Prohibited products – what you may not sell

At Tradeit, we strive to maintain a safe, lawful, and trustworthy shopping environment for both buyers and sellers across Zimbabwe. To achieve this, we enforce clear rules about what may and may not be sold on the platform.

This guide explains:

• The types of prohibited and restricted products
• Why certain products are banned
• Examples of banned products (with local context)
• What happens if you violate these rules
• How to get help if you’re unsure

❗ Why Are Some Products Prohibited?

Tradeit follows:

• Zimbabwean laws and regulations
• Global e-commerce standards
• Common sense policies to protect buyers, sellers, and the platform

Products are prohibited if they are:

• Illegal under Zimbabwean law
• Unsafe for buyers
• Offensive, violent, or hateful
• Fraudulent, misleading, or counterfeit
• In violation of health or safety standards

🛑 Categories of Prohibited Products on Tradeit

Here’s a breakdown of what you may NOT list or sell:

1. Illegal or Banned Substances

• Drugs and narcotics (e.g. cocaine, cannabis, crystal meth, mbanje – even if claimed medicinal)
• Prescription medication without legal authorization (e.g. antibiotics, antidepressants)
• Unlicensed herbal remedies making medical claims

⚠️ Example:
You may NOT list “Mbanje oil for pain relief” unless it’s legally certified and approved by relevant health authorities in Zimbabwe.

2. Weapons, Ammunition, and Explosives

• Firearms (guns, rifles, pistols)
• Ammunition and gun parts
• Explosives, fireworks
• Self-defense items (e.g. pepper spray, stun guns)

Note: Even toy guns that resemble real weapons are banned.

3. Counterfeit or Fake Products

• Fake designer bags or clothes pretending to be real brands (e.g. fake Adidas, Nike, Gucci)
• Knock-off electronics (e.g. fake Samsung or iPhones)
• Unauthorized copies of software or pirated media

⚠️ Example:
Selling a “Samsung Galaxy S25 clone” branded as Samsung is a violation.

4. Stolen or Fraudulent Goods

• Any items you don’t own or can’t legally sell
• Products with removed serial numbers or altered labels

Tradeit reserves the right to ask for invoices or proof of ownership.

5. Offensive or Hateful Material

• Products that promote racism, tribalism, xenophobia, hate speech
• Symbols or items related to extremist groups or hate groups

⚠️ Example:
Any clothing or flag promoting hate or violence is strictly banned.

6. Adult, Sexual, or Obscene Content

• Pornography or sexually explicit materials
• Sex toys or enhancement pills
• Nudity-based images or media

Note: Tradeit is a family-friendly marketplace.

7. Alcohol, Tobacco, and Related Products

• Cigarettes, cigars, rolling tobacco
• Vapes, shisha, and hookah pipes
• Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, spirits)

Even if you have a liquor license, Tradeit currently does not support online sales of alcohol or tobacco.

8. Lottery, Gambling, and Betting-Related Items

• Lottery tickets
• Sports betting vouchers
• “Get-rich-quick” schemes or systems

9. Human Parts or Remains

• Body parts, organs, or anything related to human remains (e.g. teeth, hair, bones)

10. Endangered Animals and Wildlife Products

• Raw ivory or ivory products
• Pangolin scales
• Tortoise shells, animal trophies

⚠️ Zimbabwe is a CITES signatory. Tradeit complies with wildlife protection laws.

⚠️ Restricted Items (Require Approval)

Some products are not outright banned but require special approval from Tradeit or relevant Zimbabwean authorities:

🧾 Examples of Prohibited Listings in Zimbabwe

❌ What Happens If You Violate These Rules?

• Your product will be removed immediately
• Your account may be suspended or permanently banned
• You may be reported to Zimbabwean authorities
• You risk legal action under consumer protection and criminal laws

🧭 Best Practices for Staying Compliant

• When in doubt, ask support before listing
• Only sell what you own and understand
• Don’t make medical, financial, or legal claims
• Stick to family-friendly, everyday consumer products
• Avoid selling controversial or risky items

🆘 Need Clarification?

Reach out to Tradeit’s Vendor Support:

• 📧 Email: [email protected]
• 💬 Live Chat via WhatsApp on the Tradeit website
• 📚 Browse other help articles in your Vendor Dashboard > Help

✅ Summary Checklist: Is My Product Allowed?

Before listing, ask yourself:

• Is this product legal in Zimbabwe?
• Am I the legal owner or manufacturer?
• Could this item harm or offend someone?
• Does it make unproven claims (health, financial, etc.)?
• Would I be comfortable selling this in a public market stall in Harare?

If the answer to any of these is NO, then do not list it.

🚀 Keep Tradeit Safe and Professional

Tradeit is building the future of Zimbabwean eCommerce. Your commitment to listing safe, legal, and high-quality products protects your customers and supports the long-term success of the marketplace.

Let’s build a trustworthy digital economy together.