Restricted Items
Items not permitted to be placed on site.

Airline and Transit Related Items
The following items related to the commercial airline and public transportation industries may not be listed on BCS on-Line Yard Sale Site: Any article of clothing or identification related to transportation security or employment with any transportation related industry, including but not limited to, articles of commercial airline pilot's uniforms, flight attendant's uniforms, baggage or airport service personnel uniforms, mass transit train or subway related uniforms. Vintage clothing related to commercial airlines, trains, or subways, such as ties, scarves, jackets and similar items, may be sold so long as the item description clearly states that the item is at least 10 years old, is no longer in use by the airline or other transit authority and does not resemble any piece of the current uniforms.
Vintage clothing related to commercial airlines, trains, or subways, such as ties, scarves, jackets and similar items, may be sold so long as the item description clearly states that the item is at least 10 years old, is no longer in use by the airline or other transit authority and does not resemble any piece of the current uniforms. Manuals or other materials related to mass commercial public transportation, including safety manuals put out by commercial airlines, or entities operating subways, trains or buses. These too may only be listed if the description clearly states that the material is obsolete and no longer in use by the airline or other transit authority. Also, any official internal, related, non-public documents.

Alcohol

Live Animals
BCS does not permit sales of live animals or pets on site. BCS permits sales of tropical fish and snails, provided that the seller guarantees in the listing that the animals will be packaged safely and shipped via next day delivery. BCS also allows sales of lobsters, crabs and other similar items that are live when sold but intended for human consumption, as well as live insects, crickets, and worms used as bait or feeder food for pets.

Anti-Circumvention Policy
Do not list any hardware or software that would enable users to "rip" or otherwise make unauthorized copies of copy-protected video games, software programs, CD-ROMs, DVDs, or CDs.

Artifacts, Grave-Related Items, and Native American Crafts
Many artifacts, cave formations (speleothems, stalactites, and stalagmites) and grave-related items are protected under federal laws, such as The Federal Cave Resources Protection Act of 1988, and the Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act. In cooperation with the Department of the Interior, Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Federal Bureau of Investigation in determining what items may lawfully be sold under these laws.

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Authenticity Disclaimers
Sellers may not disclaim knowledge of, or responsibility for, the authenticity or legality of the items offered in their listings. Sellers should take steps to satisfy themselves that their items are authentic before listing them on the BCS site. If you cannot verify the authenticity of an item, do not list it.
BCS strongly recommends that all autograph sellers include in their listings all relevant information known about the autograph and the item it appears on, including a clear scanned image of the actual autographed item for sale. If a seller promotes that an autograph comes with a "certificate of authenticity," the seller must include in the listing all relevant information about the certificate, including the name of the person or company issuing the certificate. 

Batteries
Federal law regulates the sale of batteries containing mercury, and pursuant to that law.
BCS does not permit the listing of the following batteries containing mercury, the sale of which is prohibited in the United States:
mercuric oxide button batteries (button-shaped batteries typically used in vintage camera equipment)
alkaline-manganese batteries containing mercury
zinc-carbon batteries containing mercury

Beta Software
Beta, test, and evaluation copies of software are preliminary copies of software distributed by software developers strictly for the purpose of evaluation and troubleshooting

Bootleg Recordings
Do not list unauthorized copies of live shows or concerts

Brand Name Misuse Policy
Do not include any brand names or company logos in your listings other than the specific brand name used by the company that manufactured or produced the item you are listing

Catalog and URL Sales
Listings of URLs that offer buyers the opportunity to purchase items outside of the BCS site are prohibited. Listings of catalogs from which buyers may directly order items are prohibited. In these situations, the seller will typically offer the catalog for low bid prices and complete sales off site for items found in the catalog.

Comparison Policy
Don't compare items in your titles
Sellers are not permitted to make comparisons between items in a listing title. For example, the title "Gold Rolex at a Swatch price" is not permitted because it makes a comparison between the item you are offering, a Rolex watch, to a Swatch watch.

Contracts and Tickets
Before listing an item, you should carefully read any contracts that you have entered into that might limit your right to sell your item on line. Some items, such as airline tickets, have terms printed on the item that may limit your ability to sell that item. In other cases, such as when you are distributing a company's products, you may have signed a separate contract with them.

