eBay Tightens Rules on Radio Equipment Listings — But Ham-Band-Only Gear Is Exempt

If you buy or sell radio gear on eBay, there's a policy change worth understanding clearly, because the headline could easily be misread as bad news for the amateur radio community. It isn't.

eBay has introduced new restrictions on US listings of radio transmitting equipment, in response to new FCC rules that took effect this week. However, after a direct enquiry from ARRL, The National Association for Amateur Radio®, eBay confirmed that its new policy will not apply to equipment that operates exclusively on amateur radio frequencies.

What the FCC Rules Actually Do

The FCC's rules are aimed at using its equipment authorisation program to guard against national security risks within the communications supply chain, and they cover a broad range of products. In its Third Report and Order, issued 23rd July 2026, the Commission made clear that online marketplaces share legal responsibility for ensuring unauthorised RF devices aren't offered for sale on their platforms. Those rules took effect on 13th October.

Going forward, equipment that requires FCC authorisation must have its FCC ID number submitted to the marketplace and displayed with the listing. There are exemptions for listings already posted, for "small sellers," and for used equipment — but early messages from eBay to sellers suggested an FCC ID would be required for any listing involving RF-transmitting equipment, amateur gear included.

eBay's Clarification for Amateur Radio

In response to ARRL's request for clarity, an eBay spokesperson confirmed that devices capable of operating only on frequencies the FCC has allocated to the Amateur Radio Service don't require FCC equipment authorisation in the first place — and so won't require an FCC ID to be listed, since a licensed amateur can legally operate such equipment under their own license.

The picture is different for two-way VHF/UHF radio equipment capable of operating outside the amateur bands. That equipment cannot be imported, advertised, sold, or operated in the US — including on eBay — without proper FCC equipment certification.

eBay also said that if a listing for genuinely exempt equipment gets flagged in error, the affected seller should raise it directly with eBay, which will review whether the restriction should be lifted from that listing.

The Bigger Picture

It's worth stressing that the FCC hasn't changed its underlying equipment authorisation rules here. Amateur radio equipment — with the exception of commercial HF amplifiers — still does not require FCC authorisation, exactly as before.

In short: if you're buying or selling ham-band-only gear on eBay, this change shouldn't affect you at all.