Is Dropshipping Legal? Everything You Need to Know (+6 Common Mistakes)

Lots of aspiring ecommerce entrepreneurs ask the question: Is dropshipping legal?

And if you’re thinking about starting an online store, you’ve likely got a bunch of valid concerns. After all, there are many aspects of dropshipping that you should be skeptical of.

So, in this post, we’re going to break down the legality of dropshipping. Plus, we’ll explain what you need to know to stay within the confines of the law.

By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to launch a legitimate and ethical dropshipping business that you can scale to the moon.

Let’s get to it.

Disclaimer: We are not legal professionals. The content of this post is based on our experience in eCommerce. It is not intended to be legal advice. We recommend that you seek professional legal advice when making decisions about your business. StilyoApps and the author assume no liability for any decisions you make based on this article.

What is Dropshipping & Is Dropshipping Legal?

The short answer to the questions is yes, dropshipping is legal.

But many people are skeptical of dropshipping because they don’t fully understand what it is. So to get us on the same page, let’s begin by explaining what we mean when we say drop shipping.

Dropshipping is simply a retail fulfillment method. It simply means that the retailer (in this case, the online store) doesn’t stock the products listed on its site.

Instead, these products are fulfilled by a third-party supplier - often a wholesaler - who ships the products directly to customers. Throughout this process, the merchant never handles or sees the product.

As you can see, there’s nothing illegal about dropshipping when defined in these terms. Now, that’s not to say that everything in the world of dropshipping is legal and ethical. Let’s explore more.

Is Dropshipping Ethical?

What people may mean when they ask, ‘Is dropshipping legal?’ is actually ‘Is dropshipping ethical?’ 

See, many folks believe that drop shipping raises ethical concerns on the consumer side of things. 

And in some forms of dropshipping (such as AliExpress dropshipping), this is a fair point. 

You know, is it right to charge people more for something they could buy themselves at a lower cost?

Well, you could argue that for that customer to buy the product in question, the dropshipper had to exist.

For example, a dropshipper may spend countless hours researching trends, designing their store, and creating marketing campaigns to bring that product to consumers.

On top of that, successful dropshippers add value to the shopping experience via better customer support, branding, and shipping and return policies.

Plus, in other forms of dropshipping, such as print on demand, dropshippers add more value through the unique products they create. 

Essentially, dropshippers are marketers within the supply chain that match products to specific consumers at the right time. Without dropshippers, consumers may not even know the product they bought existed at all.

Now, this is not to say that all dropshippers are ethical. In every industry (and especially online), you’ll find shady characters who’re willing to cheat and lie to make a buck.

We’ll further discuss the ethical considerations later, but for now, let’s talk about the six things you need to think about when building a dropshipping business.

Is Dropshipping Legal? 6 Simple Considerations For Your Business

Even though drop shipping is entirely legal - there are several ways you can wind up in trouble if you’re not careful.

Seriously, there are many legal entities out there that’ll take you to the cleaners if you step on their toes. Trust me, landing you and your business in hot water is no fun - especially if you live in a litigious country like the US.

To avoid this, it’s essential to understand the steps required to negate the risks to your business and you personally. Let’s explore these now:

1. Do You Need a Business License for Dropshipping?

First time entrepreneurs often ask: "do you need a license to dropship?" or "do you need an LLC for Shopify?"

The simple answer is no. Technically you don’t need to create an LLC to start selling products online.

In fact, if you’re brand new to eCommerce, you should focus on getting those first few sales before things like a license cross your mind.

However, once your store gains momentum, it’s wise to consider applying to set up an official business. 

A business license makes the professional elements of your business much easier to manage and offers several legal benefits.

Now, it’s important to know where you plan to register your business. Different states and countries have various options. So make sure to evaluate all options carefully before deciding.

For more details, check out these resources:

• USA: Advice on how to register a small business for USA-based entrepreneurs
• United Kingdom: How to set-up a business in the UK
• Canada: Advice for incorporating a business in Canada
• Australia: Guide to starting a business in Australia

2. Can You Get Sued Dropshipping?

One of the biggest benefits of setting up an LLC is that it limits your personal liability if issues arise from products purchased on your store.

This is huge if you’re sourcing products from outside your own country, where production and quality control regulations may be less stringent.

For example, let’s suppose that you decide to dropship hair curlers from China. If one of your orders is faulty and burns your customer, you could be on the hook to compensate them for damages.

Without an LLC, you’ll be personally liable to pay these damages out of your own pocket. An LLC protects you from personal financial ruin by shifting the liability to your company.

It’s also a good idea to get product liability insurance. Product liability insurance covers the legal costs of defending any claims related to defective products. This matters because cush cases are typically the most expensive to fight.

So, unless you’re absolutely sure that your products cannot cause harm, look into adding product liability insurance to your business.

