On June 10, 2025, Etsy updated its Creativity Standards and Services Policies, the general guidelines that define what can and cannot be sold on the platform. While much of the content remains the same, several important updates could affect how you manage your Etsy shop. Understanding these changes is essential to staying compliant and competitive. You can read the full updates to Etsy’s Creativity Standards HERE and Services Policies HERE, but we’ve summarized the most impactful highlights for you below.
Creativity Standards: Made by a seller
One major change within the “Made by a seller” subsection is within the “Items ‘made by a seller’ include” area. Previously, Etsy allowed physical items made using computerized tools and a templated design or pattern, but this is no longer the case. Etsy states that “these items must be produced based on a seller’s original design.” Shops must now sell items that use both their own original designs, as well as their own personal computerized tools. Designs must come directly from the seller, not from a creative site or other artist.
Creativity Standards: Designed by a seller
Previously, digital bundles consisting of scans of vintage items were allowed on Etsy, usually within the Vintage category. This new update removes all mention of “qualifying vintage items,” as well as using ready-made templates from production partners. Vintage now falls only in the “Handpicked by a seller” category, so shops selling digital files of scans of vintage items such as prints or books may need to clarify with Etsy if their items still follow these standards.
Creativity Standards: Sourced by a seller
A big adjustment that the eRank team noticed was the removal of “party favors” from Etsy’s “Sourced by a seller” category. In the previous version of the Standards, party favors fell under the Party supplies category. However, that group of products is now absent from the list. Shops selling items that they list as “party favors” should contact Etsy to clarify if their items still fall within these new Standards.
Etsy also defined in more detail the list of items that do not qualify as “Sourced by a seller.” Items no longer allowed include reselling generic cooking tools or ingredients, repair tools, gardening, and cosmetic supplies among others. Additionally, they added information regarding which types of party items are not allowed. Costumes, party favors, and seasonal/holiday décor not specific to a single gathering or celebration are no longer allowed.
Services: Allowed and Prohibited Listings
In addition to the already mentioned changes, significant updates to Etsy’s Services Policies, allowing some previously banned types of listings. This includes allowing Modification Services, which is an umbrella term that includes:
- “Tailoring a buyer’s item”
- “Restoring or repairing a buyer’s item”
- “Photographic retouching or coloring correction of a buyer’s image”
- “Altering a buyer’s jewelry”
While some listings previously fell into a gray area, Etsy added clarifying details for some items that may not be sold on the platform. The list now includes specifically that “Personal therapy, tutoring, training, coaching, and similar services,” as well as “Listings Created for the Purpose of Transferring Money” are not allowed. The latter includes:
- “Collecting tips or gratuities”
- “Donations, raffles, or other types of ‘crowdfunding’”
- “Charitable donation listings where the only item for sale is a digital download”
- “Add-ons with no physical item associated (e.g., express shipping)”
- “Gift cards”
- “Referral codes”
Services: Metaphysical Services
Within the Metaphysical space, Etsy has also clarified what types of listings are allowed. Previously, “supplies related to spell work, such as herbs, crystals, and spell books, may be sold in their appropriate categories”, but this is no longer the case. The updated policy states that:
Items related to spell work, such as herbs, crystals, and spell books, may only be sold if they qualify per another category (e.g., a vintage spell book or a crystal that a seller handpicked from nature). Resold commercial spell work items do not qualify as ‘Seller Sourced’ craft supplies on Etsy.
What Does This Mean for Etsy Sellers?
As Etsy continues to evolve and refine its policies, it’s essential for sellers to stay informed. Keeping up with changes to Etsy’s House Rules, Services Policies, and Creativity Standards helps ensure your shop stays compliant and successful.
This article has highlighted several major updates, but we encourage you to explore the official Etsy resources linked above for the full picture. If you ever have questions about how a policy applies to your shop, don’t hesitate to contact Etsy directly for clarification.
Here at eRank, we’re also committed to keeping our community up-to-date. We monitor changes closely and share important updates as we find them. Be sure to follow the eRank Blog and YouTube Channel for the latest news, tool updates, tutorials, and more.
