Prohibited Item Policy

While we believe the free and open exchange of ideas and products is a key tenet of commerce, there are some activities that are incompatible with AXEL Market’s mission to make commerce better for everyone. This Acceptable Use Policy (“AUP”) describes activities that are prohibited in connection with your use of the Services. 

The following activities are prohibited:

At AXEL, we have policies to ensure our platform remains a trusted environment for our global community of buyers and sellers. Although most adult-only items are prohibited, listings that show nudity are allowed in limited situations when they follow the guidelines below. All forms of adult content that don’t follow our policy will be removed. We’ll review the content of the listing, images, and the category of the items to determine if it is allowed.
AXEL defines nudity as showing any part of male or female genitalia, anus, or female breasts where the areola or nipple is visible. The following are also considered nudity:

  • Modeled clothing that is see-through or very tight and shows human genitalia, the anus, or the nipple/areola of female breasts
  • Male erections, even if the model is clothed
  • People engaged in sexual contact or activity
  • The following items are not allowed:
  • Adult items with content that is illegal
  • Sexually explicit materials, including items displaying sexual activities, are not allowed. This includes the following:
  • Sexually explicit adult films with a rating of X, XXX, or unrated for an adults-only audience
  • Sexually explicit video games with a rating of Adults Only 18+
  • Sexually explicit magazines, books and comics that show displays of sexual activity
  • Items that don’t comply with our Illegal explicit content policy, including nudist publications
AXEL-hosted video content may not contain nudity. Images included when leaving feedback may not contain nudity, even if the actual item or original listing included nudity.
Adult magazines, books and comics that contain nudity are allowed only if they don’t contain sexual activity and if no images of nudity are showing in the listing. Any adult magazine or comic that doesn’t contain sexually explicit content can be listed following the guidelines in this policy.
Nude art listings that do not contain sexually suggestive poses or sexual acts are allowed, but they must include the item specific attribute Subject: Nudes.
Sex toys and sex accessories can be listed in the Health & Beauty category, and must follow these guidelines:
  • Sellers must be pre-approved. Seller accounts are automatically reviewed for pre-approval at the time of attempting to list in these categories
  • Items must be new and in the original packaging
  • Listings must not offer international shipping
  • Listings must not include images of nudity or sexual content
  • Educational materials that don’t contain sexually explicit content can be listed as long as the listing doesn’t show nude images
The following or similar adult items are not allowed:
  • Services implying sexual or adult activity
  • Sex toys simulating sex with animals
  • Amateur or hidden camera content not produced by a legitimate studio where all actors were compensated for their performances
  • Digitally delivered adult content
  • Memberships for adults only clubs/establishments

We prohibit the sale of certain weapons on AXEL, and sellers must follow our guidelines when selling other allowed items such as air rifles and air pistols. BB guns, airsoft, and air rifles or air pistols sold on AXEL must follow strict guidelines.
BB guns, pellet guns, airsoft, air rifles and air pistols may be sold as long as they follow these rules:

  • Follow all applicable laws
  • The gun is not greater than .25 caliber
  • The seller’s AXEL status is above standard or higher
  • The item is located in the US and only US shipping is offered
  • The item description contains the following disclaimer: “This listing complies with AXEL’s air gun policy and I will only ship air guns to buyers in jurisdictions where permitted to by applicable laws”
  • Airsoft guns must have a blaze orange barrel plug permanently attached, and may not be converted to shoot any lethal projectile

The following or similar items are not allowed:

  • Hand weapons such as: brass knuckles in any form, leaded canes, nightsticks, nunchakus, or sansetsukons
  • Throwing weapons that have 3 or more points or sharp edges
  • Weapons such as: blow or dart guns, flare guns, potato guns, tear gas, disguised stun guns, or tasers
  • Pepper spray or mace may be listed only if the item is located in the US and shipped domestically

Stun guns may be listed as long as the seller states they won’t allow purchases from places where stun guns are illegal.
Training or practice weapons such as batons, nunchakus, and throwing stars may be listed as long as they are made of rubber foam, dense foam, or foam with plastic interior tubes.

No alcoholic beverages may be sold on AXEL. Collectible alcohol containers may be sold, but they must be empty.

Sellers can list certain animal and wildlife products on AXEL such as faux or reproductions of animal products. However, it is up to the seller to check whether selling or shipping these items requires a license, permit, or other paperwork.

The following wildlife products are not allowed:

  • Items made from endangered or threatened species or species
  • Items found in the policy from the Coalition to End Wildlife Trafficking Online
  • Ivory or bones from ivory-producing animals such as dugong, elephant, hippopotamus, narwhal, orca, sperm whale, walrus, and warthog
  • Items made from bears
  • Items made from marine mammals
  • Items made from protected turtles or tortoises
  • Items made from protected birds and their feathers
  • Items made from domesticated cats or dogs
  • Items made from snake venom

When listing items using animal parts, you must state the species of the non-endangered or non-threatened animal and follow US Fish & Wildlife regulations. International shipping of animal products must follow all country laws.

Traps:

Bear traps and certain leghold traps can’t be sold on AXEL. Steel jaw leghold traps with a spread of 5½ inches or greater with teeth or without offset jaws can’t be sold on AXEL.

Items obtained from government or protected land, historical grave sites, or shipwrecks, can’t be sold on AXEL. Looted or stolen goods can’t be sold on AXEL. For a list of the cultural goods most vulnerable to illicit trafficking, refer to the International Council of Museums’ Red Lists Database. See also the “Additional information” below for more resources in the fight against the trafficking of these goods.

Listings for artifacts, fossils, and relics must:

  • Follow all government regulations
  • Be authentic and listed in the appropriate category

Listings for replicas must:

  • State that the item is a replica in the title and description
  • Be listed in the Reproduction or Fantasy category, as appropriate

Listings for antiquities must include the provenance or ownership history of the item and, where possible, a photo or scanned image of an official document including both the item’s country of origin, and the legal details of the sale. The item must also be approved for import or export. Listings for cave formations must follow all government regulations.

