9 min article

Product safety policy

To keep buyers safe, we partner with global safety agencies to remove unsafe or non-compliant items from our marketplace.

We don’t allow items that could harm buyers or pose health or safety risks. That includes items that are banned, recalled or don't meet safety regulations.

What is the policy?

The following types of items are not allowed:

  • Controlled goods in Singapore without a valid SAFETY Mark on the product or its packaging
  • Items that have been recalled by a manufacturer or government agency
  • Items that are prohibited by law or regulation
  • Products identified by authorities as health or safety hazards

Check official recall sources

For current recall and safety alerts, visit: 

Make sure your listings meet all safety rules in every country where you ship. If an item is reported as recalled or unsafe, we'll remove it from the affected site and may remove it from all eBay sites to protect buyers.

Some products can be listed if they meet specific safety standards. Always check the relevant regulations before listing.

In Singapore, the Standards, Productivity and Innovation Board (SPRING Singapore) administers the Consumer Protection (Safety Requirements) Registration Scheme (CPS Scheme). Controlled goods must meet the required safety standards and carry a valid SAFETY Mark before they can be advertised, traded, or sold in Singapore. Items that do not meet these requirements may be recalled, and suppliers are responsible for notifying users of any safety risks. Listings that do not meet SPRING Singapore requirements will be removed. 

Sellers must ensure that:

  • The product is registered with SPRING Singapore if it is classified as a controlled good under the CPS Scheme
  • A valid SAFETY Mark is present on the product and packaging before listing the item
  • The mark is genuine and corresponds to the correct model and registrant

Baby and child products

  • Small magnets: Allowed only if sold as fasteners in Business & Industrial > Fasteners & Hardware > Magnets. Toy magnets with small pieces that can be swallowed or that appeal to children aren't allowed
  • New bicycle helmets: Eligible sellers can list new bicycle helmets that meet safety requirements. Used bicycle helmets aren't allowed
  • New child car seats: Eligible sellers can list new child car seats that meet safety standards. Sellers must say in the listing that the car seat meets these standards. Used car seats aren't allowed
  • New cots: Eligible sellers can list new cots that meet safety standards. Sellers must say in the listing that the cot meets these standards. Used cots aren't allowed

Batteries

  • 18650 batteries: Must be pre-installed in a product. 18650 batteries can’t be sold separately because they can be hazardous during handling, transport, storage, or charging
  • Button batteries: If a product’s button battery is easily reachable, the product is unsafe and not allowed. Button batteries can be swallowed and cause severe injury or death

Micromobility devices

Micromobility devices include hoverboards, e-bikes, e-scooters, e-skateboards, electric roller skates, electric pocket bikes, electric unicycles, and other similar devices designed for one rider.

All micromobility devices must have valid certification showing they meet safety standards. During listing, select an approved product that already has the needed certification or upload documentation showing compliance from a recognised testing lab or the manufacturer.

  • New micromobility devices (other than e-bikes): Must be certified to meet safety standards. Eligible sellers can list refurbished micromobility devices with new batteries. Used micromobility devices aren’t allowed
  • New e-bikes: Must be certified to meet safety standards. Eligible sellers can list refurbished e-bikes with new batteries. Used e-bikes aren’t allowed
  • New batteries that are sold separately for micromobility devices: Must be certified to meet safety standards. Used or refurbished batteries for micromobility devices aren’t allowed
  • New battery chargers for micromobility devices: Must be designed for the type of micromobility device they are intended to charge and meet safety standards. Battery chargers can't be marketed as “universal” or suitable with multiple types of micromobility devices. Used or refurbished battery chargers for micromobility devices aren’t allowed

Other consumer safety items

  • Laser pointers: Must be 1mW or less and classified as 1M, 1C, 2/II, or 2M/IIM. Military, tactical, or “high powered” lasers aren’t allowed
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Only approved brands and safe models are allowed. Unbranded and unsafe brands aren’t allowed
  • Products requiring CE, UKCA, UKNI, or SAFETY marking: Must display the required marking and have documentation available on request

Some examples of controlled goods

Items that have been the subject of SPRING Singapore control include (but are not limited to):

  • Sun Moon table lamp (model MT 4609)
  • Hairdryer
  • Adaptor
  • Air cooler
  • Vacuum cleaner

For a complete list of goods and models that are "controlled", please see SPRING Singapore's website - opens in new window or tab.

Additional information

Before listing, check the manufacturer's website and official recall sites for recall notices. If you are unsure whether your product is a controlled good, check with Singapore Consumer Protection (Safety Requirements) Regulations Booklet - opens in new window or tab

The SAFETY Mark helps consumers identify controlled goods that meet Singapore safety standards. A valid SAFETY Mark includes:

  • A safety logo in a square (left)
  • The words “SAFETY MARK” in a rectangle (right)
  • A unique 8-digit registration number traceable to the registrant and model

All registered controlled goods must carry this mark on the product or packaging.

If your product is unsafe, you must take steps to recall it and report the recall.

Manufacturers and retailers can report recall information to recalls@ebay.com with details about the recalled product.

Buyers should also stay up to date about item controlled items, especially for the kinds of items they often buy. See the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) Website - opens in new window or tab, which protects the interests of buyers with regards to controlled goods.

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.

Why does eBay have this policy?

This policy helps sellers follow safety rules and helps buyers stay safe.

Helpful links

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.

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