General Prohibition List of Kaufes.ch
1 Introduction
Kaufes.ch maintains this constantly updated list of prohibited products that violate applicable laws, moral standards, or the fundamental policies of Kaufes.ch. Offering such products without the explicit permission of Kaufes.ch is prohibited, and Kaufes.ch reserves the right to remove any such listings. In addition, listings may be deleted if they contain insufficient or misleading information. The rights of Kaufes.ch in accordance with Section IV.B. of the General Terms and Conditions remain reserved. Even if exceptions to this list of prohibited items are provided, Kaufes.ch reserves the right to deviate from them. Unless otherwise stated, these provisions apply to all listings on Kaufes.ch. In case of uncertainty, it is recommended to first contact customer service.
2 Rights of other persons
It is prohibited to engage in any activity on Kaufes.ch that violates the rights of others. This includes copyrights, trademarks, design rights, patents, personal rights, data protection rights, competition rights, and other third-party rights. Kaufes.ch supports rights holders and allows them to report listings that infringe their rights to request their removal.
2.1 Intellectual Property
Listings, texts, and graphic representations that a user publishes on the Kaufes.ch website in any form (product descriptions, reviews, entries in the “Questions and Answers” section, etc.) or otherwise communicates via the Kaufes.ch website must not infringe upon the rights of third parties, such as trademark, copyright, design, or patent rights. The user may only use and publish images and texts on the Kaufes.ch website that they have created themselves or for which the rights holder has given permission to use. If there is any doubt about the authenticity of an item, Kaufes.ch reserves the right to request proof of authenticity from the seller and/or remove the listing.
Examples:
- Replicas, imitations (e.g., watches, jewelry, clothing)
- Artworks with signatures may not be sold as originals
- Use of expressions such as “replica,” “counterfeit,” “style,” “design,” “1:1,” etc., that indicate a branded product has been copied or imitated.
- Use of non-original images without proper licensing
- Items bearing the “Hugo Boss” brand that were not manufactured by Hugo Boss
- Labeling offers for exercise bikes that do not bear the protected “Spinning” trademark as “Spinning Bike” or similar.
- Listings that claim to be original goods, e.g., “Armani-style sunglasses,” “inspired by Versace,” etc.
- Use of a brand name in the title and/or item description when the item does not in fact originate from that brand (e.g., “not Versace,” “not Audi,” or “Prada” when it is not a Prada item, etc.). Exceptions to this are generally listings that neither infringe trademark rights nor use the brand in a misleading or unfair manner in the title or item description (e.g., case for iPhone, not suitable for Nespresso machines, etc.).
2.2 Data Media and Copies
It is prohibited to sell self-burned or printed data media (CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, hard drives, flash storage, e-readers, photocopies, or other writable media) containing third-party content without the rights holder’s permission.
Examples:
- Software compilations (including freeware/shareware downloaded online)
- Self-burned media collections (photos, music, films)
- Pirated copies (VHS, DVD, CD-ROMs, etc.)
- Bootlegs
- Non-fully wiped iPhones/iPods/hard drives
- Photocopies of books, course materials, or school documents
2.3 Data Protection and Personal Rights
Listings, texts, and graphic representations that a user publishes on the Kaufes.ch website in any form (product descriptions, reviews, entries in the “Questions and Answers” section, etc.) or otherwise communicates via the Kaufes.ch website must not violate the personal rights of third parties and/or infringe data protection laws. In particular, they must not be offensive, obscene, defamatory, harassing, injurious to honor, slanderous, disparaging, damaging to reputation, or similar.
3 Prohibited Products
3.1 Addresses and Personal Data
It is prohibited to offer on Kaufes.ch lists or documents containing addresses or other data relating to specific or identifiable persons (natural or legal).
Examples:
- Addresses of merchants, suppliers, manufacturers
- Mailing lists
- Bank customer data
- Personal data, telephone numbers, email addresses, or other personal identification information.
- Other address lists
3.2 Archaeological Cultural Artifacts
The sale of archaeological cultural artifacts on Kaufes.ch is not permitted unless the seller can provide official proof of the item's legal trade status. This documentation must be clearly visible in the listing.
