Overview

Error 90117 is a common product listing error that Amazon sellers encounter when uploading or editing inventory files. This error triggers when a field value either exceeds the maximum allowed character count or contains data that doesn't match Amazon's accepted values for that attribute. Understanding how to diagnose and resolve this error can save sellers significant time during the listing creation process.

Key Points / What Sellers Need to Know

• Character limits vary by category — Each product category on Amazon has specific character limits for fields like title, bullet points, and descriptions. For example, titles in many categories are capped at 150 characters, while other fields may have different thresholds.
• Drop-down attributes require exact values — Some listing attributes only accept predefined values from a drop-down menu. Copying and pasting values from external sources that don't match these accepted options will trigger the error.
• Template headers must not be modified — The auto-generated headers in rows 1 and 2 of Amazon's inventory file templates should never be altered, as changes can cause validation failures during upload.
• The error message identifies the problem field — When error 90117 appears, it typically references the specific field and character limit that was exceeded, helping sellers pinpoint exactly where to make corrections.

What Causes Error 90117

This error has two primary triggers. The first is straightforward: a value entered into a product listing field contains more characters than Amazon permits for that particular attribute. This commonly happens with product titles, descriptions, and keyword fields where sellers try to pack in as much information as possible. The second cause involves entering values that aren't part of Amazon's accepted list for a given attribute. Many listing fields use a controlled vocabulary, meaning only specific predefined options are valid. When sellers copy and paste values from other sources rather than selecting from the available options, Amazon's backend validation catches the mismatch and returns error 90117.

How to Diagnose the Issue

Amazon provides built-in resources within its inventory file templates to help sellers identify the root cause. The definitions tab within any category-specific template explains what each field means, what values are accepted, and includes examples of proper formatting. Sellers should consult this tab to verify whether a field is required or optional and to check the exact character limits that apply. For attributes that use drop-down menus, the valid values tab lists every acceptable option for each controlled field. For instance, in certain product types, an attribute like packaging type might only accept values such as "unit," "pallet," or "case." Any value outside this defined set will be rejected.