Examples of active content include scrolling item pickers, embedded Feedback, social sharing icons and currency conversion widgets. Please see our full policy guidelines below for the details of the types of JavaScript that are not allowed.
We strongly recommend removing any active content in your existing listings, as it will no longer be visible to buyers, and your listings won't be appearing as you originally intended.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I'm using active content?
You can find out if your current listings contain active content with our active content checker - opens in new window or tab.
What happens if I try to use active content?
If you include active content when creating new listings, you'll get an error message saying 'Disallowed JavaScript/HTML Syntax'. You won't be able to list the item until the active content is removed.
Read our full policy
JavaScript policy overview
Active content such as JavaScript, Flash, plug-ins, and form actions are no longer displayed in listings. If you include active content in your listings then they may not look as expected and buyer experience may be impaired.
Some forms of active content that can be used maliciously are still not allowed in listings or other eBay pages. You also aren't allowed to use JavaScript to manipulate the standard functions of eBay listings, eBay Shops pages or your profile. For details on what is and isn't allowed on the site, see the guidelines below.
Any attempt to disguise the intention or function of a listing's source code when using JavaScript is a breach of eBay policy. Sellers may not manipulate or edit anything outside of the areas designated for member content.
Activity on eBay is required to follow this policy, the eBay User Agreement and all applicable laws, as well as respect the rights of third parties. If it doesn’t, eBay may take action consistent with applicable laws and the eBay User Agreement, and may even be legally required to do so. Such actions may include, as an example only: Removing the listing or other content, issuing a warning, restricting activity or account suspension.
What are the guidelines?
Not allowed
You can't use JavaScript that:
- Calls remote scripts and pages automatically
- Changes registry entries or otherwise writes to another person's computer hard drive
- Creates automatic pop-ups except for links that open in a new window when clicked on
- Is used to drop or read a cookie on any eBay page
- Loads any binary program on another person's computer automatically
- Launches a song or video when a listing is opened
- Overwrites any area in the listing outside of the item description area
- Manipulates areas outside the listing description, including changing fonts, colours and backgrounds in areas such as eBay headers and footers
- Posts to scripts on eBay automatically
- Redirects the user from eBay to another web page, such as using the 'replace' script
Additional information
If you try to use scripts that we disable, you'll get an error message that says 'Disallowed JavaScript/HTML Syntax'. This means you can't list the item, or the script will be disabled at run-time. Any other error message indicates a separate issue and isn't related to disabling HTML or JavaScript code.
Tip
Visit Seller Help - opens in new window or tab to find details of any policy issues with your account or listings, and get the information you need to quickly resolve them.
Why does eBay have this policy?
To help keep our website working the way we designed it to, we don't allow using scripts that manipulate or change the way the site and its features operate, and we don't render active content.