Legal certificates are typically only issued for artifacts proven to originate before the enactment of the Swiss Civil Code (ZGB; SR 210). Items without provenance or from foreign countries cannot receive such certification. Simple customs export declarations, etc., do not qualify as valid proof.
Archaeological cultural artifacts include objects of historical, artistic, or scientific significance.
Examples:
- Coins, armor, utensils, ceramics (e.g., plates), jewelry, sculptures
- Religious artifacts such as relics
3.3 Pharmaceuticals and Medical Products
The following pharmaceuticals and medical products, as defined by the Swiss Therapeutic Products Act (Heilmittelgesetz), are prohibited on Kaufes.ch:
Examples:
- Prescription medications (sales categories A, B)
- Category D medications
- Contraceptives (e.g., birth control pills)
- HIV-/AIDS-Tests
- COVID-19 rapid tests
- Tigerbalsam
- Tiger Balm
- HCG hormone
- Melatonin
- One-step pregnancy tests
- DNA tests
- Pharmaceutical potency enhancers (e.g., Viagra)
- Weight-loss products like Cuts II
- Deworming medications
- B2UP chewing gum
- Products like poppers
- Hoodia
- Ruyan
- Nicotine replacement products (e.g., nicotine gum)
- Spaglog
- Spagyric remedies
3.4 Government IDs and Licenses
The sale of government-issued identification documents, licenses, or registry extracts is prohibited.
Examples:
- Official documents (driver’s licenses, passports, ID cards, permits, certifications, vaccination records)
- Fake IDs or materials used to produce them
- Birth certificates or commercial registry extracts
- Documents enabling misuse of titles (academic degrees, honorary titles, public offices) or professional designations (e.g., "Doctor," "Attorney")
3.5 Used Motorway Vignettes
The sale of used motorway vignettes is prohibited.
The Swiss motorway vignette is an official toll sticker valid only for the vehicle to which it is affixed. Once removed, it becomes invalid. Altering vignettes (e.g., with adhesive films) to appear valid is forbidden. Using a motorway without an affixed vignette also invalidates it.
Such manipulations constitute a criminal offense under Article 245(1)(2) and Article 245(2) of the Swiss Criminal Code (StGB; SR 311.0). Buyers of such vignettes may also face penalties, including imprisonment (up to 3 years) or fines.
3.6 Decryption Software and Hardware
It is not permitted to offer decryption tools on Kaufes.ch that are intended to unlawfully penetrate protected areas, trade secrets, encrypted data, etc., or that are exclusively designed to bypass or remove technical measures for protecting copyrighted works (such as copy protection).
Examples:
- Hacking software or hardware
- Odometer reset devices
- Modchips
- R4 cards for Nintendo DS/DSI
- Software to unlock SIM locks
- Hardware to unlock SIM locks (e.g., Griffin Box, Tornado Flasher, etc.)
- Software to copy copy-protected CDs or DVDs
- Decryption devices for Teleclub, Premiere, etc.
- AceKards
- M3 cards, etc.
3.7 Drugs and Other Psychoactive Substances
The offering of drugs as defined by the Narcotics Act, as well as other mind-altering substances, on Kaufes.ch is prohibited. This ban also extends to alcohol of any kind. Likewise, no items may be offered that are suitable for or intended for the production or consumption of psychoactive substances.
Examples:
- Products falling under the Narcotics Act (such as heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, LSD, etc.)
- Items containing cannabidiol (CBD)
- Seeds from plants falling into this category (e.g., cannabis seeds)
- Items for intravenous drug use
- Accessories for snorting drugs
- Salvia Divinorum
- Poppers
3.8 Tickets, Entrance Tickets, and Flight Tickets
It is prohibited to offer personalized tickets that include the name of the authorized person and where the transfer is contractually prohibited. The barcode or the corresponding number must not be visible in the images. These areas must be covered.
When selling tickets before the official sales start, the seller must provide proof or documentation showing that they possess the tickets. In the event of suspected commercial ticket sales, Kaufes.ch reserves the right to request corresponding proof from the seller. If this proof cannot be provided, Kaufes.ch reserves the right to remove such offers and/or block the member.
