1. Introduction and Purpose
This Prohibited Items Policy ("Policy") sets forth the categories of products, goods, services, and items that are prohibited from being listed, sold, offered for sale, auctioned, or otherwise made available on the Afriq Global Market platform ("Platform").
- This Policy applies to all three pillars of the Platform: the E-Commerce Marketplace, the Auction Platform, and the African Shop Locator.
- Afriq Global Market Limited ("Company") reserves the sole and absolute right to determine whether an item falls within a prohibited category. Such determination shall be final and binding and shall not be subject to appeal except as expressly provided herein.
- This Policy is incorporated by reference into the Afriq Global Market Limited Service Agreement and forms a binding part of the contractual relationship between the Platform and all Vendors, Sellers, and Users. By accessing or using the Platform, all parties agree to be bound by the terms of this Policy.
- The Company's mission is to connect Africa to the global marketplace through its partnership with Terminal Africa (logistics), PayPal (international payments), and Paystack (African payments). This Policy ensures that the integrity, safety, and legal compliance of the Platform are maintained at all times.
2. Scope
- This Policy applies to all Vendors, Sellers, Auction Listers, Buyers, and Users of the Afriq Global Market platform globally, regardless of the country or jurisdiction from which they access or use the Platform.
- This Policy applies to all forms of product listings, including but not limited to:
- Direct sale listings on the E-Commerce Marketplace.
- Auction listings on the Auction Platform.
- Shop listings and product showcases on the African Shop Locator.
- Promotional, marketing, or ancillary content associated with the foregoing.
- This Policy shall be interpreted in conjunction with all applicable local, national, and international laws, regulations, trade sanctions, and treaties. In the event of a conflict between this Policy and applicable law, the more restrictive standard shall apply.
3. Definitions
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Platform | The Afriq Global Market 3-in-1 platform, including the E-Commerce Marketplace, the Auction Platform, and the African Shop Locator, accessible at www.afriqglobal.org and through any associated applications. |
| Vendor or Seller | Any individual, business, or entity that lists, offers for sale, sells, or auctions products or services on the Platform. |
| Buyer or User | Any individual or entity that accesses the Platform for the purpose of browsing, purchasing, bidding, or otherwise engaging with the Platform. |
| Prohibited Item | Any product, good, service, or item that falls within the categories set forth in Sections 4 through 7 of this Policy. |
| Restricted Item | Any product, good, or service that may be listed on the Platform only with prior written authorization from Afriq Global Market Limited and in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, as set forth in Section 5. |
| Zero Tolerance Violation | Any listing, sale, or attempted sale of an item described in Section 4 of this Policy, which shall result in immediate and permanent enforcement action. |
| Verified Premium Vendor | A Vendor who has completed the Afriq Global Verification Model process and maintains an active Premium Vendor subscription ($50/year). |
4. Absolutely Prohibited Items (Zero Tolerance)
Zero Tolerance Notice
4.1 Weapons and Ammunition
The following are absolutely prohibited: firearms of any type; explosives and explosive devices; ammunition and cartridges; military-grade equipment and tactical gear designed for combat; tear gas and chemical irritants; pepper spray and mace; stun guns and tasers; brass knuckles, switchblades, ballistic knives, and similar edged weapons; and any weapon components, parts, accessories, or conversion kits.
This prohibition includes, without limitation, replicas, deactivated weapons, decorative weapons, and any item designed to resemble a functional weapon.
4.2 Drugs and Controlled Substances
The following are absolutely prohibited: illegal drugs and narcotics; psychotropic substances; drug paraphernalia, including but not limited to pipes, bongs, syringes marketed for illicit use, and related accessories; and any substance controlled under the laws of the Vendor's country of origin, the Buyer's destination country, or the United States of America.
This prohibition includes substances marketed as "legal highs," synthetic cannabinoids, designer drugs, and any substance intended to mimic the effects of a controlled substance.
4.3 Counterfeit and Pirated Goods
The following are absolutely prohibited: any product that infringes on trademarks, copyrights, patents, or other intellectual property rights; counterfeit designer goods and luxury brand replicas; pirated software, media, and digital content; unauthorized replicas and knock-off products; and any item bearing a trademark, logo, or brand name without authorization from the rights holder.
Vendors are solely responsible for ensuring that all products listed are authentic and do not infringe upon the intellectual property rights of any third party.
4.4 Human Remains and Body Parts
The listing, sale, or auction of human organs, tissue, blood, body parts, bodily fluids, or human remains of any kind is absolutely prohibited.
