Authenticity Policy

1. Purpose

Ubuntu Market is committed to building Germany's most trusted marketplace for African products, services, and businesses. Our customers should have confidence that products offered on our platform are genuine, accurately described, and legally sold. This Authenticity Policy establishes the standards vendors must meet to ensure the integrity of the Ubuntu Market marketplace and to protect customers from counterfeit, misleading, or fraudulent products.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all vendors, businesses, organisations, and individuals selling products or services through Ubuntu Market.

It covers:

• Physical products
• Handmade goods
• African arts and crafts
• Fashion and textiles
• Beauty and cosmetic products
• Food products
• Books and media
• Digital products
• Services

3. Our Commitment

Ubuntu Market is committed to:

• Promoting authentic African products and businesses.
• Supporting ethical trade.
• Protecting consumers from counterfeit goods.
• Encouraging transparency throughout the supply chain.
• Complying with German and European Union consumer protection laws.

4. Authentic Products

A product is considered authentic when:

Vendors must ensure that all information presented to customers is truthful and not misleading.

• It is genuine and not counterfeit.
• It accurately represents its origin.
• It is legally manufactured or sourced.
• It complies with applicable German and EU regulations.
• It matches the product description, photographs, and specifications provided by the vendor.

5. Prohibited Products

Ubuntu Market prohibits the sale of:

Listings that violate these requirements will be removed immediately.

• Counterfeit goods
• Fake branded products
• Pirated media
• Products that infringe trademarks
• Copyright-infringing products
• Replica luxury goods marketed as originals
• Products with altered or removed serial numbers
• Goods obtained through unlawful means

6. Vendor Responsibilities

All vendors must:

• Sell only genuine products.
• Accurately describe products.
• Use authentic product photographs or photographs they are authorised to use.
• Clearly identify the manufacturer or producer where applicable.
• Maintain records demonstrating the lawful source of products.
• Cooperate with Ubuntu Market during authenticity investigations.

7. Proof of Authenticity

Ubuntu Market may request evidence including:

Failure to provide requested documentation may result in the removal of listings or suspension of the vendor account.

• Purchase invoices
• Supplier invoices
• Manufacturer certificates
• Certificates of origin
• Import documentation
• Distribution agreements
• Product safety certificates
• Product registration documents where applicable

8. Traditional and Handmade African Products

Ubuntu Market proudly supports African artisans and traditional producers.

• Country of origin
• Region of production
• Materials used
• Production methods
• Cultural significance (where appropriate)

Claims regarding handmade, artisan, or traditional production must be truthful and capable of substantiation.

9. Product Origin

Where products are advertised as originating from a particular country or region, vendors must ensure that such claims are accurate.

• Made in Cameroon
• Made in Ghana
• Made in Nigeria
• Handmade in Kenya
• Produced in Ethiopia

False claims regarding origin are prohibited.

10. Product Quality

Products must:

• Match the description provided.
• Be safe for their intended use.
• Meet applicable German and EU product safety requirements.
• Not contain misleading claims regarding quality, performance, or health benefits.

11. Food, Cosmetics and Health Products

Additional verification may be required for:

Vendors must ensure that all mandatory labelling, ingredient information, allergen declarations, and applicable regulatory requirements are met before products are offered for sale. Ubuntu Market reserves the right to request supporting documentation before approving listings in higher-risk product categories.

• Food products
• Herbal products
• Cosmetics
• Personal care products
• Health-related products

12. Intellectual Property

Ubuntu Market respects intellectual property rights.

• Infringe trademarks
• Infringe copyrights
• Infringe design rights
• Infringe patents
• Misuse another company's branding

Rights holders may report suspected infringements through Ubuntu Market's Intellectual Property Reporting Process.

13. Reporting Counterfeit Products

Customers, vendors, and intellectual property owners may report suspected counterfeit or misleading products.

• Product link
• Vendor name
• Description of the concern
• Supporting evidence where available

Ubuntu Market will investigate reports promptly and may temporarily remove listings while investigations are ongoing.

14. Enforcement

Ubuntu Market may take one or more of the following actions where authenticity concerns arise:

• Request additional documentation.
• Remove product listings.
• Suspend listings pending investigation.
• Suspend or terminate vendor accounts.
• Notify relevant authorities where required by law.
• Cooperate with intellectual property owners and law enforcement agencies where appropriate.

15. Consumer Protection

Where a product is determined to be counterfeit or materially misrepresented, Ubuntu Market will work with the customer and vendor to resolve the matter in accordance with applicable law, our Buyer Protection Policy, and our Terms & Conditions.

16. Continuous Monitoring

Ubuntu Market conducts ongoing marketplace monitoring through:

Higher-risk product categories may be subject to enhanced review.

• Vendor verification
• Customer feedback
• Product reviews
• Risk-based audits
• Random product checks
• Investigation of complaints

17. Policy Updates

Ubuntu Market may update this policy to reflect changes in applicable laws, marketplace practices, and platform security requirements.

The latest version will always be published on the Ubuntu Market website.