Speleothems, stalactites, and stalagmites obtained from caves on government land can’t be sold on AXEL

Listings for government survey markers must include a photo or scanned image of the document proving that the government has transferred ownership to the AXEL seller.

The following Native American items can’t be sold on AXEL:

  • Funeral objects placed with the dead
  • Grave markers
  • Human remains
  • Sacred items used by Native American religious leaders in ceremonial practices, such as ceremonial masks and pray sticks
  • Listings for Native American arts, crafts, and jewelry must follow all government regulations.

Under the Indian Arts and Crafts Act, any item described as Alaska Native, American Indian, or Native American must be made by an enrolled member of a state or federally recognized tribe or by someone certified as an Indian artisan by a recognized Indian tribe. Non-Native American items in the style of Native American art or crafts must be listed in the Non-Native American category.

As the sale of certain artifacts, grave-related items, Native American arts and crafts, and other related items is legally protected, there may be additional requirements in order to sell them on AXEL. The information on this page can help assist sellers trade lawfully on AXEL. AXEL cannot assess the authenticity of specific artifacts or the legality of their sale. Sellers are responsible for ensuring that their transactions are lawful.

Beta software including beta keys, cards or access codes are not allowed to be sold on AXEL.

OEM, bundled or recovery software listed on the site must follow these rules:

  • The listing must include the original hardware, such as the motherboard or hard drive
  • Utility software must include the peripheral device, such as a printer
  • Replica, counterfeit, plated or clad bullion, including items described as German silver or nickel silver, can’t be sold on AXEL.
  • Listings must accurately describe the precious metal weight content, purity (fineness) and brand (refiner or mint) of the bullion item being sold
  • Listings must include a photo of both sides of the actual coin, bar, or other bullion item being sold 
  • If the bullion item includes an assay card or certificate of authenticity (COA), the listing must include a picture of the COA and an accurate description of the packaging

Giveaways and contests are strictly regulated, so we don’t allow listings that sell a chance to win a prize.

  • Listings that offer an opportunity to win an item by chance or contest are not allowed. This includes mystery boxes, giveaways, lotteries, sweepstakes, random drawings, raffles, and contests.
  • Case breaks, box breaks and pack breaks may only be sold by pre-approved sellers under the following conditions:
  • There must be no element of chance involved to determine what the buyer will receive.
  • Buyers must receive the entire pack, box, or case they purchased

Sellers can use AXEL for Charity when:

If the item sells, at least 10% of the final sale price is donated to the organization selected from the Charity Search at the time of listing and listings are not in the Real Estate categories.

Listings for graded currency must have been graded by one of our approved companies. Listings for raw currency must follow our policy.

  • Listings for graded coins and currency must have been graded by an AXEL-approved company such as NGC, PCGS, ANACS, ICG, PMG, CAC, ICCS or Legacy Currency Grading
  • Listings for ungraded coins and currency or raw currency:
  • Must not include a non-approved grading company, numeric grade or estimated value anywhere in the listing and can’t show an image of the item in a graded holder if the image shows a grade
  • Must include photos of the front and back of the actual item for sale (stock photos are not allowed)
  • Must have a starting, reserve, or Buy It Now price of less than $2,500
  • Listings for current, exchangeable, ungraded currency from any country worldwide cannot exceed $1,000 in value, whether in a single listing or in a combination of multiple listings

Compilations may contain a broad range of informational or media resources such as eBooks, templates, images, screensavers, and any other type of printed information or electronic file. Compilations containing media such as eBooks need to include all titles in the listing

Compilations aren’t allowed when:

  • They are included as a “Bonus” in the sale of another product
  • They are listed with unrelated keywords meant to unfairly affect search result visibility
  • They contain celebrity media, such as photos

If any of your products is a “cosmetic” being offered or sold in the United States or other product regulated under the U.S. Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (“FFDCA”) or its implementing regulations, then you provide us with the following continuing guaranty that with respect to all such products comprising each sale, shipment, or other delivery made previously or hereafter are: (i) not adulterated or misbranded within the meaning of the FFDCA, (ii) compliant with all requirements of FFDCA and its implementing regulations at the time of sale, shipment, or delivery, and (iii) provided by you in the original, unbroken packaging.

Listings for used cosmetics, brushes, sponges, or applicators are not allowed. Used cosmetics present health and safety concerns because the products and applicators used to apply them often come into direct contact with the body. This is why we don’t allow them to be sold on AXEL.

  • Cosmetics, colognes, perfumes, and lotions must come in the original container
  • Homemade cosmetics must comply with government regulations

We don’t allow counterfeit items or unauthorized copies to be listed on AXEL. Items sold using a brand name or a brand logo must be original and made by the brand or manufactured on their behalf. Software, music, movies and other media must be original and not unauthorized copies. Counterfeit products are illegal and not allowed on AXEL. These items may infringe on someone’s copyright or trademark.

Examples of counterfeit products include:

  • A replica handbag, watch or pair of sneakers
  • Knockoff electronics, such as headphones or accessories like a charging cable
  • An unauthorized reprint of a trading card
  • A T-shirt or mug printed with copyrighted images
  • Bootleg recordings of a concert or other live shows
  • Unauthorized copies of movies, music or software
  • Pirated recordings of television shows
  • Listings need to follow these guidelines:
  • Take original photos that are large and clear, showing multiple angles and all details
  • Do not hide or blur logos or any parts of the item
  • Do not list an item if you are not certain it is authentic or if an authenticator has been unable to confirm its authenticity

No coupons allowed.

While certain types of inactive and collectible cards may be listed and sold on AXEL, in order to protect sensitive cardholder information and comply with government regulations, active credit, debit and store cards are not allowed.

The following types of cards and money orders are not allowed:

  • Active credit, debit, or store credit cards, including prepaid credit cards
  • Non-embossed bank or store credit cards
  • Current and active money orders
  • Expired bank and store cards

The following types of cards are allowed:

  • Blank plastic cards with or without magnetic strips

We don’t allow members to sell items that are hurtful to the victims of tragic events such as terrorist attacks or natural disasters.