4.5 Stolen Property
Any goods known or reasonably suspected to be stolen, looted, or illegally obtained are absolutely prohibited. This includes, without limitation, looted cultural artifacts, illegally excavated antiquities, and goods obtained through fraud, embezzlement, or theft.
4.6 Child Exploitation Material
Any material that depicts, promotes, glorifies, or facilitates the exploitation, abuse, or endangerment of minors (persons under the age of 18) is absolutely prohibited. The Company will report all instances of suspected child exploitation material to law enforcement authorities without exception.
4.7 Hazardous Materials
The following are absolutely prohibited: toxic chemicals and poisons; radioactive materials; biohazards and infectious agents; explosives precursors and regulated chemicals; and any substance classified as hazardous under international shipping regulations, including the International Air Transport Association Dangerous Goods Regulations (IATA DGR) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code.
4.8 Living or Protected Animals
The following are absolutely prohibited: live animals of any species; endangered species products; ivory and ivory products; rhino horn; pangolin scales; bush meat from protected species; and any product derived from species protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
This prohibition applies regardless of whether the product is marketed as "antique," "vintage," or "pre-ban."
4.9 Human Trafficking and Forced Labor Products
Any product manufactured, produced, harvested, or obtained through forced labor, child labor, human trafficking, or modern slavery is absolutely prohibited. Vendors must be able to demonstrate, upon request, that their supply chains are free from forced labor and human trafficking.
Summary of Absolutely Prohibited Items
| Ref. | Category | Examples (Non-Exhaustive) |
|---|---|---|
| 4.1 | Weapons & Ammunition | Firearms, explosives, ammunition, stun guns, switchblades, brass knuckles, and replicas. |
| 4.2 | Drugs & Controlled Substances | Illegal drugs, narcotics, psychotropics, drug paraphernalia, and synthetic or designer drugs. |
| 4.3 | Counterfeit & Pirated Goods | Fake designer products, pirated software, luxury replicas, and trademark-infringing goods. |
| 4.4 | Human Remains & Body Parts | Organs, tissue, blood, body parts, bodily fluids, and human remains. |
| 4.5 | Stolen Property | Stolen goods, looted artifacts, illegally excavated antiquities, and goods obtained through fraud or theft. |
| 4.6 | Child Exploitation Material | Any material exploiting, depicting, glorifying, or endangering minors. |
| 4.7 | Hazardous Materials | Toxic chemicals, radioactive materials, biohazards, infectious agents, and explosives precursors. |
| 4.8 | Living or Protected Animals | Live animals, ivory, rhino horn, pangolin scales, bush meat from protected species, and CITES-protected products. |
| 4.9 | Human Trafficking & Forced Labor Products | Products made through forced labor, child labor, trafficking, or modern slavery. |
5. Restricted Items (Require Special Authorization)
Important
5.1 Alcohol and Tobacco
Alcohol and tobacco products may only be listed where such listing and sale is legally permitted under the laws of both the Vendor's country of origin and the Buyer's destination country.
Vendors must provide proper licensing documentation, including but not limited to liquor licenses, tobacco retail licenses, and export permits. All listings must comply with destination country import regulations, and age verification is required for all Buyers purchasing alcohol or tobacco products.
5.2 Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices
Prescription medications are strictly prohibited. No prescription drugs may be listed, sold, or auctioned on the Platform under any circumstances.
Over-the-counter health supplements and traditional African remedies may be listed with proper regulatory documentation, including NAFDAC registration in Nigeria, FDA registration in the United States, or equivalent regulatory approval in the Vendor's country of origin.
Medical devices must carry applicable safety certifications such as CE marking or FDA clearance and may not make unsubstantiated health claims.
5.3 Food and Perishable Products
Food and perishable products are permitted but must comply with food safety regulations in both the country of origin and the destination country.
All food product listings must include complete ingredient lists, allergen warnings, expiration dates or best-before dates, storage and handling instructions, and country of origin.
Vendors must hold any required food handling, processing, or manufacturing certifications and must provide proof of such certifications upon request.
5.4 Cultural Artifacts and Antiquities
Cultural artifacts and antiquities are permitted on the Auction Platform only. Such items may not be listed on the E-Commerce Marketplace or the African Shop Locator.
Vendors must provide documented proof of legal provenance and all required export permits. Items of cultural patrimony that are subject to national export bans are absolutely prohibited.
Afriq Global Market Limited reserves the right to engage independent experts to verify the provenance and legality of any cultural artifact or antiquity listed on the Platform.
5.5 Motor Vehicles and Machinery
Motor vehicles and heavy machinery are permitted only for Verified Premium Vendors who maintain an active Premium Vendor subscription ($50/year verification).
