Etsy Creativity Standards Update June 10, 2025: Crack Down On 3D Printing, Digital Items, Generic Supplies & More

Etsy has made an unannounced update to their creativity standards, effective June 10, 2025, targeting some 3D printed or digital items, generic supplies and more for removal from the platform.

As always, sellers are encouraged to read the entire updated policy carefully, but here's a side by side comparison highlighting some key changes.

Disclaimer: comparisons are made using both automated and manual methods and are provided for informational purposes only - no warranty of completeness or accuracy is expressed or implied and users are advised to do their own due diligence.

Items Produced Using Computerized Tools

Under the heading of "items made by a seller", items produced using computerized tools like a laser printer, 3D printer, CNC or Cricut machine must now be made from the sellers' own design - using templates designed by others is no longer allowed, which will likely impact many shops which currently use templates from other creators or artists.

Old version:

Items produced using computerized tools: Physical items that a seller produced in their personal shop or home, using computerized tools such as a laser printer, 3D printer, CNC or Cricut machine. These items may be produced based on a seller’s original design, or using a templated design or pattern, and are often personalized or customized to a buyer’s specification.

New version:

Items produced using computerized tools: Physical items that a seller produced in their personal shop or home, using computerized tools such as a laser printer, 3D printer, CNC or Cricut machine. These items must be produced based on a seller’s original design and are often personalized or customized to a buyer’s specification.

Digital Files Of Scanned Vintage Content

Under the heading of "handpicked by a seller", Etsy has removed mention of digital files of scanned vintage content, which could mean that these items are no longer allowed to be sold on the site at all.

Old version:

Vintage items: Items that are 20+ years old, that the seller personally curated or collected. This also includes digital files of scanned vintage content like photographs, books, or patterns, as long as they comply with our Intellectual Property Policy. Etsy may ask for additional photo documentation or information about vintage items in your shop, such as their source, age, designer, or materials.

New version:

Vintage items: Items that are 20+ years old, that the seller personally curated or collected. Etsy may ask for additional photo documentation or information about vintage items in your shop, such as their source, age, designer, or materials.

Items From Nature

Etsy has added a section explicitly prohibiting reselling of items from nature which have that been used by the seller in the creation of a new/unique item or in any other way that would make the item compliant with the rest of the creativity standards.

The following are examples of items that do not qualify as ‘handpicked by a seller’:..

...Resold items from nature
e.g., Bulk landscape rocks resold from Home Depot

Commercial Holiday Decor and Party Favours

Under the heading "sourced by a seller", Etsy has removed holiday decor and party favours, but has added the word "festive" to table decorations, which could still leave some ambiguity about what is allowed.

Old version:

Items ‘sourced by a seller’ include only:..

...E.g. Table decorations; balloons and streamers; holiday decor; party favors; gift wrap

New version:

Items ‘sourced by a seller’ include only:..

...e.g., Festive table decorations; balloons and streamers; gift wrap

Generic Resold Items

Etsy has also made several changes to the section excluding certain generic resold items, including additions of generic cooking tools or ingredients; chemical compounds; automotive/bicycle parts and repair tools; office, construction, gardening, cosmetic, or home DIY supplies.

Old version:

The following are examples of items that do not qualify as ‘sourced by a seller’:

Generic resold items that have everyday uses, such as plain furniture, stage lights or speakers, do not qualify as party supplies

Resold blank items that are ready to use without craft intervention, such as blank t-shirts, hats, or tumblers, do not qualify as craft supplies

Listings for items ‘sourced by a seller’ must use photo or video content of the items you have for sale, not stock or commercial images. See Listing Image Requirements for more information.

New version:

The following are examples of items that do not qualify as ‘sourced by a seller’:

Resold blank items that are ready to use without craft intervention, such as blank t-shirts, hats, or tumblers

Resold generic cooking tools or ingredients; chemical compounds; automotive/bicycle parts and repair tools; office, construction, gardening, cosmetic, or home DIY supplies

Generic resold items that may be used at a party, but either are not decor, or also have everyday uses, such as plain furniture, generic tableware, stage lights, speakers, costumes, party favors, and seasonal/holiday decor not specific to a single gathering or celebration

Listings for items ‘sourced by a seller’ must use photo or video content of the items you have for sale, or commercial images (e.g., from the manufacturer or distributor), subject to our Intellectual Property Policy. See Listing Image Requirements for more information.

Etsy seller and ecommerce consultant Cindy Baldassi has provided an excellent breakdown with in-depth commentary on what these changes mean for sellers on her Patreon, and she rightfully points out that changing the rules with no notice to sellers or time to make adjustments is unfair and reason for concern, even if you think these changes are overall a positive move for the platform.

Many sellers will likely be happy to see things like 3D printed items made from a commercial pattern get removed from the site, as well as commercial party favours and many other products. I get that; I even agree with some of it (see holiday decor for an example.)

But how is it possible for Etsy to change the most fundamental policies for the site's integrity with no warning, and immediately start removing the newly-disallowed listings?

Some sellers are going to get suspended before they realize the Creativity Standards have evolved, as every item removed is a black mark against a shop. Many of those businesses likely sold multiple types of products and could have removed the now-banned goods if they were warned, but instead may get themselves banned from Etsy entirely without even knowing why.

How will these changes impact your Etsy business? Let us know in the comments below!