Managing SKUs

Gain a better understanding of a SKU's attributes and how they affect downstream processes

On this page, you'll find information on a SKUs key attributes. 
Depending on how you send product data in create checkout or create checkout-session requests, your SKUs might contain compliance and/or basic product data.
Once you define a SKU's attributes, you can perform a create or upsert operation. After that, the resource can be updated or deleted. You can also retrieve a SKU by its unique identifier or search for SKUs using various query parameters.
Physical or digital
A SKU's physical attribute indicates whether Digital River has classified the product as physical or digital. 
If physical is true, then the SKU's taxCode or the tax code of the SKU's SKU group represents a physical product, and vice versa.
For details, refer to how products are classified as physical or digital on the Product basics page.
Unique identifier
A SKU's unique identifier is represented by id.
A product's identifier in your system should ideally match the SKU's id in ours. This ensures that synchronization is possible and that SKUs work properly throughout an order's lifecycle. Therefore, we recommend that you specify your own id and ensure it matches your product's universally unique identifier.
If you don't specify id in the body of a create SKU request, then Digital River generates and returns a unique value.
In create and upsert SKU requests, id must adhere to the following character set:
Digits from 0 to 9
Upper case letters from A to Z
Lower case letters from a to z
Dots/points: .
Hyphens: -
Underscores: _
If id contains any other character, then a 400 Bad Request is returned:
{
    "type": "bad_request",
    "errors": [
        {
            "code": "invalid_parameter",
            "parameter": "id",
            "message": "'89&56' is not a valid SKU ID."
        }
    ]
}
Item breadcrumb
A SKU's itemBreadcrumb represents a hierarchical classification system that organizes and categorizes your products based on their attributes, characteristics, and relationships. You'll typically structure itemBreadcrumb by defining a broad top-level category and, as you move down the hierarchy, getting more specific at each subsequent level.
You might have built similar data structures that inventory your products and make it easier for customers to find what they're looking for. In that case, we recommend using this same data.
If you're engaging the item classification service, then all of your physical SKUs must have an itemBreadcrumb. 
Even if you're not currently making cross-border sales, it's best practice to define this parameter so that, in the event you do start selling internationally, you're better positioned to get started.
We recommend making your taxonomies as detailed as possible. By doing so, you increase the probability that the tariff codes returned by this service are accurate. 
For example, Clothing > Women’s Jeans is an acceptable value but Clothing > Women’s Clothing > Jeans > Bootcut Jeans will likely result in more accurate classifications. You can also define multiple hierarchies, just make sure to separate each with a ; (semi-colon). 
Although not technically required, it's highly recommended that you define itemBreadcrumb in English. If its value is in a different language, then the classification service will disregard this data point.  
Country of origin
A SKU's countryOfOrigin is a two-letter Alpha-2 country code as described in the ISO 3166 international standard. It represents the country where a product was manufactured.
If a SKU does not have a skuGroupId, then it must contain a countryOfOrigin. 
If you submit an invalid country code, then Digital River returns a  400 Bad Request:
{
    "type": "bad_request",
    "errors": [
        {
            "code": "invalid_parameter",
            "parameter": "countryOfOrigin",
            "message": "'KP' is not a valid Country of Origin."
        }
    ]
}
ECCN
A SKU's eccn represents its Export Control Classification Number (ECCN). 
If a SKU does not have a skuGroupId, then it must contain an eccn.
