• Items under $200: As a general rule, members who purchase items on eBay valued at under $200 shouldn't have any trouble importing them. While some items are generally prohibited from import (like narcotics, tainted food or child pornography) or restricted (like alcohol, tobacco, firearms), these items are usually banned on eBay anyway. There are a few exceptions, such as plants, food, automobiles, and certain cultural items, where an eBay item might require licenses or special permits.

• Items over $200: Members who import items that cost over $200 for personal use might have to pay a duty, or tax, on the item, even if the item is used. The amount of the duty, if any, depends on the type of the item and its value. Some items can be imported without paying any duty at all.

• Items for Commercial Use: Members importing goods for a commercial purpose may have to deal with possible quotas, duty, and paperwork. Commercial goods (goods intended for resale) may have special entry requirements, and members should educate themselves on the laws to ensure they are in compliance.

U.S. Government Websites:

• The U.S. Customs Service has designed a site specifically for Internet buyers to help educate them about the mechanics of importing, including how to estimate the potential duty rate.

• Specific information about importing food and plants can be found in "Traveler's Tips" provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

• Read about laws and special issues involving the importation of cultural items.

Items must comply with export laws: Sellers should make sure that the item they're selling can be lawfully shipped outside of the country where they live. The export of certain items may require special licenses, or may be banned altogether. For example, the export of certain computer equipment from the United States is highly regulated, and may be restricted or banned even if the computer may not be particularly "high performance" by U.S. standards. U.S. sellers should begin by reviewing:

• Export control basics

• Computers

• Automobiles

Items must comply with import laws:

Sellers should make sure that they can lawfully import the item into the successful bidder's country before sending the item. Each country has different laws that limit the types of goods that can be imported into their country. For example, the successful bidder's country might have restrictions on foods, plants, clothing, luggage or even books that might result in the seizure and destruction of the imported item. eBay strongly recommends that sellers discuss possible import problems with potential buyers, and that all members do research to avoid a problem.

Here are three good reasons to check applicable laws before you import goods:

• Goods may be intercepted by U.S. Customs officials. In addition, there can be fines or other liabilities associated with goods impounded or seized by U.S. Customs officials.

• eBay may cancel listing(s), suspend or terminate its services and user account(s), and/or take action to exclude users from the eBay site.

• There is the risk that you may be sued or prosecuted. Such liability may exist vis-à-vis the owners of trademarks, copyrights, or other rights (e.g, if a European trademark owner were to attempt to assert rights in connection with the importation into Europe of legitimately manufacturered goods that were intended for another market).

For additional information on goods that may be subject to import restrictions, please visit the Importation of Goods into the United States Help page:

Visit the World Customs Organization for more information about particular customs regulations around the world. Members might also want to contact a specific country's embassy in the U.S. for guidance.

High value and volume transactions: If sellers plan to do substantial business with customers in other countries, or if sellers are dealing in higher dollar or highly regulated items, they should do careful research, and hire an expert if necessary to make sure that all transactions comply with all applicable laws. There is often paperwork that must fill out in completing these transactions. The U.S. government has a number of resources to promote international trade and to help businesses of all sizes familiarize themselves with export regulations, and shipping companies offer special services to businesses that regularly ship goods overseas. Information about these resources can be found at:

• International Trade Administration

• Trade Information Center

• Small Business Administration - Office of International Trade

eBay urges its sellers and buyers to comply with all governmental laws and regulations, both in the United States and abroad. Since the import and export of items are highly regulated by the United States government or may cause harm to eBay or its members, members should educate themselves on the laws governing the import and export of items prior to listing those items on eBay.

IMPORTANT:  This information is not intended to be legal advice. eBay encourages a member who has any doubts about whether an item can be sold on eBay to consult an attorney.