Forbidden Products and Content Moderation Policy

Version dated June 1, 2025

Purpose and Scope

This Policy defines which products are prohibited or restricted from sale on the EXPRESS.MARKET platform, and describes the Operator’s approach to moderating user-generated content (product listings, descriptions, images, reviews, etc.). The Policy applies to all Sellers when listing items and to all Users posting any content on the Site. Compliance with these rules is aimed at ensuring buyer safety, legal conformity, and maintaining the platform’s reputation.

1. Strictly Prohibited Products

On EXPRESS.MARKET it is strictly forbidden to post listings or sell the following categories of products (including their key components, spare parts, and any items containing the listed materials):

• All types of weapons: firearms (handguns, rifles, shotguns, etc.), combat weapons, non-lethal firearms (traumatic, gas, pneumatic), cold weapons (daggers, swords, switchblade knives, etc.), thrown weapons (crossbows, war bows), stun devices, and other self-defense devices requiring a permit; major components (receivers, barrels) and suppressors. Exception: kitchen knives or tools not intended for use as weapons.
• Ammunition and explosives: firearm cartridges, primer-containing casings, gunpowder, grenade launcher rounds, artillery shells, and other ammunition; any explosive substances, detonators, blasting caps; high-grade pyrotechnics (professional fireworks, explosive charges). Exception: low-hazard consumer fireworks (categories F1–F2, e.g., sparklers, party poppers) in compliance with legal age restrictions.
• Illegal drugs, psychotropic substances, and their analogues: any narcotics and psychotropic substances regulated by UN or national lists, precursor chemicals (ephedrine, red phosphorus, etc.), drug-manufacturing equipment; plants or fungi containing narcotic/psychotropic compounds (coca bush, psilocybin mushrooms, cannabis, etc.); any items promoting drug use.
• Military and defense-related goods: equipment exclusively for military use (military vehicles, military-grade body armor, night-vision devices, weapon scopes, missile components, military encryption devices, etc.) and related documentation.
• Hazardous substances and materials: radioactive materials, highly toxic or poisonous chemicals (mercury, cyanides, potent solvents), biological agents and toxins; dangerous goods classified by international carriers (flammable liquids and solids, pressurized gases, oxidizers, toxic or infectious substances, corrosives, etc.). Examples include large lithium batteries, pressurized aerosol cans, incendiary devices, propane cylinders, strong acids and bases, radioactive materials.
• Explosive devices and replicas: bombs, grenades, mines—real or functioning replicas that pose a threat.
• Tobacco products and nicotine-containing smoking mixtures: cigarettes, cigars, loose tobacco, chewing tobacco, synthetic smoking blends (“spice”)—all are prohibited for remote sale or require a license (under most national laws); includes e-cigarettes and nicotine e-liquids if remote sales are restricted.
• Alcohol: homemade spirits, uncertified alcoholic beverages above legal ABV; licensed alcoholic beverages are allowed only in compliance with applicable laws (see Section 2). Sale to minors (under 18 or 21, depending on local law) is strictly forbidden.
• Prescription medications and medical items: any prescription-only drugs, controlled or restricted pharmaceuticals; online sale of pharmaceuticals is prohibited except by licensed pharmacies; OTC medicines allowed only if the Seller holds a proper license; dietary supplements are permitted but cannot be marketed as medications. Medical devices for radiotherapy or similar are forbidden; contact lenses usually require a license and are prohibited if no license is provided.
• Infant formula and baby food: only certified, shelf-stable products are allowed; expired or improperly labeled items are prohibited; breast milk and donor milk are forbidden.
• Unpackaged or homemade food without proper authorization: perishable items (fresh meat, fish, dairy products without cold chain), homemade goods without official certification, expired products—strictly prohibited.
• Dangerous animals and plants: venomous animals (poisonous snakes, spiders), invasive plant species and seeds restricted by import/export laws; CITES-listed wildlife (ivory items, endangered animal skins)—all prohibited.
• Live animals: sale of live animals (domestic or wild) is prohibited; sale of animal parts (bones, organs) is forbidden except for meat certified for consumption.
• Human organs, tissues, and body parts: any human body elements (transplant organs, blood, biological samples), surrogate services—categorically prohibited.
• Pornographic materials: explicit adult content, especially involving minors or depicting sexual violence—strictly forbidden; adult toys (sex toys) are allowed if sold only to users 18 +.
• Materials promoting violence, extremism, or hate: items (books, films, badges, flags, clothing) that incite violence, discrimination based on race, religion, ethnicity, gender; symbols of banned organizations (Nazis, terrorists)—all forbidden. Exception: historical or collectible items (coins, stamps) are allowed if described neutrally without ideological promotion.
• Counterfeit and pirated goods: any items infringing third-party intellectual property rights: replica luxury goods, unlicensed software or media, pirated keys; counterfeit merchandise (perfume, accessories)—forbidden, removed upon detection, and Sellers blocked.
• Other illegal goods: any items whose sale is explicitly illegal or requires special permits (lottery tickets, contraband, stolen goods, official documents, listening devices, radio jammers, illicit artifacts)—strictly forbidden.

