Shopify CSV Import Errors

If you're having a problem uploading your product CSV file, then see if the problem is listed below with a solution. If you're still having problems, contact our Shopify Expert team for fix it.

Invalid CSV header: missing headers

The first line of your CSV file should be:

Handle,Title,Body (HTML),Vendor,Type,Tags,Published,Option1 Name,Option1 Value,Option2 Name,Option2 Value,Option3 Name,Option3 Value,Variant SKU,Variant Grams,Variant Inventory Tracker,Variant Inventory Qty,Variant Inventory Policy,Variant Fulfillment Service,Variant Price,Variant Compare At Price,Variant Requires Shipping,Variant Taxable,Variant Barcode,Image Src,Image Alt Text

Remember to check for extra white spaces at the end of the first line.

Missing or stray quote on line

This can be the result of Excel or another spreadsheet program adding curly quotes (smart quotes). These need to be replaced with straight quotes. To resolve this issue, open the file using a text editor, and do a search and replace to change “ “ into quotes that look like this: " ".

Another possible cause is an extra quote has been added. Again open the file in a text editor and find the line causing the error. Once you're there check the fields for stray quotes.

Illegal quoting on line

This error is caused when there is an illegal character in the CSV file that you are trying to import. To rectify this, the most important thing to remember is that your CSV file must be UTF-8 encoded.

Sometimes, this error is caused by a missing or stray quote. Check out the solution (above) to see how to resolve this.

Line #-##: validation failed: options are not unique

This error is caused when a product has duplicate options. You might have set up a product with two variants with the same option values (for example, 2 medium products, both in black). If the option values are unique, a product could be duplicated else where in the CSV with the same handle.

Validation failed: getaddrinfo: nodename nor servname provided, or not known

This error is caused when there is a mistake in the image URL. The image URL has to have http:// in front of it. It also has to be a publicly accessible direct link to the image.

Validation failed: price can't be blank

The price needs to be added to this line.

Inventory quantity can't be blank

The inventory quantity needs to be set. If your not tracking inventory make sure the Variant Inventory Tracker is left blank, otherwise Shopify will look for a inventory quantity.

Inventory quantity is not a number

You need to enter a number value for the quantity of items in stock.

Inventory policy is not included in the list

The inventory policy needs to be set to 'deny' or 'continue'.

Fulfillment service can't be blank

You need to enter the name of the fulfillment service you're using. If you're not using a fulfillment service this should be set to manual.

Ignored line #-## because handle example already exists

The handle is used to uniquely identify each individual product. Make sure you have a unique handle for each product in your CSV.

Line #: incorrect header check

Try removing the image from that line and try again. If that resolves the issue try hosting the image somewhere else.

Ignored line #-## because it did not contain product data

This means that there is at least one product with a handle, but no product title.