How to Fix Error 8015: Duplicate Values in Amazon Inventory Feeds
Error 8015 blocks flat‑file or XML inventory feeds when duplicate values appear in headers or fields. A single duplicated column can reject hundreds of rows, e.g., a file with two “brand” columns halted the launch of 250 SKUs. Removing the extra column and ensuring each attribute appears only once resolves the issue.
Overview
Error 8015 appears when Amazon’s validation engine detects duplicate values in an inventory feed—whether the file is a flat‑file spreadsheet or an XML document. The duplication can occur in column headers, attribute fields, or XML elements, and it stops the feed from being processed. Sellers who rely on bulk uploads to add new SKUs or update existing listings must resolve the issue promptly to keep their catalog current.
Key Points
- Duplicate data triggers the block — Submissions containing the same value in two related fields, such as two “used‑for” columns, are rejected with error 8015.
- Both flat files and XML feeds are subject to the rule — The validation applies whether you upload a CSV template through Seller Central or push an XML payload via the Marketplace Web Service API.
- Column headings are part of the check — Replicating a header name (e.g., two columns both labeled “product‑type”) causes the error even if the underlying cell values differ.
- Resolution means eliminating redundancy — The fix requires locating every repeated value or element and ensuring each appears only once per product record.
- Large catalogs amplify the impact — A single duplicated column can affect hundreds of rows, leading to massive feed rejections.
- Third‑party tools can introduce duplicates — Automated listing software may inadvertently copy attribute values across fields, so sellers must audit generated feeds.
How Error 8015 Happens
- Identify the feed type — Determine whether the submission is a flat‑file spreadsheet or an XML document.
- Locate related fields — For flat files, pinpoint groups of columns that share a logical relationship (e.g., “size‑type1,” “size‑type2”). For XML, find sibling elements under the same parent node.
- Detect repeated values — Scan each product row or node for identical entries in those related fields.
- Validate column headers — Compare the file’s header row against Amazon’s official template; duplicated or renamed headers also raise the error.
Analysis & Recommendations
Why This Matters
Duplicate values cause the entire bulk upload to be rejected, delaying product launches and costing time—one duplicated column stopped 250 new SKUs from going live. Fixing the issue restores smooth inventory updates and prevents revenue loss from missed launch windows.
Key Takeaways
- Duplicate column headers like “product‑type” trigger error 8015 even when cell values differ.
- In flat files, the Excel formula =COUNTIF($B2:$D2,B2)>1 highlights rows where a value repeats across related columns.
- XML feeds with two identical <BulletPoint> elements under the same <Item> node also generate error 8015.
Recommended Actions
- →In Seller Central, go to Inventory → Add Products via Upload, open your CSV/TXT file, compare the header row to Amazon’s latest template, and delet...
- →Run a duplicate‑value audit—use the COUNTIF formula in Excel for flat files or an XML validator for XML feeds—remove the repeats, then re‑upload th...
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