Articles on: Tracking & Status

Common CSV Import Errors

Overview


When importing shipments to AfterShip Tracking via CSV, you may encounter errors that prevent successful uploads. This article outlines the most common CSV import errors, explains their causes, and provides actionable solutions to resolve them.


What you’ll learn


  • Common CSV import error messages and their meanings
  • Recommended steps to fix each error
  • Best practices for preventing import failures


S.No.

Error

Description

User action required

ErrorCsvInvalid

CSV file format is incorrect, resulting in unparsability

Import data using the correct template we provide

ErrorCsvTooLarge

CSV file size is more than 5MB

Split files to reduce individual file size

ErrorCsvEmpty

CSV file is empty

Fill in the CSV file with tracking data using our basic or full CSV template

ErrorCsvTooManyRows

The number of shipments imported at a time exceeds the maximum limit which is 60,000 for whitelist Enterprise users and 10,000 for other users

Split files to reduce shipment volume per CSV file

ErrorCsvNoRecord

CSV file with no data

Fill in the CSV file with tracking data using our basic or full CSV template

ErrorCsvColumnsInconsistent

CSV file wrong format. The data column count does not match the table header count

Please add the missing headers or reduce the data columns to align the data

ErrorCsvDuplicate

Repeat import of the same CSV file

Please change the file content

ErrorUrlAccessDenied

No permission to access the user's CSV file or FTP server

Please check whether the FTP rule configuration within the AfterShip admin is correct

ErrorFetchCSVDataFailed

Unable to connect to the user's FTP server

Please check whether your FTP service is operating normally and hosted on the public network

ErrResourceNotFound

File does not exist

Please check whether the file address is correct


Troubleshooting


  • Always use the latest AfterShip CSV template for your data format to avoid structural errors.
  • Validate your CSV file in a spreadsheet tool (like Excel or Google Sheets) before importing.
  • If you're importing via FTP, confirm your server is online and credentials are up to date.
  • Large import files? Break them into smaller parts and ensure each is within file size and row limits.
  • For ongoing issues, consider testing the file with a few rows before bulk import.


FAQs


1. What is the maximum number of shipments I can import via CSV?


Enterprise users with whitelist access can import up to 60,000 rows, however all other users can import up to 10,000.


2. What if I keep getting ErrorCsvDuplicate even though I’ve edited the file?


Make sure the data itself (not just the file name) is different. AfterShip checks for content duplication.


3. Can I use my own CSV format instead of the AfterShip template?


No, using the AfterShip-provided basic or full CSV template is mandatory for proper import parsing.


Key takeaways


  • CSV imports may fail due to issues with formatting, size, permissions, or server connectivity.
  • AfterShip provides specific error codes to help diagnose and resolve problems quickly.
  • Using the correct template and adhering to size/row limits ensures a smooth import process.
  • FTP-based imports require careful configuration to avoid access and connectivity errors.


Updated on: 21/05/2025