Google Play requires developers to declare whether they act as a trader or non-trader by 1 February 2027. Only the developer account owner can complete this declaration in Google Play Console. If you declare as a trader, you must also confirm the status for each app and provide a link to its Terms of Service. This guide explains how to complete these steps and check for any remaining actions.
What is a trader?
A trader is a person or organisation acting as part of a business or professional activity. Use these examples to help assess your status:
- Paid subscriptions or content: If readers pay for subscriptions, issues or other content as part of your business, you will generally be a trader.
- Free publication with a business purpose: If your publication earns advertising revenue, promotes a business or supports professional activities, you may still be a trader—even if readers pay nothing.
- Free, non-commercial publication: If you publish purely as a personal hobby, without a business or professional purpose, you will generally be a non-trader.
The key question is: “Is this publication part of a business or professional activity?” Free access alone does not determine your status. You are responsible for choosing the status that accurately reflects your activities and keeping it up to date. For further details, see Google’s trader status guidance.
How to declare the status
- Sign in as the account owner at Google Play Console and select the organisation account. Only the account owner can declare trader status.
- Click Get started next to “Declare your trader status”. Alternatively, go to Manage account → Account details → About you.
- Choose trader or non-trader. A trader is someone acting for purposes related to their business, trade or profession. The customer must select the status that accurately reflects their activities.
- Complete the account declaration. Follow the on-screen instructions. If declaring as a trader, confirm the commitment to offer only products or services that comply with applicable laws.
- If declaring as a trader, also confirm the status for the app. Open the app, then go to Monitor and improve → Policy and programs → App content. Confirm the app’s trader status and provide a link to its Terms of Service when requested.
- Check that both declarations are complete and follow any remaining prompts. The deadline is 1 February 2027.
Reference: Google
I still need help
If you need help completing the declaration or have questions about the process, please contact Prenly Support at hello@prenly.com.