# Google Merged Its Shopping Policies (Sep 2026) | Certanza

> Google combined its Shopping ads and free listings policies in September 2026. What changed, what didn't, and what to check before you appeal.

Web page: https://www.certanza.app/guides/shopping-policies-merged-2026

# Google merged its Shopping policies What it means for you

In September 2026 Google combined its separate Shopping ads and free listings policies into one set of Shopping policies. Google says the rules themselves haven't become stricter, so most stores have nothing to change. Here's what's different and what to check if you're dealing with a suspension.

Google policy update · updated 6 November 2026 · 3 minute read

## The short version

- Google now publishes one set of Shopping policies instead of separate Shopping ads and free listings policies.
- Google says the change is about organisation and clarity, with no new restrictions on listings.
- Some rules still apply only to Shopping ads, and Google labels those clearly.
- If you're appealing, use the policy name Merchant Center shows now, and recheck any old links you've saved.

## Key numbers

- **Sep 2026**: when the policies were combined
- **1**: set of Shopping policies, not two
- **0**: new restrictions, Google says

## What changed

Google announced on 15 July 2026 that it would combine the Shopping ads policies and the free listings policies into a single set of Shopping policies in its Merchant Center Help Center, starting in September 2026. Before this, the same rule could be described in two places.

Some policies still apply only to Shopping ads, not to free listings. Google says these are clearly labelled in the combined policies.


## What didn't change

Google describes the update as being for organisation and clarity, and says it doesn't add new restrictions. The things that most often lead to a suspension are the same as before: missing or unclear business details, weak or contradictory refund and delivery policies, claims you can't back up, and prices or stock that don't match your website. Our [misrepresentation guide](https://www.certanza.app/guides/merchant-center-misrepresentation) covers these in detail.


## What to check now

- If you bookmarked policy pages, open them again: some may now point to the combined Shopping policies.
- If you're writing an appeal, quote the policy name exactly as Merchant Center shows it today under Needs attention.
- If a policy is labelled as applying to Shopping ads only, check whether your issue affects your ads, your free listings, or both.
- Nothing else needs changing just because of this update. If your account is already approved, carry on as before.

Not sure whether your site meets the policies? A [free scan](https://www.certanza.app/) checks your website the way Google's reviewers do and shows your most serious issue.


## Common questions

### Do I need to change anything because of this update?

Usually not. Google says the policies were combined without adding restrictions. Only check your appeal wording and any saved links to old policy pages.

### Can this update cause a suspension?

Google says it doesn't add new restrictions, so it shouldn't cause one by itself. Suspensions still come from the same issues as before, such as misrepresentation or a website that needs improvement.

## Sources

- [Google Merchant Center: Announcements change log](https://support.google.com/merchants/announcements/6192467?hl=en)
- [Google Merchant Center Help: Shopping policies](https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/17263064)

Check your own website for these problems with a free scan: https://www.certanza.app/

---

Certanza is an independent tool and is not affiliated with Google. Reports are not legal advice and can't guarantee approval.
Site guide for AI assistants: https://www.certanza.app/llms.txt