Updated: November 2025

When your Google Merchant Center (GMC) account is suspended, you can usually reinstate it without losing data—if you correct the policy violations before submitting a review request.

The key is to fix underlying issues in your website, product feed, and business information while keeping your account and feed history intact.

As of late 2025, Google has intensified its focus on transparency and verification, with stricter enforcement of policies like Misrepresentation and new requirements for video-based identity proof during appeals.

Reinstatements now demand stronger documentation, but success rates remain high (around 80–90%) for merchants who address root causes comprehensively.

What Should I Do First When My GMC Account Is Suspended?

Start by reviewing the “Account Issues” section in your Merchant Center dashboard. Each suspension notice lists the specific policy violated, such as:

• Misrepresentation

• Untrustworthy promotions

• Inaccurate shipping or returns information

Steps to Take

• Download all product data (CSV or API feed export) before making changes.

  • Use GMC’s export tools or connect via Google Sheets for backups.

• Review your website’s trust factors:

  • Clear business identity, contact details, return/refund policy, and shipping terms.

  • Google now prioritizes “credibility signals” like verified social links and responsive support.

• Ensure consistency between Merchant Center, feed, and site (currency, country, delivery times).

  • Use GMC’s 2025 diagnostics tool for automated mismatch alerts.

• Fix all flagged products and submit a manual review once all compliance issues are resolved.

  • Include screenshots, policy alignments, and, if required, video verification of your business operations.

Insight: Google rarely deletes data from a suspended account.
Historical performance metrics remain available unless the account is deleted. The real risk is reapplying too soon without fixing root causes—this can trigger permanent suspension flags.

In 2025, appeal reviews average 7–10 business days, up from 3–5.

How to Fix “Misrepresentation” or “Untrustworthy Store” Issues

“Misrepresentation” remains the #1 reason for suspensions (over 90% of cases in 2025). It happens when your website or ads make Google question your credibility or user safety.

A major October 2025 update expanded this policy to include both Shopping Ads and Free Listings, requiring full disclosure of costs, payment terms, trials, and hidden fees.

Fix Checklist

• Transparency:

  • Add “About Us,” physical address, and support contact details.

  • Include verified business badges from Google or trusted third parties.

• Policy Alignment:

  • Match return/refund/shipping pages with GMC settings exactly.

  • Use exact phrasing for shipping_label and return_policy attributes.

  • Disclose full pricing—avoid “starting at” without qualifiers.

• Security Signals:

  • HTTPS, valid SSL, and a working checkout page.

  • Enable Google’s recommended two-factor authentication.

• Accurate Content:

  • Avoid unverifiable or exaggerated claims (“best,” “guaranteed,” “cure”).

  • For health or political content, align with scientific or factual consensus.

After corrections, request a review under Account → Request Review. Include:

• A summary of all changes made

• Supporting documents or screenshots

• Video proof (if requested for high-risk cases)

Insight: Trusted Web Eservices audits show 85% reinstatement success when merchants synchronize policy pages with GMC attributes.
Since October 2025, focusing on cost transparency has improved success rates by 20%.

Fixing Other Common Suspension Reasons in 2025

While misrepresentation dominates, other major causes include feed errors, shipping inaccuracies, and counterfeit products.

1. Inaccurate Product Data or Feed Issues

• Why it happens: Titles, images, or stock status don’t match site info.

• Fix:

  • Use GMC Diagnostics for error details.

  • Update feeds (XML/CSV) with GTINs, high-res images, and correct availability.

  • Validate using Google’s Product Data Specification tool.

• Timeline: Auto-review in 24–48 hours after resubmission.

2. Shipping and Returns Policy Violations

• Why it happens: Missing refund info or mismatched delivery times.

• Fix:

  • Standardize wording across your site and GMC.

  • Add dedicated “Shipping” and “Returns” pages.

  • Use Google’s 2025 shipping calculator for dynamic accuracy.

3. Counterfeit or Prohibited Products

• Why it happens: Selling replicas or banned items.

• Fix:

  • Remove flagged items immediately.

  • Submit supplier invoices or authenticity proof.

  • Dropshippers should verify upstream sources—Google now targets them via video verification.

Insight: Around 15–20% of suspensions stem from feed errors.
Most are fixable in under a week using tools like FeedArmy or Simprosys.

Can I Create a New Merchant Center Account Instead?

Technically yes—but it’s risky and against policy to evade a suspension without fixing the old one.
Google’s AI now links domains, feeds, and business details automatically.

Safer Approach

• Fix your existing account through the official appeal process.

• Use Request Review only after fully resolving all issues.

• Only open a new account if:

  • You have written approval from Google, or

  • It’s a different legal entity (LLC) with verified business info.

Insight: Duplicate accounts are now flagged as “circumvention of systems.”
This can cause permanent bans across all linked properties.

Prevention Strategies: Avoid Suspensions in 2025 and Beyond

• Regular Audits:
  Use GMC Diagnostics or Trusted Web Eservices tools monthly.

• Early Verification:
  Complete advertiser verification and 2025’s new video ID checks.

• Feed Optimization:
  Automate updates and validate content with Google’s policy simulator.

• Stay Updated:
  Monitor changes like the September 2025 political ad restrictions.

Insight: Merchants following these steps reduced suspension risk by 70% (2025 industry data).

What If Your Appeal Fails?

If denied:

• Wait 30 days before reapplying.

• Provide stronger evidence (e.g., third-party audit).

• For repeat suspensions, map linked account issues professionally.

Note: Permanent bans are rare but final.
If they occur, pivot to organic SEO or Bing Shopping.

How Trusted Web Eservices Helps with Reinstatement

Trusted Web Eservices specializes in resolving Google Merchant Center suspensions for U.S. small and mid-sized businesses.
We maintain a 95% success rate for 2025 reinstatements under the new misrepresentation guidelines.

Our Process

• Full compliance audit (site, feed, policy, and technical)

• Root-cause mapping per Google’s October 2025 updates

• Drafting compliant feed and policy text using Google’s terminology

• Coordinating appeal submissions with documentation and video proof

Most reinstatements succeed within 7–14 business days when documentation and feed corrections are complete.

Insight:
As of late 2025, Google weighs credibility signals—consistent refund terms, verified social links, and support accessibility—more heavily than ever.

Ready to Get Your Account Back Online?

Contact Trusted Web Eservices today for a free audit.