Prohibited Items Policy

We have a zero tolerance policy for prohibited items, particularly those that promote, support or glorify hatred, those that promote, support or glorify violence, or are unlawful. Sellers deemed to violate this policy can be subject to immediate account suspension or termination, in accordance with our Terms of Use.

This policy is a part of our Terms of Use. By opening an Etsy shop, you’re agreeing to this policy and our Terms of Use. If Etsy has reason to believe you, your content, or your use of the Services violate our Terms, we may deactivate your content to some or all buyers or suspend or terminate your account (and any accounts Etsy determines is related to your account) and your access to the Services. Generally, Etsy will notify you that your content or account has been suspended or terminated, unless you’ve repeatedly violated our Terms or we have legal or regulatory reasons preventing us from notifying you.

The following types of items are prohibited or restricted on Etsy:

1. Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs, Drug Paraphernalia, Medical Drugs and Devices, and Items making Medical Claims
2. Animal Products and Human Remains
3. Dangerous Items: Hazardous Materials, Recalled Items, and Weapons
4. Hate Items: Items that Promote, Support, or Glorify Hatred
5. Illegal Items, Items Promoting Illegal Activity, and Highly Regulated Items
6. Internationally Regulated Items
7. Nudity and Mature Content
8. Violent Items: Items that Promote, Support, or Glorify Violence

Policy decisions are complex. We consider many different and often divergent factors before coming to a decision about what is best for our community. Because we are a creative community, we err on the side of freedom of expression. We also tend to allow items that have educational, historical, or artistic value, but we know that even those items are subject to a variety of valid and sometimes conflicting interpretations and emotional responses.

Art and history can be provocative, emotional, and divisive. There are some topics on which we may never reach a consensus as a community, and that is okay. In the words of Joyce Carol Oates, “art should not be comforting; for comfort, we have mass entertainment and one another. Art should provoke, disturb, arouse our emotions, expand our sympathies in directions we may not anticipate and may not even wish.”

In order to help provide clarity and insight into our policy making process, we have included the rationale behind our decisions and details about how they will be enforced, including some representative examples below of what is allowed on Etsy. We reserve the right to remove listings that we determine are not within the spirit of Etsy. Violating this policy may result in the member's selling privileges being suspended and/or terminated.

1. Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs, Drug Paraphernalia, and Medical Drugs and Devices, and Items making Medical Claims

Alcohol, tobacco, and drugs are prohibited on Etsy. These items may be subject to legal requirements and, in some cases, are considered controlled substances under applicable law.

Our policy also applies to medical drugs, medical devices, and any other item that claims to treat, prevent, mitigate, cure, or diagnose a disease or medical condition. Possible legal restrictions aside, these items are not in the spirit of Etsy.

More Details:

The following are examples of items that may not be sold on Etsy:

1. Alcohol.
2. Tobacco products, smokeable products, e-cigarettes, and e-liquid.
3. Drugs and certain herbal substances, including substances used for recreational and medicinal purposes, regardless of their legality. We prohibit depictions of these substances in listing photos, as well as listings for instructions or materials intended to create such items.
4. Drug paraphernalia, including, for example: items with a carburetor; slides and/or items with a slide; bongs and bubblers; vaporizers and their components.
5. Medical drugs and regulated medical devices
6. Items making certain medical claims.

Examples of What is Allowed:

Beer brewing kits

Baked goods containing alcohol

Hookahs

Tobacco pipes

Empty alcohol bottles and items made from them

Resources: Small Business Assistance from the Food & Drug Administration; US FDA and FTC for information about medical claims; US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

2. Animal Products and Human Remains

Certain animal products are highly regulated and prohibited on Etsy due to the risk of harm to live, companion, or endangered animals.

More Details:

The following are examples of animal products that may not be sold on Etsy:

1. Live animals.
2. Items created using any endangered or threatened animal species. We define these as animal species designated as threatened or endangered by the US Endangered Species Act or listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Click here for more details about which animals we prohibit.
3. Items made from cat and dog parts or pelts as defined by US Federal Law.
4. Ivory or bones from ivory-producing animals, including tusks, elk ivory, fossilized ivory, and wooly mammoth ivory.
5. Items made from human remains or products from the human body, except for teeth, fingernails, and hair.

Examples of What is Allowed:

Non-Ivory Animal Bones and Antlers

Leather Goods

Textiles Made from Animal Hair

Human Teeth or Hair

Resources: Endangered Species Act; Prohibition on Importation of Dog and Cat Fur Products

We expect all of our members to follow their local laws. If you are shipping items across international borders you should also consult CITES for specific information about importing and exporting species that may be threatened. If you sell products containing feathers, you should also consult the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

3. Dangerous Items: Hazardous Materials, Recalled Items, and Weapons

For safety and legal reasons, we prohibit certain dangerous items from our marketplace.