Counterfeit Currency and Stamps
U.S. federal law strictly prohibits the sale of counterfeit currency and stamps, as well as equipment designed to make these illegal products. These laws ban not only counterfeit paper money, but also counterfeit coins, bank notes, bonds, money orders, and other securities. U.S. law also protects foreign currency and stamps from counterfeiters. Therefore, these counterfeit items may not be listed.

Counterfeit Items
Do not list counterfeits, unauthorized replicas, or otherwise unauthorized items (such as counterfeit watches, handbags, or other accessories) on site. If the product you are selling bears the name or logo of a company, but it wasn't made or endorsed by that company, don't list it on BCS On-Line Yard Sale Site.

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Credit Cards
Only listing of inactive credit or debit cards is permitted, provided that the card has been expired for at least 10 years. (This time frame was selected to define "collectible" credit cards).  Unexpired, active credit or debit cards cannot lawfully be transferred from one person to another, and therefore such items may not be listed. The transfer of recently expired credit cards raises privacy concerns and creates the potential for abuse, and therefore such items are also prohibited on the site. If posting a picture of the card, you should cover or block out at least part of the name and/or credit card number.  Older, expired credit cards originally issued by credit card companies, gas companies, stores, and banks may have some collectible value. BCS will  permit the listings of such expired cards, provided that the expiration date on the face of the card is at least 10 years old. Sellers should also examine the terms and conditions on the card to ensure that the sale of the expired card is not prohibited.

Downloadable Media Policy
The listing of items or products to be delivered electronically through the Internet is prohibited.
(Example: A copy of a downloadable eBook  or A secret URL address where the high bidder can download "freeware" or "shareware" software programs).

Drugs and Drug Paraphernalia
Narcotics, steroids, or other controlled substances (including any substance including in Schedules I, II, III, IV or V of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. 801 et seq.) may not be listed on site. Further, gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), which is unlawful in many jurisdictions, may not be listed. Such paraphernalia includes all items that are primarily intended or designed for use in manufacturing, concealing, or using a controlled substance. A partial list of these banned items includes:
Pipes made from metal, wood (except briar), acrylic, glass, stone, plastic, or ceramic.
Water pipes, chamber pipes, carburetor pipes, electric pipes, ice pipes, bongs, chillums.
Wired cigarette papers

Electronics Equipment
Generally, scanning receivers and radios may be listed on site. However, you may not list any scanning receiver or radio that receives cellular transmissions or has "full 800mz" coverage.

Embargoed Goods, Prohibited Countries
Various U.S. agencies have sanctions in place that substantially regulate or ban all trade with particular countries, including Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, and other countries. For example, under U.S. law, trade in items made in Cuba may not be lawful, depending on the nature of the item, when it was manufactured, and when it left Cuba, among other factors. International sellers, and sellers of items made outside the United States, should periodically review current information about which countries may be affected by sanctions enforced by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Faces, Names & Signatures
Do not list an item containing the image, likeness, name, or signature of another person unless the product was made or authorized by that person. (Examples: A scanned copy of an original picture of a baseball player, which original was signed by that player. A light switch cover bearing Garth Brooks' name)

Firearms, Ammunition, Replicas, and Militaria
Firearms cannot be listed. Firearms include all "pre-ban," sporting, collectible, curio and relic (C&R), and antique firearms, regardless of their capability to fire a shot. Any item that is designed to propel a metal (or similar) projectile is covered by this ban, regardless of that item's present ability to fire.
Other firearms-related items that are not permitted include BB guns, air guns, silencers, converters (any item which can convert a firearm to have automatic capability), kits (any kit that can be used to create a firearm), flares, flare launchers, flare guns, and the receivers for flare guns. Illegal components, such as silencers, converters (to convert a firearm to have automatic capability), and short barrels are prohibited. High capacity magazines (magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds) and ammunition with propellant (such as gunpowder) cannot be listed.

Fireworks
Fireworks or pyrotechnic devices may not be listed. These items are heavily regulated or banned in most states, and postal regulations prohibit the transmission of these items via the postal system.

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Food
Federal and State Regulations: The sale of food is regulated by the federal government and most state governments, and users that list food and food-related products should familiarize themselves with these laws before listing such items. For example, there are federal and state laws that require labels to state, among other things, the food's ingredients, nutrition information, and place of manufacture. Virtually all states require food manufacturers and sellers to register with or obtain a license from the state. There are also restrictions on the import and export of many food products.

