eBay Restriction Codes Explained: MC011, MC013, MC018, MC024 (VeRO) and MC027
Quick answer: eBay's MC codes tell you why your account or listing was restricted. MC011 is an account review (verify ID, address or stock). MC013 is a more serious restriction for a policy violation or a linked account. MC018 is about seller performance. MC024 is a listing removal, often through VeRO. MC027 is about buyer complaints. Each code needs a different fix, so read the code first and act on that, not on general advice.
Tekovex manages eBay stores for UK and US sellers, and our client stores have passed £1 million in UK sales. These codes are the most common reason a healthy eBay store suddenly stops selling. Here is what each one means and what to do.
MC011: account review restriction
What it means: eBay has paused buying, selling or payouts while it checks your identity, your address, or proof that you own the items you sell. It is often triggered by a sudden jump in sales, high-value items, or new-account activity that looks unusual. It is not automatically a ban.
What to do:
- Read the exact wording of the email. The documents needed depend on what eBay asks for.
- Gather your government ID, a recent utility bill or bank statement that matches your registered address, and supplier invoices for your top items.
- Make sure your eBay name and address match the documents exactly.
- Submit once, with everything, through eBay's official flow only.
MC013: serious restriction (policy violation or linked account)
What it means: this is more serious than MC011. It usually follows a confirmed policy violation, or eBay linking your account to one that was suspended before. That could be a family member's account, a former business partner's, an old account of your own, or one that shares a device or address with yours.
What to do:
- Find the exact policy or account link named in the notice.
- Build your appeal around that specific link or violation, with evidence. A general "please reinstate me" almost never works.
- Show what has changed and why the account is low-risk now.
- Do not open a new account while restricted.
MC018: performance restriction
What it means: your seller metrics have fallen below eBay's standards. The usual causes are late dispatch, a high transaction defect rate, or too many cancelled orders.
What to do:
- In Seller Hub, open Performance and find which metric failed.
- Fix the cause: set a same-day dispatch cut-off, tighten stock control, and handle problems before buyers open cases.
- Keep selling. Metrics are measured over your recent orders, so they recover as new, clean orders replace old ones. Expect weeks, not days.
- Don't cancel orders to avoid problems. Cancellations count as defects too.
MC024 and VeRO: listing removed
What it means: a listing was removed for breaking eBay's listing policies, or through VeRO (Verified Rights Owner). VeRO removals happen when a brand reports that your listing uses its photos, logo or trademarked name without permission, or sells an item it considers fake or unauthorised.
What to do:
- Check whether the notice names a VeRO rights owner or a general policy.
- Replace brand photos and descriptions with your own original content.
- If the report is wrong, send a factual counter-notice. Don't just relist the same item.
- Keep count of VeRO reports. Several can lead to a full suspension.
MC027: buyer complaint restriction
What it means: a cluster of buyer cases, usually Item Not Received or Item Not As Described, has pushed your case rate up. eBay applies it whoever was at fault, so a courier losing parcels can trigger it too.
What to do:
- List the cases eBay is counting and check the tracking on each one.
- For Item Not Received cases, gather tracking that confirms delivery. For Not As Described cases, gather your listing photos and the resolution you offered.
- Show the cases were answered quickly and resolved without eBay stepping in.
- Fix the cause: switch away from a courier with a poor delivery record, and describe item condition accurately.
MC codes at a glance
- MC011: account review. Fix: ID, address and supplier invoices.
- MC013: violation or linked account. Fix: a targeted appeal with evidence.
- MC018: seller performance. Fix: better dispatch and fewer defects, over several weeks.
- MC024 / VeRO: listing removed. Fix: original content or a counter-notice.
- MC027: buyer complaints. Fix: tracking evidence and better couriers.
Frequently asked questions
What does MC011 mean on eBay?
It is an account review restriction. eBay has paused buying, selling or payouts while it checks your ID, address or where your stock came from.
Is MC013 worse than MC011?
Yes. MC013 usually follows a confirmed policy violation or a link to a suspended account, and it needs a targeted appeal.
How long does an MC018 restriction last?
Usually weeks. It lifts as new orders without problems improve your performance metrics.
What is VeRO on eBay?
VeRO (Verified Rights Owner) lets brands report listings that infringe their trademarks, images or copyrights. Repeated reports can lead to suspension.
Can I open a new eBay account while restricted?
No. eBay treats it as a serious red flag and usually suspends both accounts.
Got an MC code notice?
Our client stores have passed £1 million in UK sales, and fixing restrictions quickly is part of how we keep them selling. See how we help eBay sellers or book a free consultation.