Listings and items that graphically portray, glorify, or attempt to profit from human tragedy or suffering, or that are insensitive to victims of such events, are not allowed.

Items and media related to natural disasters or human tragedies that have substantial social, artistic, or political value, such as newspaper clippings or documentaries can be listed in some circumstances.

To comply with U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations and to protect the safety and privacy of our members, there are restrictions around the sale of electrical and electronic equipment.

The following types of electronic equipment are not allowed:

  • Electronic items prohibited by government agencies, including cell phone, GPS radar, and other signal jamming devices. See the FCC’s jammer enforcement for more information
  • Traffic light control devices
  • CB amplifiers and radio equipment that operates in both CB and HAM frequencies
  • Odometer modification devices
  • Equipment such as low power transmitting devices, high frequency transceivers, cordless telephones and radar detectors not authorized by the FCC
  • Light bulbs in the home that do not meet energy efficiency standards defined by the Department of Energy, including incandescent and halogen light bulbs
  • Electricity- or energy-saving devices that claim to reduce electricity consumption
  • Appliances for sale in California that do not meet applicable efficiency standards
  • Surveillance items that are intended to photograph, or record the conversations or activities of others without their knowledge

Cameras, recorders, or other similar devices can be listed as long as the description doesn’t encourage their use for illegal purposes.

Due to the nature of electronically delivered goods, extra care needs to be taken to prevent intellectual property infringement and minimize risks for buyers.

Electronically delivered items that are not allowed, include:

Sellers can’t list embargoed goods or pre-embargoed goods from these countries or regions:

  • Cuba
  • Crimea, Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR) and Luhansk People’s Republic (LNR) regions of Ukraine (as defined under applicable sanctions)
  • Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea)
  • Iran
  • Syria

Organizations, businesses, or individuals based in the countries listed above, or those on the United States’ Specially Designated Nationals (SDNs) list can’t register accounts on AXEL

Products that bypass, defeat or render inoperative emission-control systems aren’t allowed, either on their own or when combined with other hardware or software. See the EPA Enforcement Alert for more information. Examples of such products include, but are not limited to:

  • Tuners, services, software or devices that modify the performance of vehicles, such as cars, trucks and off-road vehicles
  • Aftermarket standalone (non-OEM) electronic control unit (ECU), including full electronic fuel injection (EFI) conversion kits
  • Powertrain or exhaust parts intended for “race only” or “off-road only”
  • Active fuel management/Dynamic fuel management or auto start-stop disablers
  • Blocking plates for emission control systems
  • Products that remove factory catalytic converters (CAT) or diesel particulate filters (DPF), selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF)
  • Throttle response controllers
  • Exhaust servo eliminators
  • Devices intended to bypass or reduce flow to oxygen sensors
  • Full vehicles with tampered or deleted emission controls

Items or information that might enable or encourage illegal activity are not allowed. Examples include:

  • Kill switch-activated electronic devices, including smartphones and tablets
  • Items that can enable illegal activity, such as:
  • Pill presses, dies, molds or capsule-making machines
  • Blank rain checks
  • Selling USPS shipping materials
  • Products designed to fake the results of drug tests
  • Selling votes or ballots
  • Information on how to use or make illegal drugs, bombs, or explosives
  • Lockpicking tutorials

Event ticket sales are not permitted.

If any of Your Products is a “pesticide” being offered or sold in the United States or other product regulated under the US Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (“FIFRA”) or its implementing regulations, then you provide to us the following continuing guaranty that: (a) you are a resident of the United States; and (b) with respect to each such product, the pesticides and other FIFRA regulated products comprising each sale, shipment, or other delivery made previously or hereafter are: (i) lawfully registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency at the time of sale, shipment, or delivery, or fully qualified for a specific exemption from the FIFRA registration requirements at the time of sale, shipment, or delivery, (ii) compliant with all requirements of FIFRA and its implementing regulations at the time of sale, shipment, or delivery, and (iii) provided by you in the original, unbroken packaging.

Pesticide products are not allowed on AXEL if they are:

  • Unregistered, misbranded or restricted-use pesticides under U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations
  • Suspended, canceled or banned by federal or state government agencies​
  • Located outside the U.S.
  • Unbranded
  • Repackaged or in previously opened packaging
  • Ineligible for shipment through standard shipping providers

Pesticide products must include an EPA Registration Number in the AXEL Item Specific field at the time of listing. You can find this number on the product package. The number will follow the phrase “EPA Registration No.” or “EPA Reg. No.” Please enter this number exactly as it appears with all dashes and without spaces or punctuation. Multiple products with different EPA Registration Numbers must be listed separately.

Examples of pesticide products that require an EPA registration number in the listing include but are not limited to:

  • Topical or collar flea and tick remedies
  • Rodenticides and baits
  • Fungicides and herbicides
  • Pool chemicals including chlorine, bromine, algaecides, shock treatments, etc.
  • Water purification products
  • Plant growth regulators
  • Sanitizers and disinfectants
  • Insecticides, repellents and attractants
  • Disinfecting and sanitizing cleaning products
  • Swimming pool, spa and hot tub chemicals, even those not regulated by the EPA, can only be sold by pre-approved sellers.

Examples of pesticide products that aren’t allowed include:

  • Diazinon
  • Dursban 50W
  • Natural fea and tick products
  • Rodenticides containing brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difenacoum or difethialone
  • Cleaning products that claim to disinfect or sanitize both the skin and any surface
  • Defense sprays that reference use for both humans and animals
  • Additional information

The buyer must be eligible to purchase the pesticide under federal and state law. The seller is responsible for making sure the product is lawful and safe.

Firearms can’t be listed on AXEL due to strict federal, state, and international laws banning the sale of these items. Listings for some firearm parts and accessories are allowed as long as sellers follow our guidelines.

