Google Shopping MPN Explained: Meaning, Examples & How to Use It

Picture this. You’re an online seller with big dreams of reaching millions of customers on Google Shopping. 

But here’s the catch: customers are not finding your products, or your products keep getting disapproved on the platform for some reason. 

But, what could be the reason?

Well, there is a high chance that you are missing or using incorrect Google Shopping MPNs!

This MPN [mpn] attribute can help customers directly with product identification and avoid your products getting disapproved on Google Shopping. 

So, do you want to know everything about MPN, or Manufacturer Part Number? 

If yes, then you are in the absolute right place.

Join this guide to learn what a Google Shopping MPN is, why it is so important, how to use it in a Google Shopping Product Feed using a plugin, and much more. 

Let’s Go!

What Is MPN (Manufacturer Part Number)?

MPN stands for Manufacturer Part Number. It is a unique product code that manufacturers assign to each of their products to distinguish one item from another. Unlike universal barcodes, the MPN number is specific to each manufacturer, meaning two different manufacturers could theoretically use the same MPN code—but the combination of brand + MPN is always unique.

An MPN is typically an alphanumeric string that can include letters, numbers, dashes, and sometimes spaces. It’s printed on the product packaging, the product itself, or listed on the manufacturer’s website.

MPN Meaning in Product Identification

In simple terms, the MPN meaning in the context of products is the manufacturer’s own reference number for a specific item. It’s the code that tells retailers, distributors, and shopping platforms exactly which product you’re referring to.

For example:

• A laptop might have an MPN like 82JH00FLUS
• A camera lens could carry an MPN such as SEL2470GM2
• An auto part might use 15400-PLM-A02

The manufacturer part number is essential for product identification across the entire supply chain—from manufacturing to retail to e-commerce platforms like Google Shopping and eBay.

What is Google Shopping MPN?

Google Shopping Manufacturer Part Number or MPN is a unique identifier assigned by manufacturers to each of their individual products. 

MPN is Google Shopping required attribute if your product does not have a manufacturer assigned GTIN

This number serves as an exclusive code that distinguishes a product from all others produced by the same manufacturer. 

So basically, manufacturers use it to identify their individual products from each other. And it helps a lot to distinguish different products. 

It usually consists of alphanumeric values or different numbers and letters.

For example, the MPN for a small-sized Green color Google T-shirt can be “00638HAY”.

Consumers often search for products using their MPNs. That is why ensuring you include this number in your product listings can significantly increase the chances of your product appearing in relevant searches. 

Why Is the MPN Important for Google Shopping?

Many people are confused about whether the MPN is mandatory or optional. 

Well, MPN is required if your product is non-customized and doesn’t have any GTIN or Global Trade Item Number.

Are you still confused?

Let me break it down for you.

You’ll need an MPN for products that don’t come with a manufacturer-assigned GTIN.

That’s why the first thing you should do is take a look to see if your products have GTINs or not. 

If they do have the GTIN, it isn’t necessary to use the MPN. But if your products don’t have GTINs then I’d highly recommend using the MPNs.

However, if you’re selling custom-made items like personalized t-shirts or unique crafts that don’t have a clear MPN, you won’t need to worry about this attribute. It’s okay if you do not show MPN for customized products. 

So, when does using MPNs become Essential? 

This field only becomes essential if your product isn’t custom-made and doesn’t have barcodes like the GTINs. 

Hopefully, you won’t carry any more confusion regarding this topic and use the MPN properly from now on to increase customer satisfaction. 

Requirements of Google Shopping MPN: 5 Key Guidelines You Need to Follow

To use the MPN properly, you should meet some minimum requirements. 

What happens if you don’t? 

Well, if you do not meet them, then there is a high possibility that your valuable products might get disapproved and you will be notified through your Google Merchant Center account. 

So, have a look at these 5 necessary requirements for using MPN Google Shopping:

1. Use the Manufacturer’s Given MPN

This one is a must! Always use the Manufacturer Part Number (MPN) provided by the manufacturer himself. 

