable to those products and product listings. This information provides an overview regarding non-exhaustive US requirements for educational purposes only, is subject to change over time, and is not legal advice. It is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, a lawyer-client relationship. The authors, Etsy, Inc. and Etsy Ireland UC disclaim all responsibility for any and all losses, damages, or causes of action that may arise or be connected with the use of or reliance on these materials. Requirements may vary depending on your location and where you make your products available. Please consult a licenced attorney in your area for legal assistance.
Are there restrictions on importing plants, seeds, bulbs, or soil for sale on Etsy?
Yes. US law requires permits for the importation of most plants, seeds, bulbs, and soil; restricts the importation of certain types of products; and may impose additional packaging, labelling, or sterilisation requirements. Therefore, Etsy restricts the sale of plants, seeds, bulbs, and soil into the US to be solely those of US origin. Additionally, some sales to and from states and territories like Hawaii and Puerto Rico may be restricted. If you sell plants, seeds, bulbs, or soil to US consumers, it is your responsibility to make sure that these are from a US source or were imported in accordance with all legal requirements. It is also your responsibility to make sure that there are no restrictions on delivery to your buyers. Etsy has additional policies regarding selling this type of item in our Plants, Herbs, Seeds, and Soil page here. For more information on US requirements relating to importation of plants, seeds, bulbs, and soil, please visit the US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website. We reserve the right to remove listings of products that may violate US import or delivery requirements.
Are there any types of plants, seeds, or bulbs that may not be sold on Etsy?
Yes. Etsy does not allow the sale of plants, seeds, or bulbs that are subject to restrictions under relevant country or international law. For example, plants that are considered noxious weeds under US Department of Agriculture regulations may not be sold on Etsy. Additionally, plants listed in the CITES treaty or under the US Endangered Species Act may not be sold on Etsy. It is the seller’s responsibility to determine whether the plants, seeds, or bulbs they are offering for sale may be legally sold or transported. We reserve the right to remove listings of products that may violate applicable restrictions.
Are there restrictions on selling imported fertilisers and soil amendments on Etsy?
Yes. Fertilisers and soil amendments that may contain living organisms may not be imported to the US without applicable permits. This includes items such as manure, composts, and earthworm castings. Therefore, Etsy does not allow the sale of such items into the US from outside of the US. We reserve the right to remove listings of products that may violate US import or delivery requirements.
Are certain types of fertilisers prohibited on Etsy?
Etsy’s Prohibited Items Policy prohibits the sale of hazardous material. Therefore, fertilisers that are, or contain materials or ingredients that are, among other things, explosive or explosive precursors, flammable, or toxic are prohibited. Fertilisers that contain ingredients that are prohibited under federal, state, or other applicable law may not be sold on Etsy. It is your responsibility as a seller to understand and follow all relevant requirements. We reserve the right to request information regarding the ingredients of your products.
Words by Etsy Staff
