Google Merchant Center
Merchant Center Dangerous Products Policy Explained (and How to Stay Current)
Some products can’t be listed at all. Knowing the list avoids disapprovals and account warnings.
Merchant Center’s dangerous products policy says you can’t list products or services that cause damage, harm or injury. It lists categories with examples, from explosives and weapons to tobacco and recalled products.
Google also says violations won’t lead to immediate suspension without a warning, issued at least 7 days before any suspension.
Short answer: Merchant Center’s dangerous products policy prohibits listings for explosives (including exploding fireworks), guns and their essential parts and ammunition, combat knives and similar weapons (including tasers and pepper spray), recreational drugs and related equipment such as pill presses, products with more than 10% sodium nitrite, tobacco and its components, e-cigarettes, and products under consumer advisories or recalls. Safety items like gun locks are allowed. Google issues a warning at least 7 days before suspension.
Key Takeaways
- Weapons, explosives, drugs and tobacco are restricted.
- E-cigarettes and e-juice aren’t allowed.
- Recalled products with unresolved risks aren’t allowed.
- Gun safety items such as locks are allowed.
- Warnings come at least 7 days before suspension.
Categories and examples (from Google’s policy)
| Category | Examples not allowed |
|---|---|
| Explosives | Exploding fireworks, firecrackers, grenades |
| Guns and parts | Firearms, airsoft, paintball and bb guns, ammunition, scopes, silencers |
| Other weapons | Switchblades, fighting knives, throwing stars, brass knuckles, tasers, pepper spray |
| Recreational drugs | Illegal drugs, products marketed for highs, pill presses |
| Chemicals | Products over 10% sodium nitrite |
| Tobacco | Cigarettes, rolling papers, pipes, hookahs, e-cigarettes, e-juice |
| Consumer advisories | Recalled products such as crib bumpers or inclined sleepers linked to infant deaths |
If products are disapproved
- Check the issue in Merchant Center diagnostics.
- Remove products that are genuinely prohibited.
- If a product was flagged by mistake, make the listing and landing page clearer, then request review.
- Act on warnings before the suspension date (account warnings).
Staying current with policy changes
- Google publishes policy updates in Merchant Center Help; check the policies section regularly.
- Watch Merchant Center notifications and emails.
- Review your catalogue when you add new product types.
- Remember local laws apply in addition to Google’s policies.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell knives in Google Shopping?
Kitchen and utility knives are generally fine; knives designed or promoted for combat or self-defense aren’t allowed.
Are e-cigarettes allowed?
No. Products designed to simulate tobacco smoking aren’t allowed.
Will one prohibited product suspend my account?
Google says violations of this policy get a warning at least 7 days before any suspension.
Need help with Merchant Center?
We fix disapprovals, policy issues and feed problems so your products can show in Google Shopping and free listings.
Sources
Last reviewed October 14, 2026.
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Disapprovals, suspensions and feed errors, fixed within Google’s policies.
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