Importing resources

How to bulk import resources and their relationships
Commerce Layer lets you import multiple resources in batches. To do that, you need to create a new import resource, specify the resource_type you want to import, and populate the inputs attribute with a JSON (default) or CSV list of items. Each element of the inputs list (which is an array of objects for JSON and a string for CSV) contains the resource attributes and relationships.
To import a CSV list you need to set the format attribute to csv. Otherwise, if the format is not specified, the import API will assume you're using the default format (JSON) and return an error.
When importing a CSV list of items you also need to flatten the resource attributes and relationships on a single line. The headers for the attributes of a relationship must be prepended by the associated resource name (see example). In general, using CSV is fine for simple imports (resources with a few attributes and no relationship included), otherwise we strongly recommend using JSON to ensure better readability in terms of inputs list.
The process is asynchronous and you can poll the status attribute to check the import progress. Once the import has been completed you can check the number of imported items by inspecting the processed_count attribute. In case of validation errors, the errors_count and errors_log attributes are populated.
Resource relationships can be addressed by using their IDs. To do that, you need to append the _id suffix to the name of the related resource (e.g. price_list_id). Some relationships can also be specified as a nested array of objects (e.g. order line items, price tiers, SKU list items, etc.).
Attachment URL
When an import is started, the data you pass within the inputs list is validated, compressed (gzip), and then uploaded to an external storage service (currently Amazon S3). You can download the imported data using the link exposed in the attachment_url attribute, which is populated as soon as the import is completed.
External storage service URLs expire in 5 minutes. You need to uncompress (gunzip) the file in order to read the data back. If the imported data URL is expired you can just fetch the completed import to get a new working one.
Import limits
Maximum import size
Imports are subject to some soft limits: the inputs array must contain a maximum of 10000 items, otherwise the import will be rejected at the time of creation.
Maximum error percentage
During the import process, the errors count is also monitored: imports whose errors_count attribute value overflows the maximum percentage of 10% of the total import size (i.e. the number of items contained in the inputs array) will be interrupted.
Concurrent imports
The maximum number of concurrent imports (i.e. imports whose status is pending or in_progess) allowed per organization is 10.
Supported resources
At moment, imports are available for the following resources (more to come):
Addresses
Bundles
Coupons
Customer subscriptions
Customers
Gift cards
Line items
Orders
Price tiers
Prices
Shipping categories
SKU list items
SKU lists
SKU options
SKUs
Stock items
Tax categories
Please find some examples of how to import them here below.
You can use as inputs any output (both in JSON or CSV format) you get from the exports API.
Exporting resources
Unique keys
If the single resource to be imported doesn't exist it gets created, otherwise it is updated.
In order to detect if a resource already exists the id key is checked for each inputs array element. Some resources also support specific (combined) attributes to identify an existing record, which can be helpful in case the resource ID isn't known during the import process:
Bundles — code + market_id
Coupons — code + promotion_rule_id
Customer subscriptions — customer_id + reference
Customers — email
Gift cards — code
Orders — number
Prices — sku_code + price_list_id
Shipping categories — name
SKU options — name + market_id
SKUs — code
Stock items — sku_code + stock_location_id
Tax categories — code + tax_calculator_id
Specifying the parent resource
If the resources you're importing refer to the same parent resource (e.g. prices to the same price list), you can avoid repeating its value on each inputs items by specifying the parent_resource_id attribute. In case you specify both the parent resource ID and the relationship ID for each item, the latter wins. These are the supported parent resources:
Bundles — market_id
Coupons — promotion_rule_id
Gift cards — market_id
Orders — market_id
Prices — price_list_id
SKU list items — sku_list_id
SKU options — market_id
Stock items — stock_location_id
Tax categories — tax_calculator_id
Cleaning-up records
Set the cleanup_records attribute as true if you want all the resources that are not present in the inputs array to be deleted at the end of the import. You can monitor the number of destroyed records once the import has been completed by inspecting the destroyed_count attribute.
