Overview

Sellers frequently see error 90041 when they upload product data via flat‑file feeds or inventory uploads. The message appears because a field that Amazon classifies as mandatory is either empty or omitted. Fixing the issue promptly prevents listing delays and keeps catalog updates on schedule.

Key Points

• Missing mandatory data triggers the error — Amazon’s validation engine stops processing any record that lacks a required attribute, returning error 90041.
• Error details pinpoint the exact attribute — The response includes the name of the field that is empty, allowing sellers to locate the problem quickly.
• Required attributes differ by category — Each product type (e.g., electronics, apparel, toys) has its own set of compulsory fields, so the same feed can succeed in one category and fail in another.
• Feed processing summary is the primary diagnostic — After each upload, Amazon generates a report that lists every 90041 occurrence together with the offending column name.
• Templates highlight required columns — In Amazon’s downloadable templates, mandatory fields are shaded or marked, giving sellers a visual cue before data entry.

How the Error Occurs

1. Upload submission — A seller submits a CSV or XML feed containing product rows. Example: a vendor uploads a 5,000‑row inventory file for a new line of kitchen gadgets.
2. System validation — Amazon cross‑checks each row against the attribute list defined for the product’s category. Example: for “Kitchen Tools,” the system expects a non‑blank “Material” field.
3. Detection of an empty required field — If the “Material” column is blank in any row, the validation routine flags that record and generates error 90041. Example: row 237 lacks a value for “Material,” so the feed returns “A value is required for the Material field.”
4. Error reporting — The platform adds the error to the feed processing summary, specifying the SKU, row number, and missing attribute.