Prohibited & restricted items
What may not be sold on MerkatoHQ — the categories that are blocked outright, and the principles behind the rules.
MerkatoHQ is for legal, second-hand and unique goods. To keep the marketplace safe and lawful, some things may never be listed. Attempting to list a prohibited item is rejected automatically, and listings that slip through can be removed by moderation.
Categories that are blocked
Listings in these categories are rejected outright:
- Weapons — including firearms and ammunition
- Drugs — controlled or illegal substances
- Stolen goods
- Counterfeit or replica goods — anything passed off as a brand it isn’t
- Adult / sexually explicit material
- Illegal services
Prohibited listings are blocked at creation. If your item falls into one of these categories, it can’t be listed — and repeated attempts can put your account at risk. When in doubt, don’t list it.
The principle behind the rules
Even where an item isn’t in a named category above, it must still be legal to sell, yours to sell, and honestly described. As a general rule, don’t list:
- Anything you don’t own or have the right to sell.
- Anything whose sale or possession is regulated or illegal where you or your buyer are.
- Items recalled for safety, or that can’t be shipped safely.
- Anything designed to deceive a buyer about what it is.
Restricted vs prohibited
Some items are legal but come with strings attached (age limits, licensing, regional rules). MerkatoHQ’s job is to keep clearly-prohibited goods off the platform; your job as a seller is to make sure your specific item is legal for you to sell and for your buyer to receive. If you’re not sure it’s allowed, it probably isn’t worth the risk.
See something that shouldn’t be here?
If you spot a listing that breaks these rules, report it. Reports go to our moderation team, who can remove the listing and act on the account. The full rules are part of the Terms of Service.