eBay will start hiding US listings for wireless gear like phones, laptops, drones, and smartwatches that don’t carry a valid FCC ID on October 13, according to Liz Morton at Value Added Resource. The date matches when a new FCC rule takes effect, which says marketplaces can face enforcement over unauthorized radio equipment sold by third-party sellers, cutting against eBay’s long-standing argument that it only publishes other people’s listings. The FCC’s ID requirement doesn’t apply to used devices, to listings posted before the deadline, or to sellers below the INFORM Act’s high-volume threshold. However, eBay’s notice to sellers doesn’t mention those exemptions, and the company hasn’t said whether used items or smaller sellers will be spared.
