Prohibited Items Policy

Scout is a general marketplace where people buy and sell new and pre-owned goods across a wide range of categories. To protect the safety, trust, and wellbeing of everyone in our community, certain items are restricted (allowed only under specific conditions) or prohibited (never allowed under any circumstances).

We reserve the right to remove listings or suspend accounts that violate this policy, at our sole discretion. Sellers are responsible for ensuring items are safe, legal, accurately described, and in compliance with all applicable laws.

All prohibited and restricted item policies apply equally to items sold via Scout Live. Selling a prohibited item during a live session will result in the same corrective action as selling it in the standard marketplace.

1. Restricted Items (Allowed Only Under Certain Conditions)

These categories are allowed only when the specific conditions below are met. Items that do not satisfy the applicable conditions are prohibited. Where an item could fall under both an allowed and a prohibited category, the prohibition controls.

Personal Care & Hygiene Products

✅ Allowed: New, sealed personal care items in original, unopened packaging where the contents cannot have been accessed or used.

❌ Not allowed: Used or opened personal care products, including cosmetics, skincare, makeup, and hygiene items. Any personal care item that cannot be verified as completely unused.

Safety & Protective Equipment

✅ Allowed: Safety equipment that has not been recalled, has not expired, and has never been involved in a collision or impact event (e.g., helmets, car seats).

❌ Not allowed: Recalled, expired, or impact-compromised safety equipment.

2. Prohibited Items (Never Allowed)

The following items may not be listed on Scout under any circumstances, regardless of condition or stated intended use. This list is illustrative, not exhaustive — Scout may remove any item we determine poses a risk to our community or violates the spirit of this policy.

Weapons & Firearms

Firearms, handguns, rifles, shotguns, and any other guns or firearm components (including frames, receivers, barrels, and magazines). Ammunition of any kind. Knives marketed or designed for use as weapons, including switchblades, gravity knives, and ballistic knives. Tasers, stun guns, and other electroshock weapons. Brass knuckles, blackjacks, saps, and other impact weapons. Crossbows, blowguns, and similar projectile weapons. 3D-printed or unfinished "ghost gun" components. Any item designed to convert a legal firearm into an illegal one (e.g., auto-sears, bump stocks).

Explosives & Fireworks

Fireworks of any kind, including consumer fireworks (sparklers, firecrackers, aerial shells), professional display fireworks, and pyrotechnic devices. Explosive materials, detonators, blasting caps, and any components used in the manufacture of explosives. Smoke grenades, flash-bang devices, and similar items.

Hate-Based & Extremist Items

Items associated with, promoting, or glorifying hate groups, white supremacy, or extremist ideologies, regardless of historical framing or claimed educational purpose. This includes Nazi memorabilia (flags, uniforms, insignia, propaganda), Ku Klux Klan materials, and items bearing symbols of organizations designated as hate groups. Items that dehumanize individuals or groups based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or national origin.

Tobacco, Vaping & Cannabis

Cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, and all other tobacco products. Electronic cigarettes, vape pens, e-liquids, and vaping devices or accessories. Cannabis, marijuana, CBD products (including edibles, oils, and topicals), hemp flower, and any other cannabis-derived products. Drug paraphernalia, including pipes, bongs, and any item whose primary purpose is the consumption of controlled substances.

Alcohol

Beer, wine, spirits, and all other alcoholic beverages. Home brewing kits that include active ingredients for producing alcohol.

Controlled Substances, Medications & Medical Devices

Prescription drugs, controlled substances, and any medication requiring a prescription. Over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary supplements. Medical devices intended for clinical or diagnostic use, or that require a prescription — including items used to diagnose, treat, or monitor a medical condition under the care of a healthcare provider. Consumer wellness wearables such as fitness trackers and smartwatches are not affected by this prohibition. Items marketed as legal highs, research chemicals, or synthetic alternatives to controlled substances.

Live Animals & Wildlife Products

Live animals of any kind. Products made from endangered or protected species subject to CITES regulations, including ivory, rhino horn, shark fins, coral, and certain reptile skins. Animal parts or by-products (including feathers, bones, and pelts) where sale is restricted under federal or state law.

