How To Fix C$521 - Import not possible; transfer file contains syntax error

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: C$ -

• Message number: 521

• Message text: Import not possible; transfer file contains syntax error

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message C$521 - Import not possible; transfer file contains syntax error ?

  The SAP error message C$521, which states "Import not possible; transfer file contains syntax error," typically occurs during the import of a transport request or data file into the SAP system. This error indicates that there is a syntax error in the transfer file, which prevents the system from processing it correctly.
  Causes:
  
  File Corruption: The transfer file may be corrupted during the export or transfer process.
  Incorrect Format: The file may not be in the expected format or structure required by SAP.
  Manual Edits: If the file was manually edited, there may be syntax errors introduced.
  Version Mismatch: The file may have been created in a different version of SAP that is not compatible with the current system.
  Encoding Issues: The file may have encoding issues, such as incorrect character sets.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check File Integrity: Verify that the transfer file is not corrupted. If possible, re-export the file from the source system.
  Review File Format: Ensure that the file is in the correct format. If it’s a transport request, it should follow the standard SAP transport format.
  Validate Syntax: If the file was manually edited, review it for any syntax errors. Use a text editor that can highlight syntax errors.
  Use Correct Version: Ensure that the file is compatible with the version of SAP you are using. If necessary, create the transport request again in the correct version.
  Check Encoding: Make sure the file is saved with the correct encoding (e.g., UTF-8) and does not contain any unsupported characters.
  Use SAP Tools: Utilize SAP tools like the Transport Management System (TMS) to manage and import transport requests, as they can help prevent such errors.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues related to this error. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for common problems.
  Transport Logs: Review the transport logs for more detailed error messages that can provide insight into the specific syntax error.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and what solutions they found effective.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP Basis team or reach out to SAP support for further assistance.