Prohibited Items

Last updated: 03 September 2025

Definitions

Firearms – any lethal barreled weapon from which a shot, bullet or other missile can be discharged, as defined by the Legislation: Firearms Act 1968.
Controlled substances – drugs and chemicals listed in the Legislation: Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
Offensive weapons – items made or adapted to cause injury, including specific knives and batons, regulated by the Guidance: Offensive Weapons Act 2019.
Counterfeit goods – items bearing unauthorised trademarks or logos, prohibited under the Legislation: Trade Marks Act 1994.

Other Prohibited Categories

This list is not exhaustive. OnlyAuctions may remove any listing that is unsafe, unlawful, or inappropriate.

Explosives & hazardous materials – Category F4 fireworks, flammable chemicals and poisons governed by the Legislation: Explosives Regulations 2014 and Legislation: Poisons Act 1972.
Animals & wildlife – endangered species, ivory or taxidermy of protected animals restricted under Guidance: CITES imports and exports.
Human-related items – body parts, organs or human remains regulated by the Legislation: Human Tissue Act 2004.
Stolen or illegal goods – anything obtained unlawfully, as outlined in the Legislation: Theft Act 1968.
Medical products & prescription drugs – prescription medicines and supplements lacking MHRA authorisation covered by the Legislation: Medicines Act 1968 and Guidance: MHRA medicines regulation.
Tobacco & alcohol – alcohol, tobacco products and e-cigarettes controlled by the Legislation: Licensing Act 2003 and Legislation: Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016.
Cultural property & antiquities – stolen art or artefacts without provenance prohibited by the Legislation: Dealing in Cultural Objects (Offences) Act 2003.
Digital/illegal content – pirated software, hacking tools or stolen data contrary to the Legislation: Computer Misuse Act 1990.
Adult content & services – obscene or extreme pornography and escort services regulated by the Legislation: Obscene Publications Act 1959 and Legislation: Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008.
Financial instruments & services – credit cards, bank accounts or stolen gift cards restricted under the Legislation: Fraud Act 2006.

Age-Restricted Items & Licensing

OnlyAuctions does not permit listings for age-restricted goods such as alcohol, tobacco, knives or any item requiring proof of age or a government-issued licence. If this policy changes in the future, sellers must complete offline licence checks before listing.

Examples

Handguns, rifles, ammunition and component parts
Class A drugs such as cocaine, heroin and ecstasy
Knuckle dusters, switchblades, zombie knives and stun guns
Category F4 fireworks, industrial solvents and poisons
Ivory carvings and taxidermy of protected species
Human organs or skeletal remains
Stolen electronics or smuggled goods
Prescription medicines or unauthorised supplements
Alcohol, raw tobacco leaf and homemade e‑liquid
Antique artefacts without proof of provenance
Pirated software, hacking tools and stolen databases
Extreme pornography or escort service listings
Credit card data, bank logins and stolen gift cards
Fake designer clothing, forged currency and pirated media

Legal References

For full details, consult the following UK legislation and guidance:

Enforcement & Reporting

We reserve the right to remove prohibited listings, suspend or terminate accounts and report illegal activity to law enforcement. We currently review listings manually, and we may introduce automated or AI-assisted checks in the future. To report a listing, contact our support team at support@onlyauctions.co.uk.

Listings may be reviewed before or after posting. Listings that violate this policy may be removed without notice.

Disclaimer

This policy is provided for guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Sellers are responsible for ensuring their items comply with applicable laws. OnlyAuctions may update this policy at any time.