This value determines whether a product:
Requires a U.S. export/re-export license
Contains any other license requirements/restrictions
Has an end use which is prohibited by applicable export control laws
Digital River's legal documentation lists ECCNs approved for use in the Digital River APIs. In the table's description field, you may find additional requirements and restrictions that further limit the use of the ECCN.
Digital River can only resell products with these listed ECCNs. If you have a product with an ECCN that you'd like to be considered for addition to the list, please contact [email protected]​
Harmonized system code
A SKU's hsCode represents a Harmonized System code.  
The format of the code is ####.##.####, where # represents a numeric digit between 0 and 9. The first six digits are mandatory. Any code longer than six digits but less than ten digits is optional and based on the country's preference. The period is not included in the character count.
Digital River validates a Harmonized System code's format. We don't however determine whether hsCode accurately classifies your product.
For example, the full ten-digit code for Jasmine rice in the United States is 1006.20.4025. If that's the value you specify, then we don't check to make sure your product belongs in that category.
If you submit an incorrectly formatted hsCode, then Digital River returns a 400 Bad Request:
Error
{
    "type": "bad_request",
    "errors": [
        {
            "code": "invalid_parameter",
            "parameter": "hsCode",
            "message": "'1234.56.YW' is not a valid HS code."
        }
    ]
}
SKU group identifier
The skuGroupId uniquely identifies the SKU group associated with the SKU. For details, refer to Grouping SKUs.
Manufacturer id and part number
A SKU's manufacturerId and partNumber are only applicable to physical products.
The manufacturerId represents the unique identifier of a part/product's manufacturer.
A manufacturer part number (MPN) is a unique code issued by manufacturers to identify a part/product. This is represented by a SKU's partNumber.
MPNs are meant to be static identifiers of a part/product, universal to all distributors, wholesalers, and resellers. They allow customers to accurately identify exact parts and protect themselves from counterfeits.
If two parts/products originate from two different manufacturers, then each must have its own MPN. These identifiers are especially relevant for automotive and consumer electronics, due to the numerous parts in these complex products.
Managed fulfillments
In Digital River coordinated fulfillments that use the orchestrated model, you'll need to meet our managed fulfillment requirements before you can create and update SKU-inventory item pairs.
Managed fulfillment requirements
All the checkout's physical SKUs must meet the following requirements:
SKU attribute
Requirement
Sample error
managedFulfillment
The specified value must be DRGlobalFulfillment.
400 Bad Request
{ "type": "bad_request",
"errors": [ {
"code": "invalid_parameter", "parameter":"managedFulfillment", "message": "'DRGlobalFulfillment^&%^' is not a valid item type." }
] }
taxCode
The specified value must be associated with a physical product.
400 Bad Request
{ "type": "bad_request",
"errors": [ {
"code": "invalid_parameter", "parameter": "taxCode",
"message": "'4512.100' is not a valid parameter." }
] }
partNumber
The value must be specified.
400 Bad Request
{ "type": "bad_request",
"errors": [ {
"code": "invalid_parameter", "parameter": "partNumber", "message": "'null' is not a valid parameter." }
] }
manufacturerId
If you specify this value, then the partNumber must be valid. In other words, the combination of manufacturerId and partNumber must be correct.
409 Conflict
{ "type": "conflict",
"errors": [ {
"code": "invalid_parameter", "parameter": "manufacturerId", "message": "Invalid manufacturer ID. The manufacturer ID and manufacturer part # combination could not be found." }
] }
Creating and updating SKU-Inventory Item pairs