Be careful when cleaning up records — this action is not reversible. The cleanup_records flag is better used in combination with the parent_resource_id attribute in order to reduce the scope of the destroyed records. If the parent resource ID is missing all of the not-imported resources for the organization will be affected by the cleanup, which might not be what you want.
Examples
Importing a list of addresses (CSV)
Request
Response
The following request creates an import with a list of addresses in CSV format:
curl -g -X POST \
  'https://yourdomain.commercelayer.io/api/imports' \
  -H 'Accept: application/vnd.api+json' \
  -H 'Authorization: Bearer your-access-token' \
  -H 'Content-Type: application/vnd.api+json' \
  -d '{
	"data": {
	  "type": "imports",
	  "attributes": {
	    "resource_type": "addresses",
	    "format": "csv",
	    "inputs": "first_name,last_name,company,line_1,city,zip_code,state_code,country_code,phone,email\nGeorge,Harrison,The Beatles,Viale Borgo Valsugana 93,Prato,59100,PO,IT,+39 0574 933550, [email protected]\n"
	  }
	}
      }'
On success, the API responds with a 201 Created status code, returning the created import object:
{
  "data": {
    "id": "PmjlkIJzRA",
    "type": "imports",
    "links": {...},
    "attributes": {
      "resource_type": "addresses",
      "format": "csv",
      "parent_resource_id": null,
      "status": "pending",
      "started_at": null,
      "completed_at": null,
      "interrupted_at": null,
      "inputs": "...",
      "inputs_size": 100,
      "errors_count": 0,
      "warnings_count": 0,
      "destroyed_count": 0,
      "processed_count": 0,
      "cleanup_records": false,
      "attachment_url": nil,
      "created_at": "2018-01-01T12:00:00.000Z",
      "updated_at": "2018-01-01T12:00:00.000Z",
      "reference": null,
      "reference_origin": null,
      "metadata": {}
    },
    "meta": {...}
  }
}
For a list of all the required attributes you need to create an address, refer to the related section of the API reference.
Importing a list of bundles (JSON)
Request
Response
The following request creates an import with a list of bundles in JSON format:
curl -g -X POST \
  'https://yourdomain.commercelayer.io/api/imports' \
  -H 'Accept: application/vnd.api+json' \
  -H 'Authorization: Bearer your-access-token' \
  -H 'Content-Type: application/vnd.api+json' \
  -d '{
	"data": {
	  "type": "imports",
	  "attributes": {
	    "resource_type": "bundles",
 	    "parent_resource_id": "bgOEQhznoZ",
	    "inputs": [
	      {
	    	  "code":"FWOUTFIT",
	    	  "name":"FW outfit",
	    	  "image_url":"https://img.yourdomain.com/bundles/FWOUTFIT.png",
	    	  "reference": "FWOUTFIT",
	    	  "sku_list_id": "GHYfrWszHp"
	      },
	      {
	    	  "code":"SSOUTFIT",
	    	  "name":"SS outfit",
	    	  "image_url":"https://img.yourdomain.com/bundles/SSOUTFIT.png",
	    	  "reference": "SSOUTFIT",
	    	  "sku_list_id": "GHYfrWszHp"
	      },
              {...}
            ]
	  }
	}
      }'
On success, the API responds with a 201 Created status code, returning the created import object:
{
  "data": {
    "id": "PmjlkIJzRA",
    "type": "imports",
    "links": {...},
    "attributes": {
      "resource_type": "bundles",
      "format": "json",
      "parent_resource_id": "bgOEQhznoZ",
      "status": "pending",
      "started_at": null,
      "completed_at": null,
      "interrupted_at": null,
      "inputs": [...],
      "inputs_size": 100,
      "errors_count": 0,
      "warnings_count": 0,
      "destroyed_count": 0,
      "processed_count": 0,
      "cleanup_records": false,
      "attachment_url": nil,
      "created_at": "2018-01-01T12:00:00.000Z",
      "updated_at": "2018-01-01T12:00:00.000Z",
      "reference": null,
      "reference_origin": null,
      "metadata": {}
    },
    "meta": {...}
  }
}
For a list of all the required attributes you need to create a bundle, refer to the related section of the API reference.