3. Do I Need to Pay Taxes When Dropshipping?

Yes, 100%. If you don’t pay taxes on your dropshipping profits, you’re breaking the law.

When it comes to taxes and dropshipping, things can get complicated. You can be living in one country, selling to a customer in another, and purchasing it from another.

The tax implications across these different jurisdictions can vary wildly, and compliance is essential if you’re to prosper as a legitimate business.

There are many taxes to consider, such as sales tax, income tax, and employment tax. A failure to comply with your tax obligations can result in business-ending fines and penalties.

We’ve talked about the benefits of knowing how to leverage tax deductions to maximize profits before, but if you’re not sure where to start, we’d recommend seeking professional tax advice.

Free tax flow agency offers a comprehensive tax course aimed at eCommerce merchants that’ll get you off on the right foot.

4. Develop a Refund Policy

As a dropshipper, refunds are a cost you’ll have to eat and into your product pricing. Unethical dropshippers will often try and do everything they can not to issue refunds - however, this isn’t only wrong; in many cases, it’s also illegal.

See, consumers have several protective measures that ensure they can’t be legally ripped off. If your products are not as advertised, then consumers are entitled to get their money back.

It’s essential to define a refund policy for your store clearly. You need to let customers know what they’re entitled to and what they can expect if things go awry.

If unhappy customers come to you complaining, you can refer to your return policy and hopefully meet them halfway.

In return or refund scenarios, it’s always best to give the customer the benefit of the doubt. Sure, there’ll be folks who try to take advantage of you - but assuming the best is wise to protect your brand’s reputation.

Word spreads like wildfire on the internet and social media these days. If you’re disregarding legitimate customer complaints to save a few bucks in the short term, your business won’t last very long.

5. Add Legal Agreements to Your Store

Every eCommerce store should display two legal agreements:

• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

Since you can’t make sales without collecting personal data (customer names, addresses, etc.), you must have a privacy policy on your site by law. Even if the region you’re in doesn’t legally necessitate a privacy policy, your store is still accessible globally.

A terms and conditions section typically isn’t required by law. However, having T&Cs on your site is helpful to mitigate your legal liability should a customer take action against you.

In your T&Cs, you want to outline how your business operates, and the rules users accept by shopping in your online store.

Additionally, it’s worthwhile including any relevant disclaimers. Disclaimers can help further limit your liability in the event of a dispute. See the one at the top of this article for reference!

Disclaimers can vary depending on the nature of your site and what you’re selling. Generally disclaimers can cover things like:

• Health and safety
• External links
• General legal
• Reviews

Of course, you don’t want to go overkill here and scare customers away - but creating a dedicated section with necessary disclaimers may save you further down the road.

Pro Tip: Termly has a free terms and conditions generator and privacy policy generator to help you get off on the right foot legally.

6. Don’t Sell Trademarked, Counterfeit or Restricted Products

Some new dropshippers are tempted to cash in on an established brand’s recognizability and flog counterfeit goods from overseas.

However, this type of dropshipping is 100% illegal. Misrepresenting a genuine item isn’t worth the risk. Sure, you may be able to make a few quick sales. But it’s lying, and it’ll get your ad accounts and payment gateway account flagged in no time.

And that’ll be the least of your worries if the brand decides to come after you. Large brands have teams of people working around the clock to ensure the brand maintains its integrity.

If you’re discovered selling knock-offs, you can bet your bottom dollar they’ll use their deep pockets to throw the book at you.

If you're just starting and don't set-up a business or file taxes on your $300 of revenue, that's forgivable until you establish yourself. But selling counterfeit goods or running false advertising campaigns is the one thing that'll land you in trouble from the get go.

If you want to dropship branded items, you can. However, you’ll have to become a licensed reseller by seeking approval from the brand. Seriously, the risk of selling trademarked goods just isn’t worth it.

Is Dropshipping Legal on Amazon?

Dropshipping is generally allowed on Amazon, but it is important to understand and comply with Amazon's policies and guidelines. Amazon has specific rules regarding dropshipping to maintain a positive customer experience and protect its marketplace. Here are some key considerations for dropshipping on Amazon:

1. Seller Agreement: As an Amazon seller, you must agree to Amazon's Seller Agreement, which outlines the terms and conditions for selling on the platform. Familiarize yourself with the agreement and ensure compliance with its requirements.
2. Prime Eligibility: If you want to offer products with Amazon Prime benefits (such as fast shipping and Prime badge), you need to comply with Amazon's Prime requirements. Dropshippers must fulfill Prime orders from their own inventory or use an approved fulfillment method.
3. Order Fulfillment: Amazon expects sellers to meet certain performance standards, including timely order fulfillment and accurate tracking information. It's crucial to have a reliable fulfillment process to ensure customer satisfaction.
4. Product Sourcing: When dropshipping on Amazon, you are responsible for the quality and authenticity of the products you sell. Make sure you source products from reputable suppliers to avoid selling counterfeit or infringing items.
5. Product Listings: Create accurate and detailed product listings that adhere to Amazon's guidelines. Provide clear information about the product, including its features, specifications, and any applicable warranties.
6. Customer Service: Be prepared to handle customer inquiries, returns, and complaints promptly and professionally. Good customer service is essential for maintaining positive seller metrics on Amazon.