Freon and Other Refrigerants
The federal government regulates the sale of Class 1 and Class 2 refrigerants, including products commonly known as Freon R-12 and Freon R-22. These products may not be lawfully sold unless the buyer is properly certified by an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved testing program. The law puts the burden on the seller of these products to ensure that the buyer is properly certified, and a seller's failure to abide by the regulations can result in criminal penalties

IDs and Licenses
Items that claim to be, or to look similar to, official government identification documents or licenses, such as birth certificates, drivers licenses or passports. Further, completed applications for such documents containing personal information may not be listed. Expired United States passports that were issued more than 20 years prior to the date of sale will be permitted.
Current vehicle license plates, or plates that claim to resemble such current licenses are prohibited.
Collectible vehicle license plates that are at least 5 years old may be listed.
Government vehicle license plates may not be listed at any time.
VIN Plates, VIN Plate Rivets, Vehicle Titles, Vehicle Title Stock are prohibited.
Vehicle Titles may only be referenced in listings when accompanied by a functioning vehicle.
Any item that is primarily used to alter identification documents, licenses, or plates.
Fake identification cards, or any items that are designed for the manufacturer of such cards are prohibited. 

Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Items
Hazardous or dangerous goods are items that may pose a danger to health, safety, or property while being transported, such as explosives, radioactive materials, flammable gases and solids, and toxic substances. Many hazardous goods cannot be shipped through the mail or commercial carrier at all.

Human Parts and Remains
Humans, the human body, or any human body parts may not be listed on BCS site. Examples of prohibited items include, but are not limited to: organs, bone, blood, waste, sperm, and eggs. You may not include such items as a gift, prize, or giveaway in connection with an item listed. Items that contain human hair (such as lockets) as well as skulls and skeletons that are used for medical purposes may be listed.

Importation of Goods Into the United States
If you are importing goods into the United States from another country, either by selling or buying items listed on the BCS site. You are responsible for ensuring that the importation of that type of product complies with applicable U.S. laws. These laws often are complex, and issues will vary depending upon exactly what item is involved and the countries in which the buyer and seller reside. Here are four reasons to check applicable laws before importing goods into the United States:
U.S. Customs could stop and seize your product at the U.S. border, and you could be fined or face other liability because of the seizure. You could face legal liability from the owners of trademarks, copyrights, or other rights that might be involved. You could face other civil or criminal liability, depending upon the type of product involved.

International Trading - Buyers
Importing items into the United States can be a challenge - doing a little homework before you complete your purchase can save a lot of grief later. Each country and purchase is different

International Trading – Sellers
If you're thinking about expanding your horizons by selling items to users in other countries, you need to do your homework to ensure that your transaction doesn't violate laws that may govern such sales. These laws are complex, and issues will vary depending upon exactly what item is involved and the countries where the buyer and seller reside. You probably won't encounter difficulties occasionally shipping most small dollar value items to high bidders in most countries; in many cases, the mailing service you use to send the item (such as the U.S. Postal Service or UPS) can help you fill out the necessary paperwork. Certain types of items, though, can cause unexpected problems in some countries, and some planning can avoid unexpected problems even with simple transactions.

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Lock-picking Devices
The sale of lock-picking devices is highly regulated within the United States. In addition, federal law prohibits interstate mailing of lock-smithing devices, violation of which is a misdemeanor. Locksmithing devices can also only be sold to authorized recipients. Since the majority of merchandise is delivered by mail and it is difficult to verify the person is authorized, the sale of lock-smithing devices is not allowed.

Lottery Tickets

Mailing Lists and Personal Information
The sale of bulk email or mailing lists that contain names, addresses, phone numbers, or other personal identifying information is not permitted. Any tools or software designed predominantly to send unsolicited commercial email (UCE or "spam") will not be permitted. Additionally, the sale of items containing the social security number of any living person is not permitted and does not allow listings that show personal information of third parties such as addresses and telephone numbers. Items that contain social security numbers of deceased persons, such as genealogy related software or antique social security cards, may be listed. Listings of items that include a social security number, such as old social security cards or old records, must specifically state that the social security numbers do not belong to any living person.

