Suspension riskPI-1 · Prohibited Items Policy

Guns, blatant weapons, and imitation firearms are prohibited

What this rule means

Etsy does not allow items intended to be used as a weapon to inflict harm. Its Prohibited Items Policy lists guns, knives, and other blatant weapons, even if they are vintage. It also lists imitation firearms and weapons that look real, and patterns or instructions for making prohibited weapons. Culinary knives and other knives used as tools are allowed.

What Etsy says

When in doubt, it's safe to assume that we won't allow any item intended to be used as a weapon to inflict harm. The following items are generally not allowed on Etsy: Guns, knives, or other blatant weapons, even if they are vintage.

Read Etsy's full Prohibited Items Policy

Why Etsy has this rule

Weapons are regulated in different ways in different places, and a sale that is lawful in one country can be a crime in another. Etsy ships to buyers around the world and cannot sort out each local rule for each listing. The simplest protection for buyers and sellers is a clear prohibition.

Etsy's policy goes beyond working weapons. It also covers imitation firearms and weapons that look real, and plans or instructions for making prohibited weapons. A convincing replica can cause alarm in a public place or a mail room, even when no one means harm. That is why a lookalike falls under the rule too.

Common mistakes

Listing a working firearm, a part for one, or ammunition.
Selling a replica or imitation gun that could be mistaken for the real thing.
Describing a functional knife or blade as a weapon, a fighting tool, or a self-defense item.
Using weapon words, such as 'pistol' or 'rifle', in the title of an item that is only decorative, which can draw review.
Listing explosive components, propellants, or detonators.
Assuming a weapon is allowed because it is vintage. Etsy's page says blatant weapons are not allowed even if they are vintage.
Relisting a removed item with a new title or a vaguer description.

Examples

AllowedYou sell an illustration or painting that shows a historical battle scene.
AllowedYou sell a cloth or paper craft that is plainly not a weapon, with a clear description.
AllowedYou sell a vintage kitchen knife as a tool, like the culinary knives Etsy's page allows.
Not allowedYou sell a functional firearm or ammunition.
Not allowedYou sell a functional bladed weapon.
Not allowedYou sell a replica gun that could be mistaken for a real one.

How to stay compliant

Delist any item that is a functional firearm, functional bladed weapon, or ammunition.
Review listings for imitation or replica firearms — these are also prohibited.
Do not rely on age. Etsy's page prohibits blatant weapons even if they are vintage. Culinary knives and knives used as tools are allowed.

Effort: low · 15-30 minutes

If your suspension email cites this rule

Read the email and find the listing it names. Look at the item and ask three questions. Is it a working weapon or ammunition? Was it designed or marketed to injure? Could it reasonably be mistaken for a weapon? A yes to any of these points to the rule applying.

If the item is a weapon, ammunition, or a replica, remove it and check your shop for similar listings. Age does not protect a listing. Etsy's page says blatant weapons are not allowed even if they are vintage, and it allows culinary knives and other knives used as tools. If the item is harmless and the wording caused the flag, rewrite the title and description to say plainly what it is. In your reply, describe the item and say what you changed. Etsy makes the final decision, and you should not expect a particular result.

Suspended over this rule?

Generate a complete, ready-to-submit Etsy appeal for this exact violation.

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Common questions

Are replica or toy guns allowed?

Etsy's page prohibits imitation firearms and weapons that look real. It allows brightly coloured toy guns and toy slingshots.

Can I sell antique weapons?

Etsy's page says guns, knives, and other blatant weapons are not allowed even if they are vintage. It lists no exemption for antiques or collectibles. Read Etsy's full weapons policy before you list any vintage item that could be seen as a weapon.

Can I sell knives?

Culinary knives and other knives used as tools are allowed, such as vintage kitchen knives. Knives that are blatant weapons are not. Do not market any blade as a weapon.

Does the word 'rifle' or 'pistol' in my title cause a problem?

It can draw review. Listings that mention firearms, guns, or ammunition are a common reason for a flag. Make sure your title and description say plainly what the item is.

Can I sell art that shows weapons?

Pictures of weapons are not weapons. Prints and paintings are different from working weapons, but describe them as artwork so the listing reads clearly.