The following are not allowed:

  • Firearms of any type
  • Parts and accessories for assault weapons, including blueprints and instructions
  • Any part or accessory not following local law
  • Firearm receivers, even if incomplete
  • Ammunition for firearms, including bullets, cartridges, casings, shells, and hulls
  • Frames, kits used to create a firearm, polymer 80 frame kits, flash suppressors, silencers, sears, high-capacity magazines that accept more than 10 rounds (even if they have been modified to accept fewer), magazine extenders, bump fire stocks, grenade launchers, and pistol conversion kits
  • Barrel shrouds, forward pistol grips, and threaded barrels

Examples of allowed firearm parts and accessories:

  • En bloc clips
  • Barrels (exceptions: shotgun barrels less than 18 inches and rifle barrels less than 16 inches are prohibited)
  • Bolts
  • Choke tubes
  • Cylinders
  • Firing pins
  • Hammers
  • Slides
  • Trigger assemblies

The following items are not allowed:

  • Used funeral items such as headstones, markers, or urns

Sellers can list new funeral items as long as they’ve never been used, such as:

  • Burial plots
  • Caskets
  • Gravestones
  • Headstones
  • Tombstones
  • Urns

There are restrictions to the sale of gift cards on AXEL in order to reduce the risk of fraud and to protect both buyers and sellers.

Sellers can list the following types of gift cards:

  • AXEL gift cards that are sold by authorized sellers
  • Collectible gift cards with no redemption value, as long as the listing specifies that there’s no monetary amount on the card
  • Gift cards must still be valid and unexpired. If there’s an expiration date, it must be specified in the listing
  • The total face value of all gift card listings from a seller at any given time must be $500 or less

The following types of gift cards aren’t allowed:

  • Electronically delivered gift cards from sellers who engage in high-risk activities
  • Prepaid credit cards (or money cards) from American Express, Discover, Mastercard, or Visa
  • Store or merchandise credit in the form of a receipt

The sale of transit or shipping company property or government-issued documentation or identification cards is restricted or prohibited on AXEL.

The following or similar items are not allowed:

  • Government, private transit, or shipping company uniforms and accessories such as hats, pins and scarves
  • Government, transit or shipping company property such as vehicles, license plates, keys for vehicles, mail bags, company decals and transit documents
  • Fake documents, government-issued documents or official certificates or diplomas
  • Postage meters, voting machines or Library of Congress National Library of Service record players, digital talking book machines or any of their labeled accessories
  • Government-issued IDs, passports, birth certificates or license plates
  • Collectible license plates are allowed as long as they are expired and at least 3 years old or as allowed by law
  • Government-issued medals and certificates for medals
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plates or rivets
  • Signs or other items indicating use by a rideshare driver or delivery person

Vintage or collectible uniforms and accessories may be listed if they meet all these requirements:

  • The item is 10 years old or older
  • It’s no longer in use
  • It doesn’t look like a current uniform or accessory

The following hazardous materials are not allowed on AXEL:

  • Carcinogens
  • Class I ozone-depleting substances: carbon tetrachloride (and any product that contains it), chlorobromomethane, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, hydrobromofluorocarbons (HBFCs), methyl bromide, and methyl chloroform
  • Class II ozone-depleting substances: hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)
  • Combustibles such as black powder, caps for toy guns, explosive fuses, fireworks, exploding targets, flares, flash paper, red phosphorous, gasoline, Thermite
  • Dinitrophenol (DNP) and any product that contains it (such as weight-loss supplements)
  • Explosives precursors including aluminium powder, ammonium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate, calcium nitrate, hydrogen peroxide above 12% weight by weight (carbamide peroxide above 34% by weight), magnesium nitrate hexahydrate, magnesium powder, nitric acid, nitromethane, nitro-fuel, potassium chlorate, potassium nitrate, potassium perchlorate, sodium azide, sodium chlorate, sodium nitrate, sodium perchlorate, sulphuric acid and urea nitrate
  • Methylene chloride (dichloromethane) and paint or coating-removal products that contain it, such as Formby’s Furniture Refinisher
  • Non-EPA-approved substitute refrigerants
  • Non-ozone-depleting substances with high global warming potential: hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
  • Poisons
  • Radioactive materials

Human body parts or items containing body parts are not allowed, including first class relics.

The following items are not allowed:

  • Narcotics, steroids, and other controlled substances (including any substance listed in Schedules I, II, III, VI or V of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. 801 et seq.)
  • Items that claim to provide a “legal high”
  • Pipes, or any item marketed as for use with marijuana or with illegal drugs
  • Any smoking accessories displaying a marijuana leaf or drug-related symbol
  • Vaporizers intended to be used with alcohol, marijuana, or illegal substances
  • Tobacco pipes, and other smoking accessories not intended for drug use, are allowed.

We never allow any listings or content depicting or describing child pornography, whether real or fictionalized. We never allow any listings or content depicting or describing bestiality, torture, snuff films, necrophilia, rape, scat, incest, or other illegal or obscene content, whether real or fictionalized.

Intangible items or things that buyers can’t confirm that they’ve received are not allowed. For example:

  • A ghost in a jar
  • Someone’s soul
  • Spells or haunted items

Members are responsible for checking that their transactions are lawful in the buyer’s country, as well as in their own.

Rules for metals

  • If your item is made from plated, flashed or filled metals, you will need to clearly state this in the title, item specifics and item description, such as “gold-plated silver”
  • Platinum, gold, and silver items must meet applicable laws for stamping:
    • Gold stamps: 10k, 14k, 18k, 22k, 24k
    • Silver stamps: Sterling Silver, .925, .999
    • Platinum stamps: Plat, Pt, 950Plat, 900Pt

Rules for gemstones

Gemstones must clearly describe the creation method or treatment in the title, item specifics and item description, and follow all the guidelines below.

