Prohibited Items

Although Help! Resale allows for the sale of nearly many items, ensuring the safety of our community is our top priority.
Due to this commitment, certain categories of products may be  prohibited. 
If you're unsure whether an item you intend to list is permissible, please refer to list below: 
Prohibited Items
Alcohol 
Any beverage containing ethanol, such as beer, wine, and spirits.
 
Adult items
Any products intended for sexual use or enhancement, such as adult toys, explicit magazines, and other related paraphernalia.


Live Animals
Any living creatures such as pets (dogs, cats, birds, etc.), livestock, and other animals.
 
Live plants
Any living vegetation, such as flowers, shrubs, and trees.
 
Any animal products restricted under various California laws and federal regulations including but not limited to: 
 
  1. Endangered Species: U.S. Code Title 16, 1531-1544 which prohibits the import, export, possession, and sale of animals that are considered endangered or threatened in interstate or foreign commerce.
  2.  U.S. Code Title 16, 4201-4246 which restricts the import and export of African elephant ivory.
  3.  U.S. Code Title 16, 3371-3378 which  prohibits the import, export, transport, and sale of fish or wildlife that are taken or acquired in violation of state, federal, Indian Tribal, or foreign wildlife laws
  4. Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act which  prohibits anyone without a permit issued by the Secretary of the Interior from taking bald or golden eagles, including their parts, feathers, nests, or eggs.
  5. Marine Mammal Protection Act which  prohibits the taking of marine mammals, including harassment, hunting, capturing, collecting, and/or killing, in US waters and by US citizens on the high seas.
  6. Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918  prohibits the taking, killing, capturing, selling, trading, and/or transport of protected migratory bird species without prior authorization by the Department of Interior US Fish and Wildlife Service. 
 
Any products prohibited under Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 that prohibits the sale of Native American artifacts. 
 
Used cosmetics including:
 
Sponges, or applicators this includes skin moisturizers, sunscreens, perfumes, lipsticks, fingernail polishes, eye and facial makeup preparations, shampoos, permanent waves, hair colors, toothpastes, used cosmetic brushes, homemade cosmetics and deodorants.
 
Electronic items prohibited by government agencies, including:  cell phone, GPS radar, and other signal jamming devices.
 
Traffic Light Control Devices
Traffic light control devices, often used to manipulate traffic signals for convenience, are regulated and often prohibited due to potential safety hazards and interference with municipal traffic systems.
CB Amplifiers and Multi-Frequency Radio Equipment
Amplifiers and radio equipment that operate on both CB (Citizens Band) and HAM (Amateur Radio) frequencies are restricted due to the potential for interference with licensed communications and non-compliance with regulatory standards.
Odometer Modification Devices
Devices designed to modify or tamper with vehicle odometers are illegal because they can be used to commit fraud by misrepresenting a vehicle's mileage.
Unauthorized Transmitting Devices
Various equipment such as low-power transmitting devices, high-frequency transceivers, cordless telephones, and radar detectors that are not authorized by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) are prohibited. These devices can cause interference with licensed communications and may not meet safety and performance standards set by the FCC.
Energy Inefficient Light Bulbs
Light bulbs used in homes that do not meet the energy efficiency standards set by the Department of Energy, including certain incandescent and halogen bulbs, are restricted to promote energy conservation.
Questionable Electricity-Saving Devices
Devices that claim to reduce electricity consumption but do not have proven effectiveness are often scrutinized and can be prohibited. These claims are typically unverified and can mislead consumers.
Non-Compliant Appliances in California
Appliances sold in California must meet specific efficiency standards. Any appliances that fail to meet these standards are prohibited from being sold in the state to ensure compliance with local energy conservation regulations.
 
