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 | Download the CSV template provided by AfterShip and re-import your data using that template. Do not modify the file structure or save it in a different format. |
| ErrorCsvTooLarge | CSV file size is more than 5MB | Split your CSV file into multiple smaller files, each under 5MB, and import them one at a time. |
| ErrorCsvEmpty | CSV file is empty | Open the CSV file and fill it in with your tracking data. You can use either the basic or full CSV template provided by AfterShip as a reference. |
| 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 your CSV file into multiple files so that each file contains fewer shipments than the allowed limit for your plan, then import them separately. |
| ErrorCsvNoRecord | CSV file with no data | Open the CSV file and add your tracking data. Use AfterShip's basic or full CSV template to ensure the data is entered in the correct format before re-importing. |
| ErrorCsvColumnsInconsistent | CSV file wrong format. The data column count does not match the table header count | Open the CSV file and compare the headers row with your data rows. Add any missing headers, or remove any extra data columns, so that the number of columns in the header and in each data row are the same. |
| ErrorCsvDuplicate | Repeat import of the same CSV file | Make sure the file you are importing contains new or updated data. Edit the file content before attempting to import it again. |
| ErrorUrlAccessDenied | No permission to access the user's CSV file or FTP server | Go to your AfterShip admin and review your FTP rule configuration. Make sure the credentials, permissions, and access rules are correctly set up to allow AfterShip to connect. |
| ErrorFetchCSVDataFailed | Unable to connect to the user's FTP server | Check that your FTP service is currently running without any issues and that it is hosted on a public network. AfterShip cannot connect to FTP servers on private or restricted networks. |
| ErrResourceNotFound | File does not exist | Verify that the file path or URL you have provided is correct and that the file has not been moved, renamed, or deleted. Update the address if necessary and try again. |
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: 30/03/2026