Natural gems

  • If your gem is natural, you may include the gemstone name in the title and item specifics

Treated gems

  • If you are listing a natural gemstone that has been treated (for example, it has been dyed to enhance the color), you are required to:
  • Specify clearly in the title that the gem is treated
  • Select the treatment type in the item specifics
  • Include the following treatment details in the description:
    • Treatment type
    • Disclose that the treatment is not permanent and loses its effect over time
    • Disclose that the treatment has a significant effect on the gemstone’s value
    • Describe any special care requirements for the gemstone to retain the benefits

Lab-created gems

  • If you are listing a lab-created gemstone, you are required to:
    • Specify clearly in the title that the gem is “lab-created” using only these words immediately preceding the gemstone name (such as “lab-created diamond”)
    • Do not use other similar terms, such as “man-made”
    • Select “lab-created” in the item specifics
    • You may only include the gemstone name (for example, “ruby”) in the listing if your lab-created gemstone has the same mineral composition as the natural gemstone

Simulated gems

  • If you are listing a simulated gemstone, you are required to:
    • Include the name or brand of the material (such as cubic zirconia) in the title
    • State that the gem is simulated in item specifics and description
  • If you include the name of the gemstone that your gem is meant to simulate, you must also include the word “simulated” immediately preceding the gemstone name (such as “simulated diamond”). This is true for the title, item specifics and description

A diamond is a mineral consisting essentially of pure carbon, crystallized in the isometric system with a hardness of 10, specific gravity of approximately 3.52 and refractive index of 2.42. If your gemstone does not meet this definition, do not list your item as a diamond. If the mineral composition of the gemstone is different from the natural gemstone, you must clearly describe the actual material the gemstone is made of in the item specifics and description, such as cubic zirconia, glass, rhinestone, etc. If the stone is not an actual diamond, the term “diamond” cannot be included in the listing. Instead, the material used, such as moissanite, cubic zirconia, glass, etc., should be stated. We do not allow diamonds, other gemstones and metals that are sourced from countries with civil conflict or that do not comply with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS). When listing jewelry on AXEL, you agree that any item you are listing is not associated with civil conflict, terrorism, or other criminal activity and complies with the KPCS.

All rough diamonds must be listed in the Loose Diamonds category with Stone Form of Rough and must comply with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS). All listings and products for rough diamonds on AXEL must state that the seller complies with the Kimberley Process and that the diamond is accompanied by a Kimberley Process certificate.

Unknown gem type, treatment or grade

  • If you do not know if the gemstone has been enhanced or treated, or if it is lab-created or simulated, or the grade of the gem, you should consider having it certified. All unknown gemstones should be listed in the Fashion Jewelry category and you should not make any claims that are not fully known.

Fine metals

  • Gold that is 10 karats or higher, including rose, green, chocolate or white gold
  • Silver and sterling silver that is .925 or higher
  • Platinum and other platinum-group metals that are .850 or above
  • Gold, silver and platinum are considered fine if they are a solid metal or if they have been plated with gold, silver, platinum, palladium, or other platinum-group metals

Fine gemstones

Alexandrite, almandine-garnet, amber, amethyst, ametrine, ammolite, andalusite, aquamarine, beryl, black diamond, black opal, blue diamond, blue opal, blue sapphire, blue topaz, blue zircon, boulder opal, brown diamond, cats eye, champagne diamond, chrome diopside, chrysoberyl, chrysoprase, citrine, corundum, demantoid garnet, diamond, emerald, fire opal, garnet, golden topaz, green garnet, green quartz, green sapphire, green tourmaline, grossular garnet, heliodor, hessonite, hiddenite, honey amber, imperial topaz, indicolite, indicolite tourmaline, iolite, jade, jadeite, jet, kunzite, kyanite, labradorite, lapis lazuli, lemon quartz, London blue topaz, madeira citrine, malachite, mandarin garnet, mint tourmaline, moissanite, moldavite, moonstone, morganite, opal, padparadscha, paraiba, Paraiba tourmaline, peridot, pink diamond, pink quartz, pink sapphire, pink topaz, pink tourmaline, prasiolite quartz, purple jade, purple spinel, pyrope garnet, quartz, red diamond, rhodolite garnet, rose quartz, rubelite, rubellite tourmaline, ruby, sapphire, smoky quartz, spessartite garnet, sphene, yellow topaz, white sapphire

Niihau shell jewelry

The state of Hawaii regulates the sale and advertisement of jewelry made from the rare shells that come from the Hawaiian island of Niihau. If you’d like to sell an item made from these shells, be sure to follow these guidelines:

  • You can use the word “Niihau” or any variation of it, such as “Ni’ihau” or “Niihaun,” as long as you can certify in your listing and product that the item was made in Hawaii with 100 percent genuine Niihau shells. If you use those words, make sure you comply with Hawaiian law, specifically Hawaii Revised Statute § 486-118.5
  • To describe that a piece has Niihau shells, it has to consist of at least 80% Niihau shells and be made in Hawaii. In your listing and product, you need to specify the exact percentage of Niihau shells that actually came from the island of Niihau, its waters, or its beaches

The following or similar types of knives aren’t allowed:

  • Automatic knives
  • Butterfly knives
  • Dual-action knives
  • Gravity knives
  • Out-the-front knives
  • Paratrooper knives
  • Push knives
  • Switchblade knives
  • Sword canes
  • Spring-assisted knives where there is no manual movement by a thumb stud or screw clearly visible on the blade
  • Hidden or disguised knives such as writing pen knives or belt buckle knives

Sellers can list the following type of knives:

  • All types of knives not in the previous list are allowed.

Sellers cannot list any live animals including any of the following live animals:

  • Bees, crickets, and ladybugs that aren’t endangered or threatened species or species listed on CITES Appendix I
  • Domestic (not exotic) aquatic snails
  • Fertilized eggs (species must be included in the listing description)
  • Live bait such as minnows, shiners, earthworms, and mealworms
  • Lobsters
  • Mice sold specifically as food for pets
  • “Stud” services (including but not limited to dogs, cats, horses, sheep, goats, and cattle)
  • Tadpoles
  • Tropical fish
  • Pets and other live animals not included in the list above are not allowed.

