Items of such nature are not permitted to be listed on eBay. Please review the Some Examples and Additional Information section below for more information on specific limits and exceptions to this policy.
A few hazardous materials may legally be transported under certain conditions if they are properly packaged and labelled. Such items are permitted on eBay, provided that the listing contains a clear notice of the hazardous nature of the material, and a description of the planned method of postage that complies with the applicable laws in the buyer’s and seller’s countries.
Some Examples and Additional Information
Examples of hazardous materials and their related exclusions (if any):
- Ammonium chlorate.
- Formaldehyde. Substances containing not more than 5% weight in weight of formaldehyde are allowed.
- Mercuric chloride. Dressings on seeds or bulbs, cosmetic preparations containing not more than 0.01% weight in weight of phenyl mercuric salts as a preservative, as well as antiseptic dressings on toothbrushes are allowed.
- Sulphuric Acid. Substances containing not more than 9% weight in weight, of sulphuric acid, accumulators, batteries, fire extinguishers and photo developers containing not more than 20% weight in weight of sulphuric acid are allowed.
It is prohibited to import, sell or offer for sale any hazardous substances in Singapore without the appropriate licence granted under the Environmental Pollution Control Act (Cap 94A). Any person convicted of an offence under this Act is liable to imprisonment as well as fine, or both.
Examples of permitted hazardous materials
- Adhesives
- Ceramics
- Fluorescent Lamps
- Glue
- Ink
- Enamel or varnish
- Paints other than paints containing mercury compounds, lead compounds or asbestos
- Photographic paper
- Matches
For a complete list of hazardous substances, please refer to the Second Schedule of the Environmental Pollution Control Act (Cap 94A) - opens in new window or tab.
- Fireworks: Dangerous fireworks may not be listed on eBay. Under Singapore law, dangerous fireworks include "firecrackers, rocket fireworks, sand crackers as well as any sparkler which — (a) comprises a tube containing pyrotechnic composition or pyrotechnic units; (b) is designed so that, on functioning, it propels a flame into the air on one end; and (c) burns in a manner resembling the pyrotechnic effects of a flare”. It is an offence to sell, transport, send, deliver, distribute or import such items, and postal regulations prohibit posting these items through the postal system. For more details, please see the Dangerous Fireworks Act (Cap 72) - opens in new window or tab, and the section on ‘Postal Service Prohibited and Restricted Items’ below.
- Radioactive Substances and Irradiating Apparatus: Under Singapore law, it is an offence to sell, deal with, import or export any radioactive substances or irradiating apparatus. Some items may contain only trace amounts of radioactive materials or types of radioactive materials that are not easily accessed. These are certain everyday items which have been specifically approved for distribution and may be possessed by members of the general public without a licence. These include watches, clocks and other timekeeping of navigational devices, unrefined ores, and smoke detectors. Electrical equipment which are not primarily intended to produce ionising radiation (such as cathode ray tubes, transmitting valves and television tubes) are also exempted. For more details, please refer to the Radiation Protection Act - opens in new window or tab (Cap 262).
- Postal Service Prohibited and Restricted Items: Items such as firearms, explosive or flammable substances, controlled drugs, and poisons are prohibited from being posted, conveyed or delivered by post under the Postal Services Regulations. Items restricted by Singapore Post generally do not pose a danger to health, safety, or property while being transported, but their transport is regulated or banned for public policy reasons. Under Singapore law, items such as celluloid and cinematograph films, radioactive substances and perishable biological substances exchanged between officially recognised or qualified laboratories are restricted and may only be posted if packed in accordance with certain stipulated conditions. Generally, restricted items that may be lawfully transported by mail or common carrier are permitted on eBay, unless otherwise prohibited by eBay rules. Examples of restricted items that may be listed on eBay include tropical fish, insects such as honeybees or ladybugs, and some knives.
For a complete list of items which may not be posted, please visit the Singapore Post Web site at SingPost General Prohibitions and Dangerous Goods Guide - opens in new window or tab
Why does eBay have this policy?
eBay urges its sellers and buyers comply with all governmental laws and regulations. Since the sale of hazardous materials and dangerous substances are prohibited by law or regulated, or may cause harm to eBay or its members, sellers may not list them on eBay.
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.