When does Google require a Shopping product condition?
Direct answerSubmit used or refurbished for every product that is not new. New itself is optional. Google’s condition attribute, reviewed October 23, 2026, uses three values. A “New” sticker on the photo is a different disapproval.
The three values
| Value | What Google says is true |
|---|---|
| New | Never used. Original packaging, and the packaging has not been opened. Optional to submit. |
| Refurbished | Not new, professionally restored to working order so that it appears new, and sold with a warranty. Packaging may or may not be original. Sometimes called remanufactured. Required. Not supported for vehicle ads. |
| Used | Second-hand, or modified from the original condition. Google’s examples include wear, prior use, opened or missing packaging, customization, repackaging, and an autograph. Required. |
The word “New” printed on the photo is an image problem, not a substitute for this attribute. The identifier you send can depend on condition. Google says to submit the correct identifiers and points at its unique-product-identifier page. The digits themselves are on the GTIN page. This article does not invent a different GTIN rule for used goods.
Where it will not show
Regardless of campaign type, Google says used and refurbished products are not displayed on YouTube organic and Discover surfaces. They can still serve as ads on YouTube, the Google Display Network, and Gmail. Refurbished products also have to comply with local law and with Shopping policies. Printer cartridges have their own condition page. This article does not copy it.
Vehicle ads support only new and used. A vehicle is generally new if the mileage is 200 miles or 200 km or less. Google says that mileage limit does not apply to Germany.
Automatic item updates can compare the rest of the product data with the condition you submitted and correct a mismatch. That is a Merchant Center feature, not a requirement.
This attribute page does not print a 7-day suspension warning.
Sources
Reviewed October 23, 2026. Policies change. This is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
I opened the box to check the item. Is it still new?
Google’s new value is a product that has never been used, is in its original packaging, and has not been opened. An opened box, wear, customization, a missing package, or an autograph is the used value.
Will a refurbished product show on YouTube?
Google says used and refurbished products are not displayed on YouTube organic and Discover surfaces, regardless of campaign type. The same sentence says they can still serve as ads on YouTube, the Google Display Network, and Gmail.
Can a vehicle ad use refurbished?
No. Vehicle ads support only new and used. Google says a vehicle is generally new at 200 miles or 200 km or less, and that this mileage limit does not apply to Germany.
Check the condition against the product page
LaunchGuarding can scan the ad and the landing page for a “new” claim the condition value does not support.