Importing a list of coupons (CSV)
Request
Response
The following request creates an import with a list of coupons in CSV format and clean-up the ones existing for the same promotion rule:
curl -g -X POST \
  'https://yourdomain.commercelayer.io/api/imports' \
  -H 'Accept: application/vnd.api+json' \
  -H 'Authorization: Bearer your-access-token' \
  -H 'Content-Type: application/vnd.api+json' \
  -d '{
	"data": {
	  "type": "imports",
	  "attributes": {
	    "resource_type": "coupons",
	    "format": "csv",
	    "parent_resource_id": "FreQKlNxZA"
	    "cleanup_records": "true",
	    "inputs": "code,customer_single_use,usage_limit,usage_count,recipient_email\n11111111,false,,0,\n22222222,false,,0,\n33333333,false,,0,[email protected]\n"
            ]
	  }
	}
      }'
On success, the API responds with a 201 Created status code, returning the created import object:
{
  "data": {
    "id": "PmjlkIJzRA",
    "type": "imports",
    "links": {...},
    "attributes": {
      "resource_type": "coupons",
      "format": "csv",
      "parent_resource_id": "FreQKlNxZA",
      "status": "pending",
      "started_at": null,
      "completed_at": null,
      "interrupted_at": null,
      "inputs": "...",
      "inputs_size": 3,
      "errors_count": 0,
      "warnings_count": 0,
      "destroyed_count": 0,
      "processed_count": 0,
      "cleanup_records": true,
      "attachment_url": nil,
      "created_at": "2018-01-01T12:00:00.000Z",
      "updated_at": "2018-01-01T12:00:00.000Z",
      "reference": null,
      "reference_origin": null,
      "metadata": {}
    },
    "meta": {...}
  }
}
Please note that in this case — since the cleanup_records attribute is set to true — all of the coupons for the specified promotion rule that aren't included in the inputs list will be destroyed.
For a list of all the required attributes you need to create a coupon, refer to the related section of the API reference.
Importing a list of customer subscriptions (JSON)
Request
Response
The following request creates an import with a list of customer subscriptions in JSON format:
curl -g -X POST \
  'https://yourdomain.commercelayer.io/api/imports' \
  -H 'Accept: application/vnd.api+json' \
  -H 'Authorization: Bearer your-access-token' \
  -H 'Content-Type: application/vnd.api+json' \
  -d '{
	"data": {
	  "type": "imports",
	  "attributes": {
	    "resource_type": "customer_subscriptions",
	    "inputs": [
              {
  	        "customer_email": "[email protected]",
  	        "reference": "Marketing newsletter"
  	      },
  	      {
  	        "customer_email": "[email protected]",
  	        "reference": "Whitepaper download"
  	      },
              {...}
	    ]
	  }
	}
      }'
On success, the API responds with a 201 Created status code, returning the created import object:
{
  "data": {
    "id": "NqYzgIKvdm",
    "type": "imports",
    "links": {...},
    "attributes": {
      "resource_type": "customer_subscriptions",
      "format": "json",
      "parent_resource_id": null,
      "status": "pending",
      "started_at": null,
      "completed_at": null,
      "interrupted_at": null,
      "inputs": [...],
      "inputs_size": 100,
      "errors_count": 0,
      "warnings_count": 0,
      "destroyed_count": 0,
      "processed_count": 0,
      "errors_log": {},
      "warnings_log": {},
      "cleanup_records": false,
      "attachment_url": nil,
      "created_at": "2018-01-01T12:00:00.000Z",
      "updated_at": "2018-01-01T12:00:00.000Z",
      "reference": null,
      "reference_origin": null,
      "metadata": {}
    },
    "meta": {...}
  }
}
For a list of all the required attributes you need to create a customer subscription, refer to the related section of the API reference.
