2 eBay User Agreement Changes Effective Feb 20, 2026: What Sellers Need to Know

AMZ Sellers Attorney® — Marketplace Terms Update

eBay User Agreement Changes (Posted Jan 20, 2026): What Sellers Need to Know Before Feb 20, 2026

eBay updated its User Agreement with changes that matter to e-commerce operators—especially anyone using automation, scraping tools, or handling disputes with the platform. Here’s a seller-focused breakdown of what changed, why it matters, and what to do next.

Effective for prior-version users: Feb 20, 2026

Source: eBay User Agreement effective-date notice. Read the User Agreement.

At a glance: what changed

• Automation / anti-scraping rule clarified to specifically include bots used for AI or LLMs (plus “buy-for-me” agents and end-to-end ordering flows) unless you have eBay’s prior express permission. (UA §3 “Using eBay”)
• Arbitration section updated with clarifications to the class action waiver scope, opt-out process, and notice mailing address. (UA §19 “Legal Disputes”)
• eBay reiterates that if you don’t agree, you can close your account by Feb 20, 2026 and stop using the services; continued use constitutes acceptance for users covered by the effective-date notice. (Effective-date notice)

Fast answer (AEO)

Does eBay prohibit AI/LLM bots? The agreement prohibits using automated means (including “buy-for-me agents” and “LLM-driven bots”) to access eBay’s services without eBay’s prior express permission.

Change #1: Anti-scraping & automation now explicitly covers AI / LLM bots

In the “Using eBay” section, eBay states you will not use “any robot, spider, scraper, data mining tools… or other automated means” to access the services—then explicitly calls out buy-for-me agents, LLM-driven bots, and any end-to-end flow attempting to place orders without human review, unless you have prior express permission from eBay. This makes the anti-scraping prohibition harder to “hand wave” for modern AI agent workflows. (See the bullet list under “Using eBay.”)

Source: Automation prohibition language in “Using eBay.” eBay UA

What this means for sellers (practical)

• Inventory research scrapers, headless browsers, and “agent” tools are higher-risk under the clarified language.
• If you use automation vendors, ask: Do you access eBay via API or scraping? “API-first” tools are generally easier to justify than browser automation.
• If any workflow attempts to place orders end-to-end without human review, assume it’s specifically flagged by the new wording.

Change #2: Arbitration updates (class waiver, opt-out, notice addresses)

eBay’s “Legal Disputes” section includes an Agreement to Arbitrate and a class action waiver. The update notice emphasizes clarifications about (1) the waiver’s scope, (2) how to opt out, and (3) where notices must be mailed.

2A) Informal dispute resolution (pre-arbitration notice)

The agreement requires an informal dispute resolution step before arbitration. eBay states a Notice of Dispute can be sent by email to [email protected] or by mail to 339 W. 13490 S., Ste. 500, Draper, UT 84020. (This is the updated address shown in the current agreement.)

Source: Informal dispute notice instructions and address. eBay UA §19

2B) Where arbitration demands must be mailed

eBay states an arbitration Demand should be mailed to: eBay Inc., Attn: Litigation Department, 339 W. 13490 S., Ste. 500, Draper, UT 84020.

Source: Demand mailing address. eBay UA §19

2C) Opting out: timing and requirements

eBay states you can opt out by mailing a written opt-out notice, and emphasizes the opt-out must be sent by you (third-party opt-outs “on your behalf” have no effect). The agreement also states the opt-out must be postmarked no later than the effective date of the amendment or within the stated window for new acceptances.

Source: Opt-out requirements and timing language. eBay UA §19

2D) Batch arbitration (mass-claims procedure)

The agreement includes a “Batch Arbitration” process for certain groups of similar Demands, describing cooperation with NAM and procedural steps intended to reduce time and costs—while stating it does not authorize class or representative arbitration except as expressly described in that provision.

Source: Batch arbitration provisions. eBay UA §19

What sellers should do now (quick checklist)

1. Audit your tools (repricers, listing automation, research tools, AI assistants, order routing).
2. Confirm access method: API integration vs. scraping/headless browser automation.
3. Ban “end-to-end ordering bots” in your org unless you have express permission.
4. Update SOPs: require vendor documentation + rate-limit controls + permission records.
5. For disputes, preserve evidence early and follow the Notice-of-Dispute step before escalating.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Always review the current eBay User Agreement for the latest language.

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Primary source: eBay User Agreement.