Prohibited & Restricted Items
YYYUUUPPP keeps the marketplace open while ensuring legal compliance. Most items are freely listable. A narrow set of items are prohibited entirely, and a broader set are restricted — allowed only with proper verification, documentation, and licensing.
Prohibited — Never Allowed
These items cannot be listed under any circumstances.
Illegal Drugs & Controlled Substances
Schedule I–V controlled substances (heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, LSD, ecstasy, etc.). Drug paraphernalia intended for illicit use.
Human Remains & Body Parts
Organs, tissue, bones, bodily fluids, or human remains. Includes medical specimens and anatomical specimens.
Counterfeit & Pirated Goods
Counterfeit currency, replica currency, pirated software, knockoff branded goods, and trademark-infringing items.
Stolen Property
Any item known to be stolen, or with altered/removed serial numbers. Items lacking clear title or provenance.
Explosives & Destructive Devices
Live ordnance, grenades, bombs, detonators, blasting caps, fireworks (interstate), and improvised explosive materials.
Child Exploitation Material
Any content exploiting minors. Reported to authorities immediately and account permanently banned.
Identity Documents
Passports, driver's licenses, Social Security cards, birth certificates, or government-issued IDs.
Recalled Products
Any item subject to a CPSC, FDA, NHTSA, or other government recall that has not been remedied.
Embargoed & Sanctioned Goods
Items from OFAC-sanctioned countries or entities. Check the U.S. Treasury sanctions list before listing.
Hazardous Materials
Asbestos, radioactive materials, infectious substances, and toxic chemicals requiring special transport permits.
Restricted — Allowed with Verification
These items can be listed once all required documentation is uploaded and verified.
Firearms
Allowed with FFL dealer verification, ownership proof, and background check compliance.
- Valid Federal Firearms License (FFL) — must upload FFL certificate
- FFL dealer name and license number
- Proof of ownership (purchase receipt, bill of sale, or inheritance documentation)
- Firearm must be transferred through an FFL dealer (no direct individual-to-individual shipping)
- Background check completed at the FFL dealer before transfer
- Compliance with state and local laws (some states ban certain firearms)
Convicted felons · Domestic violence convictions · Fugitives from justice · Illegal drug users · Those dishonorably discharged · Anyone under 21 for handgun purchases
Cannabis & Hemp Products
Hemp-derived CBD (<0.3% THC) allowed with lab testing. Cannabis (marijuana) is federally illegal — only hemp/CBD products compliant with the 2018 Farm Bill are permitted.
- Certificate of Analysis (COA) from a third-party ISO-accredited lab showing THC content < 0.3%
- Manufacturing license or proof of compliant production facility
- Product label with batch number matching the COA
- Compliance with FDA regulations for CBD products (no health claims without FDA approval)
- State law compliance — seller must verify buyer's state allows the product
States where CBD is restricted · Products exceeding 0.3% THC (federally illegal marijuana) · Unlabeled or untested products · Products marketed as dietary supplements with CBD (FDA prohibited)
Knives, Swords & Bladed Weapons
Allowed with state law compliance. Many states restrict blade length, automatic knives, and concealed carry.
- Proof of ownership
- Compliance with state laws on blade type (switchblades, butterfly knives, ballistic knives)
- Age verification (18+ for most edged weapons, 21+ in some jurisdictions)
- No interstate sale of switchblades over 3 inches (federal restriction under the Switchblade Knife Act)
Switchblades in states that ban them (CA, NY, NJ, etc.) · Ballistic knives (federally banned) · Knives marketed for combat/tactical use to minors
Alcohol
Allowed with proper liquor licensing and age verification. Direct-to-consumer shipping requires state-specific permits.
- Valid state liquor license (must upload license document)
- Age verification at delivery (21+ signature required)
- Compliance with state direct-shipping laws (some states prohibit all alcohol shipping)
- Tax compliance for destination state
States that prohibit direct alcohol shipping · Minors · Unlicensed sellers · Homemade/distilled spirits without TTB approval
Tobacco & Vaping Products
Allowed with age verification and licensing. FDA regulations apply to all tobacco and nicotine products.
- Age verification (21+ — Tobacco 21 federal law)
- State tobacco retailer license
- PACT Act compliance (shipping reporting)
- FDA premarket authorization for new vaping products
Minors (under 21) · Flavored vaping products in states that ban them · Unregistered vaping devices · Counterfeit tobacco products
Wildlife & Animal Products
Allowed with CITES permits and documentation. Ivory, exotic leather, and taxidermy require specific permits.
- CITES permit for endangered species (Appendix I, II, III)
- Antique exemption documentation (for pre-convention ivory — items 100+ years old)
- Proof of legal acquisition
- No sale of live animals — taxidermy, parts, and products only
Ivory from post-1977 elephants (without antique exemption) · Live exotic animals · Products from endangered species without CITES permits · Shark fin products
Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices
Allowed only for licensed pharmacies and medical device distributors. Prescription drugs require pharmacy verification.
- Valid pharmacy license or medical device distributor license
- Prescription verification for Rx items
- FDA compliance for all medical devices
- No sale of prescription drugs without valid prescription transfer
Prescription drugs without pharmacy license · Unapproved medical devices · Expired medications · Compounded drugs without proper licensing
How Restricted-Item Verification Works
- 1Select your item category. If it falls under a restricted type (firearms, cannabis/hemp, knives, alcohol, etc.), the listing form will prompt you for the required documentation.
- 2Upload required documents. FFL certificates, lab test results (COA), ownership proof, licenses — all uploaded securely and reviewed before the listing goes live.
- 3Regional compliance check. Buyers in states where the item is restricted are blocked from purchasing. Sellers set allowed regions based on their licensing.
- 4Listing goes live. Once verified, the item is visible to eligible buyers with a compliance badge showing it has passed verification.
