Can I legally sell sex toys in my UK online store?

Shopify Discussion
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Can I sell Sex Toys on My shopify shop?

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Yes, sex toy is allowed on the Shopify store but some restrictions, which include you activating the age restriction, and some payment gateway might not allow the use of the platform for selling adult products.

1 Like
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Hi @tonyhussey

This is a great question and the short answer is YES, you can sell adult products on the Shopify platform. That being said, @Scott71 is correct that there could be limitations within payment gateway options and also ensuring that you are following local laws regarding access to minors, etc.

For your payment gateway, you will want to look for a payment gateway that supports high risk products. Shopify Payments is sometimes approved for adult stores, but each store is reviewed on a case by case basis. I recommend if you want to try and use Shopify Payments for your business that you ask our support team to review your Shopify Payments eligibility BEFORE you go live. This way you will know before you start accepting payments if there will be any issues with that. Normally a review is triggered after the first few orders come in which could interrupt your business if you are denied use of Shopify Payments for your business.

We actually released a great blog article about starting an adult business with some links to successful adult brands already using Shopify. I definitely recommend checking it out for more information: How to Sell Sex Toys Online in 2022.

Also keep in mind that products that are supposed to enhance or alter performance are also considered high risk psuedo-pharmaceuticals and it will be difficult finding a payment gateway that will accept payment for those kinds of products. Not impossible, just difficult. Let me know if you have additional questions about running this kind of business!

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Yes, you can legally sell sex toys in the UK through your online store — including on Shopify — as long as:

You Follow These Legal & Platform Requirements:1. Legal Requirements (UK):

  • You must be over 18.

  • Products must be compliant with UK safety and trading laws.

  • Accurately label all products, avoid misleading claims, and ensure items meet consumer protection laws.

  1. Shopify’s Acceptable Use Policy:

    • Shopify does allow the sale of adult products like sex toys, but Shopify Payments (their built-in gateway) typically does not support them due to banking restrictions.

    • You must use a third-party payment provider to sell these items.

:counterclockwise_arrows_button: Payment Processor Alternative:

Since Shopify Payments restricts adult items, we recommend using WallidPay — a payment solution that:

  • Supports high-risk categories (like sex toys)

  • Works with UK LTDs

  • No UK residency required

  • Allows Payoneer, Wise, or local accounts for payouts

Final Tip:

Be transparent in your product listings, include proper disclaimers, and set an age verification pop-up if needed for compliance.

Let me know if you need help integrating WallidPay or listing your products correctly!