This is Shopify's rulebook for what merchants and users are and are not allowed to do on the platform. It lists a wide range of businesses and activities that Shopify will not support, such as selling counterfeit products, certain weapons, adult content, or running scams. If Shopify decides you have broken these rules, they can shut down your store.
Technical Summary
Shopify's Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) governs all activities conducted through Shopify's services by merchants, partners, and users. It establishes a comprehensive list of prohibited content categories and business activities, including counterfeit goods, regulated products (firearms, tobacco, cannabis), adult content, deceptive practices, and illegal services. The policy grants Shopify broad unilateral authority to suspend or terminate accounts found in violation, without specifying advance notice requirements. Notable provisions include restrictions on financial services offerings (e.g., cryptocurrency, lending), intellectual property infringement, and specific prohibited industries that merchants may not operate within the platform. The AUP applies globally but defers to applicable local law regarding certain regulated product categories.
Institutional Analysis
The AUP engages FTC regulations on deceptive trade practices, FinCEN/BSA obligations relating to financial services restrictions, and various state and federal laws concerning regulated product categ…
The AUP engages FTC regulations on deceptive trade practices, FinCEN/BSA obligations relating to financial services restrictions, and various state and federal laws concerning regulated product categories including firearms (ATF), cannabis (state-level), and pharmaceuticals (FDA). Compliance teams …
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Compliance intelligence locked
Regulatory exposure, material risk, and due diligence action items.
Shopify maintains a detailed list of products, services, and business types that cannot be sold or operated through its platform, including counterfeit goods, certain weapons, adult content, and many others.
Merchants are prohibited from selling counterfeit goods or infringing on third-party intellectual property rights, including trademarks and copyrights.
Shopify prohibits merchants from using its platform to engage in deceptive, fraudulent, or manipulative practices, including fake reviews, misleading pricing, and dishonest marketing.
Shopify restricts or prohibits the use of its platform for certain financial services, including specific cryptocurrency products, lending schemes, and investment services.
Shopify restricts or prohibits the sale or distribution of adult content and related products on its platform, with limited exceptions subject to Shopify's approval.
Shopify prohibits the sale of certain weapons, firearm components, and related items that are illegal or require regulatory approvals that cannot be verified through the platform.
Merchants are prohibited from using Shopify's platform to send unsolicited bulk communications, spam, or to engage in any form of abusive messaging to customers.
The AUP applies worldwide, but in some cases, what is permitted or prohibited may vary depending on the local laws of the country in which you are operating.