On this page
01. The list02. Why it matters03. What if you are unsure04. Genuine goods05. Why counterfeits are a supplier problem, not just a platform problem06. Practical sourcing checks07. Grey areas to ask about08. Protect your reputation09. A typical scenario10. Common mistakes11. Quick checklist12. Frequently asked questions
Adult products, drugs and prescription medicines, weapons and explosives, and counterfeit or illegal goods cannot be sold. They are blocked automatically, and Qyvea also reviews every new product before it goes live.
Key takeaways
- The prohibited list is enforced automatically.
- Counterfeit goods are not allowed.
- Every new product is reviewed.
01The list
- Adult products.
- Drugs and prescription medicines.
- Weapons and explosives.
- Counterfeit or illegal goods.
02Why it matters
It protects customers, Qyvea and honest suppliers. Counterfeit equipment fails early, and the buyer blames everyone.
03What if you are unsure
Ask Qyvea before listing. Do not try to work around the filter.
04Genuine goods
Sell genuine goods with honest descriptions. Our scam guide covers how to avoid fakes from your own suppliers.
05Why counterfeits are a supplier problem, not just a platform problem
A fake power supply or camera fails early and sometimes dangerously. The buyer blames the seller, the platform and the brand. For you it means a defective-item refund, a lost customer and a damaged record. The safest policy is to buy only from sources you can verify and to refuse anything priced too far below the market.
06Practical sourcing checks
- Buy from authorised distributors or established importers where possible.
- Compare packaging, labels and serial numbers against known genuine units.
- Keep purchase invoices.
- Be suspicious of sudden large discounts.
- Test a sample before buying a pallet.
07Grey areas to ask about
- Products that look similar to a famous brand but are not the brand.
- Items that need a licence to sell or import.
- Dual-use items that could be misused.
- Used or refurbished goods without clear labelling.
If in doubt, ask Qyvea before you list. An early question is better than a blocked listing or a warning on your account.
08Protect your reputation
A single counterfeit sale can cost you more than a hundred honest ones earn. Keep purchase invoices, verify sources and refuse deals that sound too good. Your record on the platform is a business asset: build it deliberately.
09A typical scenario
A vendor tries to list a replica brand camera. The listing is blocked and the vendor learns to source genuine units.
Illustrative example based on common cases, not a named vendor.
10Common mistakes
- Listing look-alike brands.
- Trying to avoid filter words.
- Ignoring the terms.
11Quick checklist
- Read the list.
- Buy from genuine sources.
- Ask when unsure.
12Frequently asked questions
Can the filter block a valid product by mistake?
It can. Contact Qyvea if a genuine product is blocked.
Is grey-market stock allowed?
Only genuine goods that are legal to sell in Kenya.
What happens if I list a prohibited item?
It is blocked, and repeat breaches can affect your account.
Where are the rules?
In the Vendor Terms.
This guide describes how supplying through Qyvea works at the time of writing. The Vendor Terms and the Sell on Qyvea page are the final word on fees, returns and payment. Examples marked illustrative are not real vendors or earnings.
