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Changes to our Product safety policy – Toys and products containing sand | Water/gel beads
New restrictions on selling toys and other products containing sand on eBay in Australia are going live.
We're also reminding sellers about the safety of water/gel bead products, and we've updated our policy to provide clarity on how these may be listed on eBay.
What you need to know
From 14 September 2026, the following types of products will no longer be allowed to be sold in or shipped to Australia:
Coloured sand
Play sand, sandbox sand, kinetic sand, craft sand
Sand-filled toys, stress balls and sensory products
Weighted sand-filled products such as sealed doorstops
Water beads aren't allowed in the Toys & Hobbies category and can't be advertised for children. They are only allowed if they are listed in the Home & Garden category as decorations for vases and centrepieces. These listings must also include the following disclaimer:
Water beads should be kept away from children under 5 years of age, and older children or vulnerable adults should use them under close adult supervision only. Water beads expand and can block the gastrointestinal passage when swallowed, which can cause choking.
Next steps
If you sell toys containing sand or other or sand-filled products, you will unfortunately no longer be able to list them. We recommend you end your listings prior to the updated policy taking effect. Listings that do not comply with our policies could be subject to removal.
If you sell water or gel beads, please take some time to ensure your listings are following the guidelines above.
More information
The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued warnings and recalls in relation to children's sand products that may contain asbestos. For more information, you can visit the ACCC website:
Customers warned of recalled children’s sand due to asbestos risks
Decorative and coloured sand products with asbestos - Guidance for business
Water beads, also known as gel beads, can expand up to 100 times their original size in water. If swallowed, water beads can lead to serious illness or internal injuries and also pose a choking hazard to young children. For more information, you can visit the ACCC website:
Our Product safety policy helps ensure that important government regulations and safety standards are followed. Please ensure that you are familiar with our policy when selling on eBay.
