Compliance15 min read
The Complete Google Merchant Center Compliance Checklist (50+ Items)
Why a Compliance Checklist Matters
Google's Merchant Center policies are spread across dozens of support pages and are updated frequently. Missing even one requirement can lead to product disapprovals or account suspension. This checklist consolidates every known compliance requirement into a single reference.
Section 1: Policy Pages
Return/Refund Policy — Clearly states timeframe (e.g., 30 days), conditions, and process
Privacy Policy — Covers data collection, usage, third-party sharing, and deletion rights
Terms of Service — Establishes legal terms for purchases
Shipping Policy — Lists shipping methods, timeframes, and costs
All policies accessible from footer on every page
Policies are not auto-generated boilerplate (Google can detect this)
Policies mention your actual business name
Section 2: Contact Information
Physical business address displayed
Phone number displayed
Email address displayed
Dedicated Contact Us page
Contact info matches business registration
Section 3: Business Identity
About Us page with business background
Consistent business name across all pages
Domain WHOIS not hidden (recommended)
Business name matches GMC account name
Section 4: Product Data Accuracy
Prices match between website and feed
Sale prices correctly configured with start/end dates
Currency matches target country
Product availability matches actual inventory
Product titles match between site and feed
Product descriptions are unique (not manufacturer copy-paste)
Section 5: Technical Requirements
Valid SSL certificate (HTTPS everywhere)
No mixed content warnings
All pages load within 3 seconds
No broken links (404 errors)
Mobile-responsive design
No intrusive interstitials or pop-ups
Section 6: Structured Data
Product schema (JSON-LD) on product pages
Organization schema on homepage
BreadcrumbList schema for navigation
Correct price and availability in schema
Schema validates in Google's Rich Results Test
Section 7: Product Feed
GTIN/MPN provided for all applicable products
Product images meet quality requirements (no watermarks, no promotional text)
Correct product category mapping
No prohibited products in feed
Feed updates at least daily
Section 8: Checkout Process
Secure checkout (HTTPS)
Clear order summary before payment
No hidden fees or charges
Multiple payment options available
Order confirmation page/email
Section 9: Customer Experience
Working search functionality
Product reviews (if applicable)
Clear product images from multiple angles
Size guides (for apparel)
FAQ section
Section 10: Legal Compliance
GDPR compliance (for EU targeting)
CCPA compliance (for US/California targeting)
Cookie consent banner
Age verification (for restricted products)
Using This Checklist
We recommend going through this checklist quarterly, or immediately after receiving any warning from Google. MerchantShield automates this entire checklist — run a free audit to see your current compliance score.