Lockpicking or locksmithing devices are not allowed. Some examples include:

  • Bump keys
  • Slim jims
  • Devices to make or duplicate keys
  • Devices designed to pick a lock
  • Code-grabbing devices

Lottery tickets, fast-food game pieces, coupons for sweepstakes, raffles, drawings or similar items are not allowed. Expired lottery tickets with collectible value may be listed as long as the listing clearly states the item is expired and is permitted for sale under local law.

For safety, the sale of military items is restricted. While military surplus items and body armor that follows our policy can be sold, explosives and military ordnance aren’t allowed on AXEL.

The following items are not allowed:

  • Explosives of any type including grenades of any kind, land mines, missiles, rockets, or launchers
  • Military ordnance such as weapons or ammunition, regardless of whether the item is considered demilitarized or unserviceable
  • Items for military use only
  • Most military vehicles, including aircraft and ships, and their parts and accessories
  • Military-issued body armor, Level 4 body armor, or body armor stamped with “US”, including Outer Tactical Vests (OTV), or Small Armor Protective Insert (SAPI) plates
  • SAPI plates that aren’t property described
  • Interceptor Body Armor (IBA), including items manufactured by Point Blank (PBI), Second Chance (SCI), and Armor Holding
  • Interceptor Body Armor (IBA) and Interceptor Outer Tactical Vests (OTV) with or without plates
  • Detachable groin armor and neck armor
  • Technical data as defined under Part 120 of the ITAR, including user manuals for military items

Sellers can list the following items:

  • Military surplus items such as military-related backpacks, blankets, canteens, clothing, foot lockers, hats, helmets, and other items that you can find in online and retail stores

Sellers can list these restricted items:

  • Items identified on the US Munitions List found in the ITAR Part 121 that are allowed such as commercially available body armor, firearm scopes, and night vision goggles must follow all applicable laws and meet all of the following criteria:
  • The item is listed on AXEL.com (our US website)
  • The buyer, the seller, and the item are all located in the US
  • The seller specifically states the item will only be shipped domestically (within the US)
  • The buyer certifies that they’re a US citizen or permanent resident
  • The buyer intends to use the item for personal use only and has no intention of exporting the item outside the US

 

Body armor is allowed if:

  • It isn’t military issued
  • It’s a level I, II, or III body armor or Small Arms Protection Insert (SAPI) plate which is included in the listing
  • The listing includes the manufacturer and model designation with a clear picture that verifies the information
  • The listing includes the following disclaimer, “This model complies with NIJ Standard-0101.06 for Ballistic Resistance of Body Armor”

Listings or content that promote, perpetuate or glorify hatred, violence, or discrimination, including on the grounds of race, ethnicity, color, religion, disability, national origin, sex, gender and gender identity or sexual orientation, aren’t allowed. This includes but is not limited to the following:

  • Slurs or epithets of any kind
  • Slavery items, including reproductions, such as tags, shackles, documents, bills of sale, etc.
  • Items with racist, anti-Semitic, or otherwise demeaning portrayals, for example through caricatures or other exaggerated features, including figurines, cartoons, housewares, historical advertisements, and golliwogs
  • Black Americana items that are discriminatory
  • Confederate battle flag and related items with its image
  • Historical Holocaust-related and Nazi-related items, including reproductions
  • Any item that is anti-Semitic or any item from after 1933 that bears a swastika
  • Media identified as Nazi propaganda
  • Listings that imply or promote support of, membership in, or funding of a terrorist organization

The following items may be listed:

  • Media such as historical photos, magazines, books and art, provided that such material doesn’t perpetuate or glorify violence, intolerance or racial stereotyping
  • Items related to the Civil Rights Movement
  • Stamps, letters, and envelopes displaying Nazi postmarks
  • Currency issued by the Nazi Germany government, including military scripts
  • Historically accurate WWII military model kits that have Nazi symbols
  • Historical and religious items that bear a swastika if they are made before 1933 and are not related to Nazism

When offering shipping to other countries, make sure to first check our international trading policy to verify that the item is allowed.

Selling private information, social media items, and software or tools that send unsolicited contacts are not allowed on AXEL.

We don’t allow the following to be sold on AXEL:

  • Personal contact information such as phone numbers, email lists and addresses
  • Social security numbers or similar sensitive information
  • Accounts that require users to send passwords (for example, to sell access to the next level of social media games)
  • Social media items such as “accounts”, “likes”, “followers”, or “subscribers”
  • Software or tools used to send unsolicited contacts, such as text messages or email (spam), or to harvest contact details

Endangered plants are not allowed

Plants and seeds located outside the U.S. are not allowed due to U.S. import restrictions

For all other plants or seeds, sellers should check with the following resources to determine if an item is restricted or prohibited:

  • USDA Plants for Planting Manual
  • USDA Save Our Citrus Website
  • National Plant Board – Regulated Noxious Weeds Search Document (search for Regulated Noxious Weeds)
  • National Plant Board – Laws & Regulations

The following items can’t be listed for sale on AXEL:

  • Law enforcement and other government-issued uniforms, badges, or accessories, such as hats, jackets, and shirts, or replicas of these items
  • Official emergency lighting systems or sirens, including lenses or LEDs for these systems

Prescription drugs, or products containing prescription-strength medication, aren’t allowed.

If any of your products is a “drug” being offered or sold in the United States or other product regulated under the U.S. Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (“FFDCA”) or its implementing regulations, then you provide us with the following continuing guaranty that with respect to all such products comprising each sale, shipment, or other delivery made previously or hereafter are: (i) not adulterated or misbranded within the meaning of the FFDCA, (ii) compliant with all requirements of FFDCA and its implementing regulations at the time of sale, shipment, or delivery, and (iii) provided by you in the original, unbroken packaging.

Over-the-counter medication containing non-prescription-strength drugs must:

  • Clearly state the concentration of the prescription drug in the Item Specific provided
  • Not be expired prior to reaching the buyer, and clearly state the expiration in the description
  • Be in new, unused condition and in the original, unopened and undamaged packaging

Listings for herbal, holistic, or drug-like remedies and legal substances can’t make non-FDA-approved health claims or be compared to any prescription drug.

