TABLE OF CONTENTS



Why You’re Seeing This eBay Error

If you get this error in Omnivore / eBay LINK:


“The item can’t be listed or modified. The title and/or description may contain improper words, or the listing or seller may be in violation of eBay policy.”

… it usually means there’s a policy issue with your listing content. eBay has flagged certain words or phrases in your title, description, or listing template that violate their rules.


Note that if you see this error on your eBayLink / Omnivore dashboard, you must click through to the specific product(s) in eBayLink / Omnivore to view the full error message from eBay. This should help you identify the problematic words or terms or specific issue.


Some common culprits include:

  • Terms that imply external payment methods, like “cash,” “money order,” or “afterpay.”

  • References to condition or reproduction, like “vintage,” “reproduction,” or “copy.”

  • Contact or personal information, including email addresses and symbols like “@” in your listing.

  • Restricted or trademarked words, such as “Velcro,” “Coronavirus,” or “Onesie.”

  • Incorrect category mappings or listing in restricted categories.


Common Words & Details That eBay Often Rejects 


Below is a consolidated list you can safely use as a reference when reviewing titles, descriptions, templates, and policy text. Note that this list is not exhaustive and eBay regularly makes changes to the words that trigger this error.


The problematic word/s that triggered the error could be singular or a combination, and can be located in the listing title, description, payment instructions, shipping instructions, or return policy.


Unfortunately, identifying the words may require changing the title and / or description through trial and error until the product lists successfully.


1. Contact Information of Any Kind

eBay will block listings containing:

  • Email addresses

  • Phone numbers

  • Physical or mailing addresses

  • Postcodes

  • Store location details

  • Any symbol that implies contact info (e.g., “@”, “http”, “www”)

  • Social media handles or links

Important: Even if you paste content from your website, remove all references to contact details.


Go to Settings / eBay Australia / Product Template and check that your About Us, Payment, Returns and Shipping Policy fields do not have any contact details in them.


2. URLs and External Links

All links are banned except for eBay-approved ones.

Common triggers:

  • http:// or https:// links

  • Links to your store, blog, or brand website

  • Links to size guides or PDFs

  • Links to payment providers

  • Tracking links


3. Payment Method References

Even generic references to payment types can trigger errors.

Avoid words such as:

  • Afterpay / After Pay

  • Zip / ZipPay

  • Credit card / Mastercard / Visa

  • PayID

  • Cheque / Chequebook

  • Cash / Cash on delivery

  • Bank transfer

  • Layby / layaway

eBay wants buyers to only see eBay-managed payment options.


4. Condition, Authenticity, or Prohibited Terms

These vary by category, but common banned words include:

  • “Reproduction”

  • “Replica”

  • “Fake”

  • “Knockoff”

  • “Copy”

  • “Inspired”

  • “Like new” (may cause issues if category requires structured data)

  • “Vintage” (in some categories)


5. Trademarked or Brand-Specific Restricted Words

These depend on brand programs and VeRO restrictions.

Common triggers:

  • VELCRO

  • ONESIE

  • Tupperware

  • Lego (if not genuine)

  • iPhone compatible / for iPhone (if not certified)

  • COVID / Coronavirus

  • N95 (if uncertified)

If your brand isn't licensed or authorised, eBay blocks usage.


6. Shipping & Returns Language That eBay Flags

eBay rejects wording that appears to provide off-platform policies, such as:

  • “Contact us for refunds”

  • “Call us if your order is delayed”

  • “No returns accepted — contact store”

  • “Email us for warranty claims”

  • “Visit our website for more info”

All buyer interaction must occur through eBay messages only.


7. Category-Specific Restricted Words

e.g., in medical or therapeutic categories:

  • “Cures”

  • “Treats”

  • “Heals”

  • “Therapy” (in certain regulated categories)

In alcohol categories:

  • “Alcohol” / ABV% (unless approved)

In perfume/cosmetic categories:

  • “Tester” (often restricted)

  • “Sample”

 

Incorrect 'Category' assignment


Ensure that the product you're trying to list is mapped to the correct eBay category. Assigning products to the wrong category can cause listing errors.


Listing in a category that requires pre-approval


Certain categories, such as liquor and pharmacy medicines, require pre-approval from eBay before you can list products. If this applies to the product(s) you're trying to list, you will see an error message. When you click through to the product, it will indicate that pre-approval is necessary.


The product you are listing contains a prohibited ingredient or is subject to a recall notice


If the product you're trying to list contains an ingredient prohibited by eBay or is subject to a recall notice, you will see an error message. When you click through to the product, it will indicate that the item is prohibited and should not be relisted.


You should block the product in eBayLink/Omnivore. Do not attempt to relist it, as doing so can lead to defects on your account and potential restrictions from eBay.