Why does Etsy keep deactivating my photographs of Cuba

[VozzaPhoto]

I just returned from Cuba with a ton of beautiful photographs I wanted to add to my listings, but they keep getting immediately deactivated.  I did a quick search in forums about this and it seems that a few other people have had similar issues (something about Etsy cracking down on key words like "Havana" and "Cuba" in descriptions), however if I search for other people's products related to Havana or Cuba, a ton of things come up.  So, what gives?  I have nearly 100 photographs I'd like to list, but would reeeeeally not have to contest each individual item that I try listing.  Someone please help.

[CatsWhiskersCurios]

You can't have any listings that refer to Cuba, Havana or anything Cuba-related because of the US sanctions.  Items in other shops just haven't been pulled yet. 

[bradgoodell]

Not exactly.  The OP can sell those photos, Etsy needs to review them first.  That is why other sellers can sell things like shoes with Cuban heels, or items that are Havana Brown, etc.  

[CatsWhiskersCurios]

Ah OK, thanks for the clarification. I'll shut up, ha!

[bradgoodell · Accepted solution]

The US has a trade embargo with Cuba.  In order to avoid violating federal law, Etsy automatically removes anything labeled "Cuba, Cuban, Havana" until a human can review them and make sure they aren't in violation.  They also do this with "Iran, Persia, Persian" and "Ivory".  

[SolubleInc]

No human ever reviews them anymore

[EclecticCactusStudio]

Artwork from Cuba is LEGAL. 

[audreytherese]

Artwork from Cuba is not allowed, as that would break the trade embargo. 

Artwork created by someone that went to Cuba, like photographs that this post was about, are allowed, but need to be reviewed by a human to verify they aren't in violation of the trade embargo. As was clarified in this post from over a year ago. 

[EclecticCactusStudio]

Well, the good news is that Etsy has reactivated my listing. 

I purchased the print legally -- not in Cuba, but online via 3bay. 

I've always respected the eBay sellers' rules, and never intended to circumvent them. 

THANK YOU ETSY!

[VozzaPhoto]

Thank you. Yes, I'm well aware of the embargo and those types of issues.  But, I was baffled because these are MY photographs - not Cuban-made goods or anything like that.  I'll hold off trying to create more listings to see if these go through after a couple of days.  I'll be devastated if I can't list them, since they're some of my best photography.

[PrimFun]

Prohibited Items Policy - Our House Rules | Etsy

Etsy has to review them first.  Make sure you indicate you took the photos while on a visit to Cuba.

Photos are allowed.  Anything informational is but the definition of that is in Etsy's hands.

Don't list until the others get released. 

[AroundTheGlobeImages]

I've had this happen every time I list a Cuba photo - also be aware that whenever you sell a Cuba photo they will take 72 hours to review it. Listing takes about 48 hours before they put it back up. Something you'll have to get used to.

[SolubleInc]

No they don't put it back up. Been a few weeks.

[VozzaPhoto]

OK, it looks like the listings are starting to go through now.  Whew... for now.

[ByGaliaPatterns]

I am having the same problem with one of my listing named Havana. Thank to all of You to help me understand how to proceed. 

Best wishes,

Galia

[NanaLetha]

@EclecticCactusStudio  Not sell!

[EclecticCactusStudio]

What does "not sell" mean?

[NapkinNook]

Deleted by choice.

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