Shop luxury fashion with confidence

What is Authenticity Guarantee?

eBay's Authenticity Guarantee is designed to help buyers shop with confidence and protect sellers with verified returns. Authenticators physically inspect all eligible items before they are posted to the buyer and inspect all returns prior to sending them back to the seller.

How does Authenticity Guarantee work?

An “Authenticity Guarantee” blue tick badge is applied to all eligible items. When an eligible item is purchased, the seller is required to post the item to the authentication facility, where the item goes through a multi-point inspection process. Once verified, the authenticator posts the item directly to the buyer via fast, tracked delivery.

Will I be charged a fee for Authenticity Guarantee?

No. As part of the Authenticity Guarantee, eBay covers the cost of authentication as well as fast, tracked delivery from our authentication facility to the buyer.

What items are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?

Authenticity Guarantee is available for selected brands, in new or preowned condition, listed under the Women’s clothing & Men’s clothing categories, and sold for £200 or more via Fixed Price or Auction listings. You can identify eligible listings by looking for the blue Authenticity Guarantee tick in the search results or the top right of the item’s page.

The eligible brands for Authenticity Guarantee are Dior, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Alexander Mcqueen, Off-white, Givenchy, Burberry London, Burberry, Adidas, Nike, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Versace, Stone Island, Fendi, Moncler, Polo Ralph Lauren, Barbour, Canada Goose, The North Face, Belstaff, Tom Ford, Valentino, Chanel, Balmain

Only items purchased on eBay.co.uk are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee. Items that post to a buyer address outside the UK are not eligible for the service at this time. Listings that offer only local pickup or items posted to P.O. Boxes will not be eligible for Authenticity Guarantee. Any item purchased using an offline payment method will not be eligible for Authenticity Guarantee.

Items in breach of the prohibited item policy are not eligible for Authenticity Guarantee. Items with hot stamping of initials or initialling using another method, such as embroidery, may be accepted for Authenticity Guarantee where the relevant brand provides such stamping or other initialling services. However, only the item would be authenticated and not the hot stamping or any other initialling method. For further details learn more about Authenticity Guarantee Terms & Conditions here.

What happens at the authentication facility?

Upon receiving the item the authenticator first confirms that the item and any brand papers are consistent with the listing title, description, and images. Then, they will perform a physical authentication inspection. Finally, the item will receive a unique Authenticity Guarantee card.

Is there an Authenticity Guarantee card?

Yes, all items verified as authentic come with a card with details about the item, such as brand.

How does the QR code work on my Authenticity Guarantee card?

Scan the QR code with a smartphone to view detailed information about your item. Enjoy!

Who is providing the authentication services?

eBay's team of professionally trained authenticators vet and verify each item using detailed, physical inspection and advanced technical equipment in a state-of-the-art facility.

How long will the authentication process take? How long until I get my item?

After you purchase your eligible item, the seller is required to send the item to the authenticators who will process the item within two business days of receipt. Once authenticity is verified, as well as listing description accuracy, the item will be posted to you as soon as possible via tracked, next day delivery.

How can I track the progress of my purchase?

The order status will be updated in your “My eBay” purchase history and in the View Order Details section. Delivery information can be seen on My eBay Purchase History. The authentication status can be seen on View Order Details. You will also receive an order update email when your item has been inspected as part of the Authenticity Guarantee service.

How does delivery work?

Orders under £500 will be delivered by a tracked next day delivery service. 

For security reasons, for orders sold for £500 and more, you will need to provide a unique PIN code to the driver on delivery. When you receive your delivery updates, you will be advised of a 4-digit PIN code that you will need to provide to the driver. The PIN code will be clearly displayed in your updates via email, SMS or in the DPD app. Once the PIN code is provided to the driver, they will input it into their handheld device and if correct, the parcel will then be handed over to you. Please ensure that a valid email address and/or telephone number is registered on your eBay account in order to receive the PIN code.

I don't have a PIN code?

If you do not have your PIN code, then the driver can resend it to the email address and mobile number registered on your eBay account whilst at your doorstep, which you can then give to the driver so that the parcel can be handed over to you. If you do not have a device handy to access your PIN via email, SMS or DPD App, then the driver will be unable to hand over the parcel. The delivery will be re-attempted the following day or you will be able to reschedule your delivery to a day that’s more convenient to you. If unsuccessful again the parcel will be returned to us.

Signatures will be required instead of a PIN code for delivery to the following post codes: FK17 - FK21, GY1 - GY10, HS1 - HS9, IM, IV1 - IV63, JE1 - JE5, KA27 - KA28, KW0 - KW17, PA20 - PA38, PA41 - PA49, PA60 - PA78, PA80, PH19 - PH29, PH32 - PH33, PH45 - PH 48, PO30 - PO41 and ZE1 - ZE3.

Will I receive the original packaging with my purchase?

Yes, if the seller has included original packaging as described in the listing, all components will be sent to you.

What if the item does not pass inspection?

