In this article
Reasons why the issue is happening
What is the identifier exists [identifier_exists]
attribute?
Use the identifier exists
[identifier_exists]
attribute to indicate that unique product identifiers (UPIs) aren’t available for your product. UPIs are submitted using the GTIN
[gtin]
, MPN
[mpn]
, and brand
[brand]
attributes. A UPI helps us validate your product.
You’ve submitted a value of false
for the identifier exists [identifier_exists]
attribute for a product that we believe has a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), based on the use of this identifier in similar offers.
Offers without accurate identifiers will remain disapproved until that information is provided.
How to fix the issue
Update your product with the correct value for the GTIN
[gtin]
attribute and submit a value of true
for the identifier exists
[identifier_exists]
attribute so that your product can show on Shopping ads and in free product listings.
- You must only use GTIN numbers that have been assigned by the manufacturers of these products.
- If your product has a barcode, you can normally find the GTIN on the packaging.
- To verify the ownership data of the GTINs that you provide, use the GS1 GEPIR tool provided by the GS1 organization. For more information about the validation of GTINs, refer to the GTIN Validation Guide edited by GS1.
Fix products one by one directly in Merchant Center
Go to Productsin Merchant Center, then select the Needs attentiontab.
Use the filter icon
above the table to find all products affected by your issue.
Click on the title of the product you want to fix, then click Edit product.
Add the correct GTIN
for your product.
Select Save.
Fix multiple products at once
Go to Productsin Merchant Center, then select the Needs attentiontab.
Use the filter icon
above the table to find all products affected by your issue.
Select the Downloadicon
to download a list (.csv) of all affected products for all issues or this particular issue.
Cross reference the downloaded list with your uploaded product data, and either:
- Remove the identifier exists
[identifier_exists]attribute for each affected product. - Or, change the value of the identifier exists
[identifier_exists]attribute totrue,and then provide a valid identifier using the GTIN[gtin]attribute.
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 the issue is no longer listed on the “ Needs attention ” page.
Keep in mind: It may take 24-72 hours for your change to be reflected on the “ Needs attention ” page.
