Problem with "you need to add a GTIN or MPN"

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Topic summary

Sellers are encountering Google Shopping feed rejections requiring GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) or MPN (Manufacturer Part Number) identifiers, even when products are marked as “custom” in Shopify.

Core Issue:

  • Google requires unique product identifiers to approve listings
  • Custom/handmade products typically lack these standardized codes
  • Even with “custom” designation, Google may still reject products it recognizes from other sellers

Available Solutions:

For Custom Products:

  • Set identifier_exists field to false under Products > More Actions > Google Shopping
  • Request a GTIN exemption directly from Google Merchant Center
  • Contact Google Support to verify handmade/unique product status

For Standard Products:

  • Purchase official GTINs/barcodes from GS1 (each variant needs its own code)
  • Use manufacturer-provided codes when available
  • For bundles, use the GTIN from one component product

Variant Display Problem:
Multiple users report that despite setting item_group_id correctly, Google shows individual variants separately rather than grouped under parent products. This appears to be a Google algorithm decision that sellers cannot directly control—contacting Google Support is recommended for specific cases.

Additional Requirements:
Apparel/accessories categories require: size, color, condition, age group, and gender attributes. The Bulk Product Editor app can streamline adding these fields across multiple products.

Dropshipping Note:
AliExpress products typically don’t include GTINs—sellers must purchase codes separately or apply for exemptions.

Summarized with AI on November 23. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
26

@Ronald321

Did you populate the MPN only if it’s a Custom Product or do you always populate the MPN with the id?

We are getting gtin errors on ‘custom products’ when it supposedly bypasses the gtin check. But it is not consistent.

I am hoping that if we put in this code, it will not get these errors.

Could you please let me know how the rule is set up?

Is it just setting the MPN equal to the ID?

We have so many google feed errors that have valid gtin’s but getting these errors. It is keeping these products from our ads and is really hurting us.

Thx in advance!