This policy was updated on 18 December 2023. Our policy guidelines have not changed, but the information about activity that doesn't follow this policy has been updated for clarity.
Over-the-counter (OTC) and pharmacist-only medicines may be listed for sale by certain sellers, subject to the below restrictions. Our policy ensures that any listings of these products meet strict health and safety regulations.
What is the policy?
- Prescription medicines and products with prescription ingredients are prohibited
- The following is also not allowed:
- Comparing an herbal, holistic or drug-like remedy to any prescription medicine or implying any non-government-approved treatment
- Claiming any health benefits from legal substances that the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) - opens in new window or tab hasn't approved
- The sale of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines is restricted to business sellers, who must follow the below guidelines:
- The relevant Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) - opens in new window or tab number (AUST R or AUST L - opens in new window or tab) is clearly displayed in the listing
- The item is delivered to the buyer prior to its expiry date
- The item is being sold in the original package and unopened
- The item has not been tampered with
- The item has been stored safely prior to shipment
- The listing includes the ingredients, how to use the product, side effects/hazards/cautions, expiry date, use-by date and storage instructions
- All required labelling information must be in English
- Injectable substances, including vitamins, are not allowed regardless of whether they're available over the counter
- Dental products where the hydrogen peroxide content is over 6% are not allowed
- The sale of pharmacist-only medicines is restricted to pre-approved sellers*, who must:
- Be a registered pharmacist and display their Pharmacy Board - opens in new window or tab registration details in every pharmacy medicine's listing description
- List pharmacy medicines in the Health & Beauty > Health Care > Pharmacy Medicines category only, and include the relevant Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) - opens in new window or tab number (AUST R or AUST L - opens in new window or tab) clearly in the listing
- Have a valid Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN) with a registered business address
- Occupy premises in Australia, and only offer domestic postage for pharmacy medicines
- Sell only pharmacy medicines that have been stored safely prior to shipment, have not been tampered with, are in their original packaging, and are delivered to the buyer prior to their expiry date
- Arrange contact with buyers by telephone call back when it is necessary to do so. No personal health information can be communicated via eBay messaging. For more information, visit our Member-to-member contact policy
- Complementary medicines and sport supplements: Sellers must include the relevant Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) - opens in new window or tab number (AUST R or AUST L - opens in new window or tab) in the listing
- Complementary medicines are non-prescription medicines (e.g. traditional herbal medicines, some nutritional supplements, vitamins and minerals, homoeopathic (diluted) preparations, aromatherapy preparations including essential oils, traditional Chinese medicines, Ayurvedic (traditional Indian) medicines, etc.)
- Sport supplements are considered therapeutic goods if they are presented in the medicinal dosage form of a pill, tablet or capsule, or contain ingredients that are higher-risk to consumers. For further information, and to ensure you're including the ARTG number where required, see this guidance on sports supplements from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) - opens in new window or tab
- Veterinary medicines classified as OTC by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) - opens in new window or tab may be sold, however, the following are not allowed:
- Products or medicines that do not have an authorisation for sale in Australia
- Medicines that require a prescription defined by APVMA
- Repackaged over-the-counter medications, including flea and tick medications
- Any Frontline flea control products
- Sentinel, Revolution, Heartgard and Interceptor heartworm medicines
*To apply for approval to list in the Pharmacy Medicines category, please contact us - opens in new window or tab. Be ready to provide your eBay username, your Pharmacy Board - opens in new window or tab registration details, Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN), and details of your premises. Approval to list in the category will be at eBay's discretion. Learn more about products with eligibility requirements.
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.
Tip
Visit Seller Help - opens in new window or tab to find details of any policy issues with your account or listings, and get the information you need to quickly resolve them.
Why does eBay have this policy?
We don't allow the listing of prescription medicines and restrict the listing of other medicines to protect the safety of our members, and to follow government regulations.
Helpful links
- Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) - opens in new window or tab
- AUST R or AUST L number - opens in new window or tab
- Sports supplements TGA consumer fact sheet - opens in new window or tab
- Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) - opens in new window or tab
- APVMA/NRA registration number - opens in new window or tab