Last updated: [09/10/2025]

BugBreeders.com supports legal, ethical, and safe keeping of invertebrates. The following items/practices are not allowed. Users must comply with all local, national, and international laws (e.g., CITES, EU regulations, national wildlife and invasive species laws).

1) Prohibited items (non-exhaustive)

  • Protected/endangered species without valid permits (e.g., CITES Appendix I, or Appendix II where permits are required).

  • Invasive or prohibited species under EU Reg. 1143/2014 or local blacklists.

  • Species banned in the seller’s or buyer’s jurisdiction (by toxicity, public health, agriculture, or conservation laws).

  • Wild-collected specimens taken illegally or without required documentation.

  • Venomous or medically significant invertebrates where restricted or banned (follow local law; when allowed, list with explicit hazard warnings and buyer eligibility).

  • Live vertebrates (not permitted on BugBreeders).

  • Pathogens, parasites, cultures intended to infect or harm animals/humans; contaminated materials.

  • Hazardous chemicals, explosives, weapons, drug paraphernalia, regulated pharmaceuticals.

  • Counterfeit or mislabelled species/morphs; IP-infringing media.

  • Personal data, doxxing material, or any content promoting illegal activity.

2) Conditional/regulated items

These may be listed only where legal and compliant with documentation:

  • Ootheca/eggs of permitted species (truthful species ID; lawful shipping).

  • Wild-collected with permits (attach or provide permit details if required).

  • Venomous taxa in jurisdictions that allow them (clear risk labelling, buyer verification if required by law).

3) Animal welfare standards

  • Captive-bred preferred. If wild-collected is legal, assess impact and ensure humane treatment.

  • Health & disclosure: animals must be reasonably healthy for transport; disclose known issues (mites, injuries).

  • Minimum life stage & numbers: ship only robust life stages/instars suitable for transit; avoid shipping very early instars where survival is low.

  • Packing: rigid containers with ventilation, appropriate substrate/dampness, insulation; use heat/cool packs when needed; avoid overcrowding.

  • Dispatch window: ship early week (e.g., Mon–Wed) to prevent weekend delays; use tracked/express methods where available.

  • Weather: avoid shipping during extreme temperatures or strikes/disruptions.

  • Transit time: aim for ≤ 72 hours door-to-door where possible.

  • No dropshipping from unknown sources; you must be the consignor or disclose the origin clearly.

4) Misrepresentation & documentation

  • Use accurate scientific names and trade names; provide locality/morph honestly.

  • Keep proof of legal origin (permits, invoices) and share with authorities upon lawful request.

  • On dispute, we may ask for evidence and can remove listings that fail verification.

5) Enforcement

  • Listings breaching this policy may be edited, de-ranked, or removed without notice.

  • Serious or repeated violations may result in account suspension or ban.

  • Users receive a Statement of Reasons for removals and may appeal via Moderation & Appeals.

6) Reporting concerns

Report prohibited or unsafe listings via the Report button or use contact form with the URL, screenshots, and details.

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