3.9 Banner Advertising Spaces, Email Addresses, Licenses, Registration Rights, Domain Names, and Trademarks
It is not permitted to list offers on Kaufes.ch that involve the acquisition of banner advertising spaces, email addresses, licenses, registration rights, domain names, and trademarks.
3.10 Health-Hazardous Chemicals, Explosively Dangerous Products, and Radioactive Materials
It is not permitted to offer radioactive materials, explosives, fireworks of any kind, and dangerous chemicals on Kaufes.ch.
Furthermore, sellers must comply with all legal regulations regarding hazardous substances, plant protection products, fertilizers, and biocidal products.
The relevant laws and regulations in this area include the Chemicals Act (ChemG) and the Chemicals Ordinance (ChemV).
Examples of prohibited products include:
- Products with warning labels from a federal office
- Stink bombs
- Pepper spray and defensive sprays
- Fireworks
- Grenades
- Any products containing asbestos, particularly Eternit products manufactured before 1991
3.11 Communication Devices, Particularly Radio Equipment, That Violate Regulations
It is prohibited to offer communication devices on Kaufes.ch, especially radio equipment, that violate legislation.
Examples of such products include:
- Transmitters and/or receivers
- Radios
- Remote controls
- Remote controllers
- Radio cameras
- Search receivers
- Jammers
- FM transmitters with a range of more than 10 meters
- Radar warning systems
These items may only be sold and circulated if they comply with legal requirements. Amateur radio equipment may only be sold to license holders upon presentation of an amateur radio license and issuance of a receipt.
3.12 Devices for unlawful eavesdropping
Technical apparatuses are forbidden that are specially designed for illegal listening or secret recording of sound or pictures. This includes:
- Cameras in pen, lighters or car keys, also like so-called buttonhole cameras and spy cameras.
3.13 Stolen products and other products what not belong to the seller
The offering of stolen goods on Kaufes.ch is forbidden. Offers will also be deleted if the seller is not the lawful owner of the products. Examples of this include:
- Bicycles that was stolen
- Cars that, according to the current leasing contract or installment purchase agreement, are not for sale
3.14 Vouchers
The offering of vouchers or coupons on Kaufes.ch that are tied to a specific person and not transferable is prohibited. Any minimum purchase values must be clearly stated.
Examples of this include:
- Vouchers for one’s own online shop, intended to encourage members to make purchases outside of Kaufes.ch
- Miles & More program
3.15 Mobile phone dummies
It is not permitted to offer mobile phones without actual functions, unless the offer text and title clearly state in German (“Attrappe,” “ohne Funktionen,” and/or “Spielzeug”) and/or in French (“sans fonctions,” “jouet,” and/or “portable factice”) that it is a dummy. The use of the term “Dummy” or other English indications is NOT sufficient.
3.16 War material and army equipment
The offering of war and army material that has not been released for trade by the authorized authorities is prohibited on Kaufes.ch. Reliable guidance on what may and may not be sold can be found in the price lists of the official ArmyLiqShops and the ArmyTechShop, available at www.armyliqshop.ch and www.armytechshop.ch. In general, items that a serviceman was allowed to keep after leaving the army are permitted for sale.
In contrast, the following are prohibited, for example:
- Parts of current uniforms
- Trousers of the camouflage suit 90 (as they are also part of the uniform)
- Sleeping bag 90
- Material that was only issued on loan (parts of personal equipment, especially corps material)
Permitted for sale, on the other hand, are for example:
- Sleeping bag 65
- Silver army pocket knife (but not the Army Knife ’90)
3.17 Sales restrictions for food and consumer goods under the Food Act
On Kaufes.ch, it is prohibited to offer food and consumer goods such as cosmetics that violate the Food Act. In particular, any claims are prohibited that attribute to food properties for the prevention, enhancement of potency, treatment, or cure of human diseases, or that advertise them as slimming products with specific promises of effectiveness. According to the Ordinance on the Labeling and Advertising of Food, the country of origin must always be stated for prepackaged or unpackaged meat. A notice is also required if the animals come from countries where they were allowed to be treated with antibiotics for performance enhancement (e.g., Brazil).
Examples of prohibited offers include:
- Any type of tooth whitening products
- U.S. American T-bone steaks
- Detailed claims about weight loss for slimming products (e.g., “Lose 4 kg in 8 days”).
