What are the cases that are not allowed in WhatsApp?

This question always comes to the mind of WhatsApp users or those who intend to use it in their business, but before we start talking about the Prohibited cases to use WhatsApp, be aware that they are frequently updated that’s why we recommend keeping visiting WhatsApp Commerce Policy to check the updates.

WhatsApp has restrictions and limitations regarding the sorts of businesses that are permitted to use WhatsApp for business messaging. WhatsApp also does not allow businesses in certain countries to use the service. let’s take an overview of the types of businesses and use cases that WhatsApp permits.

The WhatsApp Businesses policy may not transact in the operations or exchange of illegal products or services. such as the following:

prohibited cases

• Drugs whether prescription, recreational or otherwise
• Tobacco items and related paraphernalia
• Unsafe ingestible supplements
• Weapons, ammunition, or explosives
• Animals
• except these categories:
- Animal cages
- Products for animals (toys, collars, etc.)
- Veterinary services
- Grooming services
- Boarding services
- Pet adoption services

• Adult products or services
• Body parts and fluids
• Medical and healthcare products
• Items or products with overtly sexualized positioning
• Real money gambling services
• Dating services
• Products or items that facilitate or encourage unauthorized access to digital media
• Digital and subscription services, including links to or processing of any subscription sales, renewals, or upgrades
• Business models, goods, items, or services that we determine may be or are fraudulent, misleading, offensive, or deceptive, or may be or are exploitative, inappropriate, or exert undue pressure on targeted groups
• Real, virtual, or fake currency
• Third-Party Infringement

Updates on the prohibited cases on WhatsApp

Starting October 25, 2022, WhatsApp changed the Business Messaging policy will govern which businesses can onboard and send messages on WhatsApp. The Commerce policy will only apply to buying and selling conducted through commerce tools such as catalogs and payments (not in-thread messaging).

This means that some types of businesses currently restricted by the Commerce policy will be able to use WhatsApp for business messaging use cases (not commerce features). Verticals that will now be able to create WhatsApp Business API accounts include:

• Pharmacies and Drugstores : only grocery and convenience items are allowed in the Commerce policy. The sale of pharmaceuticals (prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, recreational drugs, and medical devices) in any conversation or product features is still not allowed.
• Supplements pet adoption, livestock, raw products, but excluding the sale of pets and other non-livestock animals
• Digital services and subscriptions

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