eBay have shocked sellers of tropical fish with a ban coming into effect in 30 days was announced by email.
Whilst sellers in impacted categories were notified by email, there doesn’t appear to have been any notice on eBay announcement boards of the change, but eBay’s Live Animals policy has been updated both in the UK and the US.
Animals that can still be sold now appear to be limited to Bees and ladybugs, Feeder insects, for example, crickets, dubia cockroaches, earthworms, or mealworms, Fertilized eggs, and Sea monkeys.
This has naturally come as a pretty big shock to the Aquarium and Aquatics industry, many who have invested in suitable packaging and ship using carriers such as DX who are licensed to carry live fish. The problem for many is that they’ve relied on eBay to scale their businesses and income streams will be cut off leaving many only able to sell locally again.
Email sent to sellers
We are writing to inform you of an important update to our selling policies concerning live animals on eBay that directly impacts your current listings.
As part of our commitment to ensuring a safe and responsible marketplace, and in compliance with regulatory guidelines, eBay has decided to limit the types of live animals that can be listed and sold on our platform.
This change will be implemented 30 days after the receipt of this email, and we kindly request your cooperation in complying with this new policy.
The following insects and animals are allowed, including:
- Bees
- Feeder insects such as crickets, Dubia roaches, earthworms, and mealworms
- Ladybugs
- Hatching eggs provided that they aren’t from migratory birds or endangered species and the seller provides domestic-only shipping.
Please review your current listings and remove any that don’t comply with our updated policy.
Thank you for your understanding and for selling on eBay. We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and your cooperation in maintaining the integrity and safety of our marketplace.
– eBay