When you create or upsert a SKU that meets our managed fulfillment requirements, Digital River synchronously creates an associated inventory item. These SKU-inventory item pairs have shared attributes with identical values.
POST /skus
GET /inventory-items/{id}
Request
curl --location --request POST 'https://api.digitalriver.com/skus' \
--header 'Authorization: Bearer <API_key>' \
--header 'Content-Type: application/json' \
...
--data-raw '{
    "id": "sku_demo_1617140947939",
    "eccn": "EAR99",
    "countryOfOrigin": "DE",
    "taxCode": "4323.310_A",
    "partNumber": "DEMOPARTNUMBER2",
    "name": "name_demo_1617140947939",
    "weight": 8.88,
    "weightUnit": "oz",
    "metadata": {
        "application": "iOS-LLL"
    },
    "managedFulfillment": "DRGlobalFulfillment"
}'
Response
{
    "id": "sku_demo_1617146803587",
    "createdTime": "2021-03-30T23:26:43Z",
    "name": "name_demo_1617146803587",
    "eccn": "EAR99",
    "partNumber": "DEMOPARTNUMBER2",
    "taxCode": "4323.310_A",
    "countryOfOrigin": "DE",
    "metadata": {
        "application": "iOS-LLL"
    },
    "weight": 8.88,
    "weightUnit": "oz",
    "fulfill": false,
    "allowOversell": true,
    "liveMode": false,
    "managedFulfillment": "DRGlobalFulfillment",
    "physical": true
}
Request
curl --location --request GET 'https://api.digitalriver.com/inventory-items/sku_demo_1617146803587' \
--header 'Authorization: Bearer <API_key>' \
...
--data-raw ''
Response
{
    "id": "sku_demo_1617146803587",
    "manufacturerId": "20013",
    "partNumber": "DEMOPARTNUMBER2",
    "allowOversell": true,
    "createdTime": "2021-03-30T23:26:43Z",
    "eccn": "EAR99",
    "countryOfOrigin": "DE",
    "liveMode": false
}
Since the SKU's id and the inventory item's id are the same, you can use this value to describe items in checkouts, check inventory levels, request shipping quotes and make reservations.
Every subsequent modification of a managedFulfillment SKU (assuming the update request satisfies our managed fulfillment requirements) synchronously updates the paired inventory item.
POST /skus/{id}
GET /inventory-items/{id}
Request
curl --location --request POST 'https://api.digitalriver.com/skus/sku_demo2_1617153759250' \
--header 'Authorization: Bearer <API_key>' \
--header 'Content-Type: application/json' \
--data-raw '{
    "countryOfOrigin": "US"
}'
Response
{
    "id": "sku_demo2_1617153759250",
    "createdTime": "2021-03-31T01:22:39Z",
    "name": "name_demo2_1617153759250",
    "eccn": "EAR99",
    "partNumber": "DEMOPARTNUMBER2",
    "updatedTime": "2021-03-31T01:23:04Z",
    "taxCode": "4323.310_A",
    "countryOfOrigin": "US",
    "metadata": {
        "application": "iOS-LLL"
    },
    "weight": 8.88,
    "weightUnit": "oz",
    "fulfill": false,
    "allowOversell": true,
    "liveMode": false,
    "managedFulfillment": "DRGlobalFulfillment",
    "physical": true
}
Request
curl --location --request GET 'https://api.digitalriver.com/inventory-items/sku_demo2_1617153759250' \
--header 'Authorization: Bearer <API_key>' \
...
--data-raw ''
Response
{
    "id": "sku_demo2_1617153759250",
    "manufacturerId": "20013",
    "partNumber": "DEMOPARTNUMBER2",
    "allowOversell": true,
    "createdTime": "2021-03-31T01:22:43Z",
    "updatedTime": "2021-03-31T01:23:04Z",
    "eccn": "EAR99",
    "countryOfOrigin": "US",
    "liveMode": false
}
Once Digital River creates an inventory item, do not directly update or delete it through the Inventory Items API. These operations modify and delete the inventory item but do not affect its paired SKU.
When you want to remove Digital River as a product's fulfillment coordinator, set managedFulfillment to null in an update SKU request. This deletes the inventory item paired with the SKU. If you then attempt to retrieve the inventory item, you receive a 404 Not Found.
POST /skus/{id}
GET /inventory-items/{id}
Request
curl --location --request POST 'https://api.digitalriver.com/skus/sku_demo_1617153057380' \
--header 'Authorization: Bearer <API_key>' \
--header 'Content-Type: application/json' \
...
--data-raw '{
    "managedFulfillment": null
}'
Response
{
    "id": "sku_demo_1617153057380",
    "createdTime": "2021-03-31T01:10:57Z",