So, if you are not the manufacturer, avoid using self-assigned values.

2. Use the correct MPN for each product

Each product has different kinds of variants. For example, different types of colors and sizes. 

Now, each variant of products will have its very own MPN. It means that a small-sized green t-shirt and a large-sized green t-shirt will have different MPNs. 

So, you have to submit the correct MPN value of each product. 

3. Applying MPN of Bundle Products and Main products

This one is a tricky one! A product bundle means when you add several products to the main product.

Now, here’s the thing! If the bundle is created by the manufacturer then you should use ‘MPN’ of the bundle, not the individual products. 

For example, a manufacturer created a product bundle that consists of a backpack, a pen, and a notebook. So, you will have to use the MPN of the entire product bundle which is provided by the manufacturer himself. Not individual MPNs of the backpack, pen, or notebook.

But, what if you created the bundle yourself? 

Well, if you have created the bundle then you need to add the MPN of the main product. 

Here’s an example to make things more clear. 

If you bundle a backpack with a pen and notebook. Now, you have to use the MPN of the backpack which is the main product. You cannot use the MPN of the pen or the notebook. 

4. Use MPN of “Multipack” and “Individual Products”

This requirement is like the previous one. 

If the manufacturer assembled the multipack, instead of using the MPN of individual products you need to use the MPN of the multipack itself.

On the other hand, if you assemble the multipack, use the MPN of the individual products included in the multipack.

5. Provide the MPN of the Actual Product Manufacturer

A lot of people make this mistake. So I would advise you to be a bit extra careful about this one. 

You have to provide the Manufacturer Part Number (MPN) of the actual builder of the compatible product. 

Try to avoid providing the details of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to indicate compatibility or replication of the OEM brand’s product. 

MPN Number Examples: What Does an MPN Look Like?

One of the most common questions sellers have is: “What does an MPN look like?” Here are real-world manufacturer part number examples across different product categories:

Product Category	MPN Example	Manufacturer
Laptop	82JH00FLUS	Lenovo
Smartphone	SM-S928BZKDEUB	Samsung
Camera Lens	SEL2470GM2	Sony
Running Shoes	FY2903	Adidas
Auto Part	15400-PLM-A02	Honda
Printer Cartridge	CF258A	HP
Power Tool	DCD771C2	DeWalt
Motherboard	ROG STRIX B550-F	ASUS

As you can see, the alphanumeric MPN format varies widely between manufacturers. Some use only numbers, some mix letters and numbers, and others include dashes or other separators. The key point is that each MPN uniquely identifies a specific product from that manufacturer.

Where to Find MPN on a Product

If you’re wondering where to find the MPN number on your products, here are the most common locations:

On the Product Itself

Many manufacturers print the MPN directly on the product. Look for labels that say “Part No.,” “P/N,” “Model No.,” or “MPN.” For electronics like laptops and phones, it’s often on the bottom or back of the device.

On the Product Packaging

The manufacturer part number is frequently printed on the retail box, usually near the barcode or on a product information sticker.

On the Manufacturer’s Website

Visit the manufacturer’s official website and search for your product. The product page will typically list the MPN along with other specifications.

In Product Documentation

User manuals, spec sheets, and invoices from the manufacturer often include the MPN.

Through MPN Lookup Tools

Several online MPN lookup and MPN search tools allow you to search for a product’s manufacturer part number using other identifiers like the product name or UPC. Some MPN databases and MPN finder services can cross-reference product information to help you locate the correct MPN.

How to Find MPN Number for Your Products

If you’re a retailer or e-commerce seller, finding the correct MPN for each product in your catalog is crucial. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

1. Check Your Supplier’s Invoice or Catalog – Wholesale suppliers and distributors usually include the MPN in their product listings and invoices.
2. Search the Manufacturer’s Website – Go to the brand’s official site and look up the product. The MPN is usually listed in the product specifications.
3. Use the Product Barcode – If you have the GTIN/UPC/EAN barcode, you can often use it to look up the corresponding MPN through product databases.
4. Contact the Manufacturer Directly – If all else fails, reach out to the manufacturer’s support team with the product name and description. They can provide the correct MPN.
5. Check the Physical Product – As mentioned above, look on the product packaging, labels, or documentation for part number information.

