This document focuses on whether WooCommerce can be used to sell products that are highly regulated and/or legally restricted. This includes products listed here, which are prohibited on WordPress.com but but can be sold using the open-source WooCommerce plugin, subject to the guidelines below.
Can WooCommerce be used to sell highly-regulated products?
↑ Back to topYes. WooCommerce is open-source software, and we do not limit how it is used. If you are unsure about the legal framework for selling your products, we strongly advise you to seek legal advice in both the country you are selling from and the country or countries you are selling to.
While you can use the code of our WooCommerce plugin to sell highly-regulated products, the site cannot use direct services offered by Automattic to support those stores. Automattic’s direct services include, but are not limited to WordPress.com and the Jetpack plugin.
This means you can use the open-source WooCommerce plugin to sell highly-regulated products, but you cannot:
- Use WooCommerce services that depend on a Jetpack connection, such as WooPayments, WooCommerce Shipping, and WooCommerce Tax.
- Host your site on WordPress.com.
- Hold active subscriptions to WooCommerce.com extensions and products.
A note about the WooCommerce Mobile App: The app does not require a Jetpack connection to function. You can log in using your WordPress site credentials and manage your store through features that rely on the WooCommerce REST API. However, app features that depend on Jetpack (such as push notifications, site stats, and multi-store management) will not be available.
What about CBD products?
↑ Back to topPlease see WooCommerce Guidelines for CBD and Other Hemp-Derived Products.
Why are Automattic’s direct services not available for these products?
↑ Back to topMany of our store owners and customers are in countries where some of the products on our restricted list are fully legal. However, the production and sale of these products in the United States, where Automattic is registered, are highly regulated. These products are also regulated to varying degrees around the world. It is important to understand all of the rules and laws that apply to your situation, both where your business is located and where you sell.
Are there other rules I should be aware of?
↑ Back to topYes. As the store owner, it is your responsibility to follow the laws and regulations in the locations where you operate and sell. If we determine, at our sole discretion, that your store violates our Terms of Service, we may decline to provide support or discontinue services.
Payment gateways, including WooPayments, and merchant accounts also have their own rules and restrictions on highly-regulated products. Make sure your payment gateway and merchant account support the products you intend to sell. Your shipping provider may have restrictions as well.
Is your company against these highly-regulated products?
↑ Back to topNo. These policies exist because of the current legal framework and are not a judgment on the legitimacy of your business.
Can I get help for my WooCommerce store?
↑ Back to topOur WooCommerce.com help desk can assist you with your site if you would normally qualify to receive support. You might also receive help from others in the WordPress.org forums or the WooCommerce community.
Resources
↑ Back to topLearn more at:
Questions and support
↑ Back to topDo you still have questions and need assistance?
This documentation is about the free, core WooCommerce plugin, for which support is provided in our community forums on WordPress.org. By searching this forum, you’ll often find that your question has been asked and answered before.
If you haven’t created a WordPress.org account to use the forums, here’s how.
- If you’re looking to extend the core functionality shown here, we recommend reviewing available extensions in the WooCommerce Marketplace.
- Need ongoing advanced support or a customization built for WooCommerce? Hire a Woo Agency Partner.
- Are you a developer building your own WooCommerce integration or extension? Check our Developer Resources.
If you weren’t able to find the information you need, please use the feedback thumbs below to let us know.