Fix “Counterfeit products policy violation” on Google Merchant Center
Google's classifier suspected counterfeit goods. Could be price dramatically below legitimate sources, brand names used without authorisation, or listing patterns matching known counterfeit operations.
What you see in Google Merchant Center:
Counterfeit products policy violation
API identifier: counterfeit_goods
Counterfeit suspicion is severe. Triggered by dramatically below-market pricing, brand names used without authorisation, or listing patterns matching known counterfeit operations.
Authentic-but-flagged is recoverable through appeals with sourcing documentation. Genuine counterfeits aren't. For resellers, brand authorisation programmes are the durable answer.
Top causes
- 1
Branded products at prices well below authorised dealer pricing
- 2
Reseller listings without brand authorisation
- 3
Replicas, knockoffs, or copies marketed as the original
- 4
Lookalike product names (Nikee, Adidaz, etc.)
How to fix it
- 1
Provide proof of authentic sourcing
Account Quality → Appeal. Submit invoices from authorised distributors covering the flagged items.
- 2
Remove obvious knockoffs from the catalog
Anything obviously trading on a brand's likeness without authorisation needs to come out.
- 3
Verify brand authorisation for resold items
If you're reselling, get explicit authorisation. Many brands offer authorised reseller programmes.
Related issues
Account suspended
Severe account-level disapproval. The entire Merchant Center account is suspended — no items can serve regardless of their individual status. Typically triggered by repeated or serious policy violations.
Read moreRestricted brand
Amazon gates many brands behind explicit authorisation. Without approval from the brand owner (or proof of authentic sourcing), you can't list products under that brand.
Read moreRelated fields
FAQ
What if I genuinely have authentic goods?
Appeal with invoices. Authentic-but-flagged is recoverable; suspect goods aren't. The appeal is worth pursuing because suspension is severe.
Last reviewed: 26 May 2026
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