Understanding the Print, Copy, Scan & Fax Category (ID 345)
The Print, Copy, Scan & Fax category, identified by the numeric ID 345, is a specific segment within the broader Electronics taxonomy. This category is designated for hardware and peripheral devices used for the reproduction, digitization, and transmission of documents, as well as additive manufacturing equipment. Assigning this category correctly helps Google understand the nature of your inventory, which in turn influences the relevant attributes and potential policy checks applied to your product listings.
What Belongs in Category 345
This category is intended for devices and specific accessories essential to printing, scanning, and faxing operations. Based on observed product listings in the US market, this includes a wide array of specialized office and industrial equipment. Examples of products that belong here are 3D printers, thermal label printers, document scanners, and film/slide scanners. Additionally, the category encompasses essential hardware components required for these devices to function, such as specialized 3D printer nozzles, hardened steel hot ends for 3D printers, scanner carrier sheets, and barcode scanner stands or holders. These items are directly related to the operation or maintenance of the primary printing, copying, scanning, or faxing hardware.
You should use this category for high-end card printers used in professional settings, handheld inkjet printers for mobile labeling, and various document cameras that serve as scanners. Even peripheral support items like build platforms for 3D printers or specific wiring harness supports for additive manufacturing equipment are classified within this path because they are intrinsic to the functionality of the Print, Copy, Scan & Fax hardware ecosystem.
What Does Not Belong Here
It is important to distinguish this category from neighbouring departments in the Electronics taxonomy. General computing hardware such as desktop PCs, laptops, or tablets belong in the Computers category. If you are selling networking gear like routers, switches, or Wi-Fi range extenders, these must be placed in Networking. Audio equipment, such as speakers, headphones, and microphones, belongs in the Audio category. Marine-grade electronics belong in Marine Electronics, while GPS-related hardware belongs in either GPS Navigation Systems or GPS Tracking Devices. Furthermore, any video game consoles or accessories for those consoles should be categorized under Video Game Consoles or Video Game Console Accessories, respectively. If your product is a general electronic component not specifically designed for printing or scanning, such as a generic circuit board, it belongs in Circuit Boards & Components.
When to Choose a Subcategory
While the ID 345 represents the parent category, you should always aim for the most granular subcategory available to ensure your feed is as precise as possible. You should choose a subcategory instead of the parent ID 345 if your product fits specifically into one of the following:
- Scanner Accessories
- Scanners
- 3D Printers
- 3D Printer Accessories
- Printers, Copiers & Fax Machines
- Printer, Copier & Fax Machine Accessories
How to Implement in Your Feed
When updating your Google Merchant Center feed, you have two options for the google_product_category attribute: the numeric ID or the full path. Both are accepted, though the numeric ID is often preferred for its brevity and language independence.
- Numeric ID: 345
- Full Path: Electronics > Print, Copy, Scan & Fax
Remember that this attribute is optional; however, manual assignment is recommended to avoid incorrect automatic categorization. This attribute is distinct from the product_type attribute, which is a free-form field for your own internal inventory management and does not replace the Google-required taxonomy. Always ensure your mapping is as specific as possible to the subcategories listed above to maximize the relevance of your product data.