• Items under $250.00: As a general rule, members who purchase items on eBay valued at under $250.00 shouldn't have any trouble importing them. While some items are generally prohibited from import (like narcotics or child pornography) or restricted (like alcohol, tobacco, firearms), these items are usually banned on eBay anyway. There are a few exceptions, such as plants, food, automobiles, and certain cultural items, where an eBay item might require licences or special permits.

• Items over $200: Members who import items that cost over $200 for personal use might have to pay a duty, or tax, on the item, even if the item is used. The amount of the duty, if any, depends on the type of the item and its value. Some items can be imported without paying any duty at all.

• Items for Commercial Use: Members importing goods for a commercial purpose may have to deal with possible quotas, duty, and paperwork. Commercial goods (goods intended for resale) may have special entry requirements, and members should educate themselves on the laws to ensure they are in compliance.

Ensure legal compliance in both countries

No matter where you live, eBay insists that your listings and transactions comply with the laws of the countries where both you and the high bidder reside. We can't give you legal advice about your particular transaction - members are responsible for ensuring that their transactions are lawful in both countries. Therefore, to avoid the potential for legal difficulties, eBay strongly suggests that members educate themselves about the laws of their own country and the countries where they plan to do business.

Item must comply with export laws

Make sure that the item you're selling can be lawfully sent outside of the country where you live. The export of certain items may require special licenses or permits or may be banned altogether. To ensure that the items you want to sell are not covered by these regulations, Australian sellers should begin by reviewing:

Import/Export basics

Exporting from Australia

Things to look for

Prohibited countries and embargoes

Sellers have to make sure that they can lawfully export the item to the high bidder's country before sending the item. Each country has different laws that limit the types of goods that can be imported into their country. For example, the high bidder's country might have restrictions on foods, plants, clothing, luggage or even books that might result in the seizure and destruction of your item and that means you'll have one unhappy customer. eBay strongly recommends that you discuss possible import problems with the buyer and do your own research to avoid a problem.

High value and volume transactions

If you plan to do substantial business with customers in other countries or if you're dealing in higher dollar or highly regulated items, you should do careful research and hire an expert if necessary, to make sure that your transaction complies with all applicable laws. There is often paperwork that you must fill out in completing these transactions. The Australian Government has a number of resources to promote international trade and to help businesses of all sizes familiarise themselves with export regulations and certain postage companies may offer special services to businesses who regularly post goods overseas.

• Visit the World Customs Organization for more information about particular customs regulations around the world. Members might also want to contact a specific country's embassy in Australia for guidance.

• Visit the Australian Customs Service Import/Export advice.

eBay urges its sellers and buyers to comply with all governmental laws and regulations, both in the United States and abroad. Since the import and export of items are highly regulated by the Australian government or may cause harm to eBay or its members, members should educate themselves on the laws governing the import and export of items prior to listing those items on eBay.