On Etsy, an item is considered to have made a Medical Claim if it suggests or states either of the following:
- Disease Claim: Claims that an item prevents, heals, or treats, diagnoses, mitigates, or cures a medical condition or disease.
- Structure/Function Claim: Claims that an item will affect the structure or function of the body.
In many countries, products making certain medical claims are subject to pre-market review requirements and extensive regulation. It is the seller’s responsibility to know and follow any law or regulation that is applicable to them. If a seller makes or implies prohibited claims in their shop or in the presentation of an item—including in the title, description, tags, or images in the listing—Etsy may remove the item. Etsy reserves the right to remove listings that may violate any legal requirement relating to claims, or which otherwise violate Etsy’s policies. Etsy is not able to advise whether legal or regulatory requirements apply to you or offer pre-approval of claims made in shops or listings.
Regardless of accuracy or legality, some types of disease claims are prohibited on Etsy. Though this list is not exhaustive, we do not allow explicit or implied claims that an item:
- Can treat, mitigate, diagnose, or cure a serious disease or medical condition, such as cancer or heart disease
- Can treat, mitigate, diagnose, or cure sexual dysfunction or impotence
- Is, or is as effective as, an analgesic, antibiotic, antiseptic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, steroid, vaccine, or decongestant
- Is, or is as effective as, a prescription drug
- Is approved by the FDA
Regardless of accuracy or legality, certain structure/function claims are also prohibited on Etsy, such as items which claim that they may bleach, lighten, or whiten skin.
Testimonials: Etsy does not prohibit product testimonials, but they must not make prohibited claims and must comply with any applicable laws pertaining to endorsements or medical claims.
Seller Disclaimers: Medical claims prohibited by Etsy always violate our policies, regardless of any disclaimers added by the Seller.
False Claims: As with any item on Etsy, Sellers may not knowingly make false claims or otherwise describe an item inaccurately.
Similar Prohibited Items: Note that Etsy prohibits all medical drugs, regulated devices, and numerous herbal substances (including THC and CBD) due to legality or potential harmfulness.
Additional resources
Etsy provides some potentially helpful resources for informational purposes only. We cannot provide legal guidance.
United States
Food and Drug Administration
- Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?)
- Guidance for Industry: Structure/Function Claims, Small Entity Compliance Guide
- Medical Foods Guidance Documents & Regulatory Information
- Dietary Supplements Guidance Documents & Regulatory Information
Federal Trade Commission
- Advertising FAQ's: A Guide for Small Business
- Dietary Supplements: An Advertising Guide for Industry
Canada
- Health Canada - Drugs and health products
- Health Canada - About Natural Health Product Regulation in Canada
European Union
- European Commission - Public Health: Herbal Medicinal Products
- European Commission - Food: Nutrition and Health Claims
- European Commission - Food: Food supplements
- European Commission - Growth: Cosmetics
- European Medicines Agency - National competent authorities
France
- Ministère de la santé et de la prévention - Médicaments
- Ministère de la santé et de la prévention - Autres produits de santé
United Kingdom
Australia
Last updated on Mar 27, 2023