Google Product Category Requirements: What Attributes Does Each Category Need?

Different Google Product Categories have different required attributes. If you categorize a product but don't provide the required attributes for that category, your product gets disapproved.

This isn't just about best practices—it's about compliance. Google enforces these requirements strictly.

Common disapproval reasons: - Apparel without color/size/gender - Electronics without brand/GTIN - Health products without proper condition

This guide breaks down requirements by category type.

*For the complete taxonomy overview, see our Complete Guide to Google Product Category Taxonomy.*

Required Attributes:

| Attribute | Description | Example | |-----------|-------------|---------| | color | Product color(s) | Blue, Red/White | | size | Size designation | S, M, L, 42, 10.5 | | gender | Target gender | Male, Female, Unisex | | age_group | Target age | Adult, Kids, Infant |

Also Recommended: - material - Cotton, Leather, Polyester - pattern - Solid, Striped, Floral - size_type - Regular, Petite, Plus - size_system - US, UK, EU

Important: Missing any required attribute = disapproval. Even if your product syncs, it won't appear in Shopping results.

Subcategory Notes: - Shoes also require size_system - Jewelry may require material - Bags typically need color only

Required Attributes:

| Attribute | Description | Example | |-----------|-------------|---------| | brand | Manufacturer | Apple, Samsung, Sony | | gtin | UPC/EAN/ISBN | 012345678901 | | mpn | If no GTIN | ABC-12345 | | condition | Product state | new, refurbished |

GTIN Rules: - Required for most electronics from known brands - If no GTIN exists, provide mpn (Manufacturer Part Number) - Custom/handmade electronics can use identifier_exists: false

Also Recommended: - product_detail - Specs like storage, RAM - energy_efficiency_class - For appliances in EU

Required Attributes:

| Attribute | Description | Example | |-----------|-------------|---------| | condition | Must be "new" | new | | brand | Required for most | L'Oreal, CeraVe |

Special Considerations: - Supplements may require additional disclosures - Cosmetics in some regions need ingredient info - Medical devices have strict compliance requirements

Restricted Products: Some health products are restricted or require certification: - Prescription items (not allowed on Shopping) - Weight loss supplements (restrictions vary) - CBD products (policy varies by region)

Tip: Check Google's restricted products list for your category.

Requirements vary by region but may include:

| Attribute | Description | |-----------|-------------| | expiration_date | For perishables | | unit_pricing_measure | Price per unit | | unit_pricing_base_measure | Base unit |

Special Considerations: - Perishable items have shipping restrictions - Alcohol requires age verification and has strict policies - Some regions require nutritional information

Best Practice: If selling food/beverages: 1. Check regional requirements (US, EU, UK differ) 2. Ensure proper shipping/handling attributes 3. Verify your category doesn't trigger restricted product policies

Step 1: Find your category ID in Product Category Finder

Step 2: Check Google Merchant Center's product specifications: - Product data specification - Category-specific requirements

Step 3: After uploading, review Merchant Center's Diagnostics tab for attribute warnings

Quick Reference: - Apparel → color, size, gender, age_group - Electronics → brand, gtin/mpn, condition - Health → condition (new), brand - Media → gtin required

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Need help categorizing? Use Product Category Finder to get the right categories, then check required attributes.

*Read the complete guide: Complete Guide to Google Product Category Taxonomy*