Trader status declaration

Under Google Play’s global developer policies, all active developer accounts must declare whether they are a trader or non-trader under European Economic Area (EEA) and United Kingdom (UK) laws in Play Console. This declaration must be completed by February 1, 2027, regardless of where apps are targeted or distributed. The declaration must reflect whether you engage in commercial activities that classify you as a trader. You are solely legally responsible for ensuring that your declaration remains accurate, truthful, and current at all times.

What is a trader?

Under applicable laws, a trader is any natural or legal person acting for purposes relating to their trade, business, craft or profession. If you are acting outside of these purposes (such as a personal hobby or other non-commercial activity), you are unlikely to be a trader.

How to determine if you're a trader

To help you determine if your activities classify you as a trader, you may consider the following non-exhaustive list of criteria from the European Commission guidance (Section 2.2, "The concept of trader"):

• Profit-seeking motive: you receive or intend to receive remuneration for your apps (for example, paid apps, in-app purchases, ad-sponsored apps) on a regular or commercial basis.
• Transaction volume: you have a high or consistent number, amount, or frequency of transactions.
• Business setup: you manage your app development and publishing as a business.
• Legal status: you have a legal status (such as a D-U-N-S number) that enables you to engage in commercial activities

In countries and regions where displaying trader status is required (for example, the EEA and the UK), your declaration will be visible to consumers. If you declare yourself as a "non-trader," we will inform consumers in these regions that consumer rights stemming from consumer protection laws do not apply to contracts between you and them. Note that under the EU Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (UCPD) and the UK Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCCA), it is strictly prohibited to falsely claim or create the impression that you are not acting as a trader, and doing so may result in global removal.

How to declare your trader or non-trader status

Declare trader status for your account

First, set your account-level trader status settings:

1. Sign in to Google Play Console.
2. Go to Manage account > Account details > About you.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to declare your trader status for your overall account.

Confirm trader status for each app

If you are a trader, confirm the trader status for each app in your portfolio:

1. Sign in to Google Play Console and select your app.
2. In the left navigation, go to Monitor and improve > Policy and programs > App content.
3. Confirm the trader status for that app

Additional steps you need to take if you’re a trader

If you declare as a trader, you will be asked to self-certify that you commit to only offer products or services that comply with applicable laws. You will also be asked to provide the link to the terms of service for each of your apps.

Status confirmation

To keep your apps available on Google Play, make sure your trader status declaration matches your account’s and apps’ activity. If you’ve declared as a non-trader but we detect activity that indicates you may qualify as a trader, we may ask you to confirm or update your status. If you don’t respond within the specified timeframe, your apps may be removed from Google Play.

Frequently Asked Questions