Prohibited Electronic Devices
Any electronic devices that violate U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) guidelines are restricted. These devices can interfere with licensed communications and do not comply with FCC regulations.
Live Event Tickets
Regulations and restrictions may apply to the sale and distribution of live event tickets to prevent fraud and ensure fair access.
Pesticide Products
Pesticide products are restricted if they are:
  • Unregistered or misbranded under U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations
  • Restricted-use pesticides
  • Suspended, canceled, or banned by federal or state government agencies
  • Located outside the U.S.
  • Unbranded, repackaged, or in previously opened packaging
  • Ineligible for shipment through standard shipping providers
Used Funeral Items
Used funeral items such as headstones, markers, or urns are prohibited from resale to maintain dignity and respect for the deceased and their families.
Gift Cards
The sale of gift cards is often regulated to prevent fraud and ensure consumer protection.
Government and Private Transit Uniforms and Accessories
Uniforms and accessories from government, private transit, or shipping companies are prohibited unless they are vintage or collectible, at least 10 years old, no longer in use, and do not resemble current uniforms.
Government and Transit Property
Items such as vehicles, license plates, vehicle keys, mail bags, company decals, and transit documents belonging to government or private transit companies are restricted.
Counterfeit and Official Documents
Counterfeit documents, government-issued documents, official certificates, and diplomas are prohibited.
Specialized Equipment
Items like postage meters, voting machines, Library of Congress devices, government-issued IDs, passports, and birth certificates are restricted. Collectible license plates must be expired and at least 3 years old. Government-issued medals and certificates for medals, VIN plates or rivets, and signs for rideshare drivers or delivery persons are also restricted.
Hazardous Materials
Items containing hazardous materials, including carcinogens, combustibles, explosive precursors, ozone-depleting chemicals, poisons, and radioactive materials, are prohibited.
Lockpicking Devices
Lockpicking and locksmithing devices are restricted.
Lottery and Sweepstakes Items
Lottery tickets, game pieces, and codes or coupons for sweepstakes are prohibited.
Medical Devices Requiring Prescription
Prescription-required medical devices such as CPAP machines, EMS units, TENS units, oxygen concentrators, nebulizers, pulse oximeters, implantable devices, hearing aids, and glucose monitors are restricted.
Counterfeit and Illegal Items
Counterfeit dies, pill presses, illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, and products to beat drug tests are prohibited. Prescription drugs and products containing prescription-strength medication are also restricted.
Plants and Seeds
Plants or seeds prohibited by government or shipping regulations are restricted.
Law Enforcement Uniforms and Accessories
Law enforcement and government-issued uniforms, badges, and accessories, including replicas, are prohibited.
Emergency Lighting and Sirens
Official emergency lighting systems or sirens and related accessories are restricted.
Weapons
Hand weapons such as brass knuckles, nightsticks, nunchakus, throwing weapons with three or more points, and various unconventional weapons like potato guns and tear gas are prohibited.
Anti-Radiation Products
Products claiming to protect against or neutralize radiation are restricted.
Coupons and Cryptocurrencies
Coupons and cryptocurrencies are prohibited.
Cannabis-Related Products
Oils, supplements, or ingestible products derived from or containing hemp, cannabidiol (CBD), THC, or other cannabis-related substances are prohibited.
Tobacco Products
Tobacco and tobacco-related products, including e-cigarettes, are restricted.
Weapons
The sale of lethal and non-lethal weapons, including guns, gun parts, kits, gun racks, mace, black powder, and ammunition, is prohibited.
Harmful Software and Illegal Items
Malware, scareware, spyware, and items promoting illegal or dangerous activities, such as false document services, counterfeit designer goods, cable descramblers, and hacking websites, are prohibited.
Medical Products
Medical drugs, devices, and any items claiming to treat, prevent, mitigate, cure, or diagnose a disease or medical condition are restricted.
Recreational and Medicinal Substances
Substances used for recreational and medicinal purposes are prohibited.
Explosives and Flammable Items
Explosives, fireworks, sparklers, explosive precursors, flammable items, and gasses are restricted.
Lithium Ion Batteries
Individual or loose lithium-ion batteries are prohibited.
Recalled Items
Items subject to government or manufacturer recall are restricted.
Imitation Firearms
Imitation firearms that resemble actual firearms or could reasonably be mistaken for real guns are prohibited.
Knives
Knives with ejectable blades, automatic opening knives, knives that open with centrifugal force, and any knife marketed for violence are prohibited.
Violent Weapons
Items intended to inflict violence, such as clubs, batons, brass knuckles, kubotans, pepper spray, shuriken, nunchaku, tasers, and tonfas, are restricted.
Offensive Content
Items containing slurs or derogatory terms against protected classes, or content with violent or degrading commentary against protected classes, are prohibited.
Hallucinogenic Plants and Substances
Plants and plant parts that can be used to derive hallucinogenic substances, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and psychoactive cacti are restricted.
Toxic Plant Materials
Plant materials with toxic, caustic, or poisonous properties are prohibited.
Baby and Child Safety Items
Face masks for children under 2 years old, car seats, safety seats for babies and young children, and baby formula are restricted.
Animal and Human Parts
Items made from cat and dog parts, ivory, and human remains or body products are prohibited.
Counterfeit and Unauthorized Replicas
Unauthorized replicas or copies of items, and patterns or goods imitating authentic items without the brand owner’s consent, are restricted.
Personal and Government Documents
Personal documents like credit cards and identification cards, and government documents, are prohibited.
 
Miscellaneous Items
Handgun safety certificates, imitation tobacco products, counterfeit stamps, vehicles, parts, and accessories that do not follow government regulations are restricted.