Prohibited and Restricted Items
Prohibited and
Restricted Items
Before listing your
item, make sure it's allowed on IPharmerci 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 IPharmerci:
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 IPharmerci (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 Seller/
Merchant status
· - Account suspension /
termination
· - Criminal charges /
claim for damages
Prohibited and restricted items
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 IPharmerci 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.