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Prohibited and Restricted Items

Before listing your item, make sure it's allowed on Qoo10 and find out if there are specific rules and conditions on how it should be listed. See the list of prohibited and restricted items below. Sellers also need to make sure that the sale of their item complies with all laws

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 restrictions of your buying and selling privileges and suspension of your account.

Understanding the rules
Here are some basic things to keep in mind when listing your items on Qoo10:
Our policies are often based on country and state laws, although in some cases, they may also be based on input from our members and our own discretion, especially for dangerous or sensitive items.
Be sure to read our policies before listing items. Follow our guidelines and review our examples so you know beforehand what you can and can't sell on Qoo10 (note that examples are not an exhaustive list).
When selling internationally, be sure to read our guidelines on international trading and import restrictions. Although certain items may be legal to sell in your country, they might be illegal elsewhere.
The list of prohibited and restricted items below covers things that can be listed under certain conditions and things that can't be listed at all. In our medical devices policy, for example, while many items are not allowed (such as contact lenses), others are allowed under certain conditions (including certain types of medical instruments).
Be sure to also read our rules for listings and our rules about intellectual property to check if your item has other guidelines that would affect your listing.
Violations of this policy may result in a range of actions, including:
  • - Listing cancellation
  • - Loss of settlement amount
  • - Limits placed on account privileges
  • - Loss of PowerSeller status
  • - Account suspension / termination
  • - Criminal charges / claim for damages
Prohibited and restricted items
Alcohol (see also wine): We do not permit the sale of alcoholic beverages on its Singapore Website, except for certain sales of collectable containers or alcohol-related collectables. It is an offence to sell, offer for sale, or permit to be sold or offered, any intoxicating liquors without a license in Singapore.
Animals and wildlife products – examples include live animals, mounted specimens, and ivory: We generally do not encourage the listing of live animals or pets on our Website, but in the listing of live animals or pets and/or animals or pets supplies, sellers shall ensure that such listings comply with all governmental laws and regulations. In restricted cases, some stuffed birds and the pelts and skins of some animals are permitted.
Artifacts, art treasures, grave-related items, and indigenous crafts: Several countries in the world have legislations that regulate the export trade in artefacts, antiquities and art treasures to prevent fraudulent dealings in such artefacts and antiquities. Since they may be protected under the laws of several countries, users are advised to exercise caution when they are listing, buying or selling such artefacts and antiquities on our Website. Since these items are protected under the laws of several countries, they may not be permitted on our Website.
Cosmetics, used: Used cosmetics are not permitted for sale on our Website.
Counterfeit currency and stamps: Counterfeit currency, coins, bank notes and Government stamps as well as equipment designed to make these illegal products may not be listed on our Website. It is an offence to sell, buy, import or export such items in Singapore. Sales of reproductions of images of the current series of Singapore notes and coins are allowed provided that the conditions in the MAS Licensing Scheme for Currency Reproduction 2000 have been complied with, e.g.: the printing of "SPECIMEN" in black and bold lettering diagonally across the reproduction of the currency note. Reproduction of the old series notes and coins and souvenir items require the prior approval of the Monetary Authority of Singapore ("MAS"). All forged stamps, facsiQ積分, and reproductions may be listed but need to be clearly and indelibly marked as such on either the front or back of the stamp.
Credit cards: Credit or debit cards are not permitted for sale on our Website.
Currency, selling: We do not permit the sale of coins or paper money that are fraudulent or improperly described. Sellers who knowingly fail to disclose information about the authenticity of coins or paper money, alterations to coins or paper money, or other information that might have a material impact on the coin or paper money value may become liable for an offence in Singapore.
Drugs and drug paraphernalia: Narcotics, steroids or other controlled drugs may not be listed on our Website. It is an offence to traffic in, offer to traffic in, or to do or offer to do any act preparatory to or for the purpose of trafficking in a controlled drug in Singapore. Import into or export from Singapore of a controlled drug is an offence unless it has been done as permitted by the Misuse of Drugs Act (Cap 185). Drug paraphernalia may not be listed on our Website. Such paraphernalia includes (a) any equipment, materials or substances useful for manufacturing controlled drugs and (b) any and all items that are intended for the smoking, administration or consumption of a controlled drug. It is an offence to supply, or import or export, or possess any controlled equipment, controlled materials or controlled substances in Singapore.
Drugs, describing drugs or drug-like substances: We prohibit sellers from describing legal substances in a manner that suggests ingesting, inhaling, extracting or otherwise using any substance or compound from the legal substance will provide the same effect as an illegal drug, compound or substance or that will provide unsubstantiated health benefits.
