Use the identifier exists [identifier_exists] attribute to indicate that unique product identifiers (UPIs) aren’t available for your product. Unique product identifiers are submitted using the GTIN [gtin], MPN [mpn], and brand [brand] attributes.
In this article
When to use
Use for products that don’t have a GTIN, MPN, or brand.- If your product is new (which you submit using the condition
[condition]attribute) and it doesn’t have assigned product identifiers that meet the requirements below, you should submit the identifier exists[identifier_exists]attribute with a value of no[no]or false[false]. Note this value must be submitted in English.
Use the following set of rules to provide the correct identifiers for each of your products.
| Product identifier requirements | |||
| Regardless of category |
The GTIN |
||
| Apparel | Media | Other categories | |
|
Required product identifiers based on category |
Requires a value for the brand [brand] attribute |
Requires a value for the GTIN [gtin] attribute (for example, ISBN) |
Requires a value for the brand If there is no GTIN, provide the MPN |
| Otherwise |
If product identifier requirements are not met, then your item’s performance may be limited. |
||
Products that might not have unique product identifiers include:
- Custom goods or one-of-a-kind products, like custom T-shirts, art, or handmade goods
- Products produced before GTINs were introduced, like vintage products, antiques, books published before 1970, and other special products
There are 4 supported values for this attribute:
yes [yes] / true [true]
no [no] / false [false]
Note that the value must be submitted in English.
Format
Follow these formatting guidelines to make sure Google understands the data you're submitting.
Learn when and how to submit your product data in English
| Type | Boolean |
|---|---|
| Supported values (Text and XML feeds) |
yes, true, no, false |
| Supported values (Content API feeds) |
true, false |
| Repeated field | No |
| File format | Example entry |
|---|---|
| Text (TSV) | no |
| XML (Feeds) | <g:identifier_exists>no</g:identifier_exists> |
To format your data for content API, go to the Content API for Shopping resource.
Minimum requirements
Follow these guidelines to make sure you submit high-quality data for your products.
- Ensure that you only set the value to no
[no]or false[false]for this attribute if you're certain that your product doesn’t have any assigned unique product identifiers. Note that the value must be submitted in English. - Products for which the identifier exists
[identifier_exists]attribute is incorrectly set to no[no]or false[false]and for which there is evidence that a unique product identifier exists, will receive a warning. Note that the value must be submitted in English.
Examples
Products without GTINs, MPNs & brands| Product data for a new customized black dress, size medium, 32 USD | |
| Attribute | Value |
Title [title] |
Customized Black Dress |
Price [price] |
32 USD |
Color [color] |
Black |
Size [size] |
M |
Identifier exists [identifier_exists] |
no |
Condition [condition] |
new |
Bundle [is_bundle] |
yes |
GTIN [gtin] |
(Leave blank, since the dress is custom made and doesn't have a GTIN) |
MPN [mpn] |
(Leave blank, since the dress is custom made and doesn't have an MPN) |
| Product data for a new, hand-knitted, orange and black polka dot wool scarf, 15 USD | |
| Attribute | Value |
Title [title] |
Hand knitted polka dot wool scarf - orange / black |
Price [price] |
15 USD |
Color [color] |
Orange / black |
Identifier exists [identifier_exists] |
no |
Condition [condition] |
new |
GTIN [gtin] |
(Leave blank, since the scarf is custom made and doesn't have a GTIN) |
MPN [mpn] |
(Leave blank, since the scarf is custom made and doesn't have an MPN) |