Policy overview
Counterfeit currency, coins, bank notes and Government stamps as well as equipment designed to make these illegal products may not be listed on eBay. 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, eg: 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, facsimiles, and reproductions may be listed but need to be clearly and indelibly marked as such on either the front or back of the stamp. See Additional Information for more details.
Some examples
Examples of legally banned items include:
- Counterfeit coins
- Counterfeit Currency Notes
- Counterfeit Bank Notes
- Counterfeit Government Stamps
Additional information
- Singapore laws strictly prohibit the sale of counterfeit currency, coins, bank notes and Government stamps, as well as equipment designed to make these illegal products.
- It is an offence in Singapore to (i) knowingly or fraudulently deal in counterfeit or forged currency notes, bank notes or coins, (ii) inducing another to believe that such counterfeit currency is genuine and (iii) being in possession of counterfeit currency, bank notes or coins, knowing that it is forged or counterfeit. Knowingly importing or exporting counterfeit coins is also prohibited in Singapore. Such actions are punishable by imprisonment or fine, or both. Therefore, these counterfeit items may not be listed on eBay. Users of eBay are advised to be compliant with all local laws while listing such items on eBay. For more details, please see the Penal Code (Cap 224) - opens in new window or tab.
- It is an offence to sell, or offer for sale, any counterfeit Government stamps, or to buy or sell any instrument for the purpose of counterfeiting any Government stamp. Therefore, these counterfeit items may not be listed on eBay, unless clearly marked. Users of eBay are advised to adhere with all local laws while listing such items on eBay. For more details, please see the Penal Code (Cap 224) and the Web site of the MAS at www.mas.gov.sg - opens in new window or tab.
Why does eBay have this policy?
Counterfeiting of currency, coins, bank notes and stamps issued by the Government is an unlawful activity prohibited by Singapore legislation; therefore eBay will not allow the listing of such items on its site.
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.
