Merchant Center: 15 reasons products get disapproved and how to fix each one
Ana Beatriz Castro · 2026-10-07
Google Merchant Center is essential for anyone who wants to advertise products on Google Shopping. However, product disapprovals can be a major roadblock. Here are 15 common reasons for disapproval and how to fix them.
1. price mismatch
If the product price in Merchant Center doesn’t match the price on your site, the product will be disapproved.
Fix: Make sure the price in Merchant Center and on your site is identical, including taxes and shipping.
2. availability
If you mark a product as available when it’s out of stock, it’s sure to be disapproved.
Fix: Update availability in Merchant Center whenever your inventory status changes. Use “in stock,” “out of stock,” or “preorder” correctly.
3. invalid gtin
An invalid GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) leads to disapproval. This happens when the code you provide isn’t recognized.
Fix: Check that the GTIN is correct and properly formatted. Use the official database to confirm it’s valid.
4. image with text
Product images that contain text or logos aren’t accepted.
Fix: Remove any text or logos from the product image. Use clean images that show the product in high quality.
5. title with a promotion
Titles that mention promotions or sale prices may be disapproved.
Fix: Use clear, straightforward titles that describe the product without including information about promotions or discounts.
6. misleading description
Misleading product information will result in disapproval.
Fix: Make sure your descriptions are accurate and reflect exactly what the customer will receive.
7. incorrect category
The product category needs to be accurate.
Fix: Review and choose the most appropriate category for each product.
8. unclear return policy
If the return policy isn’t clear or easy to find, the product may be disapproved.
Fix: Include clear information about your return policy on your site.
9. missing shipping information
Products without shipping information may be disqualified.
Fix: Add details about shipping costs and delivery times.
10. invalid product URL
URLs that don’t lead to the specific product result in disapproval.
Fix: Check that the URL is correct and leads directly to the product.
11. low-quality images
Images that don’t meet Google’s quality requirements may be disapproved.
Fix: Use images that are at least 1000 pixels wide or tall.
12. missing brand information
Products without brand information may be rejected.
Fix: Include the brand for each product in your Merchant Center data.
13. title too long
Titles that exceed the character limit may be disapproved.
Fix: Keep titles within the recommended limit of 150 characters.
14. missing information
Missing required data, such as weight and dimensions, can lead to disapproval.
Fix: Fill in all required information for each product.
15. lack of review
Products that aren’t reviewed regularly can lead to disapprovals.
Fix: Set up a schedule to review and update your Merchant Center data regularly.
Fixing these issues can improve your product approval rate in Google Merchant Center and, as a result, your sales.
How many products are currently disapproved in your account?