Error Message: 'Invalid parent reference key' on Item Record Import

When performing an item CSV import the following error appears in the CSV Response file: Invalid parent reference key.

 

This would happen when the parent item being referenced is of a different item type (e.g. Inventory, Description, etc.) than the item being imported.

When importing item records via CSV, the parent item being referenced must be the same type of item (e.g. Inventory, Non-Inventory, Description, etc.) as the item(s) being imported.

There are two ways to resolve this error:

Option One: If the parent item being referenced has been setup with the incorrect item type,  delete/inactivate the parent item then recreate it.

     1. Navigate to Lists > Accounting > Items.
     
     2. Mark the Show Inactives box.
    

     3. Mark the Inactive box beside the item.     
     
     4. Click Submit.
     
     *Optional: Delete the item. Click the Edit link > Navigate to More Actions > Delete.

     
     5. Navigate to Lists > Accounting > Items > New.
     
     6. Select the correct Item type.
     
     7. Enter required fields.
     
     8. Click Save.
     
     9. Reimport CSV file.
     

Option Two: If the parent item being referenced has been setup correctly, select the appropriate Record Type on the CSV Import setup.

     1. Navigate to Setup > Import/Export > Import CSV Records.
     
     2. Select Items in the Import Type field.
     
     3. Select the Item type/subtype in the Record Type field.
     
     4. Click Select.
     
     5. Locate the CSV file then click Open.
     
     6. Click Next.
     
     7. Proceed through the Import Assistant.