3.18 Restrictions on the sale of gambling products
On Kaufes.ch, it is prohibited to offer items that promise winnings or other benefits, such as lottery tickets or similar offers that fall under the Lottery Act.
Examples of this include:
- Tickets for participation in the EuroMillions lottery
3.19 Prohibited sale of human body parts
On Kaufes.ch, it is prohibited to offer human bodies, body parts, organs, as well as bones.
Examples of prohibited offers include:
- Human skulls and bones
- Human organs, including preserved organs for medical purposes
- Sperm, blood, excretions, and eggs
3.20 Prohibited sale of items with National Socialist, racist, or politically extremist references
On Kaufes.ch, it is forbidden to list items with a National Socialist, racist, or politically extremist background, or to engage in related propaganda.
Examples of prohibited offers include:
- Items with common coded symbols (e.g., laurel wreaths)
- Postcards from the era of the Third Reich with depictions of Hitler, National Socialist slogans, swastikas, and/or SS symbols
- Music CDs from far-right or far-left extremist bands
- T-shirts with propagandistic or racist prints
- “Mission donation boxes” or antique versions of the “Black Peter” card game by Carlit, and similar items
Exceptions to this rule include:
- Stamps and coins issued during the time of the Third Reich
- Objective and purely scientific documentaries about the era of National Socialism
3.21 Prohibited offers of pornography, sexual, and violence-depicting content
On Kaufes.ch, it is prohibited to offer items that contain or are exclusively limited to sexual or violence-depicting content. This includes all forms of pornography without exception, listings with obscene, sexual, or violence-glorifying content, as well as items with content harmful to minors.
Examples of prohibited offers include:
- Listings with references to cannibalism (e.g., DVDs such as Cannibal Holocaust, Cannibal Apocalypse, etc.)
- Films with insufficient descriptions but that indicate sexual content (e.g., “18+” with no image)
- Modules/cards for erotic TV channels
- Worn, unwashed underwear
- Sex or love dolls
- Images of children and adolescents in unnatural, sexually suggestive poses
- Hardcore pornography in any form (hard disk, CD, DVD, video, poster, books, etc.)
- Vibrators, dildos, Ben Wa balls, penis rings, penis sleeves, plugs, and accessories
- BDSM accessories such as whips, restraints, harnesses, masks, sex swings, etc.
- Listings with any sexual references used only for advertising purposes, e.g., when a photo shows a scantily clad woman unrelated to the product
- Offers depicting sexual acts with animals, toddlers, human excretions, or acts of violence
- Sexual pheromones
3.22 Prohibited offers of plants and animals
On Kaufes.ch, it is prohibited to offer live animals of any breed or lineage, including puppies and kittens.
It is also forbidden to offer protected animals, plants, and their preserved specimens. In addition, no furs from dogs or cats may be sold.
Examples of prohibited offers include:
- Products made from turtles
- Snake wine
- Wildcat furs
- Whale bones and teeth
- Rhinoceros horns
- Shahtoosh
- Ivory
3.23 Prohibited offers of weapons and ammunition
On Kaufes.ch, it is prohibited to offer weapons whose sale or purchase is forbidden under the provisions of the Swiss Weapons Act (SR 514.54). This primarily includes stabbing weapons as well as weapon components and ammunition. Weapon imitations are also prohibited. Kaufes.ch reserves the right to remove weapon listings at any time, even if they do not explicitly violate the Weapons Act.
Examples of prohibited offers include:
Firearms and ammunition:
- Firearms of all kinds are prohibited (air rifles, rifles, pistols, revolvers, etc.)
- Blank-firing guns, gas and signal weapons, airsoft guns, paintball markers
- Weapon components (magazines, barrels, silencers, bolts, blades, grips, frames, receivers, etc.)
