What Are Shopify Restricted Products?
Setting up an online store on platforms like Shopify can be overwhelming for both new and experienced merchants due to the intricate web of eCommerce regulations. One crucial factor to consider is knowing which products are restricted or completely prohibited. The purpose of this guide is to simplify the restricted products policy on Shopify, enabling merchants to adhere to legal standards and platform rules. By doing so, they can ensure a seamless operation of their online business.
Complying with Shopify’s Policies
To prevent any potential legal problems and the chance of your Shopify store being suspended, it's important to verify that all items listed for sale adhere to these restrictions. Shopify offers a detailed list of prohibited and restricted items in its terms of service, so it's advisable for every seller to check this list before listing products. Furthermore, keeping up-to-date with changes in local and international laws can help you modify your product listings to ensure compliance.
Prohibited and Restricted Products
There are 2 categories of prohibited and restricted products:
Prohibited Items: Shopify strictly prohibits the sale of certain items
Alcoholic Beverages and Brewing Products: Includes wine, spirits, hard liquor, wine-making kits, and bottling items.
Animal and Pet Supplies: Covers live or deceased animals, pet food, treats, vitamins, and supplements.
Artwork: Restricts artwork violating copyrights or trademarks, digital art, and items valued over $2000 USD.
Business and Industrial: Restricted items include trade show displays, automation controls, heavy machinery, and food service equipment.
CBD Products: All items containing CBD or other cannabinoids like THC are restricted.
Consumer Safety: Includes car seats, helmets, strollers, and construction safety equipment.
Drugs and Drug Paraphernalia: Restricted items include drug-related books, cultivation equipment, and apparel with drug references.
Export Controlled Items: Items with dual-use (military and civil) or requiring special licenses are restricted under US regulations.
Farming Equipment: Restricted items include tractor parts, horse feed, and multifunctional tools.
Flammable and Pressurized Goods: Covers items like adhesives and aerosols.
Food and Beverage: Restricted due to health ministry regulations and eCommerce suitability.
Ingestibles, Wellness, and Medical Devices: Includes prescription medicines, medical tests, and FDA-regulated devices.
Home and Garden: Restricted items include candles, knives, and plant-based products.
Materials Depicting Illegal Acts: Includes any materials that endorse illegal activities or violence.
Money and Monetary Items: Restricted items include currency, gift cards for third-party stores, and lottery tickets.
Mystery Items or Poorly Described Products: Products must be clearly described; vague or mystery items are restricted.
Sex and Sensuality Products: Includes sexually explicit books, videos, and related materials.
Tobacco and Related Products: Includes all tobacco products and nicotine-containing items.
Warranties and Service Plans: Non-tangible goods like warranties and service contracts are restricted.
Regulated Goods: Some products are not outright banned but come under heavy regulation.The sale of these items must adhere to local laws of the seller’s and buyer’s locations.
Automotive and Powersports: Items like amplifiers, parking cameras, and engine parts require pre-approval as they are classified as dangerous goods.
Batteries and Electronics: All batteries and electronic devices with attached batteries are restricted, such as video game consoles, DVD and Blu-ray players, televisions, computer monitors, and GPS navigation systems. It also features computer peripherals like keyboards and mice, as well as practical items like extension cords, solar energy kits, and electrical motors. Plug-in electrical goods are generally supported.
Beauty and Cosmetics: Includes restricted items such as perfumes, nail polish, hair bleach products, and various aerosols; restrictions vary by region.
Digital Products: Sale allowed under certain conditions, including bundling with physical products; Digital products can be sold if they are combined with physical items in an order. Purely digital orders are not eligible and require you to act as the merchant of record. Additionally, digital items cannot be included in draft orders; instead, payment must be collected through invoicing at checkout. Permissible digital products include digital gift cards for your store, online courses, podcasts, and audio content like sound effects and music.
Explosives, Weapons, and Related Items: Includes guns, knives, tactical items, and weapon accessories; subject to various international regulations.
Human Hair Products: Restrictions on real hair products like wigs and extensions in various regions.
Jewelry and Precious Gems: There are restrictions on loose stones and accessories containing mother of pearl, coral, and shells. Jewelry and watches over $5000 USD also face restrictions due to carrier limitations. Additionally, certain jewelry types, including bracelets, watches, necklaces, and pins, face regional restrictions in countries like Brazil, France, India, and several others.
Plant, Wood, and Seed Products: Items made entirely or partially from natural/plant fibers such as straw, rattan, raffia, and jute face restrictions in regions like New Zealand and Australia. Similarly, products containing wood, bamboo, cork, or related materials are restricted in Australia, Mexico, and New Zealand, although materials like paper, fabric, cardboard, laminated products, MDF, and plywood may be exempt from these restrictions.
Speciality Apparel: Items that promote or display other restricted products. This also applies to products with components from U.S. species subject to import and export controls, particularly in Australia and New Zealand. Restricted items include crocodile and alligator leather goods, python belts, ostrich leather products, feather decorations, as well as apparel linked to prohibited items such as drugs, military and security uniforms, and paintball gear.
Subscription Products: Not supported for international markets; can only be sold as one-time purchases.
In conclusion, in order to successfully navigate the limitations on Shopify, it is important to have a deep understanding of the various rules that govern the trade of specific goods. Whether it involves products made from natural fibers and wood derivatives or those that contain elements from endangered species, these restrictions are in place to promote responsible business practices and environmental conservation. It is essential for sellers to stay informed about these regulations to ensure compliance and avoid any potential disruptions in their sales operations. By following these guidelines, businesses can maintain ethical standards while effectively utilizing Shopify's platform to access global markets. Good luck following these restrictions!
Thank You,
Commerce Canal Team
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