Businesses and Products WhatsApp Doesn’t Allow
Which businesses and products can’t use WhatsApp Business under Meta’s policy (alcohol, tobacco, drugs, weapons, real-money gambling, adult, dating, crypto, MLM, payday loans and debt collection), the India-specific exceptions, catalogue rules, data you must never ask for, and what happens if you break the rules.
WhatsApp’s Business Messaging Policy lists goods and services you can’t buy, sell, promote or facilitate on WhatsApp, even if you hold a local licence: firearms, alcohol and tobacco, drugs, medical and healthcare products, real-money gambling, adult products and services, dating, real or virtual currency including crypto, multi-level marketing, and payday loans, peer-to-peer lending and debt collection, among others.
A few categories have narrow exceptions on the WhatsApp Business Platform in specific countries; for India, licensed over-the-counter medicines sold to people aged 18+ are one. This guide summarises the policy as last updated on 23 September 2026. It isn’t legal advice; check the policy itself for your case.
Key takeaways
- Prohibited categories apply regardless of local licences.
- India exception: licensed OTC medicines on the Platform (API) only, 18+. Alcohol and real-money gaming are not allowed in India.
- Never ask customers for full card numbers, bank account numbers or ID numbers in chat.
- Political parties and campaigns can’t use the WhatsApp Business Platform.
- Breaking the policy leads to restrictions, a locked account or a permanent ban across WhatsApp products.
Prohibited goods and services
From the WhatsApp Business Messaging Policy (last updated 23 September 2026), businesses may not use WhatsApp to buy, sell, promote or facilitate:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Weapons | Firearms, ammunition, explosives |
| Alcohol and tobacco | Alcoholic drinks, cigarettes, e-cigarettes and vapes |
| Drugs | Prescription, recreational or other drugs |
| Medical and healthcare products | Medicines and medical devices (narrow exceptions, see below) |
| Animals | Endangered species; live animals other than livestock |
| Hazardous goods | Dangerous or hazardous materials |
| Currency | Real, virtual or fake currency, including ICOs, crypto and binary options |
| Body parts and fluids | Including hair extensions and wigs, per Meta’s enforcement categories |
| Gambling | Real-money gambling and gaming |
| Adult and dating | Adult products and services; dating services |
| Business models | Multi-level marketing; fraudulent, misleading or exploitative schemes |
| Lending and collections | Payday loans, paycheck advances, peer-to-peer lending, debt collection, bail bonds |
Exceptions, and what they mean in India
Some regulated categories are allowed only on the WhatsApp Business Platform (the API), only in listed countries, and with age-gating to 18+. They’re never allowed on the WhatsApp Business app or through WhatsApp’s commerce features such as catalogues.
| Category | India |
|---|---|
| Over-the-counter medicines (licensed sellers, 18+) | Allowed on the Platform only |
| Alcohol | Not allowed |
| Online real-money gambling and gaming | Not allowed |
| Everything else in the prohibited list | Not allowed |
Healthcare businesses such as clinics and labs can use WhatsApp for appointments and reminders, but must keep within Meta’s rules on health information. Our healthcare page shows what that looks like.
Catalogues and selling on WhatsApp
Products in a WhatsApp catalogue also follow Meta’s Commerce Policies, which prohibit, among others: adult products, alcohol, animals, body parts, documents and currency, gambling, hazardous goods, healthcare products and supplements, prescription drugs, recalled or stolen goods, tobacco, used cosmetics, weapons, jobs, and digital products and subscriptions. Event tickets, gift cards and pet adoption are limited to approved sellers. Every catalogue item is reviewed, and rejected items can be appealed.
Rules about data and content
- Don’t ask for or share full payment card numbers, financial account numbers, ID card numbers or similar sensitive identifiers.
- Don’t share health information where regulations forbid it.
- Offer a way to reach a person when chats are automated.
- Message only people who opted in, and honour opt-outs; see WhatsApp opt-in.
- No political parties, candidates or campaigns on the Business Platform; law enforcement and military bodies can’t use it either.
What happens if you break the policy
- On the app: restrictions and bans; see WhatsApp Business number banned.
- On the API: a warning, then restrictions of 1 or 3 days (no templates), then 5, 7 or 30 days (no messages at all), an indefinite account lock, or permanent disabling. Severe harm, such as scams or illegal drugs, means immediate removal.
- A business removed for violations may be banned from all WhatsApp products.
- Appeals for API accounts go through Meta Business Support Home; decisions usually take 24 to 48 hours. Details in WhatsApp Business API account restricted or banned.
Not sure if your business qualifies?
Read the policy section for your category, check whether your country is listed for any exception, and ask your provider before you connect a number, so you don’t lose time or a number. If you’re unsure about your business, talk to us before you sign up.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell alcohol on WhatsApp in India?
No. Alcohol is prohibited by WhatsApp’s Business Messaging Policy, and India isn’t among the countries with an exception.
Can pharmacies use WhatsApp Business in India?
Licensed sellers of over-the-counter medicines can, on the WhatsApp Business Platform only and with 18+ age-gating. Prescription drugs remain prohibited, and the exception never applies to the WhatsApp Business app or catalogues.
Can real-money gaming apps use WhatsApp in India?
No. Real-money gambling and gaming is prohibited; the exception covers only a few listed countries, not India.
Can lenders send loan reminders on WhatsApp?
Payday loans, peer-to-peer lending and debt collection are prohibited. Other financial businesses can send transactional messages, but must never ask for full card or account numbers. Check the policy for your exact product.
What happens if my business breaks WhatsApp’s policy?
Restrictions, an account lock or a permanent ban. A business removed for violations may be banned from all WhatsApp products.
Sources
- WhatsApp Business Messaging Policy
- Meta: Policy enforcement violation categories
- Meta: Policy enforcement
- Meta Commerce Policies
- WhatsApp Help Center: Catalog review
WhatsApp rules and prices change. We check these guides against Meta’s documentation, but always confirm current terms with Meta before you rely on them. Questions? Message us on WhatsApp at +91 836 977 8812.