Youth Hazardous Media or Adult Products : If the product to be sold is a harmful medium for adolescents or a product that must be sold to adults, it must be registered in the adult goods category, and if it is registered in the general category, the related product will be discontinued and the company may take sanctions against the seller. There is. In addition, if the product is discontinued due to the act of advertising the adult product as a normal product, the advertisement fee already paid will not be refunded and additional sanctions may be taken against the seller.
Electronics equipment – examples include cable TV de-scramblers, radar scanners, and traffic signal control devices: Certain electronics equipment, including equipment prohibited by the Info-communications Development Authority of Singapore, is not permitted to be listed on our Website. Under Singapore law, it is an offence to offer for sale any telecommunications equipment without a license. Most types of telecommunications equipment are also subject to import controls. However, small quantities (one or two sets) of certain electronic equipment can be imported for an individual's own use without a license.
Electronic surveillance equipment – examples include wiretapping devices and telephone bugging devices: We do not permit the sale of products that are designed primarily to record the private oral, wire or electronic conversations of others without their knowledge or permission. Certain types of telecommunication equipment are prohibited from entry into Singapore unless prior approval by the Info-communication Development Authority of Singapore has been obtained. Equipment in this category includes scanning receivers / transmitters which could be used by unauthorised persons for unlawful interception of signals. For security purposes, the import of such equipment into Singapore is prohibited. There is no specific law on privacy in Singapore that otherwise prohibits or regulates the sale of electronic surveillance equipment and devices. However, since the use of such equipment and devices violates the privacy of individuals, we have taken a policy decision to not allow the sale of such items on our Website.
Embargoed goods and prohibited countries – examples include items from Cuba: The sale of certain types of items are prohibited to particular countries (including Rwanda, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Iraq, Cote d'Ivoire, and Sudan) under Singapore law.
Firearms, weapons, and knives – examples include pepper spray, replicas, and stun guns (see also military items): Since many firearm-related items, gun parts, gun accessories, paintball equipment and accessories, stun guns, crossbows, airsoft equipment and accessories, hand weapons and throwing knives are not permitted on our Website, sellers must carefully review our policies before listing these items and adhere to all the policies outlined. Furthermore, because of the varied international laws related to the sale of these items, those that are permitted may only be sold on our Website under the following two conditions.
  • - The item is sold by sellers and buyers who are located in Singapore and
  • - The item location is also in Singapore
Note: Singapore sellers must offer only domestic postage on these products, since offering global postage will make the product available in countries where these items are prohibited.
Any arms and explosives listed on our Website must comply with the Arms and Explosives Act (Cap 13) covering the manufacture, import, export, sale and possession of weapons. Otherwise, these items are not permitted on our Website. In addition, it is an offence for any person to sell or offer for sale any of the weapons listed in the Second Schedule of the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act (Cap 65). Members are advised to consult the Arms and Explosives Licensing Division of the Singapore Police Force prior to dealing in such items.
Licensed sellers should also note that firearms, air-guns or guns may only be sold to government departments or persons who are licensed to possess such arms. For swords, daggers, spears or spearheads, licensed sellers can sell to anyone but must record down their particulars in a register. The register must be produced to the licensing authority for inspection during the renewal of license or whenever requested by the licensing authority. Certain military items and information, including those military items and information that are manufactured or developed in the United States are not allowed on our Website. In addition, sellers are not allowed to list any items or information covered by Part 121 of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), also known as the United States Munitions List.
Food and healthcare items: The sale of food is strictly regulated and sellers who list food and food-related products should familiarise themselves with the applicable laws before listing such items on our Website. Prior to listing any food on our Website, sellers should read this section to learn more about what food items are not permitted.
  • Prohibited Food Items: For the safety of our members, sellers may not list the following food and food-related items on our Website:
    Listings containing medicinal claims — that is, a claim that the item is intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease in humans and/or animals, contraception, inducing anaesthesia or otherwise preventing or interfering with the normal operation of a physiological function, whether permanently or temporarily, and whether by way of terminating, reducing or postponing, or increasing or accelerating, the operation of that function or in any other way (for example, pharmaceutical drugs, contact lenses, misbranded dietary supplements)
    Noxious food items
    Food which contains any prohibited substances or substances in excess of permitted proportions
    Adulterated food without fully informing the buyer at the time of sale of the nature of the transaction
    Non-pasteurised diary products
    Wild mushrooms
  • Perishable items: Sellers who list perishable items should clearly identify in the item description the steps that they will take to ensure that the goods are delivered to the buyer safely. For example, sellers of perishable goods should offer overnight delivery and ensure that the goods are properly packaged
  • Sealed Containers: All food and related products sold on our Website should be packaged or sealed to ensure that the buyer can identify evidence of possible tampering.