All vehicle and machinery listings must comply with applicable export regulations and vehicle safety standards in both the origin and destination countries. Vendors must provide vehicle identification numbers (VIN), proof of ownership, and clear title documentation.
5.6 Seeds, Plants, and Agricultural Products
Seeds, plants, and agricultural products are subject to phytosanitary regulations and import permit requirements in the destination country. Vendors must ensure compliance with all applicable phytosanitary certificates and import permits.
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) must be clearly labeled as such and must comply with all applicable biosafety regulations.
5.7 Electronics and Batteries
Electronics containing lithium batteries must comply with international shipping regulations for lithium batteries, including the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (IATA DGR).
All electronic products must meet applicable safety certifications, including but not limited to CE marking, FCC certification, and SON/SONCAP certification.
Summary of Restricted Items and Requirements
| Ref. | Category | Key Requirements | Platform Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.1 | Alcohol & Tobacco | Licensing, age verification, and import compliance. | E-Commerce and Auction Platform where legally permitted. |
| 5.2 | Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices | NAFDAC/FDA or equivalent approval, no prescription drugs, and valid safety certifications. | E-Commerce only for OTC products, supplements, and approved devices. |
| 5.3 | Food & Perishables | Ingredients, allergen warnings, expiry dates, storage instructions, and certifications. | All platforms. |
| 5.4 | Cultural Artifacts & Antiquities | Proof of provenance and export permits. | Auction Platform only. |
| 5.5 | Motor Vehicles & Machinery | Premium Vendor status ($50/year), VIN, proof of ownership, and title documentation. | Verified Premium Vendors only. |
| 5.6 | Seeds, Plants & Agriculture | Phytosanitary certificates, import permits, and GMO labeling where applicable. | All platforms with supporting documentation. |
| 5.7 | Electronics & Batteries | IATA DGR compliance and CE/FCC/SON/SONCAP certifications. | All platforms with required certifications. |
6. Content Restrictions
The following content is prohibited in all product listings, descriptions, images, videos, marketing materials, and any other content published on the Platform:
- Hate Speech and Discriminatory Content: Any content that promotes hatred, discrimination, or violence against any individual or group based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
- Sexually Explicit or Pornographic Material: Any sexually explicit, obscene, or pornographic content, including images, videos, descriptions, and graphic material.
- Misleading Health Claims: Any unsubstantiated health claims, miracle cure claims, or claims that a product can diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease unless supported by valid scientific evidence and approved by applicable regulatory authorities.
- False Endorsements: Any fabricated testimonials, fake reviews, false endorsements, or misleading representations regarding the origin, quality, or characteristics of a product.
- Illegal Activity Promotion: Any content that promotes, encourages, or facilitates illegal activities in any jurisdiction.
- Privacy Violations: Any content that violates the privacy or publicity rights of any person, including the unauthorized use of names, likenesses, photographs, or personal information.
7. Geographical Restrictions
- Export Restrictions: Vendors must comply with all export restrictions and regulations in their country of origin. For Vendors based in Nigeria, this includes compliance with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) regulations and the Nigerian Customs Service export requirements.
- Import Restrictions: Vendors are responsible for ensuring that their products comply with all import restrictions, customs regulations, and import licensing requirements in the Buyer's destination country.
- International Trade Sanctions: All Vendors and Users must comply with applicable international trade sanctions, including United States OFAC sanctions, European Union sanctions, United Nations Security Council sanctions, and any other applicable national or international sanctions regimes.
- Embargoed Countries: Afriq Global Market Limited does not facilitate transactions with countries subject to comprehensive United States trade sanctions. The Company maintains and regularly updates a list of embargoed countries and territories. Vendors may not ship to, and Buyers may not purchase from, embargoed jurisdictions.
- Denied Parties Screening: Afriq Global Market Limited reserves the right to screen Vendors and Buyers against applicable denied parties lists, including the OFAC Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List, the EU Consolidated Financial Sanctions List, and the UN Security Council Consolidated List.
8. Vendor Export Compliance Attestation
As part of the Afriq Global Verification Model, every Vendor must confirm and attest to the following during the vendor onboarding process:
- All products listed on the Platform comply with applicable export laws and regulations in the Vendor's country of origin.
- The Vendor holds all necessary export permits, licenses, and certifications required for the products listed on the Platform.
- No products listed on the Platform are subject to export bans, export restrictions, or trade sanctions that would prohibit their sale or shipment through the Platform.
- The Vendor will update their compliance status immediately if any product becomes restricted or prohibited under applicable laws, regulations, or trade sanctions.