How to Create an MPN Number

If you are the manufacturer of a product, you’ll need to create your own MPN system. Here’s how to create a manufacturer part number:

• Develop a consistent format – Choose a structure that works for your product line. For example: [Category Code]-[Product Series]-[Variant]. A power tool manufacturer might use something like DRL-500-BLK for a black drill in the 500 series.
• Keep it unique – Every product and variant needs its own distinct MPN. The combination of your brand name + MPN should identify exactly one product.
• Use alphanumeric characters – Stick to letters, numbers, and dashes. Avoid special characters or spaces.
• Don’t reuse retired MPNs – Once an MPN is assigned, don’t reassign it to a different product, even if the original product is discontinued.
• Document your MPN system – Maintain a master database that maps each MPN to its corresponding product.

Note: If you are a reseller and didn’t manufacture the product, you do not create an MPN. You must use the MPN assigned by the original manufacturer.

GTIN vs MPN: What’s the Difference?

One of the most frequently searched topics is the difference between GTIN and MPN. While both are product identifiers, they serve different purposes:

Based On	GTIN	MPN
Full Form	Global Trade Item Number	Manufacturer Part Number
Purpose	GTIN serves as a universal product identifier to identify different trade items, products, and services.	On the other hand, MPN serves as a unique identifier for a specific manufacturer’s products.
Issued By	Brand Owner	Manufacturer
Preferences	Some marketplaces like Google Shopping prefer GTINs more.	Some marketplaces prefer MPN less.
Limits	0, 8, 12, 13, or 14 digits	1–70 characters
Type	Number	String (Alphanumeric, Unicode characters, Recommended: ASCII only)
Repeated Field	Up to 10	No
Priority	If the product is widely manufactured and has a GTIN, then you should add GTIN. It doesn’t rely on the MPNs.	If there is a GTIN, then you do not have to show the MPN.

When to Use GTIN or MPN

For Google Shopping, the ideal scenario is to provide both GTIN and MPN along with the brand. However, not all products have a GTIN:

• Products with GTIN: Always include the GTIN. You can optionally include the MPN too for better identification.
• Products without GTIN: You must include both the brand and MPN. This applies to custom products, handmade items, or products from manufacturers who haven’t registered for GTIN.

Google Merchant Center requires at least two of the three identifiers (brand, GTIN, MPN). If you only provide one, or provide none, your products may be disapproved.

You have a good idea about the GTIN and MPN attributes. However, you can check out these articles to learn more about different Google shopping attributes:

Google Shopping Description Attribute

Google Shopping Availability Attribute

Google Shopping Sale Price Attribute

Google Shopping GTIN Attribute

MPN vs SKU vs UPC: Understanding Product Identifiers

Sellers often confuse MPN with other product codes. Here’s how they differ:

MPN (Manufacturer Part Number): Assigned by the manufacturer. Identifies the product at the manufacturing level. The same MPN applies everywhere the product is sold.

SKU (Stock Keeping Unit): Assigned by the retailer. An internal code used for inventory management. Different retailers assign different SKUs to the same product.

UPC (Universal Product Code): A type of GTIN. A 12-digit barcode standard used primarily in North America. Universally recognized across all retailers.

The key takeaway: MPN identifies the product from the manufacturer’s perspective, SKU identifies it from the retailer’s perspective, and UPC/GTIN identifies it universally for any retailer or marketplace.

How to create a Product Feed and Add Google Shopping MPN attribute using a Plugin (For WooCommerce Store)

Now that you have a solid understanding of MPN, let’s get some ideas about how to add the Manufacturer Part Number (MPN) in Google Shopping. 

However, if you’re using WooCommerce like I do, there’s a challenge. What’s that, you ask?

Well, WooCommerce doesn’t have a built-in field to add identifier attributes like GTIN, Brand, or MPN. 

