3 min article

Military items policy

For safety, the sale of military items is restricted. While military surplus items and body armor that follows our policy can be sold, explosives and military ordnance aren't allowed on eBay.

Due to government regulations controlling the sale of items designed or modified for military or defense purposes, (including parts/components, software and information) there are some items that can't be listed on eBay.

What is the policy?

The following items are not allowed:

  • Explosives of any type including grenades of any kind, land mines, missiles, rockets, or launchers
  • Military ordnance such as weapons or ammunition, regardless of whether the item is considered demilitarized or unserviceable
  • Items for military use only
  • Most military vehicles, including aircraft and ships, and their parts and accessories
  • Military-issued body armor, Level 4 body armor, or body armor stamped with "US", including Outer Tactical Vests (OTV), or Small Armor Protective Insert (SAPI) plates
  • SAPI plates that aren't property described
  • Interceptor Body Armor (IBA), including items manufactured by Point Blank (PBI), Second Chance (SCI), and Armor Holding
  • Interceptor Body Armor (IBA) and Interceptor Outer Tactical Vests (OTV) with or without plates
  • Detachable groin armor and neck armor
  • Technical data as defined under Part 120 of the ITAR - opens in new window or tab, including user manuals for military items

Sellers can list the following items:

  • Military surplus items such as military-related backpacks, blankets, canteens, clothing, foot lockers, hats, helmets, and other items that you can find in online and retail stores

Sellers can list these restricted items:

  • Items identified on the US Munitions List found in the ITAR Part 121 - opens in new window or tab that are allowed such as commercially available body armor, firearm scopes, and night vision goggles must follow all applicable laws and meet all of the following criteria:
    • The item is listed on eBay.com (our US website)
    • The buyer, the seller, and the item are all located in the US
    • The seller specifically states the item will only be shipped domestically (within the US)
    • The buyer certifies that they're a US citizen or permanent resident
    • The buyer intends to use the item for personal use only and has no intention of exporting the item outside the US
  • Body armor is allowed if:
    • It isn't military issued
    • It's a level I, II, or III body armor or Small Arms Protection Insert (SAPI) plate which is included in the listing
    • The listing includes the manufacturer and model designation with a clear picture that verifies the information
    • The listing includes the following disclaimer, "This model complies with NIJ Standard-0101.06 for Ballistic Resistance of Body Armor"

Additional information

Defense articles and dual-use items

The US government makes a distinction between "defense articles" that are specifically developed, configured, or adapted for military applications and "dual-use" items that have both military and civilian applications. Defense articles are regulated for export by the US Department of State's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls while dual-use items are regulated for export by the US Department of Commerce.

In general, items not regulated by the ITAR are regulated under the Department of Commerce's Export Administration Regulations (EAR). While they may be sold on eBay, certain categories of items require export licenses depending on the ultimate country of destination because of their potential nuclear, missile, and defense/security applications. Examples of such dual-use items are high precision machine tools and vibration tables, generation 1 night vision, civilian riflescopes/weapon sights and electronics, such as radar, accelerometers, and gyroscopes. You can visit the Commerce Control List and Country Chart - opens in new window or tab to find out if an export license is required.

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?

This policy helps ensure that important government regulations are followed.

 

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