Importing a list of customers (CSV)
Request
Response
The following request creates an import with a list of customers in CSV format:
curl -g -X POST \
  'https://yourdomain.commercelayer.io/api/imports' \
  -H 'Accept: application/vnd.api+json' \
  -H 'Authorization: Bearer your-access-token' \
  -H 'Content-Type: application/vnd.api+json' \
  -d '{
	"data": {
	  "type": "imports",
	  "attributes": {
	    "resource_type": "customers",
	    "format": "csv",
	    "inputs": "email,password,customer_group_id\[email protected],,\[email protected],secret,KngqdhAlpd\n"
	  }
	}
      }'
On success, the API responds with a 201 Created status code, returning the created import object:
{
  "data": {
    "id": "ZqDQzIoznm",
    "type": "imports",
    "links": {...},
    "attributes": {
      "resource_type": "customers",
      "format": "csv",
      "parent_resource_id": null,
      "status": "pending",
      "started_at": null,
      "completed_at": null,
      "interrupted_at": null,
      "inputs": "...",
      "inputs_size": 100,
      "errors_count": 0,
      "warnings_count": 0,
      "destroyed_count": 0,
      "processed_count": 0,
      "errors_log": {},
      "warnings_log": {},
      "cleanup_records": false,
      "attachment_url": nil,
      "created_at": "2018-01-01T12:00:00.000Z",
      "updated_at": "2018-01-01T12:00:00.000Z",
      "reference": null,
      "reference_origin": null,
      "metadata": {}
    },
    "meta": {...}
  }
}
For a list of all the required attributes you need to create a customer, refer to the related section of the API reference.
Importing a list of gift cards (JSON)
Request
Response
The following request creates an import with a list of gift cards in JSON format:
curl -g -X POST \
  'https://yourdomain.commercelayer.io/api/imports' \
  -H 'Accept: application/vnd.api+json' \
  -H 'Authorization: Bearer your-access-token' \
  -H 'Content-Type: application/vnd.api+json' \
  -d '{
	"data": {
	  "type": "imports",
	  "attributes": {
	    "resource_type": "gift_cards",
	    "parent_resource_id": "bgOEQhznoZ",
	    "inputs": [
            {
	     	"balance_cents": 12500,
        	"currency_code": "USD",
        	"single_use": false,
        	"rechargeable": true,
        	"image_url": "https://img.yourdomain.com/skus/MYGITFCARDIMAGE.png",
        	"expires_at": "2030-01-01T00:00:00Z",
		"recipient_email": "[email protected]"
	      },
	      {
	     	"balance_cents": 20000,
        	"currency_code": "EUR",
        	"single_use": true,
        	"rechargeable": false,
        	"expires_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z",
		"recipient_email": "[email protected]"
	      },
	      {...}
	    ]
	  }
	}
      }'
On success, the API responds with a 201 Created status code, returning the created import object:
{
  "data": {
    "id": "BAzkwIRNkq",
    "type": "imports",
    "links": {...},
    "attributes": {
      "resource_type": "gift_cards",
      "format": "json",
      "parent_resource_id": "bgOEQhznoZ",
      "status": "pending",
      "started_at": null,
      "completed_at": null,
      "interrupted_at": null,
      "inputs": [...],
      "inputs_size": 100,
      "errors_count": 0,
      "warnings_count": 0,
      "destroyed_count": 0,
      "processed_count": 0,
      "errors_log": {},
      "warnings_log": {},
      "cleanup_records": false,
      "attachment_url": nil,
      "created_at": "2018-01-01T12:00:00.000Z",
      "updated_at": "2018-01-01T12:00:00.000Z",
      "reference": null,
      "reference_origin": null,
      "metadata": {}
    },
    "meta": {...}
  }
}
To create an import of gift cards for the same market, remember to specify its ID as theparent_resource_id attribute.
For a list of all the required attributes you need to create a gift card, refer to the related section of the API reference.