    "name": "name_demo_1617153057380",
    "eccn": "EAR99",
    "partNumber": "DEMOPARTNUMBER2",
    "updatedTime": "2021-03-31T01:19:14Z",
    "taxCode": "4323.310_A",
    "countryOfOrigin": "DE",
    "metadata": {
        "application": "iOS-LLL"
    },
    "weight": 8.88,
    "weightUnit": "oz",
    "fulfill": false,
    "allowOversell": true,
    "liveMode": false,
    "physical": true
}
Request
curl --location --request GET 'https://api.digitalriver.com/inventory-items/sku_demo_1617153057380' \
--header 'Authorization: Bearer <API_key>' \
...
--data-raw ''
Response
{
    "type": "not_found",
    "errors": [
        {
            "code": "not_found",
            "parameter": "id",
            "message": "InventoryItem 'sku_demo_1617153057380' not found."
        }
    ]
}
Deleting SKU-Inventory Item pairs
A delete SKU request deletes both the SKU and the inventory item it's paired with.
Name and description
A SKU's name is required but description is optional.
In Prebuilt Checkout, name is displayed in the order summary section of the checkout modal.
Image and url
You can use a SKU's:
image to specify the URL of a resource that holds the product's image. This resource should be similar to the image(s) you display to customers while they are reviewing products in your store.
 url to specify the address of a resource that contains the product's description.
If your integration gives customers the option to use ApplePay, GooglePay, or Klarna then each of your SKUs must contain an image and url.
In Prebuilt Checkout, the image of each SKU referenced in the checkout-sessions' items[] is displayed in the order summary section of the checkout modal.
In Global logistics, depending on your logistics partner's setup, both image and url are often added to the transaction's customs documentation, thereby allowing officials to obtain information about the product during the pre-clearance phase of an importation.
Weight and weight unit
For physical SKUs, you should provide a product’s weight denoted in a weightUnit. The enumerated weightUnit values are oz, lb, g, and kg. If you provide weight but not a weightUnit, then the value defaults to oz.
If your site intends on selling physical products cross-border, then we recommend that you pass the weight and weightUnit of all of your catalog's physical SKUs.
In some countries, such as Switzerland, custom officials use a product's weight when calculating import duties. As a result, without this data, Digital River is unable to calculate landed costs.
If you send a create or update checkout request whose shipTo.address.country represents one of these nations, and any SKU referenced in the checkout's items[] is missing weight, then the following error is thrown:
400 Bad Request
{
    "type": "bad_request",
    "errors": [
        {
            "code": "missing_parameter",
            "message": "The weight is missing.",
            "parameter": "weight"
        }
    ]
}
Allow oversell
In Digital River coordinated fulfillments, you may decide to build your integration such that customers can reserve out of stock items or pre-order items not yet in stock. To do this, you can use the SKU's allowOversell flag.
In version 2021-12-13 and later, you can't set a SKU's allowOversell.
If you set the flag to true, customers can reserve the item even when inventory is not available. When set to false, customers won't be able to place a hold on an item when its inventory levels are not sufficient.
Tax code
A SKU's taxCode determines whether Digital River classifies a product as physical or digital and ensures that taxes on it are properly assessed. 
If a SKU does not have a skuGroupId, then it must contain a taxCode.
You can modify a SKU's taxCode in either an upsert or update SKU request.
Supported tax codes
The following table lists the taxCode values currently supported by Digital River and whether each is associated with a physical or digital product.
If you'd like to use a taxCode not listed here, contact your account representative.
Group
Description
taxCode
Digital
Computer Software: Electronically Downloaded
 
