Are there any downsides to using fake barcodes?

Shopify Discussion

Topic summary

A user wants to use fake barcodes as internal identifiers for bespoke products that lack official barcodes. They’ve tried alternative solutions like product tags and custom metafields for MPN, but these don’t work for their use case since SKU is already in use.

Key Warning:

  • Using invalid barcodes can result in account suspension
  • Only valid GS1 barcodes should be used

Recommended Solution:

  • If valid barcodes aren’t available, leave the GTIN, MPN, and brand fields empty
  • Set the identifier to “no” or “does not exist”
  • A video guide was referenced for proper implementation

The original poster acknowledged the advice.

Summarized with AI on November 7. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

I plan to use the barcode as an identifier for internal use (our products are bespoke so don’t have ‘real’ barcodes). Would this have a negative impact with google/merchant center?

I have tried adding the identifier as a product tag and MPN via custom metafield but it doesn’t work for my use case. SKU is already in use.

2

Yes, you may get suspended.

You can only use valid GS1 barcodes. If you don’t have valid barcodes, do not submit gtin, mpn, and brand values, and set identifier exists to no.

You can also follow the guide in this video:

1 Like
3

ok thanks