More details:

Hazardous Materials

Due to the potential harm caused by hazardous materials, as well as complex legal and shipping regulations surrounding such materials, hazardous materials are prohibited on Etsy. We also prohibit kits, instructions, patterns, and designs enabling the creation of these items.

While not exhaustive, the following materials are examples of prohibited hazardous materials:

1. Explosives (fireworks or sparklers)
2. Explosive precursors
3. Flammable items
4. Gases
5. Radioactive material
6. Toxic substances (such as poisons)
7. Individual or loose lithium ion batteries

Some ingredients are considered hazardous when found in certain contexts. For more information, please see our Seller Handbook articles about cleaning supplies and cosmetics products. We’ve also put together a list of ingredients that cannot be used in cosmetic items on Etsy, here.

Recalled Items or Items that May Pose a Health or Safety Hazard

Items that have been recalled by governments or manufacturers are prohibited from being sold on Etsy. A few examples of items that have been recalled are certain vintage Corning Ware percolators, lawn darts, and drop side cribs.

Items that may pose a health or safety hazard are prohibited, even if they have not been the subject of a recall. This would include, for example, items that present a choking, electrocution, or strangulation hazard. We rely on information from user reports and various government agencies to identify these items.

Etsy prohibits certain loose or separable high-powered magnets that fit into a 2.25 inches long and 1.25 inches wide “small parts” cylinder and have a flux of 50 kG2 mm2 or more, because of the safety risk they pose if swallowed.

For more information about reporting unsafe products and recalls for certain markets, please see our Unsafe or Recalled Products page.

Weapons

Context matters when it comes to defining what is or is not a weapon. When in doubt, it’s safe to assume that we won’t allow any item intended to be used as a weapon to inflict harm. The following items are generally not allowed on Etsy:

1. Guns, knives, or other blatant weapons, even if they are vintage. See here for more information.
2. Imitation firearms and weapons that look real or are prohibited by US law
3. Patterns, designs, plans, or instructions, for the creation of prohibited weapons

Examples of What is Allowed:

Culinary knives or other knives used as tools

Letter openers

Toy slingshots

Airsoft guns and other non-harmful toy guns (with some restrictions)

Resources: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; FMCSA’s Guide to Complying with Federal Hazardous Materials Regulations; US Federal Government's Guide to Recalled Items; US Code of Federal Regulations on Imitation Firearms; US Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA); Australian Competition & Consumer Commission's (ACCC) Product Safety; ACCC Product Bans; European Commission's Consumer Product Safety; US Consumer Product Safety Commission's Resellers Guide to Selling Safer Products; Health Canada Consumer Product Safety

4. Hate Items: Items that Promote, Support, or Glorify Hatred

We want Etsy to be a community where people of all backgrounds, nationalities, religions, and even different types of artistic taste and humor feel welcome. Art is incredibly subjective, and what is offensive to one is not necessarily offensive to others.

More Details:

Etsy does not allow items or listings with violent or degrading language toward people based upon: race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, immigration status, or caste (collectively, “protected classes”). We also prohibit items or content that promote organizations with such views.

The following items are not allowed on Etsy:

1. Content which directly or indirectly contains violent or degrading commentary against protected classes
2. Items that support or commemorate current or historical hate groups or their leaders, including propaganda or collectibles. Examples of hate groups include Nazi or Neo-Nazi groups, Ku Klux Klan (KKK) groups, white supremacist groups, misogynist groups, or groups that advocate anti-gay, anti-immigrant, or Holocaust denial agendas.
3. Items that contain slurs or derogatory terms in reference to protected classes.

Examples of What is Allowed:

Some items may contain symbols or terms associated with hateful rhetoric in a context unrelated to hateful intent. We understand that these items are subject to a variety of valid and often conflicting interpretations of their educational, historical and artistic value. Recognizing that there may be no consensus on their value, we reserve the right to evaluate such items on an individual, case-by-case basis.

A note on swastikas:
We are sensitive to the fact that there are many cultures throughout the world which use the swastika for legitimate purposes completely independent of Nazism. However, due to the widespread recognition of the Nazi swastika as a hate symbol, we have decided to only allow swastikas when part of a clear religious or cultural context.

Resources: Federal Bureau of Investigation’s webpage on Hate Crimes; Southern Poverty Law Center

5. Illegal Items, Items Promoting Illegal Activity, and Highly Regulated Items

We respect the law and expect Etsy sellers to respect the law as well.

More Details:

Illegal items, items that promote illegal activity, and stolen items are not allowed on Etsy. Neither are certain items that are subject to complex legal regulations or registration systems. We require sellers to follow all applicable laws for the items they list. Listings may be unavailable for users in regions where the item is restricted to purchase or sell.

