What is the policy?
Cosmetics and perfumes that aren't allowed include, but aren't limited to:
- Cosmetic and perfume testers
- Cosmetics and perfumes that have been transferred into another container (such as a bottle, flacon, can, or tube)
- Cosmetics and perfumes that were placed on the market outside the UK or the European Economic Area (EEA) and were imported into the UK without the rights owner’s consent (called parallel imports)
- Counterfeit cosmetics and perfumes pretending to be a branded product
- Items not in the original packaging
- Items where the trademark has been removed or altered
- Samples marked as “not for sale” (or similar, such as “for personal use only”)
- Skin-bleaching products
- Used cosmetics and cosmetic applicators (such as sponges or pencils) that haven’t been thoroughly cleaned prior to sale
- Used perfume, including partially filled bottles
How to sell permitted cosmetics and perfumes
Cosmetics and perfumes may be sold only if the products and their listings follow applicable laws and policies. For example:
- Cosmetic products must be notified to the Office for Product Safety Standards (OPSS) using the Submit Cosmetic Product Notification (SCPN) service - opens in new window or tab for sales in Great Britain and notified to the European Commission using the Cosmetic Product Notification Portal (CPNP) - opens in new window or tab for sales in Northern Ireland
- Sellers must include the following information in the listing:
- The responsible person of the cosmetic product with a UK established address and/or Northern Ireland or EEA address, depending on where the product is being sold
- The name of the cosmetic product, the list of ingredients, and the EAN number
- Cosmetic products and perfumes that are offered and sold using trademarks (such as names or logos) must follow national trademark law, the EU Trademark Regulation (EU) 2017/1001 - opens in new window or tab and the Counterfeit item policy
Cosmetics and perfumes that we allow must follow these guidelines:
- Homemade cosmetics and perfumes - Homemade cosmetics and perfumes may be sold if they follow all applicable laws, including those of the cosmetics regulators
- Empty flacons - Empty flacons may be sold if no third-party rights are infringed. In addition, the listing must clearly indicate that the item for sale is an empty container
- Smell-alike perfumes - Smell-alike perfumes (also referred to as scent twins or dupes) may be sold only if the product name, attributes, or description don’t refer to a well-known brand. This includes misspelling a brand name or otherwise attempting to allude to a brand, such as refilling an empty original bottle or using a similarly designed logo or package.
- Cosmetic products containing CBD -Only permitted business sellers are allowed to sell cosmetic products containing CBD. CBD cosmetics are allowed only if they meet all requirements, including but not limited to:
- The product is notified to the OPSS and to the EU Commission as noted below
- The listing includes the required information (responsible person and all product details) as outlined below
- The product is safe and follows all applicable laws and policies
- The product and the listing don’t include any claims that could be illegal
- The product follows the Illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia policy
- The product is listed in only the dedicated Health & Beauty > Natural & Alternative Remedies > CBD Products category
- The product is shipped in only the UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland)
What products are included in this policy?
This policy applies to cosmetics and perfumes as defined by the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 - opens in new window or tab, including but not limited to:
- Bath and shower additives
- Cosmetic applicators, such as sponges, sticks and brushes
- Dental and oral-care products
- Deodorizing soaps, deodorants and antiperspirants
- External intimate care products
- Face, body and foot powders
- Hair products for cleansing, conditioning, coloring, waving, setting, styling and removal
- Lipsticks and lip-care products
- Makeup, primers, bases and makeup removers
- Nail polish and nail-care products
- Perfumes, colognes and eau de toilettes
- Shaving products (pre- and post-treatment)
- Skin-care creams, moisturizers, emulsions, lotions, gels, masks and oils
- Sunscreens and self-tanners
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.
Why does eBay have this policy?
We require sellers to follow all federal and state laws and regulations when listing on eBay. Because the sale of used cosmetics may be regulated or prohibited by law, or may cause harm to eBay or its members, we don't allow sellers to list these items.