Medical Devices
For the health and safety of on site users and to comply with applicable laws

Misleading Titles
Make sure your title accurately describes only the actual item or items you are offering for sale

Mod Chips, Game Enhancers, and Boot Discs
Mod chips, game enhancers, and boot discs, are devices that enable domestic video game consoles to boot up and play backup or import versions of video games

35mm/70mm Movie Print Policy
35mm and 70mm movie prints, including 35mm and 70mm motion picture shorts, such as cartoons, may not be listed. 35mm or 70mm movie prints are the reels of film used by movie theatres to show movies. Exception: You are allowed to list 35mm and 70mm prints if you are the copyright owner of the underlying material. If you are the copyright owner of the material you are offering, make sure you say so in your listing!

OEM Software
Do not list "OEM" or "bundled" copies of software on eBay unless you are selling it with computer hardware. Definition: Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), or bundled software, is software that is obtained as part of the purchase of a new computer. OEM software licenses usually prohibit the purchaser from reselling the software without the computer or, in some cases, without any computer hardware.

Offensive Material
It is important t respect and learn from diversity and BCS is sensitive to items that may be offensive to some users. Listings that promote hate, violence or racial intolerance (or organizations dedicated to such notions) have no place in a true community-we're all here to trade, do business, and have fun with each other.

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Pesticides
 The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the sale, distribution, and use of pesticides and pesticide products under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) (7 U.S.C. sec. 136 to 136x). It is against the law to sell unregistered or misbranded pesticides in the United States. Generally, it also is illegal to sell suspended or canceled pesticides. This means that if you try to sell a pesticide product or container on -line that is mislabeled, not registered with the EPA, or no longer registered with the EPA, you could be breaking the law and subject to criminal or civil penalties, including fines. Some products that claim to be alternatives to traditional pesticides such as Chinese or Insecticidal Chalk, are in fact pesticides that require registration.

Plants and Seeds
Some federal, state, and local laws prohibit the sale of certain types of plants or seeds that are considered "exotic" or "noxious" weeds. The United States Department of Agriculture prohibits the importation and interstate movement of federally defined noxious weeds and seeds. Besides reviewing the list of prohibited noxious weeds and seeds, buyers and sellers of plants or seeds should also review the state-by-state list of regulated noxious weeds, and consult with state and local authorities to determine whether the items they are considering buying or selling are legal in their state. Many state laws limit the time period after packaging or germination testing within which agricultural or vegetable seeds may be sold. If listed on the packaging of the seeds, sellers should include in their item description the dates of packaging and germination testing. Buyers and sellers of packaged seeds should consult with state and local authorities to determine whether the items they are considering buying or selling are lawful for distribution in their states.

Police-Related Items
Generally, you may not list law enforcement badges or official law enforcement equipment from any public entity, including badges issued by the government of any country. This prohibition extends to police badges and official equipment from federal, state or local law enforcement agencies of the United States. Many organizations are concerned that individuals may use a badge or other police-related item to misrepresent themselves as a law enforcement officer to the public. In many cases, state and federal laws prohibit unauthorized individuals from even possessing a law enforcement badge. For example, one federal law specifically prohibits "the manufacture, sale(s), or possession of any federal badge without the specific authority of the head of the issuing department or agency of the US government...." 18 U.S.C. 701

Postage Meters
The sale of postage meters by unauthorized dealers violates United States Postal Service Regulations. Postage meters are devices that can be leased from authorized manufacturers and used to print postage labels. A meter locks when no postage or minimal postage remains. A meter generally must be taken to the licensing post office to be reset by payment for additional postage. Avoiding the payment of postage by misusing a meter is punishable by law. Postage meters are available only by lease from authorized manufacturers. The USPS holds manufacturers responsible for the control, operation, maintenance, and replacement of their meters.

Pre-Sale Listings
Pre-sale Listings are those that advertise the sale of items that are not in the control or possession of the seller at the time of the listing. These listings generally consist of items that are sold in
advance of a delivery date to the general public.

Prescription Drugs and Devices
 The listing of any controlled drug or item that requires a prescription from a licensed practitioner (such as a doctor, dentist, or optometrist) to dispense is prohibited. Certain drugs, such as insulin, come in prescription and non-prescription forms may also be prohibited.

Promotional Items
Some companies distribute so-called "promotional copies" of movies or musical works for publicity purposes before their release to the general public. For example, record companies often distribute "promo" CDs to radio stations to encourage airplay of their music. Movie and television studios often distribute "demo" videos to video stores so they can decide how many copies of a particular video title they want to buy; "screener" or "awards" videos to Academy Awards or Emmy Awards voters; 35mm movie trailers (previews) to movie theaters; posters; and electronic press kits (EPKs).
Many rights owners take the position that the listing of such items is a copyright infringement and therefore is prohibited.