Note: This list is not exhaustive. Any item not listed that is illegal or restricted by law is also prohibited on the platform.

Any listing containing a forbidden product will be removed without notice, and the Seller may face sanctions up to account suspension.

2. Conditionally Allowed Products (with Restrictions)

Certain product categories may be sold on EXPRESS.MARKET provided the following conditions are met:

• Alcoholic beverages:
  • Remote sale of beer, wine, champagne, and spirits is permitted only if the Seller and delivery comply with local laws (such as licensing and excise tax obligations for cross-border sales within the EU).
  • Listings must include a disclaimer: “Alcohol for adults only” and require age verification at checkout.
  • Delivery must involve age check upon receipt.
  • Quantity limits per order may apply (e.g., no more than 5 L beer, 9 L wine, 10 L spirits for non-bonded EU shipments).
  • Sellers must comply with EU Regulation 2020/262 on distance selling of alcohol (registration, excise payments, documentation). If not met, sales are prohibited from other countries.
• Over-the-counter (OTC) medications:
  • Allowed only if the Seller holds a pharmaceutical license and is registered in the national online pharmacy registry (where applicable).
  • Dietary supplements and vitamins are permitted if registered as food supplements; no medical claims allowed.
  • Sale of any drug without a valid license or authorization is forbidden.
• Cosmetics and perfumes:
  • Permitted if compliant with EU Regulation No 1223/2009 (responsible person, CPNP notification, no banned ingredients).
  • Alcohol-based cosmetics (perfumes, hair sprays) are hazardous; allowed in small volumes with proper packaging (sealed containers, labeled “Flammable”).
  • Animal-tested cosmetics are prohibited.
• Clothing and accessories with restricted symbols:
  • Vintage garments (e.g., military uniforms, historical coins) are permitted if described neutrally with no ideological messaging.
  • Any items promoting violence or extremist ideology are forbidden.
• Antiques and historical artifacts:
  • Allowed if accompanied by documentation proving legal provenance and right to sell (certificates, cultural authority permits).
  • Cultural heritage items (archaeological finds, icons over 100 years old) require official permits.
• Plants and seeds:
  • Ornamental plants and seeds not on invasive species lists and not requiring phytosanitary certificates for transport are allowed.
  • Narcotic-producing plants and psychedelic fungi (cannabis, psilocybin mushrooms) are forbidden.
  • Soil, firewood, or live trees not permitted without special permits.
• Toys and children’s products:
  • Only certified items with CE marking (for EU) are allowed. Toys with harmful chemicals (e.g., excess phthalates) or sharp edges are prohibited.
  • Infant formula must be certified, in-date, and properly labeled; home-made baby foods are banned.
• Encrypted electronics:
  • Consumer electronics are allowed if CE-marked and not operating on prohibited frequency bands.
  • Strong encryption devices for military use are forbidden.
• Jewelry and precious metals:
  • Jewelry (rings, chains, earrings) is allowed if metal purity is specified and certification is provided.
  • Investment bullion, coins, and raw precious metals require a license and are therefore prohibited on the platform.
  • Counterfeit branded jewelry is forbidden.

3. Listing Content Requirements

3.1. Accuracy and Honesty

Sellers must provide a complete and truthful product description. Misleading buyers about specifications, condition (new/used), or origin (e.g., claiming “original” when it is a replica) is prohibited. If an item is refurbished, this must be clearly indicated. Medical or therapeutic claims (e.g., “cures cancer,” “100% safe”) must be substantiated by official documentation. Any misleading descriptions will result in listing removal.