  • Expiration dates: All items must be delivered to buyers prior to a clearly marked expiration or "use by" date.
Examples of laws that sellers are required to comply with in Singapore:
  • - Labelling requirements: There must be a statement or label legibly and durably written on or attached to the package of food indicating the trade name or description, the net weight or the number, true measure or volume, the quality, strength, purity, composition and proportion of the contents, and the name and address of the importer, manufacturer or packer.
  • - No misleading statements: No advertisement for food shall contain any statement (written, pictorial or descriptive) that is false or misleading about the nature, quantity, composition, effects, etc of the food or any ingredients thereof.
  • - Unsanitary Food: Food that is prepared, packaged or stored under unsanitary conditions.
  • - Import/Export: There are restrictions on the import and export of many food products. For example, the import of meat, fish, fruits and vegetables require prior approval from the appropriate authority.
The links below can be used as a starting point for sellers to educate themselves about laws relating to food sales:
  • - Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore's Web site
  • - Singapore Customs Web site
  • - Sale of Food Act (Cap 283)
  • - Penal Code (Cap 224)
Government documents, IDs, and licenses: Government IDs and licenses, or items that claim to be, or that look similar to, government identification documents are not permitted on our Website. Since the unauthorised use or sale of official government IDs and licenses are prohibited in Singapore, we do not allow the listing of such items on our Website.
Hazardous materials – examples include batteries, fireworks, and Freon: Hazardous or dangerous goods (such as radioactive materials, flammable gases, liquids and solids, and toxic substances) may pose a danger to health, safety or property while being transported. Many hazardous goods cannot be posted through the mail or commercial carriers at all. Items of such nature are not permitted to be listed on our Website. A few hazardous materials may legally be transported under certain conditions if they are properly packaged and labelled. Such items are permitted on our Website, provided that the listing contains a clear notice of the hazardous nature of the material, and a description of the planned method of postage that complies with the applicable laws in the buyer's and seller's countries.
Human parts and remains: The listing of humans, the human body, any human body parts or human remains are not permitted for sale on our Website.
Importation of Goods into Singapore: Members importing goods into Singapore from another country, either by selling or buying items listed on our Website, are responsible for ensuring that the importation of that type of product complies with applicable Singapore laws. These laws often are complex, and issues will vary depending upon exactly what item is involved and the countries in which the buyer and seller reside.
Items encouraging illegal activity – examples include an eBook describing how to create methamphetamine: We prohibit the sale of items or links to items that encourage, promote, facilitate or instruct others to engage in illegal activity. We also prohibit buyers from requesting or encouraging sellers to break any applicable laws. In addition, we may remove listings as requested by law enforcement to cooperate with any investigation or to prevent harm to Qoo10 and its members.
Lockpicking devices: We do not permit the listing of any lockpicking or locksmithing device. Users are cautioned that under Singapore law, any person found armed with any article or instrument for use in the course of or in connection with any housebreaking is guilty of an offence which is punishable by imprisonment. Since lockpicking devices would fall under this category, these are prohibited from being listed on our Website.
Lottery tickets: We do not allow the sale of lottery tickets.
Mailing lists and personal information: We do not permit the sale of bulk email, Internet Protocol (IP), Instant Messenger (IM), or mailing lists that contain names, addresses, phone numbers, or other personal identifying information. Any tools or software designed predominantly to send unsolicited commercial messages (UCE or "spam") will not be permitted.
Medical devices – examples include contact lenses, pacemakers, and surgical instruments: We allow the sale of most prescription medical devices, but requires sellers of medical devices that require a prescription for distribution to the public to strictly follow certain rules when listing such items on our Website.
  • - The sale or supply of contact lenses without a license is prohibited in Singapore, except for sale and supply by a manufacturer or a wholesale dealer in contact lenses supplying contact lenses in the ordinary course of business to: a registered contact lens practitioner any hospital, clinic, nursing home or other institution providing medical or surgical treatment; etc For more information please refer to the Contact Lens Practitioner Act (Cap 53A)
  • - The sale or supply or importation of any condom made from compounded natural rubber latex which fails to comply with certain prescribed standards is prohibited. For more information, please see the Medicines Act (Chapter 176) and Medicines (Quality of Condoms) (Specification and Prohibition) Order.
  • - The import, export and sale, etc, of any irradiating apparatus is regulated in Singapore, and a license is required for medical diagnostic, medical, therapeutic, dental diagnostic, and veterinary diagnostic purposes. For more information, please see the Radiation Protection Act (Chapter 262, Section 28) and the Radiation Protection (Ionising Radiation) Regulations.
