Mercari, Inc. is stepping in to protect consumers ahead of the upcoming Pokémon Card Game 30th anniversary set release. Starting midnight on September 16, 2026, the company is officially banning listings for Pokémon Card Game 30th CELEBRATION products on the platform to prevent fraudulent listings, extreme price volatility, and user harassment.
The temporary ban targets specific sealed items and complete sets while allowing fans to trade loose cards:
Banned Items: Unopened "30th CELEBRATION" booster packs, all nine "30th CELEBRATION Card Sets" (whether opened or unopened), and any product bundles containing these items.
Permitted Items: Opened single cards remain eligible for listing.
Mercari will enforce the policy using automated AI detection alongside manual monitoring by dedicated inspection teams. Non-compliant listings will be deleted immediately, and repeat violators risk account restrictions.
The initiative follows a 2023 memorandum of understanding between Mercari and The Pokémon Company aimed at building a safer marketplace for Pokémon merchandise. Mercari states the ban will stay in effect for as long as necessary until a safe and secure trading environment can be ensured.
