eBay restricts active content in item descriptions, and listings that break the rules can display incorrectly or be blocked. If your listing template is more than a few years old, it's worth checking. Here is what the policy means for sellers and how to stay compliant.
What is active content?
Active content is code that runs inside a listing: JavaScript, Flash, plug-ins and form actions. Sellers used it to power features such as:
- Scrolling galleries of other items
- Custom store search boxes and drop-down menus
- Feedback and cross-promotion widgets
- Shipping calculators and image carousels
- Embedded YouTube or Vimeo videos
Why eBay restricts it
Active content slows pages down, opens the door to security problems and often breaks on phones. With most eBay visits now on mobile devices, eBay wants every listing to load fast and look right on a small screen.
How to check your listings
eBay provides a checking tool that scans a listing for active content and mobile-friendliness. Make sure you choose the correct eBay site when you use it. Hyperlinks will show a warning, which is fine: links are allowed within eBay's policies, though you can't link to external payment services. eBay also offers a seller-only preview of how your description looks without active content.
Keeping listings compliant and effective
A compliant listing doesn't have to look plain. A well-designed template uses clean HTML and CSS to present clear product photos, a scannable description, and tabs for shipping, returns and policies, all without any scripts. That makes it faster, safer and easier to read on mobile, which helps buyers decide.
We design active-content-free eBay listing templates and custom eBay stores for sellers worldwide. Send us a link to your listing and we'll check it for free.
