---
title: "Start a bulk file import"
method: POST
path: "/import/start"
tags: ["Import"]
---

# Start a bulk file import

`POST /import/start`

Starts a bulk file import process asynchronously.
Returns immediately with an import ID once the lock has been acquired.
The import continues running in the background.

## Query parameters

- `sourceType` 'internal' | 'external'

## Response `202`

Import started successfully

- StartBulkImportResponse
  - `importId` string, uuid
  - `sourceType` string
  - `message` string
  - `startedAt` string, date-time

## Other responses

- `400` — Invalid sourceType parameter
- `409` — Another import is already running
- `499` — Client closed request

---

[API](https://skmtc.net/defra/apis/keeper-data-bridge-api.md) · [All operations](https://skmtc.net/defra/apis/keeper-data-bridge-api/llms.txt) · [OpenAPI document](https://skmtc-service-staging.skmtc.workers.dev/v1/apis/defra/keeper-data-bridge-api/versions/0ab7d7a7a24f/schema)