Vitamins and supplements must be in new, unused condition and in the original, unopened and undamaged packaging. They must not be expired, with the expiration date entered in the item specifics

All required labelling information must be in English.

Injectable substances, including vitamins, and regardless of whether they’re available over the counter, aren’t allowed.

Dental products with hydrogen peroxide over 3.5% aren’t allowed.

Veterinary medicines classified as General Sales List (GSL) or Over-the-Counter (OTC) by the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine may be sold. However, any medication product listed below isn’t allowed:

  • Does not have a marketing authorization for sale in the US
  • Requires a prescription
  • Repackaged over-the-counter medications, including flea and tick medications
  • Sentinel, Revolution, Heartgard, and Interceptor heartworm medicines

The following types of items are not allowed:

  • Products recalled by a manufacturer or government agency
  • Products where the sale of the product is prohibited by law or regulation
  • Products that pose a health or safety hazard as specified by any government agency
  • Products without a UKCA marking or CE marking where it is legally required
  • Crib bumpers and infant inclined sleepers. See the Safe Sleep for Babies Act for more information

Current information about recalled products and products that pose health or safety hazards can be found on the following websites:

  • US Consumer Product and Safety Commission (CPSC)
  • US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
  • US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Requirements for Importers and Exporters
  • EU Product Safety Authorities
  • EU Commission (Safety gate/Rapex)
  • UK Office of Product Safety & Standards (OPSS)
  • Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
  • Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)

 

Toy magnets with small pieces that can be swallowed or that may appeal to children are not allowed.

Laser pointers must have an output of 5mW or less and be a class 1M, 1C, 2/II, 2M/IIM, or 3A/IIIA, 3B/IIIB or 3R/IIIR. Military, tactical or “high powered” lasers are not allowed

Smoke or carbon monoxide detectors must be from one of the approved brands. Unbranded and unsafe brands of smoke or carbon monoxide detectors are not allowed

18650 batteries cannot be listed individually, as they are not intended for sale to consumers and can be potentially hazardous to consumers when handled, transported, stored or charged. 18650 batteries must be pre-installed

Products where the button battery is easily accessible are considered unsafe. Button batteries are easily swallowed and can cause health issues or death

All cribs must meet federal safety standards issued by the CPSC in 2011. Sellers must state in the listing that the crib meets these standards. Used cribs are not allowed

All car seats must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 213. Sellers must state in the listing that the car seat meets this standard. Used car seats are not allowed

Eligible sellers can list new bike helmets. Used bike helmets are not allowed

Hoverboards, self-balancing scooters, electric skateboards, electric roller skates, electric pocket bikes, electric kick scooters, electric unicycles and other personal e-mobility devices typically intended for use by one person must be certified to meet UL 2272 safety standards, including all batteries and chargers. The listing must state that the item is UL 2272 certified and, upon request, provide appropriate verification, such as including a link to the UL Product iQ document showing the certification

E-bikes must be certified to meet UL 2849 safety standards, including all batteries and chargers. The listing must state that the item is UL 2849 certified and, upon request, provide appropriate verification, such as including a link to the UL Product iQ document showing the certification

We don’t allow listings with the following or similar items or descriptions:

  • Images of minors who are not fully clothed
  • Images of minors where the item description is based on their clothing
  • Modeling photos of minors, even when the subject is fully clothed
  • Listings that include the words “child”, “children”, “young girls”, or “young boys” to describe an item containing nudity or sexual situations, even when the subject or performers are at least 18 years old, or the words are part of the product title
  • Listings that include the words “teen”, “teens”, “teenager”, or “Lolita” in a sexual context, without indicating that the subject or performers are at least 18 years old
  • Listings for minor anime, such as Shota-con, Lolicon, and similar or related items

Real estate / real property cannot be listed or sold on AXEL.

Replica coins are not allowed.

Counterfeit or altered coins and currency are not allowed, nor is equipment designed to make them.

Only one-sided replica paper currency that follows these rules can be listed:

  • Size is less than 75% or greater than 150% of the genuine currency.
  • The listing includes a photo of the actual replica paper currency being sold.
  • The listing includes the word “replica” in the title and description

Replica, toys, prop guns or other imitation firearms can be sold as long as they follow these rules:

  • The item has a blaze orange barrel plug permanently attached
  • The picture shows the actual item for sale
  • The item description has the following disclaimer: “This replica gun contains the colored markings required by law, including a permanently attached orange plug.”

Replica firearm parts and accessories that are intended for assault weapon models are not allowed due to potential cross-functionality with real assault weapons, for example, a foregrip for a softair rifle, as this part might also be attached to a real weapon of this type.

You can sell your original artwork and other artwork that you’re authorized to resell on AXEL.

Reproductions – You can sell reproductions, like posters or exact replica paintings, if it doesn’t violate laws, copyrights, or trademarks.

Exact replica paintings – You have to clearly state it’s a reproduction in the listing title and description.

Other artists’ work – You may include the artist’s name in the title if the work is actually by the artist or is an exact replica of the artist’s work.

Art with alterations, conservation, or repairs – Your listing description should provide details of exactly what work was done.

The following services are not allowed:

  • Personal relationships, including in-person or online relationships
  • Dating, sexual contact or escort services
  • Offer to become “friends” or “followers” on social media sites
  • Personal advice or coaching
  • Website traffic-driving services
  • Multi-level marketing programs
  • Get rich quick schemes

Functioning slot machines must be legal to sell in a seller’s location, and need to exclude shipping details from any location where it is not legal for them to be sold.

A slot machine may be listed if it meets one of these requirements:

  • Does not accept currency
  • Is non-functional and built for display purposes
  • Has been permanently altered so it can’t accept currency and can’t be converted into an operational slot machine

Listings for the following types of items are not allowed:

  • Social media likes, followers, shares, or any type of social media engagement
  • Services to leave, manipulate or improve reviews about products or companies

Counterfeit stamps and equipment designed to make these items are not allowed.

Collectible stamps must include a picture of the actual item being sold and specify any alterations or flaws not seen in the photo.

