I am facing this error : MCA over capacity (outside CSS program)
The Google Support said that I should contact shopify for this error.
Kindly resolve this issue ASAP.
Topic summary
Issue: “MCA over capacity (outside CSS program)” error linked to Google Merchant Center (GMC) accounts created via Shopify. MCA = Merchant Center Account; CSS = Comparison Shopping Service. The error suggests the MCA’s product capacity limit has been exceeded, often because the GMC is a Shopify sub-account under Shopify’s top-level MCA.
Diagnosis: Check if the account is a sub-account in GMC > Account Settings > Advanced Account Settings. If “Request Conversion” is missing, it’s a sub-account. Screenshots in the thread illustrate where to look.
Proposed fixes:
- If you created the account yourself, submit a Google request to increase the item limit (Merchant Center support form).
- If the account was created by Shopify, ask Google to disconnect it from Shopify and convert it to a standard top-level/individual account to avoid future capacity issues.
Alternative/parallel path: Since Google Support directed the merchant to Shopify, contact Shopify support for specific guidance and help resolving the sub-account limitation.
Notes: One participant remarks the app is managed by Google but still advises separating from Shopify as a more reliable long-term solution.
Status: No confirmed resolution; action items are to verify sub-account status, request capacity increase, and/or pursue account separation with Google and support from Shopify.
1 Like
Hi @AeroGale
If you have created your account, you can raise a request to increase the limit using the link: https://support.google.com/merchants/contact/additional_items
If your account is created by Shopify, then contact Shopify support.
Shopify causes the issue and not by your actions or your account. It is due to being a subaccount, most likely if you have created your initial account via the Shopify Google Shopping app.
You can verify if you are a sub-account by going to Google Merchant Center > top right corner > gear icon > Account Settings > Click on Advanced Account Settings.
If you can not see Request Conversion, then you are a sub-account.
You can contact Google to disconnect yourself from Shopify. Which then converts the account to a standard top-level account. You will need to adequately explain that you are a sub-account from Shopify and no longer want to be a subaccount.
Reach out to us if you need any assistance with your merchant center.
The funny thing is that the app is technically now managed by Google, but they still give you the run around.
I recommend a better solution. Contact Google and ask them to seperate your account to an individual account, and no longer part of Shopify’s top level account.
Then you will no longer have this issue and you will be better off, to be honest.
Hello @AeroGale ,
Greetings! I am Gina from the flareAI app helping Shopify merchants get $6Million+ in sales from Google Search, on autopilot.
If you are encountering the “MCA Over Capacity (Outside CSS Program)” error in relation to your Shopify store, it indicates an issue with the Google Merchant Center Account (MCA) capacity limit. This error typically occurs when you have exceeded the limit for the number of products you can advertise through the CSS (Comparison Shopping Service) program.
When you create a GMC account via Shopify, it becomes a sub-account owned by Shopify, known as the Merchant Center Account (MCA). As a result, if you encounter the “MCA Over Capacity” error, you can request the Google support team to make you the top-level owner of your GMC account instead of being a sub-account under Shopify. Although this process may be time-consuming, it is possible to accomplish. By becoming the top-level owner, you can avoid future occurrences of the “MCA over capacity” problem.
However, since Google Support has advised you to contact Shopify for assistance, it is recommended to reach out to Shopify’s support team. They will be able to provide specific guidance and support regarding this error and its resolution.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Gina