Yahoo Japan Bans Auctions On Face Masks


Yahoo Japan bans auctions on face masks

Yahoo Japan plans to ban sales of face masks on its auction site starting on March 14, as a severe shortage of masks due to the coronavirus outbreak drives up prices.

Yahoo Japan said on Thursday that the ban will be in place until further notice. The firm is to delete listings of face masks as soon as it finds them, at the request of the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry.

The ministry has asked online auction sites not to allow such listings. Masks have been offered at exorbitant prices online, apparently by those who bought them to resell for profit.

The operator of flea market app Mercari has also started taking action against sellers offering masks or hand sanitizer at unreasonably high prices. Mercari is to ask such sellers where their items came from and delete their listings if necessary.