How can I resolve GTIN errors in Google Merchant Centre with dropshipped products?

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Topic summary

Dropshipped Shopify products synced to Google Merchant Center (GMC) are triggering GTIN errors despite marking items as custom; a freelancer also added random GTINs, worsening issues.

Key guidance:

  • Only manufacturers can obtain official GS1 barcodes; self-bought UPCs for resellers are rejected. Do not submit random/incorrect GTINs.
  • For products without identifiers, use feed rules to clear brand, MPN, and GTIN, and set identifier_exists = no. (GTIN = barcode; MPN = manufacturer part number.)

If you get “Incorrect value [identifier exists]”:

  • Google believes a barcode exists. Verify in GMC > Products > Final attributes. If a GTIN exists, submit the correct GTIN with brand and set identifier_exists = yes. If none exists, keep identifier_exists = no and accept lower performance.

Operational notes:

  • When the same product is sourced from multiple suppliers with different barcodes, use the GTIN for the specific physical product you sell; do not reuse one GTIN across different items.
  • To speed bulk edits, a Shopify bulk product editor app was recommended.

Resources: A how-to video and official Google support articles on identifiers and feed rules were shared.

Status: Actions provided; some items still flagged when Google expects GTINs. Resolution depends on confirming whether true identifiers exist.

Summarized with AI on January 4. AI used: gpt-5.
7

I tried what you said and it worked, but now I’m left with a new problem:

Incorrect value [identifier exists]

I’m being told “This item has an internationally recognized, unique identifier. Submit a valid GTIN, and either set this value to true or remove this value.”

I don’t have a GTIN.

What should I do?