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Authenticity disclaimer policy

Policy overview

Sellers should make sure that their items are authentic before listing them on eBay. Sellers may not disclaim knowledge of, or responsibility for, the authenticity or legality of the items they offer in their listings. If a seller cannot verify the authenticity of an item, it can‘t be listed on eBay.

Make sure your listing follows these guidelines. If it doesn't, it may be removed, and you may be subject to a range of other actions, including limits of your buying and selling privileges and suspension of your account.

What are the guidelines?

Allowed

Sellers can use statements like these to describe an item they know is authentic:

  • 'Guaranteed authentic.'

  • '100% authentic or your money back.'

Not allowed

Sellers are not allowed to:

  • List items that aren't authentic

  • List items if they're not sure if they are authentic

In addition, sellers can't disclaim authenticity of their item by stating, for example:

  • 'I cannot guarantee the authenticity of this item, so please bid accordingly.'

  • 'Vintage handbag Chanel???'

  • 'Looks like this could be a Louis Vuitton bag'

  • 'I believe this is painted by Degas, but I can't be sure.'

  • 'I got this from an estate sale, so I have no idea if it's real or not.'

  • 'The autograph looks real to me.'

  • 'I'm no expert, so look at the pictures and decide for yourself if it's real.'

Additional information

Members may be able to find out if an item is authentic by contacting the manufacturer or trademark owner directly. For more information, please visit our Verified Rights Owners (VeRO) participants pages.

You can also read information about trademarks.

Why does eBay have this policy?

The sale of unauthorised replica and counterfeit items is illegal and against our policies.
Sellers who aren't sure of the legality or authenticity of their items can't sell those items on eBay.
This policy helps protect buyers from purchasing illegal merchandise and helps intellectual property rights owners protect their rights.

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