While not exhaustive, examples of items which may be subject to regulation include:

1. Native American crafts
2. Plants and seeds
3. Children's products
4. Food products
5. India Restrictions

See the linked pages for more information on requirements and specific items Etsy prohibits in these categories.

Because Etsy is a global company, it’s important to abide by the laws of the markets in which you are selling. What is legal in one country may be illegal in another. All forms of illegal activity are strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to the sale of:

1. Unauthorized or counterfeit goods
2. Personal information
3. Highly regulated items, such as currency and real estate
4. Listings which facilitate or promote illegal activity, such as:
         a. Impersonation
         b. Evasion of the detection of illegal activity
         c. Falsified qualifications

Unauthorized replicas or copies of items, and patterns or designs enabling their creation, are prohibited on Etsy. We consider counterfeit or unauthorized goods to be items that imitate an authentic good, particularly by using a brand’s name, logo, or protected design without the brand owner’s consent. Additionally, we may consider up-cycled or re-purposed items, even if using authentic materials, to be counterfeit if they are making use of a brand's name, logo, or protected design without their permission. Examples of prohibited counterfeit or unauthorized goods include replica luxury and non-luxury items like bags and branded apparel.

We also prohibit content which infringes on the privacy, publicity, and personal rights of others.

Personal information may not be sold, for instance as part of a data bank or mailing list. The sale of personal or government documents, such as credit cards, identification cards, and licenses is also prohibited.

Given associated regulations, lottery tickets, cryptocurrency mining rigs, and current, exchangeable currency and postage may not be sold on Etsy. We also prohibit the sale of financial instruments such as stocks, bonds, and other securities. Handmade items containing any of these items in a usable condition are also not allowed. Collectible postage or currency that priced at less than 1,000 USD are allowed unless subject to legal or other restrictions. Collectible currency may not be offered as 'unsearched' or as a mixed lot of unknown contents. Additionally, due to complex legal restrictions that vary by location, Etsy does not permit the sale of real estate, housing, or motor vehicles (for example: automobiles, motorcycles, boats, travel trailers, etc.).

Items may not aid in impersonation. We prohibit realistic items that identify the wearer as an active law enforcement, military, or government official.

We prohibit items which are intended to evade the detection of illegal activity, such as radar detectors, license plate covers, and materials for faking drug tests.

We also prohibit certain items that may be used for falsified qualifications. This includes rideshare company decals, diplomas for higher learning or professional licenses, and bank statements and pay stubs, including templates. Consequently, items meant to fraudulently deceive others about one’s medical status are prohibited. This includes items such as fraudulent test results, or items designating an animal as a service animal. We also prohibit items which deceptively infringe on someone’s privacy, such as concealed cameras or tracking devices, and lockpicking devices.

6. Internationally Regulated Items

Etsy provides a direct connection between buyers and sellers around the world. If you buy or sell an item from another country, or if you enter into a transaction with someone across international borders, you are responsible for complying with laws and regulations of the country of destination as well as your local laws.

More Details:

When buying and selling internationally, you should comply with your local laws and be aware that other countries may have their own restrictions. You might be prohibited from exporting or importing certain items under international laws and regulations. Some transactions may require licenses, permits, or other documentation. If you have questions about how to comply with the law, we recommend that you speak to a qualified professional.

When you use Etsy’s services, you are also responsible for complying with economic sanctions and trade restrictions, including those implemented by the Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC") of the US Department of the Treasury. All Etsy members must comply with our Sanctions Policy, regardless of their location.

Etsy reserves the right to request that sellers provide additional information, disclose an item's country of origin in a listing, or take other steps to meet compliance obligations.

You should be aware that third-party payment processors, such as PayPal, may independently monitor transactions for sanctions compliance and may block some transactions as part of their own compliance programs. Etsy has no authority or control over the independent decision-making of these providers.

Examples of What is Allowed:

Sanctions or compliance programs may have certain exceptions to their restrictions. For example, while OFAC broadly prohibits transactions involving goods that originate from sanctioned areas, there are exceptions for informational materials such as publications, films, posters, phonograph records, photographs, tapes, compact disks, and certain artworks. Items that don’t originate from a sanctioned area but make a reference to a sanctioned area are generally permitted.

Items that aren’t from Cuba, but are Cuban style, such as “Cuban Style Fedora Hats”

Informational materials such as art, books, film, photos, or music

Resources: US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Sanctions

7. Nudity and Mature Content

As a creative community, we tend to be fairly liberal about what we allow on Etsy. That said, we prohibit pornography, illegal or exploitative items, and used intimate items. Beyond that, we allow but place restrictions on mature content so that people who are offended by this kind of material don't have to see it. If you are selling mature content, we ask that you be respectful of differing sensibilities by listing and tagging your items properly.

