AfterTheMarket Prohibited Items Policy

Effective from: February 1, 2025

AfterTheMarket aims to provide a safe and lawful marketplace for our community. While we support entrepreneurship and creativity, certain items are prohibited or restricted due to legal requirements, safety concerns, or because they don't align with our marketplace values. This policy outlines what items are not permitted on AfterTheMarket.

Zero Tolerance Policy

We maintain a zero-tolerance approach towards prohibited items, particularly those that promote hate speech (as defined by the South African Constitution), incite violence, or are unlawful. Sellers found in violation of this policy may face immediate account suspension or termination in accordance with our Terms of Use.

Prohibited Categories

1. Controlled Substances and Related Items

• All scheduled medicines (Schedule 0-8) as defined by the Medicines and Related Substances Act
• Any pharmaceutical products requiring a prescription
• Over-the-counter medications (unless sold by a licensed online pharmacy)
• Alcohol and alcoholic beverages (requires specific online liquor license)
• Tobacco products, e-cigarettes, vapes, and related accessories
• Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
• Cannabis and cannabis-derived products (including CBD products without SAHPRA approval)
• Drug paraphernalia or equipment used for drug consumption
• Products making unsubstantiated medical claims
• Traditional medicines without proper MCC registration

2. Dangerous and Restricted Items

• Firearms, ammunition, and explosives
• Prohibited weapons as defined by the Dangerous Weapons Act, including:
  • Automatic/switchblade knives
  • Butterfly knives
  • Disguised knives (like knife-pens)
  • Combat knives
  • Ballistic knives
  • Any knife designed primarily as a weapon
  • Tasers and stun guns
  • Electric shock devices
  • Telescopic batons
  • Brass knuckles
  • Gas/chemical weapons (except legal pepper spray)
  • Any weapon designed to cause serious injury
• Weapons and weapon parts
• Pepper spray exceeding 20% OC concentration
• Hazardous materials and dangerous goods

Permitted Self-Defense Items (with restrictions):

• Pepper spray (maximum 20% OC concentration)
• Personal alarms and whistles
• Security lights and motion sensors
• Tactical flashlights
• Kubotan/tactical pens (non-bladed)
• Defensive sprays (non-OC, legally compliant)

Note: Certain knives are permitted for sale, including:

• Kitchen/culinary knives
• Utility knives for work/tools
• Hunting knives (with proper permits)
• Collectible knives (non-weapon)
• Craft knives
• Multi-tools with knife components

3. Protected Wildlife and Human Products

• Items made from threatened or endangered species (as per CITES regulations)
• Ivory or ivory products (including antique ivory)
• Rhino horn or products containing rhino horn
• Protected plant species
• Human remains or body parts (except for hair and teeth)
• Live animals

4. Counterfeit and Fraudulent Items

• Counterfeit goods and unauthorized replicas
• Fake identification documents
• Forged certificates or qualifications
• Counterfeit currency or stamps
• Items that facilitate document fraud
• Unauthorized copies of intellectual property

5. Hate Speech and Offensive Content

• Items promoting hate speech as defined by Section 16 of the South African Constitution
• Content promoting discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or sexual orientation
• Items glorifying apartheid or promoting apartheid propaganda
• Nazi memorabilia and related hate symbols
• Items promoting extremist ideologies

6. Adult Content and Restricted Materials

• Pornographic materials
• Explicit sexual content
• Items promoting sexual services
• Content exploiting minors
• Age-restricted content without proper verification

7. Illegal and Highly Regulated Items

• Financial products without proper licensing (including insurance and investment products)
• Banking services without proper banking licenses
• Securities, stocks, and other financial instruments
• Stolen property
• Government-issued documents
• Police or military equipment without proper authorization
• Items violating import/export regulations
• Cryptocurrency mining equipment
• Real estate listings
• Motor vehicles
• Unregistered telecommunication devices
• Precious metals without proper permits
• Gambling devices or lottery tickets
• Professional services requiring licensing (legal, medical, financial advice)

8. Shipping Restricted Items

The following items are prohibited from being shipped through our platform due to safety, security, or logistical concerns:

• Gas, paraffin, and other fuel substances
• Dry ice and refrigerated materials
• Perishable items including food products, of which is not sealed and does not have a expiry date
• All dangerous goods as classified by transportation authorities
• Prescription medications (in addition to restrictions under Controlled Substances)
• Flammable goods and materials
• Clinical or biological samples

Enforcement and Compliance

AfterTheMarket reserves the right to:

• Remove any listing that violates this policy
• Suspend or terminate accounts of sellers who violate these policies
• Report illegal activities to relevant South African authorities
• Require additional documentation for certain regulated items
• Update this policy as needed to comply with changing regulations

Special Considerations

1. Historical Items:

   Items of historical significance that might contain restricted imagery or symbols may be allowed only if presented in an educational or historical context and not promoting hatred.

2. Cultural Items:

   Traditional cultural items may be permitted if they comply with relevant laws and are not sourced from protected or endangered species.

3. Religious Items:

   Religious artifacts and symbols are permitted unless they promote hatred or violate other aspects of this policy.

Reporting Violations

Users can report prohibited items by:

1. Using the "Report Item" button on the listing
2. Contacting our support team
3. Emailing legal@afterthemarket.co.za

For intellectual property violations, please refer to our separate Intellectual Property Policy.

Legal Compliance

Sellers are responsible for ensuring their items comply with:

• South African national laws
• Provincial regulations where applicable
• International trade regulations
• SARS requirements for imported goods

Policy Updates

This policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in laws, regulations, or marketplace requirements. Users will be notified of significant changes.

Last Updated: February 12, 2025

Note: This policy is part of our Terms of Use. By using AfterTheMarket, you agree to comply with these policies.