- Weapon imitations
Other prohibited weapons:
- Devices intended to injure people, such as brass knuckles, batons, throwing stars, and slingshots
- Tasers, electric shock devices of any kind
- Concealed weapons such as pen guns and any weapons not immediately recognizable as such
- Items that strongly resemble a weapon, such as revolver-shaped lighters
- Laser
Knives and similar items:
- Knives with a mechanism that allows the blade to be deployed with one hand (e.g., switchblades, assisted-opening knives)
- Daggers with a fixed, pointed, symmetrical blade
- Butterfly knives
- Throwing knives
- Credit card knives
Exceptions:
- Kitchen, household, fishing, hunting, and pocket knives
3.24 Securities, financial services, coins, and cryptocurrencies
On Kaufes.ch, it is prohibited to offer securities and financial services. For reproductions of coins, the listing must clearly indicate that they are replicas, reproductions, or copies. Reproductions of Swiss coins are only permitted if they are permanently and clearly marked with an appropriate label such as “Copy,” “Replica,” etc.
Examples of prohibited offers include:
- Digital currencies / internet currencies (e.g., Bitcoin)
- Lunch vouchers, Reka checks, and WIR checks
- Loans and insurance or other similarly regulated services
- Credits and advances
- Certified and uncertified money market and financial instruments
- Securities, such as shares
- Banknotes that are no longer in current circulation
3.25 Tobacco products and special tobacco items
The sale of cigarettes of any kind, as well as goods related to tobacco, is prohibited.
Examples of this include:
- Snus and other oral tobacco products
- NTB (herbal cigarettes)
- Electronic cigarettes or e-shishas that already contain nicotine liquids
- Liquids containing nicotine
3.26 Alcohol and alcoholic foods
It is strictly prohibited on Kaufes.ch to offer or purchase any type of alcoholic beverage or food containing alcohol.
Examples:
- Wine, beer, spirits, and liqueurs
- Food items such as pralines, cakes, or sauces that contain alcohol
3.27 Real estate, land, and limited property rights
The sale of real estate, land, and similar rights is not permitted on this platform. Due to legal regulations, online platforms such as Kaufes.ch are not allowed to conclude legally binding purchase agreements for real estate, land, easements (e.g., building rights), liens, and comparable rights.
3.28 License plates
It is prohibited to sell registered license plates currently in circulation on Kaufes.ch.
4 Prohibited services
4.1 Illegal Services
The offering of services that involve or promote illegal or immoral activities is prohibited on Kaufes.ch.
Examples of prohibited services include:
- Services that are exclusively aimed at bypassing or disabling technical measures for protecting copyrighted works (such as copy protection).
4.2 Services with Sexual Content
The listing of services with sexual content, such as prostitution, escort services, video or phone sex, or similar offerings, is not permitted on Kaufes.ch.
4.3 Esoteric Services
It is prohibited on Kaufes.ch to list services of an esoteric nature, such as fortune telling, clairvoyance, contacting the afterlife, or similar offerings, as such things do not exist and are pure falsehoods.
5 Other reasons for deleting listings
Kaufes.ch reserves the right to remove listings that violate the following guidelines:
5.1 Use of other languages
It is prohibited to list offers in languages other than German, French, Italian, or English on Kaufes.ch.
5.2 Incorrect categorization
Offers that are posted in the wrong categories may be deleted or simply moved by Kaufes.ch.
Examples of this include:
- A motor vehicle listed in the Kitchen Appliances category
- Books listed in the Car Parts category
5.3 Promises of winnings or donations
It is prohibited to sell items on Kaufes.ch that are associated with profit promises. The sale of offers that include donation promises is also prohibited without prior agreement with Kaufes.ch. This policy is also subject to the provisions of the Lottery Act.
5.4 Spamming of categories
It is prohibited on Kaufes.ch to list identical offers multiple times if this results in the offer lists becoming cluttered and items from other sellers being difficult to find.
Examples include:
- A seller offers identical items with multiple user accounts.
- Identical offers are listed multiple times within the same time period, rather than being grouped together in a multi-offer.
- Only minimal changes are made to the title and product description to create the appearance of a difference.
- The same item is offered at different prices.
In such and similar cases, Kaufes.ch reserves the right to remove the respective listings and to warn or block members who post such offers.
5.5 Misleading information and unfair conduct
It is prohibited on Kaufes.ch to post listings containing information that is subjectively false or can be interpreted as objectively false. Any form of deceptive or unfair behavior that influences the relationship between the seller or competitors and customers is also prohibited.
Examples of this include:
- Inconsistent information between images and text or contradictory details.
