How to fix: Invalid product category

Use only a predefined Google product category

Why this issue is happening

The value you provided for the Google product category [google_product_category] attribute (GPC) doesn't match any of the categories in the Google product taxonomy.

You may enter the correct numeric ID (for example, 1580) or the full path to the relevant Google category (for example, Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Suits > Tuxedos) as the value for this attribute. Entering the last segment only (for example, Tuxedos), will not be accepted and will cause an error.

If the GPC attribute is not provided, Google will use internal signals to determine the correct category for your product. If you specify the GPC, use the predefined values. Invalid values will be rejected and may prevent your products from appearing.

Note: The Google product category is not the same as the product type [product_type], which is used to categorize products on your website and can have any value you want.

How to fix the issue

Check your product data and make sure each product has a GPC that conforms to our data specifications.

Fix products one by one directly in Merchant Center

Step 1 Go to Products in Merchant Center, then select the Needs attention tab.

Step 2 Use the filter icon above the table to find all products affected by your issue.

Step 3 Click on the title of the product you want to fix, then click Edit product.

Step 4 Make sure each product has a Google product category [google_product_category] (GPC) that conforms to our data specifications.

Step 5 Select Save.

Fix multiple products at once

Step 1 Go to Products in Merchant Center, then select the Needs attention tab.

Step 2 Use the filter icon above the table to find all products affected by your issue.

Step 3 Select the Download icon to download a list (.csv) of all affected products for all issues or this particular issue.

Step 4 Cross reference the downloaded list with your uploaded product data, and make sure each item has a GPC that conforms to our data specifications.

Step 5 Reupload your corrected product data to Merchant Center using your chosen upload method.

Next steps

After making the requested changes, check that you’ve fixed the issue by making sure it’s no longer listed on the “Needs attention” page.

Keep in mind: It may take some time for your change to be reflected on the “Needs attention” page.

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