Overview

Error 5012 is a feed processing error that Amazon sellers may encounter when submitting product data through XML feeds in Seller Central. This error indicates that the XML document structure contains too many nested levels for Amazon's feed processor to handle, typically caused by using an incorrect or outdated XML Schema Definition (XSD) file. Understanding this error and how to resolve it can save sellers significant time when managing product listings through feeds.

Key Points / What Sellers Need to Know

• Root cause — Error 5012 occurs when an XML feed submission has a tree structure that is nested too deeply, exceeding the limits Amazon's feed processor expects for standard feed types.
• Most common fix — The issue is almost always resolved by verifying that your XML feed is built against the correct and current XSD (XML Schema Definition) provided by Amazon.
• Who is affected — This error primarily impacts sellers who submit product data, inventory updates, or pricing changes via XML feeds rather than through flat files or the Seller Central interface directly.
• Not a data issue — The error is structural rather than content-related, meaning the actual product data may be correct but the way it is organized in the XML file is causing the rejection.

What Causes Error 5012

This error is triggered during feed validation when Amazon's systems detect that the XML tree structure exceeds the expected depth for the feed type being submitted. XML feeds follow a hierarchical structure where elements are nested inside other elements, and each feed type has a corresponding XSD that defines the acceptable structure. When sellers use an incorrect XSD — whether from an outdated version, a different feed type, or a third-party template that does not conform to Amazon's specifications — the resulting XML can contain unnecessary nesting levels that push the document beyond acceptable limits. In some cases, custom feed-generation tools or software integrations may also produce overly nested XML if they are not properly configured for Amazon's feed requirements.

How to Fix It

The first step in resolving Error 5012 is to download the most current XSD files directly from Amazon Seller Central. Navigate to the feed documentation section and ensure you are referencing the correct schema for your specific feed type, whether it is a product feed, inventory feed, pricing feed, or any other supported type. Compare your XML file's structure against the XSD to identify where excessive nesting occurs. If you are using third-party listing software or a custom integration to generate your feeds, check that the software is up to date and configured to use Amazon's latest feed specifications. Validating your XML against the correct XSD using an XML validation tool before submission can help catch structural issues before they result in processing errors.