Multi-level marketing, pyramid, and matrix programs: The listing and advertising of multi-level marketing programmes (including online payment randomisers), matrix, pyramid, Ponzi schemes, and all similar programmes are not permitted on our Website. Such programmes are often regulated or illegal.
Offensive material – examples include ethnically or racially offensive material and Nazi memorabilia: Sellers may not list items that promote or glorify hatred, violence, or racial intolerance, or items that promote organisations with such views.
Pesticides: Under Singapore law, it is an offence to sell, advertise or supply any pesticide, substance, mixture or preparation for the purpose of vector control, unless the seller is registered with the Director-General of Public Health. It is also a requirement to register any pesticides for use in the cultivation of plants in Singapore, and no person may distribute, supply, sell or expose or offer for sale any pesticide unless the same has been registered with the Director-General of Public Health.
Police-related items: With limited exceptions (partially listed below), we do not permit the listing of law enforcement badges or official law enforcement equipment from any public entity, including badges issued by the government of any country. Under Singapore law, it is an offence to use or wear without authorisation, or supply to any person who is not lawfully authorised, any decoration, insignia or uniform of the police, or anything resembling it. It is also an offence to forge or tamper with, or use or have in his possession, any police or official pass, permit, or license, etc. There are a number of other laws in Singapore that prohibit the supply, sale, use or import of police-related items.
Postage meters: Under Singapore law, it is an offence to sell, offer for sale, import or export any 'franking machine' without the written approval of the Postal Authority (which is the Info-communications Development Authority of Singapore). Accordingly, the listing of postage meters or franking machines are not permitted on our Website.
Prescription drugs: Controlled drugs or items (or their components) that require a prescription from a licensed practitioner (such as a doctor, dentist, ophthalmologist or optometrist) are not permitted on our Website; this includes drugs prescribed by veterinarians for animals. Under Singapore law, it is an offence to sell, supply or export any medicinal product without a product license. In particular, the Medicines Act (Cap 176) requires all medicinal products sold in Singapore and manufactured locally for export, to be licensed with the Centre for Drug Administration, Health Sciences Authority. The Medicines (Advertisement and Sale) Act (Cap 177) also prohibits advertisements of medicines relating to certain diseases like diabetes, epilepsy or hypertension. All products which are not stated in the General Sale List are prohibited from sale on our Website.
Prohibited services: Sellers are not permitted to offer or solicit services on our Website that are illegal, sexual in nature or that violate the User Agreement.
Recalled items: In Singapore, the Standards, Productivity and Innovation Board (SPRING Singapore) is appointed as the 'Safety Authority' to administer the Consumer Protection (Safety Requirements) Registration Scheme (CPS Scheme). SPRING Singapore ensures that consumer products which are designated as controlled goods meet the specified safety standards and are safe for normal use. Registration of controlled goods with SPRING Singapore is mandatory before they can be advertised, traded or displayed for sale in Singapore. Controlled items which are not registered in accordance with the safety requirements or which do not have a valid SAFETY Mark affixed are liable to recall and suppliers of such recalled items are required to take all necessary steps to inform users of the potential danger resulting from the use of such items. We strongly support the efforts of SPRING Singapore to protect consumers against potentially hazardous goods. We do not permit the listing of items that have been identified by SPRING Singapore as "controlled goods" which do not have a valid SAFETY Mark on the product or packaging.
Slot machines: Slot machines are not permitted for sale on our Website.
Stamps: We do not permit the sale of stamps that are fraudulent or improperly described. Sellers who knowingly fail to disclose information about the authenticity of a stamp, alterations to the stamp, or other information that might have a material impact on the stamp's value will also be subject to our action. If unsure of the origin or authenticity of the stamp, please state this clearly in the listing. Do not sell an item "As Is" regarding its authenticity. Stocks and other securities: The sale of shares, stock or other securities is not permitted on our Website.
Stolen property and property with removed serial numbers: We strictly forbid the sale of stolen property, which violates the law. We strongly support law enforcement efforts to recover stolen property that is listed on our Website, and urge the prosecution of those responsible for knowingly attempting to sell such items on our Website.
Tobacco: Since the sale of tobacco products is highly regulated in Singapore, cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco or coupons for such items are not permitted on our Website.
Travel: In Singapore, any person carrying on the "business of a travel agent" is required to be licensed under the Travel Agent's Act and Regulations (Cap 334).
Reporting policy violations
If you see a listing that violates our policies, please report it to the Security & Resolution Center or by clicking the Contact Us button located on most of our help pages. When a policy violation occurs, we email the seller or the buyer to let them know that the listing has been removed from our Website.