Topics > eBay Policies > Prohibited and Restricted Items > Animals and Wildlife Products
Animals and Wildlife Products
The following list contains general guidelines for listing animals and animal parts on eBay. Users with questions about migratory birds, endangered species or other questionable items in this area should contact the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Law Enforcement Office or your state wildlife regulatory agency, or refer to extensive information on this topic available at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Live Animals
Other than the exceptions noted here, eBay does not allow sales of live animals or pets on eBay. eBay permits sales of tropical fish and snails, provided that the seller guarantees in the listing that the animals will be packaged safely and shipped via next day delivery. eBay also allows sales of lobsters, crabs and other similar items that are live when sold but intended for human consumption, as well as live insects, crickets, and worms used as bait or feeder food for pets.
Stuffed Birds
Stuffed migratory birds, any part of any migratory bird, or any migratory bird nest or egg may not be listed on eBay. The law forbids the sale of migratory birds, including birds that can be lawfully hunted. Migratory birds include all ducks, geese, hawks, owls, crows, and ravens. However, captive-bred, properly marked Mallard ducks may be sold if the seller clearly states in the item description that the Mallard duck was captive-bred. No other captive-bred waterfowl species may be sold without permits obtained from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Stuffed non-migratory birds, or parts of such birds, may generally be listed on eBay, if not listed or sold in violation of the state wildlife laws of the states of the buyer or seller. These birds include upland game birds such as quail, turkey, pheasants, and grouse.
Animal Pelts and Skins
Animal parts, including pelts and skins from endangered species (such as leopards, tigers, cheetahs, jaguars, sable antelopes, mountain zebras, and Hartmann mountain zebras) may not be sold in interstate commerce and therefore cannot be listed on eBay. Animal pelts and skins from non-endangered species (for example, non-protected species of zebras, coyotes) may generally be listed on eBay, if not in violation of the seller's specific state laws.
Other Animal Products
Endangered or protected species, or any part of any endangered or protected species may not be listed on eBay.
Bear Products
Bears and bear products (for example, bear teeth, claws, and rugs) may not be listed on eBay.
Mountain lions
Products that contain any part from a mountain lion may not be listed on eBay.
Marine Mammals
Marine mammal products, including but not limited to polar bear, sea otter, whales (baleen and ivory), porpoise, dolphins, and seals, generally may not be listed for sale unless the animal part has been first transformed into an authentic Alaskan Native article of handicraft or clothing. The export/import of marine mammals typically requires CITES as well as other state and/or federal permits. Users should contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and/or National Marine Fisheries Service before importing or exporting marine mammal products.
Ivory
This area is complex, and sellers should consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and their state wildlife regulatory agency to ensure that the particular item involved may lawfully be sold. Generally, ivory from African elephants may be sold so long as it was lawfully imported into the United States. Wooly mammoth ivory may be sold inside or outside the United States. Hippo ivory may be sold within the United States, but may not lawfully be imported into the United States.
Internal organs of animals
Internal organs of animals (for example, bear gall bladders) may not be listed on eBay.
Products made from "tortoise shell" or other turtle products
There are a number of items that have been made, both lawfully and unlawfully, from the shell of the hawksbill turtle, a sea turtle that is now an endangered species protected by federal and international law. At one time, it was lawful to make jewelry, glasses, boxes, and other items using the shell of the hawksbill turtle. However, the 1973 Endangered Species Act made it unlawful to sell items made in whole or part out of genuine hawksbill tortoise shells. eBay will not permit the sale of any item made, in whole or part, from any part of a sea turtle. This includes items such as guitar picks, jewelry, jewelry boxes, hair combs, and other products made from the shell of the hawksbill turtle. Items that appear from the listing to be made from genuine tortoise shell are not permitted. eBay realizes that users commonly use the phrase "tortoise shell" to describe items that have a particular design resembling a tortoise shell, and that many "tortoise shell" products are actually made out of plastic, glass, or a composite material. These items are permitted on eBay. However, to avoid confusion, listings of such "faux" tortoise shell items should clearly state that the item is not made of "genuine" tortoise shell.
Special notice to sellers doing business in California
California law places restrictions on the commercial sale of items made from parts of some non-protected species, including elephants, zebras, alligators and crocodiles. If you sell such items in California, review California Penal Code 653o, and ensure that your sales comply with that law.
All importers and exporters of wildlife must file with the USFWS a completed Declaration for Importation or Exportation of Fish or Wildlife (Form 3-177).
Related Help topics
Prohibited and Restricted Items Overview
Human Parts and Remains
Report listing violations or problems with another eBay member.
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