We take the health and safety of our members very seriously, so when listing allowed food items, make sure to follow our policy.
What is the policy?
The following and similar food items are not allowed:
- Unpasteurised dairy products (except cheese that follows government guidelines)
- Unpasteurised fruit or vegetable juice
- Wild mushroom (except for morel and shitake mushrooms)
- Ackee fruit or seeds
- Expired food
- Government assistance benefits that can be used for food
Only permitted business sellers are allowed to sell products containing CBD. Food products that contain CBD are allowed only if they comply with all applicable legal requirements, including but not limited to:
- The product is safe and complies with all applicable legal requirements
- The product and the listing do not include any health claims or other claims that could be illegal or violate other applicable regulations
- The product complies with the Illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia policy
- The product contains pure CBD only
- The product must meet one of the following authorisation requirements:
- It is authorised as a novel food by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), or
- It was on the market by 13 February 2021 and is being considered for authorisation as a novel food by the FSA as evidenced with satisfactory and up-to-date documentary evidence by one of the following:
- The product is listed on the FSA’s current list of CBD products linked to novel food applications - opens in new window or tab, or
- There is written confirmation of receipt of an application that was made to the FSA by 31 March 2021, this application’s pending validation and assurance that it has not been rejected
- The product is listed in only the dedicated Health & Beauty > Natural & Alternative Remedies > CBD Products > Food & Drinks category
- The product is shipped to only England and Wales
When listing food items that are allowed, sellers must:
- Ensure food items are properly packaged and stored safely
- Clearly state the expiration date in the item description
- State how perishable items will be delivered, and ensure they are delivered to the buyer before the expiration date
- Before selling food items, you must register your business with the UK local authority
Activity on eBay is required to follow this policy, the eBay User Agreement and all applicable laws, as well as respect the rights of third parties. If it doesn’t, eBay may take action consistent with applicable laws and the eBay User Agreement, and may even be legally required to do so. Such actions may include, as an example only: Removing the listing or other content, issuing a warning, restricting activity or account suspension.
Additional information
Be sure to follow relevant laws when listing food items. Here are a few examples:
- Ingredients: Regulations govern the use of novel foods (including but not limited to CBD), additives, sweeteners, flavourings and colourings
- Labelling: Labels are required to state, among other things, the food's name, ingredients, allergen information, any special storage conditions, nutrition information, and place of manufacture
- Import/export: Laws restrict the import and export of many food products
- Protected agricultural products and foodstuffs: EU regulation promotes and protects names of quality agricultural products and foodstuffs under three EU schemes known as: PDO (protected designation of origin), PGI (protected geographical indication) and TSG (traditional speciality guaranteed). It is prohibited to name or reference the name of a product registered under these schemes in listings for products that are not covered by the registration. For more information on PDO/PGI/TSG, please visit the European Commission site - opens in new window or tab.
- Novel foods must be authorised with the Food Standards Agency. More information can be found from the Food Standards Agency site - opens in new window or tab.
To learn more about laws relating to food sales, visit these websites:
- Food Standards Agency (UK) - opens in new window or tab
- Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (UK) - opens in new window or tab
- Food Safety Authority of Ireland - opens in new window or tab
To learn more about protected agricultural products and foodstuffs, visit the European Commission website and refer to the list of registered products.
Tip
Visit Seller Help - opens in new window or tab to find details of any policy issues with your account or listings, and get the information you need to quickly resolve them.
Why does eBay have this policy?
This policy helps to keep our community safe and helps sellers comply with government regulations.