Real Estate

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Recalled Items
The CPSC, an independent federal regulatory agency, protects consumers by issuing warnings about goods that might be hazardous, and even issuing recalls of certain products. Items that have been the subject of CPSC action include lawn darts, baby products (such as defective cribs, infant carriers, and car seats), propane heaters, and thousands of other products. If you're a seller, you should take a few minutes to check with the CPSC and ensure that the products you're selling have not been the subjects of a CPSC recall. And if you're a buyer, educate yourself about recalled products in areas that you might be doing some buying

Recordable Media
Do not list CD-Rs, DVD-Rs, or any other forms of recordable media unless they are blank.

Replica and Counterfeit Items
Do not list counterfeits, unauthorized replicas, or otherwise unauthorized items (such as counterfeit watches, handbags, or other accessories)

Satellite and Cable TV Descramblers
The sale of items that can be used to descramble or facilitate the access to cable or satellite television programming without authorization or payment is prohibited. Stating the item is for educational or test purposes will not legitimize a product that is otherwise inappropriate. Information on "how to" descramble or gain access to cable or satellite television programming without authorization or payment is similarly not allowed.

Slot Machines
The sale or even ownership of coin-operated slot machines is regulated or forbidden in a number of states, even for personal in-home use. The laws are often complex and may subject violators to criminal penalties. Out of respect for these laws, the listing of coin-operated slot machines on site is not permitted.

Stocks, Bonds, Securities and Related Certificates
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission regulates the sale of stocks and other security interests that represent a current investment ownership interest in an entity, and efforts by individuals to raise money or find investors for businesses. Such regulations place substantial restrictions on an individual's ability to sell such items on the Internet. Therefore the sale of "securities" on site is not permitted.

  Stolen Property
The sale of stolen property is strictly forbidden, and violates state, federal and international law. Stolen property includes items taken from private individuals, as well as property taken without authorization from companies or governments.

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Electronic Surveillance Equipment
The sale of products that are designed primarily to record the private oral, wire, or electronic conversations of others without their knowledge or permission is prohibited. These items (for example, small, easily hidden transmitting devices such as telephone "bugs", "wiretap" devices, "miniature transmitters", and "surveillance microphones") are illegal to possess or sell under Title 18, United States Code Section 2512, and their use also violates the law in many states and countries. Further, several states prohibit the use of photographic devices to surreptitiously view or record individuals for sexual purposes. Listings that promote such activity are not permitted.

Tobacco
The sale of cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, and related products is a matter that is highly regulated and taxed within the United States. Due to the many difficulties inherent in assuring that tobacco sales comply with applicable laws, BCS will not permit the sale of cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco or coupons for such items on its site.

Unauthorized Copies
Do not list unauthorized (such as pirated, duplicated, backup, bootleg, and so forth) copies of software programs, video games, music albums, movies, television programs, or photographs.

Used Clothing
Used clothing may be listed, so long as the clothing has been thoroughly cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions. Listings that contain inappropriate or extraneous descriptions will be listed.

Warranties
Affects Items Worth More than $15 Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a federal law enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, sellers who offer items valued at more than $15 and who offer either a written warranty or service contract with the items must in their item descriptions provide one of the following: the full text of the written warranty, a statement explaining how a free copy of the written warranty can be obtained upon written request, or a link within the listing that takes members to the warranty details

Weapons and Knives
Firearms: including antique, collectible, and sport & hunting firearms as well as ammunition are prohibited.
Weapons: Weapons not permitted include: nunchaku, brass or other metal knuckles, leaded cane/staff/crutch/stick, zip guns, shurikens, hand grenades or metal replica hand grenades, throwing stars, billy clubs/batons, sandclubs, sandbags, or slungshots (also known as saps or blackjacks).
Knives: Knife listings are generally permitted with certain exceptions: Switchblade knives with a blade over 2 inches are not permitted. A switchblade knife is defined as any knife that resembles a pocketknife with a blade that can be released automatically or by use of a trigger. Other names for switchblades include spring-blade knife, snap-blade knife, gravity knife, and butterfly knife.
Knives disguised to look like a harmless item are not permitted on site. These items include but are not limited to belt buckle knives, lipstick case knives, air gauge knives, and writing pen knives.

  Wine

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