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# Validate your catalog structure (Cdiscount)

For your products to be sent correctly to marketplaces, you must always fill out your product sheets in the same way (same types of references, EAN codes, etc.). A well-organized catalog prevents most errors.

## The importance of the “Reference” field

In PrestaShop, the **Reference** field is the unique identifier for Cdiscount (also called the **SKU**).

Cdiscount / Octopia uses this reference to recognize your items (SellerProductId) and to import your orders.

- If the reference is empty or incorrectly filled: the module will not work correctly.
- If the reference is duplicated (used on two different products, **even if one is disabled** in PrestaShop): this will cause export and/or order-import errors.

### Case No. 1 – Product with combinations (sizes, colors...)

- **In the Information tab:** you must enter a **Reference** (parent reference).

![PrestaShop Cdiscount reference](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/3/f/a/8/3fa8ee645cd13200/prestashop-cdiscount-reference_8pq020.png)

- **In the Combinations tab:** each variant must have its own unique **Reference (SKU)** and its **EAN or UPC** code.

![PrestaShop Cdiscount reference ean](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/3/f/a/8/3fa8ee645cd13200/prestashop-cdiscount-reference_1qgs663.png)

### Case No. 2 – Product without combinations (simple product)

Simply fill in the **Reference** and the **EAN** code on the main product page:

![PrestaShop Cdiscount without combinations](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/3/f/a/8/3fa8ee645cd13200/prestashop-cdiscount-sans-decl_1vapu2v.png)

Here is where your SKU appears once on Cdiscount:

![PrestaShop Cdiscount SKU](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/3/f/a/8/3fa8ee645cd13200/prestashop-cdiscount-sku_glg8cn.png)

> ⚠️ **Watch out with PrestaShop:**
> When you create combinations automatically, PrestaShop often gives the same reference to all variants. This is a problem. You must edit these references manually so that **each variant has a unique reference**. For Cdiscount, each size or color is a distinct offer and must have its own SKU.

## EAN / GTIN code

- Mandatory for product creation on Cdiscount / Octopia
- Unique in your catalog
- Valid GS1 code (no “homemade” codes such as 200… / 000…)
- On combinations: one EAN per variant

Without a valid EAN:
- matching to an existing sheet may fail
- product creation is rejected
- offers may return errors such as “Unknown reference”

## Allowed characters for the SKU (Octopia)

Octopia enforces rules on the SellerProductId (your reference).
Avoid problematic special characters (e.g. `| { } @ %`).

In the **Settings** tab (expert mode), the module can:
- apply character replacements,
- and/or **automatic SKU sanitization** on export (without changing your PrestaShop catalog).

Still prefer clean references directly in PrestaShop.

## Weight

PrestaShop weight is used to calculate shipping fees (mapped carrier grids).
Check the **unit** configured in PrestaShop (usually **kg**): an incorrect value (e.g. grams entered as kilograms) can produce “no carrier accepts this weight” and exclude the offer.

## Checklist before the first send

- [ ] All references are filled in
- [ ] No duplicate references (active and inactive products)
- [ ] Each combination has its own reference + its EAN
- [ ] EANs are valid and unique
- [ ] Weights are consistent with the PrestaShop unit
- [ ] Categories to export are checked and linked to a profile

> 💡 **Key takeaway:**
> **PrestaShop Reference = Cdiscount SKU**. Unique references are the essential first condition to avoid synchronization errors and to process offers and orders correctly.