But, don’t Worry! It’s not the end of the world. You can easily use them as custom fields and add these custom fields to your WooCommerce products. So, your WooCommerce Products will get their desired Manufacturer Part Numbers. 

Next up, you will need to create a product feed and enter the MPN codes for Google Shopping one at a time. 

This might sound a bit complicated and time-consuming.

Here’s the solution! You can use a product feed manager plugin like CTX Feed. 

This plugin will help you to easily create and export the WooCommerce product feed to Google Shopping. That too, in the shortest time possible and with minimal effort. 

So, the first thing you need to do is go to your WordPress dashboard and click on Plugins > Add new Plugin. 

Then you should search for ‘CTX Feed’ and install the plugin. 

After the installation is done, go to the CTX Feed menu and click on settings. 

Next up, you should click on the ‘Custom Fields’ Tab. Then enable the custom fields you would need for your marketing platform. 

As you can see, I have enabled some of the identifiers including MPN. 

Now, you can locate these fields within the Product Data > Inventory section of the product pages. There you can put your valuable information there. 

Now it’s time to create a feed using this plugin. Luckily, the plugin will make the job much easier for you.

To do that, you have to go to the ‘CTX Feed’ menu again and click on ‘Make a Feed’. 

It will take you to the make feed window and ask you to fill out some information. Here, I have selected the country as ‘United States’.  You can select your desired location.

After that, you should select the template as ‘Google Shopping’. 

Now, complete the file name and select the file type as well. 

As you can see, I have given the file name ‘Google Shopping Product Feed’ and chose the file type ‘CSV’. 

Here’s the best part! When you choose your desired marketing platform in the template, it will automatically create all the required attributes for you at once. Sounds amazing right? Well, it is.

Now, if you go down below, you will be able to fill out all the attribute information. 

So, go down below and you will find your desired [mpn] attribute. You will be able to set up the type and value as well. 

If you want, then you can add this Google Shopping MPN Attribute as an additional attribute as well. How, you ask?

Well, simply go down at the button and click on the ‘Add’ sign. 

Then select your desired ‘MPN’ attribute and you will be good to go.

That’s pretty much it. Now you just have to click on the ‘Update and Generate Feed’ button and you will be able to generate the product feed easily.

But, where is this feed?

To find your product feed, go to the ‘CTX Feed’ menu and click on ‘Manage Feed’. 

In there, you will find the link to the Product feed which you have just generated. 

That’s pretty much it for the entire process! The product Feed is complete and you will find this Google Shopping Product Identifier (MPN) and other valuable attributes in this feed. 

Now, you just have to use this product feed to add products to the Google Shopping Platform. Google Shopping will show your WooCommerce products’ Manufacturer Part Numbers. 

What if you don’t have an MPN?

As a Google Shopping product seller, you should always try to add the GTIN or MPN as an identifier for your products. 

But often, that is not the case. Some products often don’t have MPN. So, what should you do then?

If a certain product doesn’t have a Manufacturer Part Number (MPN) assigned, you are not required to submit one. 

But here’s the thing! If the product does have an MPN and you fail to include it in your submission, your product may not be approved for listing. 

Imagine you’re selling a camera lens online. This lens has a specific Manufacturer Part Number (MPN) on its packaging or label. 

Now if you forget to include this MPN when creating your listing, the platform may not approve your listing and show it in the Google Ads. 

Sounds scary? Well, it actually is. 

That is why it’s really important to provide MPNs when applicable. It will ensure your product meets listing requirements and remains compliant with guidelines. 

This will also help to avoid potential issues with product approval and ensure a smooth listing process.

Here’s an example of how the [mpn] attribute of a product without MPN would look:

• Title [title]: Medium-sized Dark Brown Custom T-Shirts for Men/Women
• Price [price]: $20
• Color [color]: Dark Brown
• Size [size]: Medium
• Identifier exists [identifier_exists]: no
• Condition [condition]: new

MPN [mpn]: Leave blank, since the t-shirt is customized and it doesn’t contain an MPN. 

Why is the MPN Attribute Necessary? 