This attestation is made via checkbox during the vendor onboarding process and constitutes a binding representation and warranty. Any false attestation shall constitute a material breach of the Vendor's agreement with Afriq Global Market Limited and shall be grounds for immediate account termination and forfeiture of pending payouts.
Vendors acknowledge that Afriq Global Market Limited relies upon the accuracy of this attestation and that the Company shall have no liability for any losses, damages, or penalties arising from a Vendor's false or inaccurate attestation.
9. Enforcement and Consequences
Afriq Global Market Limited shall enforce this Policy through a tiered system of consequences. The Company reserves the right to apply any level of enforcement action at its sole discretion based on the severity of the violation.
| Offense Level | Applies To | Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| First Offense | Non-zero-tolerance items (Sections 5-7) | Written warning issued to the Vendor; offending listing removed within 24 hours; Vendor required to acknowledge receipt of the warning and confirm understanding of this Policy. |
| Second Offense | Non-zero-tolerance items (Sections 5-7) | Thirty (30) day account suspension; mandatory compliance review and re-certification; all active listings placed on hold during the suspension period. |
| Third Offense | Non-zero-tolerance items (Sections 5-7) | Vendor must complete a compliance training module before account reinstatement. Permanent account termination; forfeiture of all pending payouts; Vendor permanently barred from re-registering on the Platform; Company reserves the right to pursue legal remedies for damages. |
| Zero-Tolerance Violation | Section 4 items | Immediate permanent account termination; forfeiture of all pending payouts; referral to appropriate law enforcement authorities in the Vendor's jurisdiction, the Buyer's jurisdiction, and/or the United States; Company reserves the right to cooperate fully with law enforcement investigations and legal proceedings. |
Discretionary Removal: Afriq Global Market Limited reserves the right to remove any listing at any time, without prior notice, if it reasonably believes the listing violates this Policy, any applicable law or regulation, or the Platform's terms of service. Such removal shall not give rise to any claim for compensation or damages by the Vendor.
Payout Forfeiture: In cases of permanent account termination, all pending payouts shall be forfeited and retained by Afriq Global Market Limited to offset costs associated with investigation, enforcement, and any damages suffered by the Company or third parties.
Indemnification: Vendors who violate this Policy agree to indemnify and hold harmless Afriq Global Market Limited, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and partners, including Terminal Africa, PayPal, and Paystack, from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses arising from or related to such violation.
10. Reporting Mechanism
- Users, Buyers, Vendors, and members of the public may report suspected prohibited items or policy violations through the Platform's built-in reporting feature available on every product listing page.
- Reports may also be submitted via email to davidsopekan@afriqglobal.org. All reports should include the product listing URL, a description of the suspected violation, and any supporting evidence.
- Afriq Global Market Limited will review all reports within forty-eight (48) hours of receipt. The Company will take appropriate action in accordance with Section 9 of this Policy.
- Reports of zero-tolerance violations, meaning Section 4 items, will be escalated for immediate review and action, including potential removal of the listing within two (2) hours of report receipt during business hours.
- The identity of reporting parties will be kept confidential to the extent permitted by law. Afriq Global Market Limited prohibits retaliation against any person who makes a good-faith report under this Policy.
11. Updates and Amendments
- Afriq Global Market Limited reserves the right to update, amend, or modify this Policy at any time at its sole discretion.
- Vendors will receive thirty (30) days' written notice of material changes to this Policy. Notice will be provided via email to the Vendor's registered email address and through the Platform's notification system.
- Non-material changes, including updates to the examples of prohibited items, formatting changes, and clarifications, may be made without prior notice.
- Continued use of the Platform following the effective date of any amendment shall constitute acceptance of the amended Policy. Vendors who do not accept the amended Policy must cease all use of the Platform and close their accounts.
12. Contact Information
For questions, clarifications, or requests for authorization regarding this Policy, please contact:
| Contact Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Afriq Global Market Limited |
| CEO & Founder | David Sopekan |
| Co-Founder | Tolulope Balogun |
| Headquarters | Michigan, United States of America |
| Operations | Nigeria & Africa |
| davidsopekan@afriqglobal.org | |
| Website | www.afriqglobal.org |
13. Acknowledgment and Acceptance
- By registering as a Vendor, Seller, or Auction Lister on the Afriq Global Market platform, or by listing any product for sale or auction, the undersigned acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Prohibited Items Policy in its entirety.
- The undersigned further acknowledges that violation of this Policy may result in the consequences set forth in Section 9, including permanent account termination, forfeiture of pending payouts, and referral to law enforcement authorities.
- This Policy shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan, United States of America, without regard to its conflict of laws principles.