This policy covers medical claims made in Etsy listings. A medical claim is any statement suggesting that a product can affect a person's health, body, or medical condition, whether made in the title, description, or images of a listing.
What we don’t allow
Regardless of accuracy or legality, the following types of medical claims are not allowed on Etsy. This list is not exhaustive.
Claims about diseases and medical conditions
Listings may describe general wellness benefits, but they may not claim that a product prevents, heals, treats, diagnoses, mitigates, or cures a disease or medical condition.
Claims that a product replaces medication or medical treatment
Listings may not claim that a product is a substitute for, or is as effective as, a prescription drug, over-the-counter medication, vaccine, or medical procedure. This includes claiming a product is an alternative to a named drug or drug category, such as antibiotics, steroids, or antidepressants.
Claims about sensitive health topics
Listings may not make claims related to:
- Skin bleaching or whitening
- Weight loss or body transformation
- Sexual dysfunction or impotence
- FDA or other regulatory agency approval of supplements or similar products
Products that make medical claims may be subject to government review and regulation in many countries. It is the seller's responsibility to understand and follow any laws or regulations that apply to them and their products. Etsy is not able to advise whether specific legal or regulatory requirements apply to you, or offer pre-approval of claims made in shops or listings. If a seller makes or implies prohibited medical claims anywhere in their shop or listing, including in the title, description, or images, Etsy may remove the listing.
Testimonials: Etsy does not prohibit product testimonials, but they must not make prohibited medical claims and must comply with applicable laws about endorsements or medical claims.
Disclaimers: Adding a disclaimer to a listing does not make a prohibited medical claim acceptable. Medical claims prohibited by Etsy always violate our policies, regardless of any disclaimers.
Accuracy: As with any product on Etsy, sellers may not knowingly make false or misleading claims about any item.
Related policies Etsy also prohibits medical drugs, regulated medical devices, and certain herbal substances (including THC and CBD) for legal and safety reasons.
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 Jun 2, 2026