Last updated: 1 October 2026
Everything sold on Pawfriends must be legal to sell and supply in Australia and safe for Australian consumers. This policy applies to every seller, whether it ships from Australia or from overseas. Sellers are responsible for knowing and following all Australian laws that apply to their products, including Commonwealth, state and territory laws and import rules.
This list is not complete. If an item is unlawful to sell in Australia, it's prohibited on Pawfriends even if it isn't listed below. If you're unsure, email [email protected] with the subject "Seller enquiry" before listing.
Prohibited items
These items must not be listed on Pawfriends.
Weapons
- firearms, firearm parts and accessories, ammunition and explosives
- replica or imitation firearms, gel blasters and other items regulated as firearms or prohibited weapons in any Australian state or territory
- prohibited weapons such as flick knives, butterfly knives, knuckle dusters, batons, throwing stars, crossbows, stun guns, tasers and pepper or capsicum spray
- laser pointers above the permitted power limits
- instructions for making weapons or explosives
Drugs, medicines and related items
- illegal drugs, controlled substances and drug paraphernalia
- prescription-only medicines, and therapeutic goods (including medical devices) that are not included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods where required
- products making unlawful therapeutic or health claims
- nicotine vaping products, e-cigarettes and vaping accessories, tobacco and tobacco products
- alcohol
Counterfeit and infringing goods
- counterfeit goods, replicas and "inspired by" copies that use another brand's trade marks
- items that infringe copyright, trade marks, designs or patents
- unauthorised copies of software, media, games or digital content
See our Intellectual Property & Counterfeit Reporting policy.
Unsafe, banned and recalled products
- products subject to a recall in Australia
- products subject to a permanent or interim ban under the Australian Consumer Law
- products that don't comply with an applicable ACCC mandatory safety standard or information standard, including:
- products containing button or coin batteries that don't meet the mandatory safety and information standards (secure battery compartments, testing, warnings on the product and packaging)
- furniture that doesn't meet the mandatory requirements for toppling furniture, including stability testing and warning labels
- children's products and toys that don't meet the applicable mandatory standards (for example, for small parts, cots, baby walkers, children's nightwear and toys containing magnets)
- bicycle helmets, sunglasses and other products covered by a mandatory standard that aren't compliant
- electrical products that don't meet Australian electrical safety requirements, including required approvals and marking
- gas appliances that aren't certified for use in Australia
- products that are otherwise unsafe or likely to cause injury
See our Product Safety & Recalls policy.
Dangerous goods
- hazardous chemicals, poisons, flammable liquids and gases, fireworks and pyrotechnics
- items that can't be lawfully shipped by the seller's carrier, including loose lithium batteries where restricted
Animals, plants and biosecurity
- live animals, and products made from protected or endangered species
- seeds, plants, soil, and food or animal products that breach Australian biosecurity import rules
Illegal, offensive and harmful items
- stolen goods
- government documents, identity documents, licences, number plates, uniforms or badges that could be used to impersonate officials
- currency, counterfeit money, and payment cards or gift cards
- personal information, accounts, passwords or hacking tools
- surveillance devices intended for unlawful use
- items that promote or glorify violence, hatred or discrimination, including Nazi symbols where prohibited by law
- material that is refused classification or otherwise illegal in Australia, and any sexual material involving minors
- human remains and body parts
Restricted items
These items may be sold only if the seller meets the extra conditions below.
Adult items (18+)
- Adult products are not sold on Pawfriends and must not be listed.
Other restricted items
- Knives and tools with blades (such as kitchen, camping and multi-tools) may be sold only where legal, and must not be marketed as weapons. Sellers must comply with state and territory age restrictions.
- Food, supplements and cosmetics must meet Australian food, labelling and ingredient requirements.
- Electrical products must meet Australian safety and approval requirements and be supplied with an Australian plug or a compliant adaptor.
- Products with safety warnings must display all required warnings in the listing and on the product or packaging.
What happens if a seller breaks this policy
We may remove listings, cancel orders, withhold payouts where permitted by our Marketplace Seller Agreement, and suspend or close seller accounts. Where required by law, we may report matters to authorities such as the ACCC, the Australian Border Force or the police.
Report a listing
If you see a listing that breaks this policy, email [email protected] with a link to the listing. For intellectual property issues, email [email protected] with the subject "IP complaint".