What Products Can't You Sell Online in South Africa? (2026 Guide)
Updated October 2026
Some products cannot be sold online in South Africa at all, others need a licence or registration first, and some are legal but blocked by payment gateways, couriers or marketplaces. Products you cannot sell online include tobacco, counterfeit goods, cannabis containing THC and prescription medicines without the right licence. Alcohol, medicines, firearms and second-hand goods need licences or registration. Payment gateways such as Payfast also block or restrict products such as adult content, cryptocurrency and vapes.
This post started when one of Warrick's students asked whether they could sell CBD oil online. The answer led to a much longer list than expected. Below is an updated summary of what you can and can't sell online in South Africa in 2026. If you are still choosing what to sell, start with our complete guide to finding products to sell online in South Africa.
This is general information, not legal advice. Laws and provider rules change, so check with the relevant authority or a lawyer before you sell a regulated product.
Quick guide: can you sell it online?
| Product | Can you sell it online? | What applies |
|---|---|---|
| Tobacco products | No | Internet sales are banned under the Tobacco Products Control Act |
| Counterfeit or fake branded goods | No | Illegal under the Counterfeit Goods Act |
| Cannabis with THC (dagga) | No | Selling cannabis remains a criminal offence |
| Prescription medicines | Only with the right licences | Medicines and Related Substances Act, SAHPRA |
| Alcohol | Only with a liquor licence | Liquor Act and provincial liquor laws |
| Firearms and ammunition | Only by licensed dealers | Firearms Control Act |
| Second-hand goods (as a business) | Yes, if registered as a dealer | Second-Hand Goods Act |
| Vapes and e-cigarettes | Yes, with restrictions | Card payments blocked by some gateways, and a new law is pending |
| CBD and hemp products | Yes, within strict limits | THC limits and SAHPRA rules apply |
| Electrical and wireless products | Yes, if approved | NRCS Letter of Authority or ICASA approval |
Products you cannot sell online in South Africa
These products are either illegal to sell at all or illegal to sell over the internet.
Tobacco products
The Tobacco Products Control Act prohibits selling, supplying or distributing tobacco products through the postal service, the internet or other electronic media. This includes cigarettes, cigars, loose tobacco and hubbly tobacco. Payfast also lists tobacco products as prohibited.
Counterfeit and fake branded goods
Selling counterfeit goods, such as fake designer clothing, sneakers or electronics, is illegal under the Counterfeit Goods Act. Goods can be seized, and sellers face criminal penalties and civil claims from the brand owner. This also applies to products you import: counterfeit stock is seized at customs.
Cannabis (dagga) and THC products
South Africans may use and grow cannabis privately, but selling it is still a criminal offence. The Cannabis for Private Purposes Act was signed in May 2024, but it depends on regulations, and draft regulations were only published for comment in February 2026, according to Mayet Law's 2026 compliance guide. The Act covers private use, not trade. The only lawful commercial routes are licensed medicinal cannabis through SAHPRA and permitted hemp.
Prescription medicines
Scheduled medicines can only be sold by licensed pharmacies and other authorised persons under the Medicines and Related Substances Act. An ordinary online store cannot sell prescription medicines.
Pirated content and illegal services
Pirated films, music, software and other copyright-infringing content are illegal to sell. Unlicensed online gambling is also illegal under South African law.
Products that need a licence or registration
These products can be sold online, but only once you have the right licence, permit or registration.
Alcohol
You need a liquor licence to sell alcohol, including online. Licences are issued by provincial liquor authorities, and rules vary by province. The Liquor Act also sets rules for online orders. For example, liquor may only be delivered to the address on a compliant invoice, and a copy of the invoice must travel with the delivery. You may not sell alcohol to anyone under 18, so build age checks into your checkout and delivery process.
Medicines, supplements and health products
Health products are regulated by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA). Unscheduled (Schedule 0) medicines and many supplements can be sold more widely, but labelling and claims are strictly controlled. Do not make medical claims for a product that is not registered to support them.
Firearms and ammunition
Only licensed dealers can sell firearms and ammunition under the Firearms Control Act, and strict transfer and delivery rules apply. Most payment gateways, couriers and marketplaces do not allow them.
Second-hand goods
If you buy and sell second-hand goods as a business, the Second-Hand Goods Act says you must be registered as a dealer. The Act requires dealers to keep records of what they buy and from whom. Importing used goods to resell also needs an ITAC import permit. See our guide on how to get an import licence in South Africa.
