Missing value [availability date]

What this error means

When a product's availability is preorder or backorder, Google needs to tell shoppers when it will be ready. The availability_date attribute provides that date. If it is missing for those products, they are disapproved.

Why it happens

The availability_date is required whenever availability is set to preorder or backorder, and not needed for in-stock items. The error usually appears because a product was switched to preorder or backorder in the store without an expected date, or because the store holds a release date in a field that is not mapped to the feed.

How to fix it

1. For every preorder or backorder product, add an availability_date in the correct date-time format.
2. Use a real, accurate date in Google's accepted date-time format, and within the allowed range of up to one year ahead, so it tells the shopper when to expect the item.
3. Keep the date updated if the release or restock date changes.
4. For in-stock products, make sure they are not incorrectly marked as preorder or backorder.
5. Update the feed and wait for re-crawl.

Fixing it in your store

Preorder and backorder states usually come from your store's stock system, but the expected date often lives in a separate field or not at all. Map the release or restock date to availability_date for those products, and make sure the availability value and the date stay in step. If a product is genuinely in stock, correct the availability so no date is needed.

How long until it clears

Once the date is present for preorder and backorder products and re-crawled, expect them to qualify within 1 to 3 days.