Importing CSI or NAHB Codes into QuickBooks Online (New Method)

Important Things To Know

Importing Service Items is optional and may be used when a blank QuickBooks Online database has been prepared or if a company chooses to move to an industry standard coding structure.
You'll have to select a parent income and expense account for each line item, sub-accounts can't be used. Make sure you select the proper accounts here or it will affect your reporting.
Importing a Products and Services list is normally additive. In other words, it amends the existing list by adding new items, not erasing the ones that are already there.
To import an Excel sheet, save it in .CSV UTF-8 format.
If you'd like to replace your existing list with your excel import - check the box that says Overwrite details of existing items with the same name and category.

If you have the new version, you’ll see a batch-import screen with a spreadsheet layout. Go to Import your spreadsheet using the new batch import.
If you have the old version, you’ll see an option to upload either a CSV and Excel file, or a Google sheet. Go to Import your spreadsheet using the old batch import.

On Batch-import products and services:
- Choose Products without variants from the dropdown.
- Select Check this box to overwrite details of existing items with the same name and category.
- Click Import CSV.
Click Download this sample template.
Open the template file and format it as follows:

Make sure your file is up to 1,000 rows. If needed, split your file into multiple files.
Avoid special characters.
Product and category name: 512
Option name, option value: 100
Descriptions: 4000
SKU: 100
Make sure to limit characters, as needed:
Quantity as-of Date: MM/DD/YYYY
Income and Expense account: Select a parent income and expense account for each line item. Note: Sub-accounts can't be used.
Category: A category can be formatted as [Name of category]:[Name of sub-category] and can be up to four levels. For example, [Clothing]:[Jackets] or [Clothing]:[Shirts]

After adding your products and services in the spreadsheet in the right format, you can import them to QuickBooks. Keep in mind the following:

Once you import a list, it can't be undone.
You can only import 150 rows at a time. If your list is longer than that, you can split it up into smaller files.

Log in to QuickBooks Online.
Select Settings > Import data.
Select Products and Services.
Select Create single products, depending on the kinds of products you offer.

Note: You can manually enter your product data, or copy and paste from your spreadsheet.

To import, select Import CSV.
Click Next.
Map your information. CSV column headers represents the headers on your spreadsheet. From each dropdown menu, select the option that matches a field in QuickBooks Online.
Note: Make sure you select the correct date format.
Click Next.
Note: If you see some cells highlighted in red, this means the cell is invalid. Read the error message and make the correction, or edit your .CSV file and upload it again.
(Optional) Select Check this box to overwrite details of existing items in your account to replace details of existing items in your account. Make sure everything looks correct because this can't be undone.
Click Save.

Some fields may be required to add products and some fields are grayed out for certain item types.

Indicate whether you buy the item, sell the item, or both.
Add the Product / Service name.
Add the Category.
Choose the Item type. This can be Inventory, Service, or Product.
Select Single for stand-alone products.
If needed, select the row number to Duplicate row, Add row, or Delete row.