More Details:

We prohibit items which are not aligned with Etsy’s brand and values, or which carry legal or other restrictions. Depictions of the sexualization of minors are prohibited, and more information about imagery of minors can be found here. We also prohibit depictions of bestiality, incest, and non-consensual sex.

Pornography of any sort is prohibited on Etsy, whereas mature content is restricted. Although pornography can be difficult to define, an item generally qualifies as pornography when it contains printed or visual material that explicitly describes or displays sex acts, sex organs, or other erotic behavior for the purpose of sexual arousal or stimulation.

We define mature content as printed or visual depictions of human genitalia, sexual activity or content, profane language, sexual wellness items, violent images (within reason; see also Violent Items), and explicit types or representations of taxidermy. Click here to read more about how to properly list and tag mature content. Not all nudity is considered mature, and examples are listed below. If you find yourself questioning whether your item is mature, then it is likely a good idea to assume that it is mature content, and you should label it as such.

When deciding whether mature content crosses over the threshold into pornography, we take into consideration the explicitness of depictions of sexual activity or content.

Examples of What is Allowed Without Restriction:

Non-pornographic nude photography and depictions of breasts

Non-pornographic depictions of buttocks

Abstracted or cartoonish depictions, within reason

Resources: How to List Your Mature Products ; Listing Mature Content Correctly

8. Violent Items: Items that Promote, Support, or Glorify Violence

We want Etsy to be a safe place for everyone. While violent content can be a legitimate part of historical, educational, or artistic expression, it should never be used to promote or glorify violent acts against others.

More Details:

We do not allow items or listings that promote, support or glorify acts of violence or harm towards self or others, including credible threats of harm.

The following items are not allowed on Etsy:

1. Items that glorify human suffering or tragedies, including items that commemorate or honor serial killers
2. Items that attempt to exploit natural disasters or human tragedies
3. Items that encourage, glorify, or celebrate acts of violence against individuals or groups
4. Items that encourage self-mutilation, starvation, or other self-harm
5. Items that promote or endorse harmful misinformation

Examples of What is Allowed:

Fictional literary or art work (such as zombies, vampires, or other fictional works that tend to contain violence)

Items that have educational, historical, or artistic value

Items that show support or bring awareness to those at risk of self-harm, including those with eating disorders

BDSM items (See Pornography and Mature Content for additional information)

We hope these guidelines are helpful, but we cannot catalog every permitted or prohibited item. If you see something on Etsy that appears to violate these rules, you can report it to us. At the bottom of a listing page, you can click Report this item to Etsy. To report copyright or intellectual property infringement, please follow the instructions in Etsy's Intellectual Property Policy.

For all other reports, or for any questions, please contact Etsy Support.

Reading Materials

In crafting these policies, we found a number of thoughtful essays and articles. Here are a few that we found illuminating:

Sexism, Racism and Other -isms in Library Materials (1973),
http://ethics.iit.edu/ecodes/node/3748

“It is inevitable in the give and take of the democratic process that the political, the moral, or the aesthetic concepts of an individual or group will occasionally collide with those of another individual or group. In a free society each individual is free to determine for himself what he wishes to read, and each group is free to determine what it will recommend to its freely associated members. But no group has the right to take the law into its own hands, and to impose its own concept of politics or morality upon other members of a democratic society. Freedom is no freedom if it is accorded only to the accepted and the inoffensive .... We realize that application of these propositions may mean the dissemination of ideas and manners of expression that are repugnant to many persons. We do not state these propositions in the comfortable belief that what people read is unimportant. We believe rather that what people read is deeply important; that ideas can be dangerous; but that the suppression of ideas is fatal to a democratic society. Freedom itself is a dangerous way of life, but it is ours.”

How the world loved the swastika - until Hitler stole it, BBC News Magazine, October 22, 2014
https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-29644591

The Native American Mascot: Tribute or Stereotype? Psychology Today, May 21, 2012 https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/science-small-talk/201205/the-native-american-mascot-tribute-or-stereotype

Keeping Kids From Toy Guns: How One Mother Changed Her Mind, The Atlantic, August 9, 2013
http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2013/08/keeping-kids-from-toy-guns-how-one-mother-changed-her-mind/278518/

Toy Guns: Do They Lead to Real-Life Violence? WebMd, December 1, 2011
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/toy-guns-do-they-lead-real-life-violence

Art And Violence, The Huffington Post, September 18, 2014
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ian-buruma/art-and-violence_b_5837648.html

When the master of peace did violence, The Guardian, October 25, 2003
http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2003/oct/25/1

Last updated on Mar 5, 2024