Surveillance & Tracking Devices

Covert cameras or recording devices disguised as everyday objects (e.g., hidden in clocks, smoke detectors, or clothing). GPS trackers intended or commonly used to monitor individuals without their knowledge or consent. Signal jammers, IMSI catchers, and devices that intercept or block wireless communications. Stalkerware and software designed to covertly monitor a device's owner.

Gift Cards & Financial Instruments

Gift cards, store credits, and prepaid cards of any kind. Counterfeit currency, fake bills, and currency forgery equipment. Securities, financial instruments, and investment contracts. Items that facilitate money laundering or financial fraud.

Digital Goods & Unauthorized Accounts

Hacked, compromised, or fraudulently obtained accounts for any platform or service. Pirated software, cracked applications, and unauthorized license keys or activation codes. Fake social media followers, engagement, or reviews. NFTs or digital assets obtained through unauthorized means.

Event Tickets & Access Passes

Event tickets, concert passes, sporting event tickets, and other admission credentials sold at above face value (scalping). Tickets obtained through automated means (bots) in violation of the issuer's terms. Fraudulent, counterfeit, or previously redeemed tickets.

Government & Law Enforcement Items

Official government-issued identification documents, passports, and licenses (real or replica). Law enforcement badges, uniforms, and credentials. Military insignia, medals, or uniforms that could be used to impersonate active duty or veteran service members. Items whose sale or possession is restricted to government or law enforcement agencies.

Human Remains & Body Parts

Human remains of any kind, including bones, teeth, and tissue. Organs or bodily fluids. Items containing or made from human remains. Anatomical specimens not covered by an active research or educational institution exemption. This does not include commercially manufactured human-hair wigs, extensions, or similar hair products.

Personal Data & Private Records

Personal data, private records, or databases containing individuals' personal information (including names, addresses, Social Security numbers, or financial information). Medical records, insurance records, or any health information protected under HIPAA. Credit reports, background check files, or similar consumer reporting data.

Counterfeit & Misrepresented Goods

Fake branded products, replica goods, or items misrepresented as authentic. Items infringing on trademarks, patents, or other intellectual property rights. Listings that are deliberately misleading about the nature, origin, or authenticity of an item.

Recalled & Unsafe Products

Any product recalled by its manufacturer or by a safety regulator, including the CPSC, NHTSA, FDA, or equivalent authority. Items that have been modified in a way that creates a safety hazard. Products with known safety defects that have not been addressed through a manufacturer recall or repair program.

Hazardous Materials

Flammable, corrosive, toxic, or otherwise hazardous materials, including industrial chemicals, pesticides, and aerosol sprays containing dangerous propellants. Asbestos-containing materials. Radioactive materials of any kind.

Adult & Sexually Explicit Content

Pornographic or sexually explicit materials of any kind. Sexually oriented items, devices, or paraphernalia. Any content that sexually exploits or depicts minors (CSAM), which is illegal and will be reported to law enforcement.

Food & Consumables

Food, beverages, and consumable goods of any kind, including sealed and packaged items, pet food and treats, and supplements. Breast milk and other human-derived consumables.

Used Hygiene & Intimate Items

Used underwear and socks. Any item that cannot be verified as clean, sanitized, or safe for the next user given its nature or prior use.

3. Illegal Items

Items that are illegal to sell under any applicable federal, state, or local law are prohibited on Scout. This includes stolen goods, items obtained in violation of customs or import regulations, and any item whose sale is restricted or banned in your jurisdiction. Scout may report listings or accounts suspected of facilitating illegal transactions to the appropriate authorities.

4. Recalled & Expired Products

It is the Seller's responsibility to verify that their items:

• Have not been recalled by any manufacturer or safety regulator.
• Have not expired (for any item with an expiration date).
• Have not been modified in a way that creates a safety hazard.

Scout may remove recalled or expired products without notice. To check whether a product has been recalled, visit the CPSC recall database at cpsc.gov/recalls.

5. Best Practices for Safe Selling

• Be honest and accurate in your listing descriptions, including condition, flaws, and any relevant history.
• Clean and sanitize items before selling, where applicable.
• Disclose any wear, damage, or missing parts.
• When in doubt about whether an item is allowed, contact us at support@shoponscout.com before listing.