For replica stamps, the listing’s title, description and photos must clearly state or show that the item is a replica.

Selling or listing stocks and securities are not allowed.

Stolen property from private individuals or property taken without authorization from companies or government cannot be listed for sale.

If you see stolen property on AXEL, please contact local law enforcement immediately.

The following or similar items are not allowed:

  • Cigarettes, cigars, nicotine pouches and loose tobacco
  • Herbal cigarettes or herbal tobacco (sometimes called nicotine-free or tobacco-free cigarettes or shisha)
  • Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) including e-cigarettes, e-liquids and e-cigarette parts
  • Accessories for e-cigarettes

The following are exceptions that can be listed:

  • Collectible/vintage packages
  • Nicotine patches or gum
  • Tobacco seeds

The following travel items cannot be listed on AXEL:

  • Choices of lodging locations, airlines, cruise line or cruise points of departure or destination
  • Third party travel certificates and documents not issued directly by a provider of travel, but by travel wholesalers, consolidators or other intermediary travel sellers. These certificates generally offer the holder free or low-cost travel services with a choice of destination, hotel, resort, cruise line or airline
  • Travel club memberships
  • Resale of travel-related incentives such as awards, coupons, upgrades, etc. that are subject to cancelation by the travel provider if resold

Sellers must clearly state the types and amounts of any special fees associated with the travel listing in the item description. These fees must be included in the item price.

Taxes paid to government or other regulatory agencies don’t have to be included in the item price, but sellers need to clearly state the amounts in the item description. Listings must clearly and accurately state additional fees

Timeshare listings are not allowed.

Sellers are required to copy and paste the following disclaimer word for word in all travel listings:

“By listing this auction, I verify that I am the actual travel agent or travel provider and not a third party affiliate. The travel/accommodations in this auction will be booked directly through me and not an outside agency. I also verify that, other than the government taxes and related government fees stated within the listing description itself, there will be absolutely no additional fees, charges or after auction purchases associated with booking the travel within this listing.”

Used underwear and socks are not allowed, even if they are clean. Examples include boxer shorts, panties, briefs, diapers, and athletic supporters. Bras are not considered underwear.

Used clothing must be properly cleaned and include a statement that the item has been properly cleaned.

Listings for used clothing can’t include language or images that fetishize the item, such as personal statements about the person modeling the item.

The following types of listings are not allowed:

  • Leased vehicles or offers to lease vehicles
  • AutoCheck or Carfax reports
  • Deployed or rebuilt airbags and airbag covers
  • Recalled airbags
  • Vehicle titles cannot be included when offering parts
  • Products not following the Emissions control defeat devices policy
  • Vehicle Emission Control Information (VECI) labels
  • Must not be part of an equipment recall. Sellers are responsible for proactively maintaining their inventory to remove any recalled items
  • Must be shipped in accordance with applicable regulations using hazmat shipping and a carrier other than the US Postal Service

Sellers can list the following items:

  • Vehicles with a valid Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) recognized by the AXEL VIN decoder
  • If the VIN isn’t recognized by our systems, the VIN must be included in the item description with an explanation as to why it wasn’t accepted, such as:
  • The vehicle was manufactured for a model year before 1980
  • The vehicle was manufactured outside of North America
  • The vehicle wasn’t intended for street-legal use
  • Airbags and their parts or accessories may only be sold by approved sellers under the following conditions:
  • Only used airbags that have never been deployed are allowed
    • All listings for permitted products of this sort must include the following statement in listing descriptions: “I certify this airbag is not subject to recall and will be shipped in accordance with hazmat shipping requirements”
    • Sellers must maintain Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) Certification
  • Imported vehicles certified by the United States Department of Transportation
  • New and used gasoline-powered vehicles registered in California that pass the California smog check
  • Catalytic converters that meet EPA requirements for aftermarket sale. Used catalytic converters must be recertified or listed as scrap metal, with no make or model information
  • Vehicles, engines, and portable fuel containers with a valid U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Certificate of Conformity (COC) demonstrating conformity with all applicable emission requirements under the Clean Air Act (CAA). Products that require an EPA COC include:
    • Light-duty vehicles
    • Recreational vehicles
    • Highway motorcycles
    • Heavy-duty engines
    • Nonroad compression-ignition (NRCI) engines
    • Small nonroad spark-ignition (NRSI) engines
    • Large spark-ignition (SI) engines
    • Marine spark-ignition (SI) engines
    • Marine compression-ignition (CI) engines
    • Stationary internal compression engines
    • Locomotive engines
  • Evaporative emissions components (e.g., fuel tanks, lines, caps, portable fuel containers)

Listings that promote or glorify violence or violent acts, or are associated with individuals who are notorious for committing violent acts, are not allowed.

Sellers can’t list the following types or similar types of items or information:

  • Items that promote or glorify violence towards humans or animals
  • Films, images, or devices that contain or claim to contain real acts of violence, rape, execution, torture, crime scenes, morgues, dead bodies or body parts of dead persons
  • Items closely associated with or that benefit violent felons, their acts, or crime scenes within the past 100 years

Listings for virtual currency are not allowed. Listings for certain accessories that do not include virtual currency are allowed as detailed below.

The following are not allowed:

  • Virtual currency including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies
  • Virtual currency mining contracts
  • Virtual currency paper wallets

 

The following are allowed provided the item does not include virtual currency:

  • Virtual currency mining hardware
  • Virtual currency hardware wallets

Collectible physical coins in compliance with our Collectible currency policy

If any of your products is a “food” being offered or sold in the United States or other product regulated under the U.S. Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (“FFDCA”) or its implementing regulations, then you provide us with the following continuing guaranty that with respect to all such products comprising each sale, shipment, or other delivery made previously or hereafter are: (i) not adulterated or misbranded within the meaning of the FFDCA, (ii) compliant with all requirements of FFDCA and its implementing regulations at the time of sale, shipment, or delivery, and (iii) provided by you in the original, unbroken packaging.

Also see

Terms of Service Agreement
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