Rules tracker · Jun 9, 2026: New York's law requiring disclosure of AI-generated 'synthetic performers' in ads takes effect Read it →
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Etsy AI rules tracker

What Etsy says about selling things made with AI, in plain English. Every line links to its source. Last checked Oct 19, 2026.

This page is general information, not legal advice. If something here is different from what Etsy says, Etsy's own pages win. Tell us and we'll fix it.

The rules right now

  1. You can sell items you create with AI from your own prompts, but you must disclose the use of AI in the listing description. Source: Etsy Seller Handbook: What is Etsy's stance on AI creations?
  2. Seller-prompted AI creations fall under the 'Designed by a seller' category and must disclose the use of AI. Source: Etsy Help: What Can I Sell on Etsy?
  3. You can't sell AI prompt bundles on their own, without the finished artwork. Source: Etsy Seller Handbook: What is Etsy's stance on AI creations?
  4. AI-generated nudity and sexual content must follow the Prohibited Items Policy, and content that infringes on others' privacy, publicity or personal rights is prohibited. Source: Etsy Seller Handbook: What is Etsy's stance on AI creations?
  5. If you work with a production partner (like a print-on-demand company), you must disclose it in your listings. Source: Etsy Seller Policy
  6. Listing photos should be your own photographs, not stock photos or artistic renderings — with limited exceptions for custom items and items made with a production partner. Source: Etsy Seller Policy

Some Etsy pages block automated checks, so we confirmed parts of this text from search-engine copies of Etsy's pages. TODO: re-check each source by hand.

Example disclosure wording

This is our suggested wording, not text from Etsy. Change it to fit how you actually make your item.

  • This design was created with the help of AI tools from my own prompts, then edited by me.
  • Product images include AI-generated backgrounds. The first photo shows the actual product.

Change log

Newest first. We only add an entry when we can link to a source that shows the change and its date.

  1. Jun 9, 2026 State law

    New York's law requiring disclosure of AI-generated 'synthetic performers' in ads takes effect

    This is a New York State law, not an Etsy policy. It requires people who produce or create an advertisement to say when it includes an AI-generated synthetic performer (a digitally created person who looks real). The law was signed in December 2025. Etsy sellers discussed whether it applies to AI models in mockups and product photos; we have not found an Etsy announcement about it. This isn't legal advice.

  2. 2025 Etsy

    Etsy introduces listing-level appeals, starting with Creativity Standards violations

    In its 2025 Transparency Report, Etsy says it added a Policy Violations page in Shop Manager and introduced listing-level appeals, beginning with Creativity Standards violations. It says it plans to expand appeals in 2026. Etsy did not give an exact date for the change.

  3. Jul 9, 2024 Etsy

    Etsy launches Creativity Standards: Made, Designed, Sourced or Handpicked by a seller

    Etsy reorganized its policies into Creativity Standards, effective immediately. Every item has to be made, designed, sourced or handpicked by a seller, and listing pages started showing labels like 'Designed by ShopName'. Etsy said this clarified what was allowed rather than changing it. Seller-prompted AI creations sit under 'Designed by a seller' and must disclose AI use.

Things we're watching (not confirmed yet)

  • A 'Created by an AI generator' option in the Etsy listing form. Sellers talk about this option on Reddit (April 2026), but we haven't found an official Etsy announcement or date yet. Until we do, we're not listing it as a dated change. Link
  • Etsy Seller Policy page update. A search-engine copy of the Seller Policy shows 'Last updated on Oct 5, 2026'. We couldn't load the page directly and don't know what changed. TODO: check it by hand. Link