How to fix: Ambiguous value: GTIN [gtin]

For each product that has a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) as a unique product identifier (UPI) issued by the manufacturer, make sure that you submit the full and correct value for the GTIN [gtin] attribute. This value should include the full UPC, EAN, JAN, ISBN-13, or ITF-14, and any leading zeros if applicable.

GTINs are typically 8, 12, 13 or 14 digits in length. The GTIN you submitted might have too many or too few digits.

If your GTIN has too few digits, you may need to add a few leading zeros to make sure it meets the length requirements. For more information about the validation of GTINs, refer to the GTIN Validation Guide.

Instructions

Step 1: See the affected products

1. Sign in to your Merchant Center account.
2. Select Products on the navigation menu, then click Diagnostics.
3. Click the Item issues tab to view current issues affecting your products.

To download a list (.csv) of all affected products for all issues:

• Click the download button next to the filter button , beneath the graph and above the list of issues.

To download a list (.csv) of all affected products for a particular issue:

• Find the issue under the “Issue” column, then click the download button at the end of the row.

To view a list of up to 50 products with this particular issue:

• Find the issue under the “Issue” column, then click View examples in the “Affected items” column.

Step 2: Correct the product identifiers to match those provided by the manufacturer

1. Filter the downloaded report so that you only see products with:
   “Issue title” = Ambiguous value: GTIN [gtin]
2. Check the data you've submitted for those products (using the ID), and make sure each product is using an accurate value for the GTIN [gtin] attribute.
   Reasons the GTIN might not be accurate:
   • Too many or too few digits. GTINs are 8, 10, 12, 13, or 14 digits.
   • Failed check digit validation. If you mis-typed a digit, the check digit helps catch that. Use the GS1 check digit calculator.

Step 3: Resubmit your product data

1. After you’ve updated your product data, resubmit it using one of these methods:
   • Upload a feed
   • Submit through the Content API
   • Import content from an ecommerce platform
2. Next, check that you’ve fixed the issue by making sure it’s no longer listed on the Diagnostics page.
   
   Keep in mind: It may take some time for your change to be reflected on the Diagnostics page.

Related links

• GTIN [gtin]
• About unique product identifiers
• Fix issues with a GTIN or Unique Product Identifier