Erroneous removal of listing for historic safety recall not applicable to my item!
Summary: sokos12 reported that their eBay listing for a Gtech Multi Mk2 ATF006 vacuum cleaner was removed due to a safety recall related to a battery fault. However, they explained that their item was not part of the affected batch. Despite submitting proof through an appeal, the removal decision was upheld. 4_bathrooms suggested that the removal could have been initiated by a regulator and advised against relisting to avoid potential selling restrictions. sokos12 confirmed that the removal message cited product safety policy, although their item was not part of the recall.
I recently listed a Gtech Multi Mk2 ATF006 vacuum cleaner and subsequently had the listing removed by eBay on safety recall grounds for a battery fault found in a specific serial number range of that model. Fair enough if the safety recall applied to the battery in my item, but it doesn't and my battery was manufactured several years later than the defective batch and has a serial number well outside the previously affected range. I have appealed the removal submitting pictures of the battery highlighting the serial number and explained the situation. However, my appeal has not been upheld and as things stand I cannot list my item. The strange thing is there are currently scores of Gtech Multi Mk2 ATF006 models listed, perhaps there was too much detail in my listing? I cant see a further route to challenge this decision!
4_bathrooms
·2 weeks agoThe takedown was likely made by the Office for Product Safety & Standards (OPSS) rather than eBay themselves.
What did the listing removal message state? Did it mention it was removed by a regulator or that it was removed as part of an automated decision?
I would advise not relisting it as you could end up with a temporary or permanent selling restriction depending upon who actually took the listing down.
sokos12
OP2 weeks agoThank you, it was removed under Product safety policy.
"Recalled and other unsafe products aren't allowed on eBay.
This item may not be sold, because it has been recalled for safety reasons. To learn more about the recall affecting this product, please visit the website at: https://www.gov.uk/product-safety-alerts-reports-recalls/product-safety-report-battery-for-gtech-multi-handheld-vacuum-2312-0069"
My item is not the subject of that recall!
4_bathrooms
·2 weeks agoI saw that recall notice. Somewhat oddly it states that "Affected batteries should be returned to GTech for correct and safe disposal" despite the fact that virtually no carrier will ship a used lithium-ion battery in isolation and every single one prohibits the carrying of such a battery if it is known to be faulty.
Anyway, if the notice you received does not mention AI/automation being used in eBay's decision then the takedown was likely done by the OPSS without eBay's involvement. I realise the unit you have is not subject to the recall but the OPSS likely used the brand and model number from that recall without taking the "additional identifier" and "sales period" information into account - this is not something eBay will verify for themselves.
My advice is still not to try relisting the item unless you are happy to risk a permanent selling restriction; eBay rarely joke about the "permanent" part when they issue one.