1C-Bitrix Integration with AliExpress
AliExpress for Russian sellers operates through AliExpress Russia platform (seller.aliexpress.ru). API differs from global AliExpress — uses Solution API with authorization via appKey/appSecret and access_token via OAuth 2.0. Exchange format — JSON over HTTPS. No feed upload — entire catalog managed via API, making integration closer to Ozon than Yandex.Market.
Authorization and Token Retrieval
To work with API you need register application in AliExpress developer panel. After registration you get appKey and appSecret. Seller authorization — via OAuth: redirect to AliExpress page, seller confirms access, in response — access_token with lifetime (usually 30 days) and refresh_token for update.
Token stored on Bitrix side — in module options (COption::SetOptionString) or separate table. Cron agent updates token before expiration.
Product Creation: aliexpress.solution.product.post
Method aliexpress.solution.product.post creates product. Request structure:
-
category_id— AliExpress category. Category tree retrieved viaaliexpress.solution.seller.category.tree.query. -
product_attributes— array of product attributes. Each attribute hasattribute_name_idand value. Mandatory attributes depend on category — obtained viaaliexpress.solution.product.schema.get. -
sku_info_list— array of SKUs (variants). Each SKU contains: price, inventory, barcode, values of varying attributes (color, size), photo binding. -
image_url_list— main product photos (up to 6, minimum 800×800 px).
Mapping to Bitrix infoblock:
| AliExpress Field | Bitrix Field | Note |
|---|---|---|
product_title |
NAME |
Up to 128 characters |
product_description |
DETAIL_TEXT |
HTML, up to 40,000 characters |
brand_name |
"Brand" property | AliExpress directory |
image_url_list |
DETAIL_PICTURE + properties |
URL must be public |
sku_info_list[].price |
TO price | In store's currency |
sku_info_list[].inventory |
TO inventory | By warehouse |
sku_info_list[].barcode |
TO property | EAN-13 |
Description feature. AliExpress allows HTML in description, including <img> — can insert infographics and additional photos directly in description. Images in description upload via aliexpress.solution.feed.image.upload and return URL on AliExpress CDN.
Categories and Attributes
AliExpress category system — three-level. For each final category there's set of mandatory and recommended attributes. Attributes are:
- Text — free input (model, material).
-
Reference — selection from list (
attribute_value_id). Values obtained viaaliexpress.solution.product.schema.get. - SKU-attributes — vary between SKUs (color, size). Bound to specific product variant.
When bulk mapping infoblock properties to AliExpress attributes, create correspondence table. For reference attributes — store pairs "Bitrix property value → AliExpress attribute_value_id".
Price and Inventory Management
Prices. Update via aliexpress.solution.product.price.update. AliExpress works with multiple currencies — price specified in currency configured for store. Discounts set via promotions in personal account or API.
Inventory. aliexpress.solution.product.inventory.update — updates inventory by SKU. Limit — 200 SKUs per request. For store with 5000+ items, synchronization takes minutes with batch processing.
Cron agent in Bitrix: every 15–30 minutes selects products with changed inventory/prices and sends batch requests. To track changes use TIMESTAMP_X field of infoblock element and b_catalog_store_product.TIMESTAMP_X for inventory.
Order Processing
Get orders: aliexpress.solution.order.get with filters by status and date. AliExpress order statuses:
| AliExpress Status | Action in Bitrix |
|---|---|
PLACE_ORDER_SUCCESS |
Order creation |
WAIT_SELLER_SEND_GOODS |
Paid, awaiting shipment |
SELLER_PART_SEND_GOODS |
Partial shipment |
WAIT_BUYER_ACCEPT_GOODS |
Shipped, awaiting receipt |
FINISH |
Completed |
Shipment confirmed via aliexpress.solution.order.fulfill — transmit tracking number and delivery service. AliExpress strictly monitors shipment deadlines — delay leads to penalties and rating drop.
On Bitrix side: order created in sale module, products mapped by SKU-article to trade offers. Buyer data (name, address) passed to order properties.
AliExpress Integration Specifics
Product moderation. AliExpress checks each product. Average time — 1–2 days. Rejection reasons: image mismatch (watermarks, third-party logos), prohibited items, incorrect brand.
Multi-language. If selling to multiple countries — product must be localized via aliexpress.solution.product.translate. Or create separate listings for each market.
Rate limiting. Limit depends on application level: basic — ~40 requests per second. With bulk sync, implement request queue with frequency control.
Timeline
| Scale | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Up to 500 products, basic mapping | 5–7 days |
| 500–3000, SKU, inventory sync | 1–1.5 weeks |
| 3000+, full automation with orders | 1.5–2 weeks |