Prohibited Items Policy
Owode Prohibited Items Policy
Last Updated: March 1, 2025
At Owode Marketplace, we are committed to maintaining a safe, legal, and ethical shopping environment for both buyers and sellers. To achieve this, we have a strict Prohibited Items Policy outlining what cannot be listed, sold, or promoted on the platform.
This policy helps prevent legal violations, ensures compliance with trade regulations, and protects the integrity of the marketplace.
Sellers must review this policy before listing any product. Non-compliance may result in product removal, account suspension, or permanent banning from Owode Marketplace.
What You CANNOT Sell on Owode Marketplace
The following categories of items are strictly prohibited:
Illegal, Counterfeit, or Stolen Goods
These are items that violate Nigerian laws, international trade regulations, or intellectual property rights:
Counterfeit items – Fake designer goods, replica watches, pirated movies, or unlicensed software. Stolen goods – Any product obtained illegally. Forgery & Fraudulent Items – Fake currency, fake government IDs, passports, driver’s licenses, or certificates. Restricted trade items – Products banned from import/export under Nigerian or international trade laws.
Weapons, Explosives & Hazardous Materials
Firearms & Ammunition – Real or replica guns, bullets, or accessories. Explosives – Fireworks, gunpowder, or materials used to make explosives. Toxic & Hazardous Substances – Poison, pesticides, industrial chemicals, or radioactive materials. Self-defense weapons – Tasers, pepper sprays, or stun guns (unless legally permitted).
Prescription Drugs, Medical & Health-Restricted Items
Prescription medications – Antibiotics, painkillers, or any drugs requiring a doctor’s prescription. Unapproved herbal remedies & supplements – Products making exaggerated health claims (e.g., “cures cancer”). Sexual enhancement drugs – Unregulated pills, creams, or performance enhancers. Cosmetics with banned ingredients – Mercury-based skin lighteners, hydroquinone over 2%, or lead-based cosmetics. Human body parts & medical waste – Organs, blood, or used medical supplies.
Adult & Inappropriate Content
Pornographic content – Unauthorized Sexually explicit materials, escort services, or prostitution. Sex toys & adult products – Unregulated or unauthorized items. Hate speech & discriminatory items – Products that promote racism, violence, or discrimination. Human trafficking-related items – Slavery, bonded labor, or any form of human exploitation.
Financial & Digital Restrictions
Cryptocurrency & NFTs – Crypto trading, NFT resale without proper authorization. Fake social media engagement – Buying/selling followers, likes, or engagement services. Lottery tickets & gambling services – Unauthorized betting platforms or lottery sales.
Wildlife, Animal Products & Environmental Violations
Endangered species & wildlife products – Ivory, exotic animal skins, shark fins, or illegal hunting trophies. Protected plants & seeds – Illegal timber, restricted plant species. Live animals & animal parts – Selling pets without proper licensing, organs, or body parts of animals.
Misleading, Deceptive & Harmful Products
Multi-level marketing (MLM) scams & Ponzi schemes – Get-rich-quick schemes, pyramid schemes, or deceptive investment programs. Exaggerated product claims – Fake “miracle cures” or false advertising. Fake tickets, passes, or permits – Unauthorized event tickets, airline passes, or parking permits. Harmful children’s products – Toys with toxic substances or unsafe baby products.
Services & Digital Products that Violate Policies
Illegal streaming services – Hacked IPTV, illegal movie downloads, or account-sharing services. Hacking & cybercrime tools – Hacking software, phishing tools, or malware. Ghostwriting & fake academic services – Selling essays, fake degrees, or plagiarism services. Fake job listings & fraudulent work-from-home schemes – Scams disguised as employment opportunities.
How to Ensure Your Product is Allowed
Before listing a product, sellers should:
Review Owode’s full product listing guidelines. Check for legal restrictions in Nigeria and other trade laws. Ensure that product descriptions and images are accurate and do not contain misleading claims.
What Happens If You List a Prohibited Item?
First Offense – The product will be removed, and you will receive a warning. Second Offense – Your account may be restricted or suspended. Serious Violations – Permanent account ban and potential legal action.
Owode Marketplace reserves the right to update, modify, or enforce stricter penalties on a case-by-case basis.
Final Thoughts
We encourage all sellers to review this policy regularly and ensure compliance to maintain a safe and thriving marketplace.
Need clarification?
Contact Owode Seller Support if you are unsure whether your product is allowed.