Importing a list of orders with line items and line item options (JSON)
Request
Response
The following request creates an import with a list of orders with associated line items and line item options in JSON format:
curl -g -X POST \
  'https://yourdomain.commercelayer.io/api/imports' \
  -H 'Accept: application/vnd.api+json' \
  -H 'Authorization: Bearer your-access-token' \
  -H 'Content-Type: application/vnd.api+json' \
  -d '{
	"data": { 
	  "type": "orders",
	  "attributes": {
	    "resource_type": "orders",
	    "parent_resource_id": "KmjljGJzWQ"
	    "inputs": [
	      {
	        "customer_email": "[email protected]",
	        "line_items": [
	          {
	            "item_type": "sku",
	            "name": "BABYONBU000000E63E7424MX",
	            "quantity": 2,
	            "unit_amount_cents": 1000,
	            "line_item_options": [
	              { 
	                "name": "engraving", 
	                "sku_option_id": "GhFDsAWqRU",
	                "quantity": 1 
	              }, 
	              {  
	                "name": "embossing",
	                "sku_option_id": "hJgFCvBNmK",
	                "quantity": 2 
	              }
	             ]
	           },
	           { 
	             "item_type": "sku",
	             "name": "BABYONBU000000E63E7418MX",
	             "quantity": 1,
	             "unit_amount_cents": 2000
	            }
	        ]
	      },
	      {
	        "customer_email": "[email protected]",
	        "_archive": 1,
	        "line_items": [
	          { 
	             "item_type": "sku",
	             "name": "BABYONBU000000E63E7667MX",
	             "quantity": 2,
	             "unit_amount_cents": 1500
	            }
	        ]
	      },
              {...}
            ]
	  }
	}
      }'
On success, the API responds with a 201 Created status code, returning the created import object:
{
  "data": {
    "id": "PmjlkIJzRA",
    "type": "imports",
    "links": {...},
    "attributes": {
      "resource_type": "orders",
      "format": "json",
      "parent_resource_id": "KmjljGJzWQ",
      "status": "pending",
      "started_at": null,
      "completed_at": null,
      "interrupted_at": null,
      "inputs": [...],
      "inputs_size": 100,
      "errors_count": 0,
      "warnings_count": 0,
      "destroyed_count": 0,
      "processed_count": 0,
      "errors_log": {},
      "warnings_log": {},
      "cleanup_records": false,
      "attachment_url": nil,
      "created_at": "2018-01-01T12:00:00.000Z",
      "updated_at": "2018-01-01T12:00:00.000Z",
      "reference": null,
      "reference_origin": null,
      "metadata": {}
    },
    "meta": {...}
  }
To create an import of orders for the same market, remember to specify its ID as the parent_resource_id attribute.
For a list of all the required attributes you need to create an order, refer to the related section of the API reference.
Importing a list of prices with price tier (CSV)
Request
Response
The following request creates an import with a list of prices and the associated price tiers in CSV format:
curl -g -X POST \
  'https://yourdomain.commercelayer.io/api/imports' \
  -H 'Accept: application/vnd.api+json' \
  -H 'Authorization: Bearer your-access-token' \
  -H 'Content-Type: application/vnd.api+json' \
  -d '{
	"data": {
	  "type": "imports",
	  "attributes": {
	    "resource_type": "prices",
	    "format": "csv",
	    "parent_resource_id": "vLrWRCJWBE",
	    "inputs": "currency_code,sku_code,amount_cents,compare_at_amount_cents,price_tiers.type,price_tiers.name,price_tiers.up_to,price_tiers.price_amount_cents\nEUR,REDHANDBAG,1000,1000,PriceVolumeTier,10 pack,10,600\nEUR,REDHANDBAG,1000,1000,PriceVolumeTier,20 pack,20,400\nEUR,BLUEHANDBAG,2000,2000,PriceVolumeTier,XL pack,,300\n"
	  }
	}
      }'
On success, the API responds with a 201 Created status code, returning the created import object:
{
  "data": {
    "id": "ZbDQzIoxnA",
    "type": "imports",
    "links": {...},
    "attributes": {
      "resource_type": "prices",
      "format": "csv",
      "parent_resource_id": "vLrWRCJWBE",
      "status": "pending",
      "started_at": null,
      "completed_at": null,
      "interrupted_at": null,
      "inputs": "...",
      "inputs_size": 45,
      "errors_count": 0,
      "warnings_count": 0,
      "destroyed_count": 0,
      "processed_count": 0,
      "cleanup_records": false,
      "attachment_url": nil,
      "created_at": "2018-01-01T12:00:00.000Z",
      "updated_at": "2018-01-01T12:00:00.000Z",
      "reference": null,
      "reference_origin": null,
      "metadata": {}
    },
    "meta": {...}
  }
}
To create an import of prices for the same price list, remember to specify its ID as the parent_resource_id attribute.
