Prohibited Items Policy

Last updated: 17 September 2026

1. No illegal goods

SWAPUK must not be used to offer, request, exchange or sell goods that cannot lawfully be sold or possessed in the UK.

2. Prohibited categories

• Illegal drugs and controlled substances.
• Firearms, ammunition, explosives and prohibited weapons.
• Knives, blades and offensive weapons. SWAPUK does not permit knife or weapon listings, even where a particular item might otherwise be legal.
• Alcoholic drinks and alcohol products.
• Cigarettes, tobacco, nicotine products and vapes.
• Counterfeit, fake or unauthorised branded goods.
• Stolen property or goods you do not have the right to sell or exchange.
• Fraudulent documents, payment cards, accounts or credentials.
• Goods that infringe copyright, trade marks, patents or other intellectual property rights.
• Hazardous chemicals, poisons or dangerous materials where their sale or transfer is unlawful or unsafe.
• Human remains, body parts or materials obtained unlawfully.
• Endangered wildlife or protected animal/plant products where trade is prohibited or restricted.
• Sexual content or services involving exploitation, abuse or minors.
• Gambling products or services where the transaction is unlawful.
• Any product, service or transaction intended to facilitate crime, fraud, evasion or harm.

3. Restricted goods

Some products may be legal only when specific licensing, age, safety, authenticity or other legal requirements are met. SWAPUK may prohibit a category even where a particular transaction could legally be permitted if we consider the category unsuitable for the platform or difficult to moderate safely.

4. Counterfeit and stolen goods

Users must not list counterfeit products or goods obtained unlawfully. SWAPUK may remove listings, restrict accounts and cooperate with rights holders, law enforcement or other competent authorities where appropriate.

5. Reporting a listing

To report a prohibited or suspicious listing, use the Support or Feedback options on SWAPUK and include the listing details and reason for the report.

6. Enforcement

SWAPUK may remove or hide a listing, restrict messaging or offers, suspend an account, cancel an offer or take other proportionate action where we reasonably believe a rule has been broken. Serious cases may be reported to the appropriate authorities.

7. Seller responsibility

Every user is responsible for ensuring that their item is legal to own, sell or exchange and that their listing is accurate. Platform review or publication does not mean SWAPUK has verified legality, authenticity, ownership or condition.

8. Updates

This policy may be updated as laws, payment services and platform risks change.