If the item's authenticity cannot be verified or the item is not consistent with its listing, you will be notified and will be issued a full refund to your original payment method.

Where is my item being sent, and why is it not my address?

Your item will first be sent to the authentication facility. Once verified, the authenticator will send your item to the address entered at checkout.

Can I return items purchased with Authenticity Guarantee?

You can return an item if the seller accepts returns, as stated in the listing, and the return takes place within the seller's return window. In the unlikely event that you receive an item that is not consistent with the listing, the item will be eligible for a return. In order for a refund to be processed, all returns must be sent to the authentication facility for verification (to check that the item is still in the same condition and has all relevant accessories, or that the item is not consistent with the listing) and re-authentication before the item is returned to the seller.

Learn more about eBay's policy on condition of returned items here.

Does the eBay Money Back Guarantee protect authenticated items?

Authenticity Guarantee purchases are covered by eBay Money Back Guarantee when all other eligibility requirements are met. Learn more about eBay Money Back Guarantee policy.

How does the return process work?

If returns are offered on the listing of the item you purchased or the item isn't as described, the item will first be sent to the authentication facility. Within two business days of receiving the item, the authenticator will inspect to confirm that the item returned matches the item originally sent to you by verifying the authenticity and condition including any original packaging or accessories (for clarity, this includes the item's box where applicable). Once verified by the authenticator, it will be posted to the Seller and a refund will be processed. The Seller or Buyer (as defined by the listing) is responsible for postage costs to the authenticator, and eBay covers the postage cost to the Seller.

Why was the item sent back to me by the authenticator after I opened a return?

If the authenticator determines that the returned item is not the same item, is not in the same condition, or the security tag has been tampered with or removed, it will be sent back to you and the return will be closed.

Can I choose not to have my item authenticated?

No. eBay's Authenticity Guarantee is a service designed to protect buyers and sellers.

Is Authenticity Guarantee associated with any brands sold on eBay?

No, the Authenticity Guarantee service is not affiliated with or endorsed by any of the brands sold on eBay.

The Authenticity Guarantee service for Clothing (“Authenticity Guarantee” or “Authenticity Guarantee for Clothing”) makes inspection and authentication services (“Services”) mandatory for certain items sold on eBay.co.uk. These Authenticity Guarantee Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) apply to the Authenticity Guarantee service for Clothing and Authenticity Guarantee Eligible Items detailed below sold and purchased on eBay.co.uk and sets out the terms on which eBay offers you access to and use of the Authenticity Guarantee service for Clothing.

1. Applicability of eBay User Agreement.

   The eBay.co.uk User Agreement, eBay's User Privacy Notice and all policies posted on our sites (collectively, and as the same may be amended from time to time, “eBay's Policies”) apply in addition to these Terms.

2. Applicability of eBay's Money Back Guarantee.

   eBay's Money Back Guarantee covers items returned within the seller's return window and items that satisfy the eligibility requirements and are not received, are not as described or that arrive damaged. Learn more about eBay Money Back Guarantee.

3. Description of the Authenticity Guarantee Service.

   Upon the purchase of an Eligible Item (description in Section 6(a) below) on eBay.co.uk, the buyer automatically instructs eBay to initiate the Services. The item is then posted by the seller directly to an authentication facility for careful inspection of the item for authenticity and accuracy against the item listing. Upon confirmation of the item's authenticity by authenticators, it is properly packaged and securely posted to the buyer. If the item's authenticity cannot be verified or the item is significantly not as described, a refund is issued to the buyer.

4. Description of the Services.

   The Services are provided by our authentication team ("Authenticators") for Eligible Items purchased and delivered within the United Kingdom. Authenticators will inspect the item within two (2) business days of receipt at the facility and the authenticated item will then be sent to the buyer. This check will include inspection of the item  for authenticity, and for accuracy against the item listing.By purchasing an Eligible Item, you agree and acknowledge that you instruct eBay to direct the seller to send the Eligible Item to the Authenticators to perform the Services.

   By listing an Eligible Item for sale you agree and acknowledge that eBay will require you to send the Eligible Item to the Authenticators to perform the Services in accordance with the buyer's instructions. More information about the Authenticators and Services may be found here.

5. Authenticity Guarantee Programme Fees.

   The Services are provided at no cost to sellers and buyers for Authenticity Guarantee Eligible Items that are bought or sold on eBay.co.uk; however, eBay reserves the right to institute, alter or amend fees or costs associated with the Services, at any time, at eBay's sole discretion.

6. Eligibility.

   a. Item Eligibility.

   Only selected listings on eBay.co.uk are eligible for the Service. eBay may amend the eligibility requirements for Eligible Items, including, but not limited to category, and/or value of items and/or transactions. Although only selected items are eligible at the current time, the Authenticity Guarantee will be rapidly expanding. Check listings for the “Authenticity Guarantee” blue tick badge to see if items are included at this time. Eligible Items must satisfy the following conditions:

   1. Brands: Dior, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Alexander Mcqueen, Off-white, Givenchy, Burberry London, Burberry, Adidas, Nike, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Versace, Stone Island, Fendi, Moncler, Polo Ralph Lauren, Barbour, Canada Goose, The North Face, Belstaff, Tom Ford, Valentino, Chanel, Balmain.