Electrical and wireless products
Many electrical and electronic products, such as chargers, appliances and lamps, need a Letter of Authority from the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) before they can be sold. Products that transmit radio signals, such as Bluetooth speakers and wireless earphones, generally need ICASA type approval. This catches out many sellers who import unbranded electronics.
Food
If you prepare or package food to sell, your premises usually need a certificate of acceptability from your local municipality, and your labels must meet South African food labelling rules. Check with your municipality before you start selling food online.
CBD and hemp products
CBD and hemp products are a grey area that many sellers ask about. Hemp is defined as cannabis with a THC content of 2% or less in the leaves and flowering heads, and it can be grown and traded under a permit. CBD products are regulated by SAHPRA, and the rules depend on the dose and the claims you make.
Payment gateways are stricter still. According to Payfast's list of prohibited goods and services, CBD and hemp products can use all payment methods only if they contain no THC or no more than 0.3% THC. Speak to a lawyer who knows the cannabis regulations before you launch a CBD product.
Vapes and e-cigarettes
Vapes are not currently covered by the internet sales ban in the Tobacco Products Control Act, so many local stores sell them online. However, Payfast does not allow card payments for e-cigarettes and vaping accessories, only EFT and similar methods.
Parliament is also working on the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, which would bring vapes under tobacco control rules, including restrictions on sales and advertising. As of September 2026, the bill was still with Parliament's health committee, according to Explain. If you sell vapes, keep an eye on it.
Legal products that payment gateways restrict
Even if a product is legal, your payment gateway may not let you take payments for it. Payfast publishes two lists: products it will not process at all, and products it will only process through non-card methods such as EFT.
| Payfast will not process | Payfast processes by EFT only (no cards) |
|---|---|
| Securities, business opportunities and multi-level marketing | Bureau de change and forex trading |
| Pre-orders of goods | Cryptocurrency |
| Illegal, counterfeit or pirated goods and content | E-cigarettes, vaping and vaping accessories |
| Adult and sexually oriented content | Insurance |
| Prescription medicines and controlled substances | |
| Tobacco products | |
| Direct marketing and travel-related services | |
| Commodity investments |
Summarised from Payfast's list of prohibited goods and services. Other gateways have their own lists, so check yours before you launch. Our guide to the best payment gateway for Shopify in South Africa compares the main providers.
Pre-orders are a common surprise. If you want to take payment before stock arrives, check your gateway's terms first.
Courier and marketplace restrictions
Couriers and marketplaces have their own rules too. Couriers restrict dangerous goods, such as flammable liquids, aerosols, some lithium batteries and perfume, and many will not carry cash, firearms or live animals. Check your courier's prohibited items list before you choose products. Our guide on how to choose a courier for your online store can help.
Marketplaces such as Takealot and Amazon.co.za also restrict categories and may ask for compliance documents for regulated products. Check their seller policies before you buy stock. See our complete guide to selling on Takealot.
Checklist before you sell a new product
- Is the product legal to sell in South Africa, and legal to sell online?
- Do you need a licence, permit or registration to sell it?
- Does it need NRCS, ICASA or SAHPRA approval?
- Will your payment gateway process payments for it?
- Will your courier carry it?
- If you are selling on a marketplace, does it allow the category?
- If you are importing it, does it need an import permit? See our guide to customs fees in South Africa for duty and VAT.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell CBD oil online in South Africa?
CBD products can be sold within strict limits. SAHPRA regulates CBD, THC limits apply and you cannot make medical claims for unregistered products. Payfast accepts all payment methods for CBD products only if they contain no more than 0.3% THC.
Can I sell vapes online in South Africa?
Currently, yes, although Payfast only allows non-card payments for vapes. A new tobacco bill that would bring vapes under stricter rules is going through Parliament.
Can I sell alcohol online in South Africa?
Only if you hold a liquor licence. You must also follow the rules for invoices and delivery and must not sell to anyone under 18.
Can I sell cigarettes online in South Africa?
No. The Tobacco Products Control Act prohibits selling tobacco products over the internet.
Can I sell second-hand goods online?
Yes. Individuals can sell their own used items, but if you buy and sell second-hand goods as a business, you must register as a dealer under the Second-Hand Goods Act.
Choose products that are easy to sell
The easiest products to start with are legal, unregulated, easy to ship and accepted by every payment gateway and marketplace. Insaka eCommerce Academy helps South Africans find products, set up their stores and grow their sales. Explore Insaka's courses and free resources at insaka.co.za.
Written or reviewed by Warrick Kernes, founder of Insaka eCommerce Academy and Shopify's 2021 Top Education Partner worldwide, based on 15+ years of selling online in South Africa.