3.2. Language and Format

Descriptions must be written in clear, grammatically correct English (or localized language), without excessive marketing hype. Offensive, discriminatory, or hate speech is strictly forbidden. Listings must not include contact information (emails, phone numbers, external links) or direct calls to purchase off-platform. Violations result in content removal and Seller penalties.

3.3. Images

Photos must accurately depict the exact item for sale. Using images copied without permission (watermarks from third-party sites or competitor platforms) is prohibited. Sellers may use their own photos or official manufacturer images if they hold the rights. Images must not contain pornographic, violent, or extremist content, nor breach copyright laws.

3.4. Intellectual Property

Sellers may not post listings infringing third-party intellectual property rights. It is forbidden to use brand trademarks in the title or description unless the seller is offering genuine branded products (e.g., “Apple AirPods” when selling a knockoff is disallowed). If a rights holder files a complaint, the content is removed without notice and the seller’s account is blocked. Any attempt to circumvent IP-protection measures will lead to sanctions.

3.5. Reviews and Feedback

Buyers may leave reviews based on genuine purchase experiences. Reviews must be factual, respectful, and free of spam or defamation. Fake positive reviews posted by sellers or malicious negative reviews from competitors are prohibited. Reviews are moderated both automatically and manually. Violations result in review removal and potential account restrictions for the user.

3.6. Listing Moderation

All new listings undergo automated and selective manual review to ensure compliance with this Policy. Listings violating the rules will be rejected or removed. Moderators may request supporting documentation from Sellers (certificates, licenses, proof of origin) to verify compliance. If a Seller refuses to provide requested documents, the listing is removed.

3.7. Seller Notification

If a listing is rejected due to a policy violation, the Seller is notified with an explanation (e.g., “product is prohibited,” “description contains contact information”). The Seller may revise the content and resubmit for review. In cases of severe violations (e.g., offering weapons or narcotics), the account is suspended with no option to revise.

3.8. Repeat Violations

If a Seller repeatedly violates the Policy despite warnings, the Operator may impose sanctions: limiting listing privileges, temporarily suspending sales, or permanently blocking the account (terminating the public offer unilaterally). Ensuring legal compliance and safety on the platform is a top priority.

4. Responsibility and Cooperation

4.1. Seller Responsibility

Each Seller is responsible for the content and products they list. By listing an item, the Seller guarantees that the item is not prohibited and holds all necessary permits. If a Seller offers a forbidden product, they will be held legally accountable, and the Operator will cooperate with law enforcement. The Seller must indemnify the Operator for any losses arising from violations (e.g., fines for illegal sales).

4.2. Buyer Responsibility

Buyers must follow the rules: not request off-platform sales of forbidden items, and not post prohibited content in reviews. Attempting to purchase clearly forbidden products or posting disallowed content can result in account suspension.

4.3. Reporting Mechanism

Any User or rights holder may report content or products that violate this Policy by clicking “Report” on the listing or emailing [email protected]. The report must include detailed information (listing ID, violation description, proof of rights). The Operator will investigate complaints promptly: if a violation is confirmed, the content is removed and action against the violator is taken within 48 hours.

4.4. Law Enforcement Cooperation

The Operator will immediately notify law enforcement of attempts to trade child pornography, illegal drugs, weapons, trafficking in persons, or any other serious crime. Upon request, the Operator will provide IP addresses, payment data for Sellers and Buyers.

4.5. Policy Updates

The Operator reserves the right to update this Policy to reflect changes in law and emerging threats. Major updates will be communicated to Sellers via email and a platform banner. Continued use after the effective date indicates acceptance of the revised Policy. If a Seller disagrees, they must cease sales and remove their listings.

4.6. Contact and Inquiries

For any questions regarding this Policy, including clarification requests or dispute resolution, please contact support or the Content Quality Control team at [email protected]. Each case will be reviewed individually.

5. Conclusion

This Policy aims to foster a safe, legal marketplace. We rely on the cooperation of Sellers and Buyers to uphold these standards. By following these rules, you help protect honest users and maintain a legally compliant platform. Thank you for working with us.