Google Shop MPN are crucial for accurately identifying products and improving product visibility. However, there are several other benefits as well.  See for yourself.

1. Product Identification

When listing products on e-commerce platforms or marketplaces like Google Shopping, MPNs provide a standardized way to identify and match specific products. 

It helps search engines like Google to accurately match products with specific search queries. This improves search relevance and ensures that users find the exact products they are looking for more efficiently.

2. Product Comparisons

MPNs enable more accurate product comparisons on Google Shopping. By including MPNs in listings, shoppers can easily distinguish between similar products based on specific models or part numbers. 

It leads to informed purchasing decisions and an improved WooCommerce store customer experience. 

3. Improve Targeted Ads

Not just in the case of Google Shopping, including Manufacturer Part Numbers (MPNs) in product listings enables platforms like Facebook or Instagram to show relevant ads based on a user’s browsing behavior. 

This means users see products they’re interested in, improving ad effectiveness and user engagement.

4. Inventory Management

This is one point that people miss out on. MPNs play a crucial role in inventory tracking and management. 

Your businesses can use MPNs to track stock levels, reorder products, and manage product variants effectively within their inventory systems.

5. Compatibility and Replacement

Imagine you’re looking for a replacement battery for your smartphone. By using the Manufacturer Part Number (MPN), you can quickly find the exact battery model that is compatible with your specific phone model.

For products like spare parts or accessories, Google shopping feed MPN helps identify compatible items or replacements. Customers can use MPNs to ensure they are purchasing the correct part that matches their specific model or device.

MPN for Different Product Types

Electronics and Technology

For laptops, phones, cameras, and other electronics, the MPN is usually prominently displayed. Look for it on the product label, in the device settings (for phones and laptops), or on the manufacturer’s product page.

Clothing and Apparel

Fashion products often have style numbers or article numbers that serve as the MPN. Brands like Nike, Adidas, and Puma use alphanumeric product codes (e.g., Adidas FY2903) as their manufacturer part numbers.

Auto Parts

Automotive parts almost always have an MPN. This is critical in the auto industry because precise part identification prevents compatibility issues. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) part numbers are essentially MPNs.

Custom and Handmade Products

If you manufacture your own products or sell handmade items, your products likely won’t have a traditional MPN. In Google Merchant Center, set identifier_exists to false and select “custom product” in your feed settings. You don’t need to create a fake MPN.

Best Practices for MPN in Google Shopping Feeds

To maximize the impact of your MPN data in Google Shopping, follow these best practices:

1. Always use the manufacturer’s official MPN – Don’t guess, abbreviate, or create your own version of a manufacturer’s part number.
2. Keep your feed updated – Manufacturers sometimes change MPNs when products are revised. Regularly check and update your product data.
3. Provide all available identifiers – Don’t just rely on MPN alone. Include GTIN and brand whenever possible for the strongest product identification.
4. Use consistent formatting – If the manufacturer writes the MPN as “AB-1234,” don’t submit it as “AB1234” or “ab-1234.”
5. Audit your feed regularly – Use Google Merchant Center’s diagnostics to catch MPN-related errors before they impact your listings.
6. Leverage feed management tools – If you manage large product catalogs, use feed plugins or tools that can automatically pull and format MPN data from your product database.
7. Don’t confuse MPN with SKU – Your internal SKU is not the MPN. Always use the manufacturer-assigned part number.

Frequently Asked Questions About MPN

The MPN (Manufacturer Part Number) is one of the most critical product identifiers for Google Shopping success. Whether you’re setting up your first Google Merchant Center feed or optimizing an existing one, getting your MPN data right directly impacts your product visibility, feed health, and ultimately your sales.
Remember: always use official manufacturer part numbers, provide as many product identifiers as possible (brand, GTIN, and MPN), and regularly audit your feed for errors. With proper MPN management, your Google Shopping listings will perform better, reach more shoppers, and drive more conversions.
If you need help automating your Google Shopping feed—including proper MPN mapping—consider using a feed management plugin that handles product identifier management for you.