SAP Knowledge Base Article - Public

2167144 - Invalid Date Format Error in Background Data Import

Symptom

The following error messages is recieved as part of a Background Import Job even though the data is in MM/DD/YYYY Format in the csv file that is imported:

"startDate(endDate) contains an invalid date format"

Image/data in this KBA is from SAP internal systems, sample data, or demo systems. Any resemblance to real data is purely coincidental.

Environment

SAP SuccessFactors Employee Profile

Cause

This could occur due to one of the following reasons:

  1. The updated template from the system is not being used for the import
  2. A new csv file created is being used instead of the template which defaults the settings such as the Date Format

Resolution

Set the Date Format to MM/DD/YYYY for the Date Column.

Here is how to do it:

  1. Highlight the Column that is returning the error, to right click and click on Format Cells

    format cells.PNG

  2. Set the Date Format to MM/DD/YYYY by selecting the following

    date format.PNG

  3. Save and reimport the File

Keywords

Invalid Date Format, Background Import, Live Profile Import, Import Extended User Information, Background Information, Background Data, Background Element, csv, import file, Date, Format, MM/DD/YYYY , KBA , LOD-SF-EP-BGD , Background Elements , Problem

Product

SAP SuccessFactors HCM suite all versions