   2. Sold Price: £200 and over, exclusive of postage.

   3. Condition: New and Pre-owned UK items.

   4. Categories: Women’s clothing & Men’s clothing  (see below)

      (1) Clothing, Shoes & Accessories [11450] > Women [260010] > Women's Clothing  [15724]

      (2) Clothing, Shoes & Accessories [11450] > Men [260012] > Men's Clothing  [1059]

   b. Items which have hot stamping of initials or initialling using another method, such as embroidery, may be eligible for Authenticity Guarantee where such stamping or other initialling method is high quality only and the relevant Brand (see above) offers such stamping or other initialling method.The following items are not eligible for Authenticity Guarantee:

   1. Items not bearing the Authenticity Guarantee badge;

   2. Women’s clothing, men’s clothing and/or other clothing listed in categories not named above;

   3. Miscategorised items, e.g. other types of clothing that are not eligible but are listed in eligible categories;

   4. Modified/altered garments (including any customisation/ personalisation);

   5. Signed garments;

   6. Sealed garments;

   7. Customised/personalised items (e.g. all other hot stamping or initialling method not outlined above)

   8. Items purchased using an offline payment method;

   9. Items received for free from a brand as part of a promotion;

   10. Items purchased from a sample sale where resale of the item was specifically prohibited;

   11. Listings that offer local pickup are not excluded from Authenticity Guarantee, but will be excluded if a buyer chooses this option at checkout;

   12. Items posted to P.O. Boxes, including third party shipping and BFPO boxes;

   13. Items in breach of the Prohibited Items policy.

   c. Ineligible items will not be authenticated.

   d. Country Eligibility.

   The Authenticity Guarantee service on ebay.co.uk is available for buyers with a delivery address in the United Kingdom or Channel Islands, and the item must also be listed from a UK location on ebay.co.uk. eBay reserves the right to expand or limit the countries eligible for Authenticity Guarantee or the Services at any time, in its sole discretion, with or without notice.

7. Party Roles.

   a. Your Role as Seller.

   By listing an Eligible Item for sale on the eBay platform, you agree and acknowledge that eBay will require you to send the Eligible Item to the Authenticators to perform the Services in accordance with the buyer's instructions and you authorise its inspection by the Authenticators subsequent to its purchase.

   Upon purchase, you are required to post the Eligible Item, using an appropriate delivery service, to a facility located within the United Kingdom, as directed by eBay. Items cannot be dropped off or delivered to the facility in person. Items must be sent to the facility individually unless part of a multi-item order. The cost of postage to the Authenticators is not covered by eBay.

   You acknowledge and agree that if the Authenticators cannot verify an item's authenticity, a refund will be issued to the buyer and you shall cooperate with removing the item from marketplace circulation.

   b. Your Role as Buyer.

   By purchasing an Eligible Item on the eBay platform, you instruct eBay to direct the seller to send the Eligible Item to the Authenticators to perform the Services. You acknowledge and agree to inspection of the Eligible Item by the Authenticators prior to your receipt of the Eligible Item. In addition, if a return is requested, you acknowledge and agree to post the Eligible Item using a shipping service with signature confirmation to the Authenticators and the inspection of the Eligible Item before the return is processed or a refund is issued. More information on returns under the Authenticity Guarantee can be found here.

   c. Circumvention of Buyer and Seller Requirements.

   If buyer or seller circumvent or do not comply with Sections 7.a or 7.b of these Terms, or if buyer or seller violate or are found to be non-compliant with the Terms, eBay reserves the right to take immediate action such as, but not limited to, account restriction or suspension.

8. Data Privacy.

   eBay's collection and processing of personal information in connection with the Authenticity Guarantee service is governed by the User Privacy Notice that applies to your use of the eBay.co.uk website or, as applicable, another eBay international site. For items purchased that qualify for the Authenticity Guarantee service, eBay will share your order information, including but not limited to your name, address, email address, and telephone number, with the Authenticators in order to perform the Services. By selling or purchasing an Eligible Item, you direct eBay to provide this order information to its affiliates, service providers, and other third parties (such as postage carriers and revenue authorities) as necessary to perform the Services.

9. Lost, Damaged, or Items Not Delivered.

   Items that are lost or damaged during the Authenticity Guarantee process are protected by eBay's Money Back Guarantee, subject to the eBay's Money Back Guarantee guidelines. eBay assumes the delivery risk from the Authenticators to the buyer and any items lost or damaged at the Authentication facility. Items that are undeliverable or otherwise unclaimed after thirty (30) days will be considered abandoned and eBay reserves the right to donate or otherwise dispose of the item in our sole and absolute discretion.

10. Service Updates and Discontinuation.

    eBay has the right to amend, suspend temporarily, and/or discontinue permanently, the Authenticity Guarantee.