Reasons a Listing May Be Removed Under Etsy’s Creativity Standards

To make sure Etsy is a safe and trusted place for buyers to find unique items that are made, designed, handpicked, and sourced by our sellers, we have rules on what kind of items can be listed on our marketplace. Listings that don’t follow our Creativity Standards can’t be sold on Etsy. 

The following list shows some examples of why listings are commonly removed by Etsy for not following our Creativity Standards. Please note that this list is not comprehensive.

Removal Reason Details
Item can't be sold as a party supply Party supplies have to be items you sourced that are designed for celebratory gatherings and special events. Learn more about what party supplies can be sold.
Item can't be sold as a craft supply Craft supplies have to be a tool or material that you sourced, and their main purpose has to be creating something new by hand. Learn more about what craft supplies can be sold.
The same item is available elsewhere online Exact items found on at least one other site not associated with your shop can’t be sold on Etsy. If you believe your original design or work has been copied, learn about steps to consider to protect your work.
Can't sell commercial item without customization Listings can't offer an uncustomized version of a mass-made modern item, like a plain shirt from a commercial brand. Commercial items with superficial changes or additions (like stickers or personalized packaging) don't count as seller-made.
Can't sell commercial item without buyer personalization Listings for personalized mass-made items can't also offer an uncustomized version, like a plain shirt from a commercial brand.
The “Production Partner” you listed doesn’t meet Etsy’s criteria A Production Partner is a company or individual (who’s not part of your Etsy shop) that physically produces items based on your own, original designs from start to finish, such as a printing service, an apparel producer, or an engraver. Working with non-qualifying businesses to source products for your Etsy shop is not allowed. Learn more about accurately disclosing any assistance you have with creating your items.
Can't sell certain services Only services that produce a new tangible item that meet our criteria may be sold on Etsy. Learn more about what services can be sold on Etsy.
Gift basket items don’t meet Etsy’s requirements

Gift baskets sold on Etsy must:

  • Have an assortment of different types of items from more than 1 brand that were personally selected and creatively packaged by your shop. Selling mass-produced gift baskets made by another company is not allowed.
  • Include a list of all the items you’re selling in the gift basket in the listing description. Selling mystery boxes of unknown items is not allowed.
Wasn't made by the seller An item doesn't count as seller-made since you've shared info that it was produced or created by someone outside your shop.
Wasn't designed by the seller Reselling a pre-existing design or choosing from a manufacturer's templates doesn't count as seller-designed.
Can't resell commercially-available assembled items Items assembled using only the manufacturer's pieces and instructions don't count as seller-made (such as LEGO sets built according to the manufacturer’s instructions).
Not a vintage item An item, brand, or materials being sold must have existed 20+ years ago to qualify as vintage.
Can't sell commercial remakes of vintage items Commercially-available items less than 20 years old, even if they’re designed to look vintage, can’t be sold as vintage items.
Can't sell AI prompt bundles We don't allow listings for AI prompts on their own—but listings for AI-generated art can include AI prompts along with the main item.
Item from nature doesn’t meet Etsy’s requirements

Item being sold as being found in nature must:

  • Be found or cultivated from nature by your shop. It can’t be a finished product constructed with natural materials.
  • Be formed organically. It can’t be a man-made product made to look like an item from nature.
  • Be in its original, organic form. Items that are listed as a natural material but have been significantly altered no longer count as an item from nature.

I believe my listing was removed in error. Can I appeal to have it restored?

We take listing removals very seriously and use a variety of factors to determine whether items comply with our policies, but from time to time, compliant listings may be removed in error. You can view any of your removed listings in your Policy violations page in your Shop Manager

The ability to appeal listing removals is being rolled out gradually. This is so we can learn from your feedback and make improvements as we work to expand access to this feature to more sellers.

If listing appeals aren't available yet from your Policy violations page, the Appeal status will say Not available when viewing the violation details of a removed listing. If they are available, you’ll see a “View & Appeal” option next to eligible listings on your Policy Violations page.

Learn more about how listing appeals work. 

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