From collectibles to cars, buy and sell all kinds of items on eBay
  Home > HelpMembership & account > Rules & policies > Drugs and drug paraphernalia
Help
Drugs and drug paraphernalia policy
In this article

Policy overview

Narcotics, steroids, and all other controlled substances aren't allowed on eBay.

Drug paraphernalia can't be listed either. This includes all items designed or primarily intended for use in manufacturing, concealing, or using a controlled substance.

Make sure your listing follows these guidelines. If it doesn't, it may be removed, and you may be subject to a range of other actions, including restrictions of your buying and selling privileges and suspension of your account.

What are the guidelines?

Allowed

  • Stackers 

Restricted

  • Listings for ephedra-free products must state that the item doesn't contain any ephedra. The listing needs to include photos that show that the item is ephedra-free.

  • Personal testimonials are allowed (for example, "I used this, and it reduced my back pain."). However, sellers can't guarantee that the results will be the same for everyone.

  • Poppy seeds can be listed as long as the listing doesn't mention any illegal usages.

  • Live plants can be listed unless the item is a controlled substance or if the listing includes information about illegal use. Sellers can't state that the item shouldn't be used illegally.

  • Morel and shiitake mushrooms, including wild varieties, can be listed as long as the listing follows our food policy.

Not allowed

  • Narcotics, steroids, and other controlled substances (including any substance listed in Schedules I, II, III, IV or V of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. 801 et seq.)

  • 2C-I

  • Ackee fruit

  • Brazilian and Bangkok diet pills

  • Colloidal silver, Seasilver, and machines that make these substances

  • Describing drugs in a way that suggests a product will have drug-like effects (for example, a "legal high")

  • Dextromethorphan (DMX or DM)

  • Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB)

  • Hallucinogenic or wild mushrooms

  • Human Growth Hormone (HGH)

  • Including guarantees of the results of a product in the listings

  • Items described as "extreme carb blockers"

  • Khat plants

  • Listings for energy drinks with comparisons to narcotics or illicit drugs

  • Listings that reference avian bird flu or swine flu

  • Marijuana, including cannabis seeds

  • Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy)

  • N-benzylpiperazine (BZP)

  • Peyote plants

  • Poppers

  • Products claiming to treat, mitigate, or cure ailments or disease that have not been approved by the FDA

  • Products containing ephedra, ephedrine, or ma huang

  • Prohormones

  • Repackaged over-the-counter (OTC) medications, including flea and tick medications

  • Rife machines

  • Salvia Divinorum

  • Steroids or listings that state the item has the same results as steroids

Allowed

  • Tobacco pipes made from briar, clay, corncob, catlinite (pipestone), or meerschaum

  • Milk glass pipes

  • Regular cigarette papers

  • Kitchen herb grinders

 

Restricted

  • Disposable syringes can be listed, but needles can’t be included in the same listing or in a separate listing.

  • Collectible antique glass syringes and needles can be listed as long as the seller clearly states in the listing that the item is collectible and not intended for use.

  • These items can be listed as long as the listing doesn't indicate that the item is drug related or can be used with an illicit drug:

    • Hookahs

    • Incense

    • Snuff bullets

  • Peace pipes can be listed. However, authentic Native American peace pipes must also follow our Native American arts and crafts policy.

Not allowed

  • Pipes made from metal, wood (except briar), acrylic, glass, stone, plastic, or ceramic, ivory or bone

  • Water pipes, chamber pipes, carburetor pipes, electric pipes, ice pipes, bongs, chillums

  • Dugout pipes and one-hitters

  • Pipes described as being used to smoke peyote or opium, regardless of age

  • Wired cigarette papers

  • Vaporizers intended to be used with alcohol or tobacco

  • Complete disposable syringes and needles

Additional information

For more information, review the sections of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act noted here.

Definitions:

  • Controlled substances include any substance included in Schedules I, II, III, IV or V of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. 801 et seq.

  • Drug paraphernalia is defined in 21 U.S.C. 863.

Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) ban: For more information about specific substances covered by this law, see 21 U.S.C. 812

Why does eBay have this policy?

We urge our buyers and sellers buyers to comply with all government regulations. Because the sale of drugs and drug paraphernalia is prohibited by law, regulated, or may cause harm to eBay or its members, we don't allow sellers to list them.

Contact Customer Support

Report listing violations or problems with another eBay member.

Contact us

Have a question? We can help.

Ask eBay members

Get help from other eBay members. Visit the Answer Center to post a question.


About eBay | Announcements | Security Center | Resolution Center | eBay Toolbar | Policies | Government Relations | Site Map | Help
Copyright © 1995-2009 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the eBay User Agreement and Privacy Policy.
eBay official time