Fix Shopify CSV Import Errors

If your Shopify CSV import is not working, it is usually caused by a small issue in your CSV file.

This guide helps you find and fix the most common problems.

Start with a simple check

Before looking deeper, check the basics:

• Are all required columns included?
• Do the column names match Shopify exactly?
• Is your file saved as CSV (UTF-8)?

Many import issues are caused by small formatting mistakes.

Problem: Missing or incorrect columns

If a required column is missing, the import may fail.

Solution:

• Use a Shopify export as a template
• Make sure column names match exactly

Problem: Variants not importing correctly

If variants are not set up correctly, products may be duplicated or missing options.

Solution:

• Use the same handle for all variants of one product
• Make sure each variant has its own row

Problem: Images not importing

If images are missing, the image URLs may not be correct.

Solution:

• Use direct image links (ending in .jpg, .png, etc.)
• Make sure the images are publicly accessible

Problem: Barcodes (EAN/ISBN) are incorrect

Spreadsheet tools may change long numbers into scientific notation.

• 8712345678901 → 8.71235E+12

This breaks the barcode.

Solution:

• Format the column as Text
• Or add an apostrophe before the number

Problem: Products are duplicated instead of updated

This usually happens when the handle does not match an existing product.

Solution:

• Make sure the handle is exactly the same
• Check for extra spaces or differences in spelling

When to use a CSV import app

If you keep running into issues, a CSV import app can help simplify the process.

The Simple CSV Shopify app helps you:

• Import and update products more reliably
• Use correct CSV templates
• Avoid common formatting mistakes

Next steps

If you are not sure how your CSV should look, see:
→ Shopify CSV format explained

Or go back to the full guide:
→ How to import products to Shopify using CSV