Google Product Category [google_product_category] Field for Product Feed

Optional for each product

The google_product_category attribute lets you override Google’s automatic product categorization in specific cases, such as ensuring compliance with category-specific rules or targeting in Shopping ads.
If left blank, Google will assign a category automatically using its taxonomy and your product data.

When to use

• To correct a miscategorized product and avoid unnecessary attribute requirements.
• To target specific categories in Google Ads Shopping campaigns.
• To ensure compliance for alcohol-related products.
• To properly classify merchant-defined bundles.
• For special cases such as mobile phones with contracts, gift cards, or software subscriptions.

Format

• Type: Predefined Google category — either numeric ID or full category path (but not both).
• Limits: 1 category per product.
• Repeated field: No

Formatting examples:

Minimum requirements

• Use only valid Google product category IDs or paths.
• Provide either the ID or the path — not both.
• If taxonomy isn’t available in your language, use English values or numeric ID.
• Do not create your own custom categories here — use product_type for that.

Best practices

• Choose the most specific category possible for better targeting.
• Base your choice on the main function of the product.
• Keep your taxonomy up to date to match the latest Google Ads category system.
• Use correct categories for regulated or special-case items:
  • Alcohol: Food, Beverages & Tobacco > Beverages > Alcoholic Beverages (ID: 499676)
  • Gift cards: Arts & Entertainment > Party & Celebration > Gift Giving > Gift Cards & Certificates (ID: 53)
  • Mobile phones with contract: Electronics > Communications > Telephony > Mobile Phones (ID: 267)

SEO Tip

Use SharpFeed IA feature to improve or setup your google_product_category

Setting google_product_category helps Google better understand your product, improving free listing ranking and ad relevance and ensuring category-specific attributes are applied correctly.

Official Source: https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/6324436
Download the full Google product category taxonomy : Plain text • Excel