It's important to note that Amazon's policies and requirements may change over time, so staying updated with their guidelines is crucial. Always review Amazon's seller resources, including the Seller Central platform, to ensure you are aware of the most current policies and guidelines for dropshipping on Amazon.

Is Dropshipping Legal in USA?

Yes, dropshipping is legal in the United States. In fact, lots of the best dropshipping stores are based in the USA. As discussed above, dropshipping is a business model where you, as a retailer, sell products to customers without keeping inventory in stock. Instead, when a customer places an order, you purchase the item from a third-party supplier who then ships it directly to the customer.

While dropshipping itself is legal, it's important to comply with applicable laws and regulations in the United States. Here are some key considerations:

1. Business Registration: You may need to register your business and obtain any necessary licenses or permits to operate legally in your state or locality.
2. Sales Tax: You are generally responsible for collecting and remitting sales tax on the products you sell, based on the applicable state and local tax laws. The specific sales tax requirements vary from state to state, so it's important to understand the regulations in your jurisdiction.
3. Consumer Protection: Dropshippers are expected to comply with consumer protection laws, including providing accurate product information, clear return policies, and resolving customer complaints promptly.
4. Intellectual Property: It's crucial to ensure that the products you sell through dropshipping do not infringe on trademarks, copyrights, or patents. Selling counterfeit or unauthorized products can lead to legal consequences.
5. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Guidelines: The FTC regulates advertising and marketing practices in the United States. Ensure that your marketing materials and product descriptions are accurate and transparent, avoiding false or misleading claims.
6. Product Safety: Depending on the types of products you sell, you may need to comply with specific safety regulations and standards. Certain products, such as electronics or children's toys, may require certifications or meet specific labeling requirements.

It's essential to note that this information provides a general overview and may not cover all the legal considerations. Laws and regulations can vary by state and may change over time. It's advisable to consult with a lawyer or legal expert who can provide guidance specific to your situation and location to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

Is Dropshipping Legal? The Final Answer

No, dropshipping is not illegal. Dropshipping is simply a retail fulfillment model where products are shipped from a third-party supplier directly to the customer.

However, just like any other business, there are associated legal risks. For a growing dropshipping business, you’ll still need to set up a company, manage your taxes, and comply with the same laws as other businesses.

And just like other businesses, if you’re selling counterfeit goods, using false advertising, or breaching consumer protection laws, then what you’re doing is illegal.

Hopefully, this guide helps you answer the question ‘is dropshipping legal?’ and empowers you to make the best decisions on your entrepreneurial journey.

If you want to learn more about dropshipping, we have lots more content on the topic:

• The Best High Ticket Dropshipping Guide (Products, Tactics + Examples)
• Is Dropshipping Dead? (2022) Here’s What You Need to Know
• Dropshipping Tips: 15 Proven Strategies to Skyrocket Your Sales
• The Definitive Guide to Shopify Dropshipping in 2022
• 9+ High Margin Products that Generate Easy Sales in 2022

Is Dropshipping Legal FAQ

Is Dropshipping Legal in Canada?

Dropshipping is legal in Canada. Key considerations include business registration, compliance with GST/HST regulations if applicable. If your business meets the GST/HST registration threshold (currently CAD 30,000 in worldwide sales or CAD 30,000 in sales in Canada in a 12-month period), you will need to register for GST/HST and comply with the related obligations, including charging and remitting GST/HST on applicable sales. You'll also need to adhere to consumer protection laws, respect intellectual property rights, comply with advertising regulations including the Competition Act, and adhere to product safety standards, where certain products may require certifications or meet specific labeling. In Canada, the specific requirements for business can vary based on your province or territory.

Is Dropshipping Legal in Australia?

Dropshipping is legal in Australia. However, it's important to comply with relevant laws and regulations. Key considerations include business registration, GST compliance if applicable (currently if you sell more than AUD 75,000 per year, you must register for GST), adherence to consumer protection laws, product safety standards, intellectual property rights, and advertising guidelines.

Is Dropshipping Legal in India?

Yes, dropshipping is a legal business model in India as long as you adhere to the applicable laws. This includes registering your business, complying with GST regulations if applicable (the threshold is currently INR 40 lakhs per year), following consumer protection laws, respecting intellectual property rights, adhereing toapplicable advertising regulations, and meeting product safety standards.