Prohibited and restricted items on Shopify Markets Pro

Every country has their own restrictions for what kinds of goods can be shipped into that country. For example, you can't sell and ship gold into Switzerland, and certain seeds aren't allowed into Australia.

If you sell a product that's prohibited in a destination country, then Markets Pro removes the product from the catalog for customers in that country.

Before you use Shopify Markets Pro, review which products and product categories are prohibited or restricted in Settings > Markets > Products or refer to the following list:

Alcoholic beverages and products

Alcoholic beverages and products containing consumable alcohol are prohibited.

Items in this category include but aren't limited to the following:

  • wine
  • spirits
  • hard liquor

Apparel

Items that contain components from endangered species subject to the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) aren't permitted on Shopify Markets Pro.

Items in this category include but aren't limited to the following:

  • mother of pearl buttons
  • crocodile (handbags and shoes)
  • python (belts)
  • feathers (boas and trim)
  • alligator (shoes and handbags)
  • ostrich (leather products)

Artwork

Artwork that violates any copyright or trademark isn't permitted on Shopify Markets Pro.

Automotive and powersports

Automotive and powersports products are considered to be dangerous goods and need pre-approval from Shopify Markets Pro.

Batteries

Most batteries are considered dangerous goods for shipping purposes and are restricted. Batteries require dangerous goods approval from the air carrier as well as coordination with the warehouse/3PL to ensure compliance with packaging requirements.

Shipping ​loose​ lithium ​metal ​batteries is prohibited​ under ​IATA ​PI968 ​section​ II.

CBD products

Products containing cannabidiol (CBD) in any form are prohibited from international transport. CBD is one of a range of cannabinoids found in Cannabis plants.

Items in this category include but aren't limited to the following:

  • lozenges
  • e-liquids
  • sprays
  • oils that contain CBD, THC, or other cannabinoids

Cosmetics

Cosmestics and beauty items containing hazardous materials aren't permitted.

Items in this category include but aren't limited to the following:

  • perfumes
  • cologne
  • eau de toilette
  • fragrance spray that contains alcohol
  • nail polish
  • hair care with bleach
  • aerosols

Dietary supplements and prescription medicines

Dietary supplements, vitamins, and prescription medicines are prohibited.

Items in this category include but aren't limited to the following:

  • prescription-only medicines
  • medicines that must be sold only by a licensed pharmacist
  • herbal or homeopathic products
  • unlicensed medicines and products that make medicinal or health claims

Digital products or goods

Digital products are prohibited on the Shopify Markets Pro.

Items in this category include but aren't limited to the following:

  • online courses
  • podcasts
  • sound effects and music

Drugs and drug paraphernalia

Drugs and drug paraphernalia are prohibited on Shopify Markets Pro.

Electronics

You are generally permitted to sell electronics products into most countries as long as the products meet the following requirements:

  • complies with all local import country laws and regulations applicable to those products
  • doesn't interfere with other electronics
  • bears the markings from an accredited lab, such as CE in Europe or UL in the United States.

You're responsible for adhering to the laws and regulations concerning your products.

Explosives, weapons, and related items are prohibited on Shopify Markets Pro.

Items in this category include but aren't limited to the following:

  • guns and gun parts
  • knives designed to kill or maim
  • items that fall in the tactical category

Export controlled items

Items subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and considered dual-use (they have both military and civil purposes) might be regulated by the United States Department of Commerce (DOC) under the EAR. Items requiring an export license or other approval from the United States DOC are prohibited from sale on Shopify Markets Pro.

Some weapons are deemed to be defense articles and are regulated by the United States Department of State under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Items subject to EAR or ITAR aren't permitted for sale on the Shopify Markets Pro.

Flammable and pressurized goods

Flammable and pressurized items, such as lash adhesive and aerosols, aren't permitted for sale on Shopify Markets Pro.

Food and beverage

Food and beverages are subject to the permits and testing requirements of the importing country's health ministry, or equivalent. Due to the time sensitive nature of ecommerce, these products are prohibited.

Jewelry and precious gems

Loose stones (cut or uncut, polished or unpolished) are prohibited on Shopify Markets Pro.

Medical devices and accessories

Items classified as medical devices by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are prohibited on Shopify Markets Pro. For more information, refer to the FDA website.

Monetary or items used as payment

Monetary or any other items that are used as payment are prohibited.

Items in this category include but aren't limited to the following:

  • currency
  • cash equivalents
  • gift cards
  • loose precious stones
  • lottery tickets

Plant and seed products

Items containing plant materials, such as wreaths, or potpourri, might be restricted to certain countries due to invasive species concerns.

Sex and sensuality products

Items depicting sexually explicit materials are prohibited on Shopify Markets Pro.

Items in this category include but aren't limited to the following:

  • adult films
  • video games
  • magazines
  • books and comics that show displays of sexual activity
  • child pornography
  • material or items depicting or describing bestiality
  • torture
  • snuff films
  • necrophilia
  • rape
  • scat
  • incest
  • other illegal or obscene content, whether real or fictionalized

Subscription products

Markets Pro doesn't support products sold with a subscription selling plan.

If you have products set up for subscriptions on your store, then the subscription selling plan is removed for all international markets managed by Markets Pro. Your customers can still buy products as a one-time purchase.

If you sell products that are only available by subscription, then they're automatically restricted and aren't displayed to your international customers.

Tobacco and tobacco-related products are prohibited on Shopify Markets Pro.

Items in this category include but aren't limited to the following:

  • cigarettes
  • cigars
  • e-cigarettes
  • other tobacco-related products

Warranties, service plans, contracts, and guarantees

Non-tangible goods, such as warranties, service plans, contracts, and guarantees, are prohibited on Shopify Markets Pro.

Wood products

Some types of wood, including cork products, are prohibited to certain destinations to avoid the potential threat of invasive species. For example, Brazilian rosewood is restricted globally due to CITES.

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