DC020500
 
Digital
Games: Electronically Downloaded
 
DG010300
 
Digital
Dues/Membership Fees
 
OD020000
 
Digital
Online Skill Assessments
 
ST080010
 
Digital
Cloud Services: SaaS - License Agreement/Business Use
 
SW053003
 
Digital
Cloud Services: SaaS - Service Agreement
 
SW054000
 
Digital
Optional Maintenance Agreement, Warranties (On-Site)
 
SM020200
 
Digital
Computer Software (Prewritten/Canned) Electronically Downloaded (Business-To-Business)
 
DC010500
 
Digital
Cloud/Remote Storage
DC070000
Digital
Other Digital Goods -- No Physical Media
 
DO010000
 
Digital
Computer Software Implementation-Associated with The Sale of Software-Prewritten Software-Electronically Downloaded
 
SC070101
 
Digital
Computer Software Maintenance (Prewritten Software)-Optional (Electronically Downloaded)-Services Only (Remote Support)
 
SC100101
 
Digital
Computer Software Maintenance (Prewritten Software)-Optional (Electronically Downloaded)-Downloaded Updates, Etc. & Services
 
SC100102
 
Digital
Computer Software Maintenance (Prewritten Software)-Mandatory (Electronically Downloaded)-Downloaded Updates, Etc. & Services
 
SC100202
 
Digital
Training and Seminar: On-Site
ST080000
Digital
Training and Seminar: Online Live
 
ST087634
 
Digital
Transcription Services/Recorded Speech
ST158020
Digital
Implementation Services - Hosted Software, Server Not in The State, Performed On-Site - For Business Use (On-Site)
 
SW052021
 
Physical
General Merchandise (Tangible Personal Property)
 
P0000000
 
Physical
Consumer Electronics (Non-Computer)
 
PB0010000
 
Physical
Consumer Electronics (Photographic, Filming Equipment)
 
PB0010300
 
Physical
Video Game Consoles, Portable Electronics
 
PB0010504
 
Physical
General Clothing (Adult)
 
PC040100
 
Physical
Hats and Caps
 
PC040129
 
Physical
Handbags and Backpacks
 
PC040204
 
Physical
Computer Peripheral Devices
 
PC080500
 
Physical
Computer Supplies
 
PC080601
 
 
Physical 
 
Laptop
 
PC080110
 
Physical
Mobile Phone
 
PC098213
 
 
Physical
 
Health Care Products-Over the Counter-Medicinal Group 1-Blood Pressure Testing Apparatus
 
PH050639
 
Physical
Video Games - Physical
 
DG010100
 
Physical
Bathing Suits and Caps (Adult)
 
PC040106
 
Physical
Bibs (Snow pants/Salopettes)
 
PC040109
 
Physical
Boots (Above Age 11)
 
PC040110
 
Physical
Coats and Jackets (Adult)
 
PC040111
 
Physical
Gloves (Leather)
 
PC040123
 
Physical
Scarves & Gaiters
 
PC040143
 
Physical
Adult Shoes
 
PC040144
 
Physical
Socks (Adult)
 
PC040148
 
Physical
Sunglasses
 
PC040207
 
Physical
Athletic Helmets
 
PC040306
 
Physical
Bicycle Helmets
 
PC040307
 
Physical
Goggles
 
PC040404
 
Physical
Children’s Clothing (Below Age 11)
 
PC040501
 
Physical
Children’s Clothing (Age 11-14)
 
PC040502
 
Physical
Children's Shoes
 
PC040503
 
Physical
Gift Cards
 
PG050000 
 
Physical
Reusable Face Masks
 
PH402898
 
Physical
First Aid Kits
 
PH050676
 
Physical
Lanterns/Lamps
 
PO200108
 
Physical
Sleeping Bags
 
PO200114
 

SKU attribute	Requirement	Sample error
`managedFulfillment`	The specified value must be `DRGlobalFulfillment`.	`400 Bad Request` `{ "type": "bad_request",` `"errors": [ {` `"code": "invalid_parameter", "parameter":"managedFulfillment", "message": "'DRGlobalFulfillment^&%^' is not a valid item type." }` `] }`
`taxCode`	The specified value must be associated with a physical product.	`400 Bad Request` `{ "type": "bad_request",` `"errors": [ {` `"code": "invalid_parameter", "parameter": "taxCode",` `"message": "'4512.100' is not a valid parameter." }` `] }`
`partNumber`	The value must be specified.	`400 Bad Request` `{ "type": "bad_request",` `"errors": [ {` `"code": "invalid_parameter", "parameter": "partNumber", "message": "'null' is not a valid parameter." }` `] }`
`manufacturerId`	If you specify this value, then the `partNumber` must be valid. In other words, the combination of `manufacturerId` and `partNumber` must be correct.	`409 Conflict` `{ "type": "conflict",` `"errors": [ {` `"code": "invalid_parameter", "parameter": "manufacturerId", "message": "Invalid manufacturer ID. The manufacturer ID and manufacturer part # combination could not be found." }` `] }`