For a list of all the required attributes you need to create a price, refer to the related section of the API reference. More info about price volume tiers here.
Importing a list of SKU lists with SKU list items (JSON)
Request
Response
The following request creates an import with a list of SKU lists with associated SKU list items in JSON format:
curl -g -X POST \
  'https://yourdomain.commercelayer.io/api/imports' \
  -H 'Accept: application/vnd.api+json' \
  -H 'Authorization: Bearer your-access-token' \
  -H 'Content-Type: application/vnd.api+json' \
  -d '{
	"data": {
	  "type": "imports",
	  "attributes": {
	    "resource_type": "sku_lists",
	    "inputs": [
	      {
	        "name":"Promotional Items 15%",
	    	"sku_list_items": [
	          { 
	            "sku_code": "BABYONBU000000E63E7667MX",
	          },
	          { 
	            "sku_code": "BABYONBU000000E63E7418MX",
	          }
	        ]
	      },
	      {...}
            ]
	  }
	}
      }'
On success, the API responds with a 201 Created status code, returning the created import object:
{
  "data": {
    "id": "PmjlkIJzRA",
    "type": "imports",
    "links": {...},
    "attributes": {
      "resource_type": "sku_lists",
      "format": "json",
      "parent_resource_id": null,
      "status": "pending",
      "started_at": null,
      "completed_at": null,
      "interrupted_at": null,
      "inputs": [...],
      "inputs_size": 100,
      "errors_count": 0,
      "warnings_count": 0,
      "destroyed_count": 0,
      "processed_count": 0,
      "cleanup_records": false,
      "attachment_url": nil,
      "created_at": "2018-01-01T12:00:00.000Z",
      "updated_at": "2018-01-01T12:00:00.000Z",
      "reference": null,
      "reference_origin": null,
      "metadata": {}
    },
    "meta": {...}
  }
​
For a list of all the required attributes you need to create an SKU list, refer to the related section of the API reference.
Importing a list of SKU options (CSV)
Request
Response
The following request creates an import with a list of SKU options in CSV format:
curl -g -X POST \
  'https://yourdomain.commercelayer.io/api/imports' \
  -H 'Accept: application/vnd.api+json' \
  -H 'Authorization: Bearer your-access-token' \
  -H 'Content-Type: application/vnd.api+json' \
  -d '{
	"data": {
	  "type": "imports",
	  "attributes": {
	    "resource_type": "sku_options",
	    "format": "csv",
	    "parent_resource_id": "XHnLEsQaZp",
	    "inputs": "name,price_amount_cents,sku_code_regex\n,engraving,500,^A\nshipping costs,700,^B\n"
	  }
	}
      }'
On success, the API responds with a 201 Created status code, returning the created import object:
{
  "data": {
    "id": "PmjlkIJzRA",
    "type": "imports",
    "links": {...},
    "attributes": {
      "resource_type": "sku_options",
      "format": "csv",
      "parent_resource_id": "XHnLEsQaZp",
      "status": "pending",
      "started_at": null,
      "completed_at": null,
      "interrupted_at": null,
      "inputs": "...",
      "inputs_size": 2,
      "errors_count": 0,
      "warnings_count": 0,
      "destroyed_count": 0,
      "processed_count": 0,
      "cleanup_records": false,
      "attachment_url": nil,
      "created_at": "2018-01-01T12:00:00.000Z",
      "updated_at": "2018-01-01T12:00:00.000Z",
      "reference": null,
      "reference_origin": null,
      "metadata": {}
    },
    "meta": {...}
  }
​
For a list of all the required attributes you need to create an SKU option, refer to the related section of the API reference.
