Policy overview
eBay insists that listings and transactions comply with the laws of the countries where both the seller and the buyer reside. Members are responsible for ensuring that their transactions are lawful in both countries. eBay strongly suggests that members educate themselves about the laws of their own country and the countries where they plan to do business.
Activity on eBay is required to follow this policy, the eBay User Agreement and all applicable laws, as well as respect the rights of third parties. If it doesn’t, eBay may take action consistent with applicable laws and the eBay User Agreement, and may even be legally required to do so. Such actions may include, as an example only: Removing the listing or other content, issuing a warning, restricting activity or account suspension.
Some Examples
Classification of Goods in the Philippines
- All articles, when imported from any foreign country into the Philippines, shall be subject to duty upon each importation, even though previously exported from the Philippines, except as otherwise specifically provided under the Tariff and Customs Code.
- Imported articles may be categorised into prohibited importations, dutiable importations and conditionally free importations.
- Prohibited importations may be classified into absolutely prohibited importations and those which are merely qualifiedly prohibited.
- Qualifiedly prohibited importations refer to those which may be imported subject to regulatory approvals, e.g., telecom equipment
Additional information
Philippine Government Web sites:
eBay strongly recommends that members carefully review the Philippine Customs Web site and other sources of information concerning importation of goods into the Philippines and (if necessary) consult with an expert in this field before completing any transactions. The information and links provided below are a starting point so that members can quickly familiarise themselves with some of the regulations in this area.
Items must comply with export laws:
Sellers should make sure that the item they're selling can be lawfully posted outside of the country where they live. The export of certain items may require special licences or may be banned altogether.
Items must comply with import laws:
Sellers should make sure that they can lawfully import the item into the high bidder's country before sending the item. Each country has different laws that limit the types of goods that can be imported into their country. For example, the high bidder's country might have restrictions on foods, plants, clothing, luggage or even books that might result in the seizure and destruction of the imported item. eBay strongly recommends that sellers discuss possible import problems with potential buyers, and that all members do research to avoid a problem.
- Visit the World Customs Organisation - opens in new window or tab for more information about particular customs regulations around the world.
- High value and volume transactions: If sellers plan to do substantial business with customers in other countries, or if sellers are dealing in higher dollar or highly regulated items, they should do careful research and hire an expert if necessary to make sure that all transactions comply with all applicable laws. There is often paperwork that must be filled out in completing these transactions.
Why does eBay have this policy?
eBay urges its sellers and buyers to comply with all governmental laws and regulations, both in the Philippines and abroad. Since the import and export of items are highly regulated by the Philippine government or may cause harm to eBay or its members, members should educate themselves on the laws governing the import and export of items prior to listing those items on eBay.