Group	Description	taxCode
Digital	Computer Software: Electronically Downloaded	DC020500
Digital	Games: Electronically Downloaded	DG010300
Digital	Dues/Membership Fees	OD020000
Digital	Online Skill Assessments	ST080010
Digital	Cloud Services: SaaS - License Agreement/Business Use	SW053003
Digital	Cloud Services: SaaS - Service Agreement	SW054000
Digital	Optional Maintenance Agreement, Warranties (On-Site)	SM020200
Digital	Computer Software (Prewritten/Canned) Electronically Downloaded (Business-To-Business)	DC010500
Digital	Cloud/Remote Storage	DC070000
Digital	Other Digital Goods -- No Physical Media	DO010000
Digital	Computer Software Implementation-Associated with The Sale of Software-Prewritten Software-Electronically Downloaded	SC070101
Digital	Computer Software Maintenance (Prewritten Software)-Optional (Electronically Downloaded)-Services Only (Remote Support)	SC100101
Digital	Computer Software Maintenance (Prewritten Software)-Optional (Electronically Downloaded)-Downloaded Updates, Etc. & Services	SC100102
Digital	Computer Software Maintenance (Prewritten Software)-Mandatory (Electronically Downloaded)-Downloaded Updates, Etc. & Services	SC100202
Digital	Training and Seminar: On-Site	ST080000
Digital	Training and Seminar: Online Live	ST087634
Digital	Transcription Services/Recorded Speech	ST158020
Digital	Implementation Services - Hosted Software, Server Not in The State, Performed On-Site - For Business Use (On-Site)	SW052021
Physical	General Merchandise (Tangible Personal Property)	P0000000
Physical	Consumer Electronics (Non-Computer)	PB0010000
Physical	Consumer Electronics (Photographic, Filming Equipment)	PB0010300
Physical	Video Game Consoles, Portable Electronics	PB0010504
Physical	General Clothing (Adult)	PC040100
Physical	Hats and Caps	PC040129
Physical	Handbags and Backpacks	PC040204
Physical	Computer Peripheral Devices	PC080500
Physical	Computer Supplies	PC080601
Physical	Laptop	PC080110
Physical	Mobile Phone	PC098213
Physical	Health Care Products-Over the Counter-Medicinal Group 1-Blood Pressure Testing Apparatus	PH050639
Physical	Video Games - Physical	DG010100
Physical	Bathing Suits and Caps (Adult)	PC040106
Physical	Bibs (Snow pants/Salopettes)	PC040109
Physical	Boots (Above Age 11)	PC040110
Physical	Coats and Jackets (Adult)	PC040111
Physical	Gloves (Leather)	PC040123
Physical	Scarves & Gaiters	PC040143
Physical	Adult Shoes	PC040144
Physical	Socks (Adult)	PC040148
Physical	Sunglasses	PC040207
Physical	Athletic Helmets	PC040306
Physical	Bicycle Helmets	PC040307
Physical	Goggles	PC040404
Physical	Children’s Clothing (Below Age 11)	PC040501
Physical	Children’s Clothing (Age 11-14)	PC040502
Physical	Children's Shoes	PC040503
Physical	Gift Cards	PG050000
Physical	Reusable Face Masks	PH402898
Physical	First Aid Kits	PH050676
Physical	Lanterns/Lamps	PO200108
Physical	Sleeping Bags	PO200114

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