PPCDATAFEED

How to set identifier_exists to no for products without GTIN

A rule: if gtin and mpn are empty, set identifier_exists to no. Merchant Center stops flagging products that truly have no barcode, such as handmade items.

Open in the app →About this feature

Merchant Center expects a GTIN (barcode) for branded products. Products that have no barcode at all should say so with identifier_exists = no; otherwise they get “Missing value [gtin]” warnings and limited reach.

  1. Open the data source, go to Rules and click Add rule - for example “No identifiers”.
  2. Under When pick gtin Is empty, click + And for a second condition: mpn Is empty.
  3. Under Then pick the field identifier_exists (if your catalog does not have it, create it with New columns in the Products tab), choose Combine or set value and type no.
  4. Check Preview changes, then Save rule, and map identifier_exists in the Google export if it is not mapped yet.
Rule “No identifiers”: if gtin Is empty AND mpn Is empty, then  Combine or set value - no

Example

Preview changes: the 4 handmade garden products with empty gtin and mpn get identifier_exists no
  • Handmade Clay Pot 20 cm: gtin and mpn empty → identifier_exists: no
  • The other 44 products have a GTIN - the rule does not touch them
Use it only for products that truly have no GTIN. Setting “no” on a branded product that has one hides a real problem and can get the product disapproved.

Still stuck? Write to info@ppcdatafeed.com - we answer ourselves and can set it up with you.