- False or misleading information about the condition or characteristics of the goods
- Offering goods with false geographic indications of origin (e.g., “Swiss Made” for products manufactured in China)
- Stating inflated comparison prices (“fictitious prices”)
- Unfair advertising and sales methods.
- Price comparisons or promises of bonuses or other benefits related to alcoholic beverages.
5.6 Manipulation of search results or other functions of the Kaufes.ch platform
On Kaufes.ch, it is prohibited to use untruthful, misleading, or inappropriate words in the listing description (especially in the item description and title) to manipulate search results. It is also forbidden to use listings to deliberately manipulate the feedback profile.
Examples of this include:
- Use of hidden text.
- Mentioning well-known brands that are unrelated to the offer.
5.7 Rental and subscription contracts
It is prohibited to sell items on Kaufes.ch that require the conclusion of a rental contract. Products that require the conclusion of a subscription must clearly state this condition. Similarly, products that require the conclusion of a leasing or installment contract are prohibited.
Examples of this include:
- Mobile phones with contract binding.
- Registered prepaid cards with no option for a holder change.
5.8 Search and exchange requests
Listings that involve searching for or exchanging products will be removed by Kaufes.ch. In addition, Q&A entries and reviews that violate this rule may also be deleted.
Examples of this include:
- Search requests
- Search requests
- Exchange advertisements
5.9 Prohibited information
It is particularly prohibited to publish offers with the following information:
5.9.1 Account details, addresses, email, phone numbers
The disclosure of contact details such as postal address, website, VAT number, commercial register number, phone number, email address, and bank details in listings, reviews, images, and Q&A (including “private” answers in Q&A and in the personal profile picture) is prohibited.
- In vehicle auctions and advertisements, mentioning a phone number in the offer is allowed.
- In Q&A, a phone number may be given if a potential buyer asks for it in connection with viewing the item.
- Providing a website address is only allowed to link to product information on the manufacturer's website, but not to an online store.
5.9.2 Information for watches and jewelry
Jewelry and watches made of base metal, gold-plated, silver-plated, etc., may not include the following information:
- Purity information
- Details about the proportion or weight of the precious metal used
- Names associated with precious metals or other information that could mislead about the actual value or composition of the item
- Attributes that diminish the value of a valuable item (such as "pl." for simple plating with precious metal, "cz." for zirconia stones instead of diamonds, etc.) must be stated in the language of the offer in both the title and the body text and cannot be abbreviated.
- Information about the layer thickness
- These provisions also apply analogously to packaging, promotional statements in brochures, ads, online offers, etc.
5.9.3 Motor vehicles and motorcycles
Parts and equipment for vehicles that have not been tested together with other components according to Swiss regulations must be clearly marked with the following notice:
"Not approved for Swiss road traffic according to the technical requirements for road vehicles."
Examples:
- Xenon burners in conventional reflectors
5.10 Sales outside of Kaufes.ch
Advertisements indicating that additional products can be purchased outside of Kaufes.ch after the purchase will be removed. Ads will also be deleted if Kaufes.ch fees are circumvented and/or the final price is not visible (e.g., bulk goods).
Examples:
- Notes in the listing text that refer to further purchases outside of Kaufes.ch, such as: “For an additional xxx CHF you can purchase more identical items or add-ons to the offer” or “Requests from resellers welcome,” etc.
- Indicating in the listing text that, for example, a pair of speakers is being auctioned, while the offer actually covers two pieces and/or the stated price refers to only one speaker — which could lead to a double charge in the case of a single listing.
5.11 Advertising / Web addresses
Any form of self-promotion or third-party advertising in all listing images, titles, descriptions, reviews, personal profile pictures, and Q&A (including “private” answers in Q&A), as well as in usernames, is prohibited.
Examples:
- Mentioning web addresses (web addresses, email addresses, or similar)
- Inserting links leading to online stores
- Inserting links referring to other online auction platforms, classifieds sites, and car portals
- Advertising with political or religious references
Exceptions:
- Links to the website of the manufacturer of the offered goods are also acceptable.
5.12 Other violations of legal provisions and ethical standards
It is generally prohibited to offer items or present them in a way that violates legal requirements or moral principles.
Examples:
- Shipping products via military mail.