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How to fix eBay error: "The item cannot be listed or modified. The title and/or description may contain improper words, or the listing or seller may be in violation of eBay policy."?

This error occurs when eBay detects restricted words, prohibited content, or policy violations in your product title, description, or listing details.

Written by Melanie

This error message is generated by eBay when a product listing includes content that doesn’t comply with eBay’s policies or contains prohibited or unsupported terms. It can also occur if your account has restrictions or issues that need attention.

Common Causes

❗1. Prohibited or Improper Words

eBay detects certain words or phrases in your title, description, or template that may be blocked. These often include:

  • URLs or email addresses

  • External payment methods (e.g., “money order”)

  • Phone numbers or personal contact info

  • Panic-related terms

  • Misleading or policy‑violating phrases

  • Words that trigger search manipulation rules
    Carefully review and remove any questionable content.

❗2. Category or Listing Choices

  • Listing in an incorrect or restricted category

  • Category rules requiring specific item specifics
    If the category doesn’t match your item, eBay may block the listing.

❗3. Account Restrictions or Policies

  • Your selling limits have been reached

  • Your eBay account needs terms acceptance

  • eBay requires additional documentation

  • Your account or payment method has issues
    Check your eBay account notifications and resolve any account-level restrictions.

How to Fix the Error

✔1. Review and Edit Your Listing

Check your title and description for prohibited content or policy violations.

  • Remove external links, contact info, symbols, or restricted terms

  • Make sure item specifics (brand, size, condition) are accurate

You can edit the listing manually in ExportYourStore under Products → Edit, adjust the content, and re-export.

✔2. Use Export with AI

The Export with AI feature can automatically detect and correct problematic values in your title or description before export.
This often resolves eBay listing validation issues without manual editing.

Learn how to use Export with AI here.

✔3. Check Your eBay Account Status

Log in to your eBay seller account and check for:

  • Pending policy acceptance

  • Recommended documentation

  • Listing limits

  • Payment method issues

Resolve any notices before attempting to export again.

If this does not resolve the problem, you may also need to contact eBay Support for more details on your account status or specific policy violations.

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