Can I sell this product commercially on bol? An overview of the product rules
Lars HurkmansCo-founder5 May 2023Reading time 5 minutes
Whether you may sell a product commercially on bol depends on the assortment policy: products that violate the law, safety or the rights of third parties are prohibited, and many categories have extra requirements such as a CE marking or sales rights. Some products, such as hoverboards and electric scooters, are excluded entirely.
If you're going to sell products on bol, it's important to know which products you may and may not offer. bol has an extensive assortment policy that determines what is allowed, and understanding that policy prevents problems. We give an overview of the products you may not sell and the products with extra requirements. This is part of the basics you sort out when you start selling on bol.
What general rules apply on bol?
bol applies a number of general rules for what you may and may not sell. Not permitted are, among others:
- Products that violate the law, such as illegal drugs, weapons and stolen goods.
- Products that violate public order or public decency, such as hateful, discriminatory or pornographic materials.
- Products that endanger the safety or health of consumers, such as unsafe electronics or toys and products without the required CE marking.
- Products that infringe on the rights of third parties, such as products that violate intellectual property rights.
- Products that violate the privacy of individuals, such as spyware or eavesdropping equipment.
- Products that contain false or misleading information.
- Products that endanger animal welfare, such as products made from endangered animals.
- Products that don't meet sustainability criteria, such as products with a high environmental impact.
- Products that don't comply with the Fixed Book Price Act (for books).
- If you sell products worth more than 2,500 euros, you must comply with extra requirements related to the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (Prevention) Act (Wwft).
Which categories have extra requirements?
Specific rules apply to certain categories. Those products must meet, for example, safety standards, CE markings, age classifications, copyright, health and food safety standards, animal welfare standards or the Fixed Book Price Act. That affects categories such as electronics, toys, travel accessories, music, games, films and series, beauty products, fashion, cooking and tableware, household items, car and motorcycle items, home and garden items, sports and outdoor, DIY items, health items, adult items, food and drink, pet supplies, baby, office and school items, and books. For the safety side, see also applying for CE marking.
What about brand rights?
For certain branded products, additional sales conditions and a brand policy for selective distribution apply. You may then need permission from the brand to sell their products. This mainly applies to well-known brands in the categories electronics, fashion and jewellery.
Which products are specifically banned?
There are also specific products you may not sell on bol:
- Hoverboards and electric scooters (safety reasons).
- Squishy toys (safety reasons).
- Sony PlayStation 4 DualShock controllers (brand rights, without the right sales rights).
- Certain Apple and Samsung products (brand rights, without the right sales rights).
- Certain veterinary medicines (regulation).
- Certain medical devices in Belgium (regulation).
- Certain food supplements in Belgium (regulation).
- Clothing and footwear from certain brands such as Lacoste, Diesel, Superdry, UGG or Love Moschino (brand rights, without the right sales rights).
Summary
- Know the assortment policy before you start; law, safety, third-party rights and misleading information are the red lines.
- Many categories have extra requirements, such as a CE marking or age classification.
- Branded products often require sales rights or permission from the brand.
- Some products are completely banned, from hoverboards to certain branded clothing.
- In doubt? A product that isn't on the prohibited list still has to comply with all the rules; check with bol's partner service.
Frequently asked questions
May I sell any product commercially on bol?
No. bol has an assortment policy that determines what is and isn't allowed. Products that violate the law, public order, safety or health, or the rights of third parties are not permitted, and many categories have extra requirements.
What happens if you sell a product that isn't allowed on bol?
That can lead to your listing being removed, your selling rights being suspended, or even legal action. So check in advance whether your product is allowed.
Which products are completely banned on bol?
Among others: hoverboards, electric scooters and squishy toys (safety reasons), Sony PlayStation 4 DualShock controllers and certain Apple and Samsung products without the right sales rights, certain veterinary medicines, and in Belgium certain medical devices and food supplements.
Do you need sales rights for branded products?
For certain branded products, additional sales conditions and a brand policy for selective distribution apply. You may then need permission from the brand, especially for well-known brands in electronics, fashion and jewellery. You must be able to prove that permission to bol.
Do extra requirements apply to expensive products?
Yes. If you want to sell products worth more than 2,500 euros, you must comply with extra requirements related to the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (Prevention) Act (Wwft).
A product isn't on the prohibited list, so can I sell it?
Not automatically. Even if a product isn't on the prohibited list, it still has to comply with all of bol's other rules and guidelines. If in doubt, contact bol's partner service.