Etsy is a marketplace for handmade, vintage, and unique goods. You can sell just about anything on Etsy, as long as it fits into one of their three main categories: handmade, vintage, or craft supplies. However, there are a few things that you can not sell on Etsy. These include:
1) Mass-produced items: Etsy is all about supporting independent creators and businesses. This means that mass-produced items are not allowed on the site. If you’re selling something that you didn’t make yourself or that isn’t truly unique, it’s likely not going to be allowed on Etsy.
2) Alcohol: Unfortunately, you can not sell alcohol on Etsy. This includes both alcoholic beverages and products containing alcohol (such as perfumes and candles).
3) Hazardous materials: Any items that are flammable, poisonous, corrosive, or otherwise dangerous are not allowed on Etsy. This includes items like fireworks and certain cleaning products.
4) Live animals: You can not sell live animals on Etsy – this includes both pets and livestock. However, dead animals (or parts thereof) are allowed as long as they meet all other guidelines (such as being properly cleaned and packaged).
Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs, Drug Paraphernalia, and Medical Drugs
You can’t sell alcohol, tobacco, drugs, drug paraphernalia, or medical drugs on Etsy. That means no wine glasses with funny sayings, no hand-rolled cigarettes filled with your favorite herbs, and no pipes shaped like animals. You also can’t sell prescription drugs or other medication without a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare professional.
This policy is based on a few things. First and foremost, we want to make sure that people use Etsy for buying and selling handmade goods and vintage items-the kind of things you might find in your grandma’s attic or at a local flea market. We don’t allow certain items because they’re regulated by government agencies or because they present safety concerns. For example, alcohol is regulated by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), while drugs are regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Second, we have a strong commitment to keeping our marketplace safe. When people buy and sell things on Etsy, they’re entering into a transaction with someone they’ve never met before. We want to make sure that everyone feels safe participating in our marketplace-both buyers and sellers alike. Allowing certain items could increase the chances of fraud or scams taking place on Etsy, which would ultimately damage the trustworthiness of our marketplace as a whole.
Lastly, we want to make sure that people who use Etsy feel comfortable doing so-that means not being bombarded with inappropriate content when they’re trying to shop for gifts for their friends or family members. Just like you wouldn’t want your kids stumbling across pornography while browsing the internet; we don’t think anyone should have to see offensive material while shopping on Etsy either. If you wouldn’t feel comfortable displaying an item in your own home in front of children or other sensitive individuals; it doesn’t belong on Etsy either.
Hate Items: Items that Promote, Support, or Glorify Hatred
Hate speech is not tolerated on Etsy. Any items that promote, support, or glorify hatred are not allowed in our marketplace. This includes items with hate speech or symbols, as well as items that celebrate or support groups that advocate for violence or exclusionary practices.
We want Etsy to be a safe and welcoming place for everyone. We believe in freedom of expression, but we also believe in respect and compassion. Promoting hatred has no place on Etsy.
Illegal Items, Items Promoting Illegal Activity, and Highly Regulated Items
Illegal Items
It is against the law to sell certain items on Etsy. These items include, but are not limited to, illegal drugs, weapons, and child pornography. If you list an item that is illegal or promotes illegal activity, your shop will be shut down and you may be subject to legal action.
Items Promoting Illegal Activity
Etsy prohibits the sale of items that promote or support illegal activity. This includes items that glorify violence or hatred, as well as those that promote racial, gender, or religious intolerance. Additionally, any item that could be used to commit a crime (such as drug paraphernalia) is not allowed on Etsy. If you list an item promoting illegal activity in your shop, it will be removed and your shop may be suspended.
Highly Regulated Items
Certain items are subject to additional regulations due to their sensitive nature. These include food items, alcohol, tobacco products, firearms & ammunition.
