Prohibited Items & Content Policy

This policy explains which items, services and content are not allowed on Buurted. It forms part of the Buurted Terms of Service.

Why this policy exists

Buurted is an intermediary platform. We provide the technology that lets neighbours list, chat and arrange local exchanges, but we do not inspect, own or guarantee any item.

The general rule is simple: if it is illegal to sell, give away or advertise offline in the Netherlands or under EU law, it is not allowed on Buurted.

Some categories below may not be strictly illegal in every situation, but are still prohibited on Buurted because they create disproportionate safety, liability or trust risk for a hyperlocal, in-person neighbourhood marketplace.

This list gives examples and is not exhaustive. Buurted may remove any listing, restrict visibility, limit features or suspend an account where Buurted reasonably believes the content violates this policy, the Terms of Service or applicable law, even if the specific item is not named below.

A. Absolutely prohibited — illegal or highly regulated items

1. Weapons, ammunition and dangerous weapons

• Firearms, ammunition and firearm parts or conversion kits.
• Knives classified as prohibited weapons under Dutch law, including stiletto knives, butterfly knives and automatic knives.
• Brass knuckles, batons, CS spray, pepper spray and stun guns.
• Replica or deactivated weapons unless they are clearly and legally deactivated or decommissioned.
• Explosives, fireworks outside legal rules or sales windows, and explosive precursor chemicals.

2. Drugs and drug paraphernalia

• Illegal drugs and controlled substances of any kind.
• New psychoactive substances, research chemicals or legal highs sold to circumvent drug law.
• Equipment primarily marketed or intended for illegal drug production or illegal drug use.

3. Medicines and medical devices

• Prescription-only medicines of any kind, including leftover or unused prescription medication.
• Counterfeit, unsafe or unregistered medicines.
• Weight-loss, fertility, erectile-dysfunction or similar medical products sold without proper authorisation.
• Medical devices that require professional fitting, a prescription or regulated handling.

4. Stolen, counterfeit and IP-infringing goods

• Stolen goods or items the seller does not have the legal right to sell.
• Counterfeit or replica branded goods, including clothing, bags, electronics and watches.
• Pirated or unlicensed copies of software, games, films or music.
• Unauthorised digital transfers of copyrighted content.
• Goods, photos or listing content that infringe a third party's copyright, trademark or design rights.

5. Protected wildlife, animals and animal products

• Protected or endangered species and products derived from them, such as ivory, certain furs or coral.
• Live animals are not permitted on Buurted in the pilot phase.
• Animals or animal products obtained, bred or sold in violation of Dutch animal welfare law.

6. Identity documents, official items and access

• ID cards, passports, driving licences, diplomas or other official or government documents.
• Police, military or law-enforcement uniforms, badges or equipment.
• Address registrations or services offering to register someone at an address for a fee.

7. Hazardous and regulated materials

• Flammable, explosive, radioactive or toxic substances not intended for ordinary consumer use.
• Hazardous chemicals or regulated materials.
• Asbestos or asbestos-containing materials.
• Recalled products or products that do not meet applicable Dutch or EU consumer safety standards.

8. Gambling, lotteries and financial instruments

• Unlicensed lottery tickets, betting slips or gambling services.
• Pyramid schemes, multi-level marketing recruitment or get-rich-quick investment offers.
• Sale or transfer of bank accounts, payment accounts or related credentials.

B. Prohibited on Buurted by platform policy

9. Alcohol and tobacco

• Alcoholic beverages offered for sale.
• Commercial-style alcohol listings or repeated alcohol trading.
• Tobacco, e-cigarettes, vaping liquids and related products.

10. Adult and sexual content

• Sexually explicit images, videos or services.
• Adult content of any kind, regardless of legality, because Buurted is designed for a neighbourhood and family context.

11. Services that create high in-person or financial risk

• Paid childcare, eldercare or medical/caregiving services.
• Locksmith, security or surveillance services.
• Services requiring a professional licence, certification or insurance that Buurted cannot verify, such as electrical work, gas-fitting or structural work.
• Community recommendations or referrals may be allowed, but direct paid booking through Buurted is not allowed for these high-risk services.

12. Harassment, hate speech and discriminatory content

• Content that harasses, threatens or incites violence against any person or group.
• Content that discriminates based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability or other protected characteristics.
• Doxxing or sharing another person's private information without consent.

13. Spam, scams and off-platform redirection

• Fake, misleading or bait-and-switch listings.
• Multi-level marketing recruitment, pyramid referral schemes or work-from-home income scams.
• Listings that exist mainly to redirect users to another website, platform or payment scheme outside Buurted's intended use.

C. Grey areas — allowed with care

14. Items requiring buyer awareness

• Authentic second-hand branded goods are allowed, but sellers should be able to show proof of authenticity if asked.
• Second-hand electronics are allowed, but sellers should disclose known defects and reset devices to remove personal data before handover.
• Used cosmetics, intimate apparel or hygiene-sensitive items are allowed only if clearly described as used and reasonable for second-hand resale. Buurted may restrict some sub-categories at its discretion.
• High-value items such as jewellery or electronics over a few hundred euros are allowed, but users should follow safe meetup and payment guidance.

How this policy is enforced

Any user can report a listing, message or profile using the report function available in the app.

Reports are reviewed manually at this stage of Buurted's growth. Buurted aims to review safety reports as quickly as reasonably possible, but review times may vary depending on volume, urgency and operational capacity.

Where content is removed or an account is restricted, Buurted will, where legally required, provide the affected user with a reason for the action taken.

Repeated or serious violations, especially involving illegal, dangerous or highly regulated items, may result in immediate account suspension. Where required or appropriate, Buurted may report relevant information to competent Dutch authorities, such as the police, IGJ, NVWA, Customs or another relevant authority.

This policy may be updated as Buurted grows, as new risk categories emerge or as Dutch and EU regulation changes.