eBay Germany Expands Authentication With Optional, Paid Verification For Fashion & Accessories
eBay rolled out Authenticity Guaranteed for sneakers, handbags and watches in Germany as well as other markets 2021 as part of CEO Jamie Iannone's "high value enthusiast buyer" strategy, offering free but mandatory authentication services for items from certain brands at eligible price points.
Now, authentication is expanding in Germany to include more shoes, clothing and accessories but eBay is making the service optional with buyers paying a €10 fee if they chose to have items verified (translated by Google).
eBay authenticity verification is now also optional for clothing, shoes and accessories.
From mid-November, we will offer your buyers an optional authentication service for branded and designer items. Experts will examine and certify the selected item upon request. This service gives your buyers the assurance of receiving genuine branded goods, thus increasing your sales opportunities.
Here's how it works:The optional authentication service appears automatically in your listings for selected brand and designer items. Buyers can use this service before delivery for a small fee.After purchase, you send the branded and designer item to our team of experts, who will thoroughly examine it.After authentication, the item will be sent directly to the buyer(s) along with a certificate of authenticity.
The following conditions, among others, apply:The optional authenticity check is offered for items from 37 selected brands with a merchandise value of over €100*.A fee of €10* is charged for the authenticity check requested by the buyers.
This option authenticity check add on does not replace the existing free authentication program, it simply provides a way for buyers to pay a fee to have their eligible items checked even they don't qualify for free authentication.
eBay has introduced similar optional, paid authentication services for watches and handbags in the US to include items that don't meet the price threshold to qualify for the free, mandatory authentication.
Liz Morton
Here's a list of the brands and categories optional verification check applies to as of November 18, 2025, but always keep an eye on eBay's official policy page as the terms may change over time.
Also starting this month, eBay Germany has introduced Authenticity Guaranteed for jewelry, with sellers across the category footing the bill with a final value fee increase.
Liz Morton
What do you think of eBay Germany's authentication expansion and optional, paid verification check? Let us know in the comments below!