Importing a list of SKUs (JSON)
Request
Response
The following request creates an import with a list of SKUs in JSON format:
curl -g -X POST \
  'https://yourdomain.commercelayer.io/api/imports' \
  -H 'Accept: application/vnd.api+json' \
  -H 'Authorization: Bearer your-access-token' \
  -H 'Content-Type: application/vnd.api+json' \
  -d '{
	"data": {
	  "type": "imports",
	  "attributes": {
	    "resource_type": "skus",
	    "inputs": [
	      {
	    	  "code":"BABYONBU000000E63E7424MX",
	    	  "name":"Black Baby Onesie Short Sleeve with Pink Logo (24 Months)",
	    	  "image_url":"https://img.yourdomain.com/skus/BABYONBU000000E63E74.png",
	    	  "reference": "BABYONBU000000E63E74",
	    	  "shipping_category_id": "zwzQeFBrNj"
	      },
	      {
	    	  "code":"BABYONBU000000E63E7418MX",
	    	  "name":"Black Baby Onesie Short Sleeve with Pink Logo (18 Months)",
	    	  "image_url":"https://img.yourdomain.com/skus/BABYONBU000000E63E74.png",
	    	  "reference": "BABYONBU000000E63E74",
	    	  "shipping_category_id": "zwzQeFBrNj"
	      },
              {...}
            ]
	  }
	}
      }'
On success, the API responds with a 201 Created status code, returning the created import object:
{
  "data": {
    "id": "PmjlkIJzRA",
    "type": "imports",
    "links": {...},
    "attributes": {
      "resource_type": "skus",
      "format": "json",
      "parent_resource_id": null,
      "status": "pending",
      "started_at": null,
      "completed_at": null,
      "interrupted_at": null,
      "inputs": [...],
      "inputs_size": 100,
      "errors_count": 0,
      "warnings_count": 0,
      "destroyed_count": 0,
      "processed_count": 0,
      "cleanup_records": false,
      "attachment_url": nil,
      "created_at": "2018-01-01T12:00:00.000Z",
      "updated_at": "2018-01-01T12:00:00.000Z",
      "reference": null,
      "reference_origin": null,
      "metadata": {}
    },
    "meta": {...}
  }
}
SKUs have no parent resource, hence the shipping category cannot be used as the parent_resource_id attribute. On the other hand, specifying the shipping_category_id attribute for every single item of the inputs list lets you import SKUs associated with different shipping categories all at once (SKUs marked as do_not_ship included, for which you just can avoid setting any shipping_category_id at all).
For a list of all the required attributes you need to create an SKU, refer to the related section of the API reference.
Importing a list of stock items (CSV)
Request
Response
The following request creates an import with a list of stock items in CSV format:
curl -g -X POST \
  'https://yourdomain.commercelayer.io/api/imports' \
  -H 'Accept: application/vnd.api+json' \
  -H 'Authorization: Bearer your-access-token' \
  -H 'Content-Type: application/vnd.api+json' \
  -d '{
	"data": {
	  "type": "imports",
	  "attributes": {
	    "resource_type": "stock_items",
	    "format": "csv",
	    "parent_resource_id": "bnEeQuqZgn",
	    "inputs": "sku_code,quantity\nBABYONBU000000E63E7424MX,110\nBABYONBU000000E63E7418MX,140\n"
	  }
	}
      }'
On success, the API responds with a 201 Created status code, returning the created import object:
{
  "data": {
    "id": "YqQJGIYWjm",
    "type": "imports",
    "links": {...},
    "attributes": {
      "resource_type": "stock_items",
      