Plants and seeds policy

On eBay we have guidelines for the domestic sale and import of plants, seeds, and other plant materials. Please read our full policy guidelines, and consult with any necessary government bodies before buying or selling these types of products on eBay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of plants and seeds can I sell on eBay?

You can list most plants and seeds on eBay, as long as they're allowed in the location you're shipping them to.

However, there are some exceptions, including some seeds and noxious weeds. For full details, read our policy below.

You should also familiarize yourself with the state-by-state listing - opens in new window or tab of regulated noxious weeds, pests, and quarantined items.

What resources are available to learn about restrictions or regulations on sale of plants and seeds?

You can find out if the plant or seed type you'd like to buy or sell is restricted or prohibited by checking the following websites:

Can I purchase plants and seeds from an eBay site outside the US and import them into the country?

eBay regulations vary from country to country. What you see on a non-US site might not be allowed for import to the US. The USDA prohibits or restricts imports of some kinds of plants and seeds, and buyers are responsible for making sure they're following US import requirements. See these resources to learn more:

Read our full policy

Plants and seeds policy overview

You can list most plants and seeds as long as they're allowed in the location to which you want to ship them. There are some seeds, as well as noxious weeds, that you're not allowed to sell on eBay. The guidelines below can help you determine what you can sell.

In addition to reviewing the list of prohibited noxious weeds and seeds, review the state-by-state - opens in new window or tab list of regulated noxious weeds, pests, and quarantined items, and consult with state and local authorities to determine whether the items you're thinking about selling or buying are legal in your state.

Make sure your listing follows these guidelines. If it doesn't, it may be removed, and you may be subject to a range of other actions, including limits of your buying and selling privileges and suspension of your account.

What are the guidelines?

Allowed

You can list cuttings, plants or seeds that aren't on any restricted list.

Restricted

Check the following resources from the United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) to determine if the item you want to buy or sell is restricted or prohibited in your area:

USDA Plants for Planting Manual - opens in new window or tab. This document contains guidelines for importing articles of plants and vegetative parts that are for or capable of propagation, including buds, bulbs, corms, cuttings, layers, pollen, scions, seeds, tissue, tubers, and like structures. Please check this manual before purchasing propagative material from a vendor located outside the United States
USDA Save Our Citrus Website - opens in new window or tab. This site offers practical guidance for the safe and legal movement of citrus plants, cuttings, and plant products. The site also provides an overview of current quarantines that limit the movement of citrus materials
National Plant Board - Regulated Noxious Weeds - opens in new window or tab. This site provides information on state and federally regulated plants

Packaging and germination dates:

Many state laws limit the time period after packaging or germination testing when agricultural or vegetable seeds may be sold. If the dates of packaging and germination testing are listed on the packaging of the seeds, you need to include that information in your item description.

Why does eBay have this policy?

To keep pests and diseases out of the United States, the USDA prohibits or restricts the entry of certain plants, cuttings, and seeds from abroad. US buyers are responsible for making sure the items they purchase meet all relevant import requirements.