- Weapons, ammunition, and explosives are banned
- No illegal drugs or controlled substances
- Stolen goods and counterfeit items prohibited
- Adult services banned in most locations
- Animals sales restricted, pets require adoption fees only
Understanding prohibited items on Craigslist is essential for successful posting and avoiding account restrictions. The prohibited items list is extensive and designed to comply with legal requirements while maintaining platform safety and community standards.
Weapons and ammunition are completely prohibited across all Craigslist markets. This includes firearms, knives designed as weapons, martial arts weapons, ammunition, explosives, and weapon accessories. Even antique or collectible weapons cannot be posted, regardless of legal ownership status.
Illegal drugs and controlled substances are banned without exception. This includes marijuana (even where legally available), prescription medications, drug paraphernalia, and any substances controlled under federal or state drug laws. Related items like scales or packaging materials are also prohibited.
Stolen goods cannot be posted even if the current possessor isn’t aware of their stolen status. This includes items with removed serial numbers, goods sold without proper title documentation, and any items that sellers cannot prove legitimate ownership of.
Counterfeit and replica items are prohibited, including fake designer goods, knockoff electronics, and any items that infringe on trademark or copyright protections. This applies even when items are clearly labeled as replicas or copies.
Adult services are banned in most Craigslist markets following legal challenges and policy changes. Even where adult services sections exist, they have strict content and posting guidelines that limit most commercial adult activities.
Animal sales are restricted to prevent puppy mills and unethical breeding operations. Pets can only be offered for adoption with reasonable adoption fees, not sold for profit. Commercial breeding operations cannot use Craigslist to sell animals.
Tobacco products including cigarettes, cigars, and vaping supplies are prohibited on most Craigslist sites. This includes both commercial tobacco sales and personal tobacco product sales.
Hazardous materials cannot be posted, including chemicals, pesticides, asbestos-containing materials, lead paint, and other substances that pose health or environmental risks. This extends to items containing these materials.
Medical devices and prescription items are banned, including CPAP machines, hearing aids, prosthetics, and any medical equipment requiring professional fitting or prescription. Over-the-counter medical supplies may also be restricted.
Financial services and multi-level marketing opportunities are prohibited in most personal posting categories. This includes pyramid schemes, get-rich-quick programs, and business opportunities requiring upfront investments.
Lottery tickets, gambling devices, and casino equipment cannot be posted. This includes scratch-off tickets, slot machines, poker tables designed for gambling, and other gaming equipment associated with illegal gambling.
Airline tickets and other non-transferable items are prohibited because they cannot be legally transferred between parties. This includes most event tickets with non-transfer restrictions and membership benefits.
Recalled items and products subject to safety recalls cannot be posted, even if sellers aren’t aware of recall status. This includes cribs, toys, appliances, and vehicles subject to manufacturer or government recalls.
Alcohol sales are prohibited for individuals without proper licensing. While commercial alcohol retailers might be able to post in some markets, personal alcohol sales are generally banned across all Craigslist sites.
Body parts and human remains are strictly prohibited, including blood, organs, hair (in some contexts), and any biological materials. This extends to items made from human remains or body parts.
Copyright-protected digital content including movies, music, software, and e-books cannot be posted. This applies to both pirated content and legitimate copies being resold in violation of license agreements.
International shipping restricted items vary by location but often include electronics, batteries, and other items subject to shipping regulations. Check both Craigslist policies and shipping carrier restrictions.
State-specific prohibitions may apply based on local laws. Items legal in one state might be prohibited in another, requiring sellers to understand both Craigslist policies and applicable local regulations.
Enforcement of prohibited items policies occurs through community flagging, automated detection, and manual review. Violations can result in post removal, account suspension, or permanent bans depending on severity and frequency.