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When an order request fails, we return an error response with a machine-readable code and a human-readable detail message: 
{
  "code": "insufficient_funds",
  "detail": "The account does not have sufficient cash to cover this order."
}

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Validation errors

These errors are returned synchronously when you place the order. The order is not created.
CodeHTTP StatusDescriptionWhat to do
not_found400The instrument doesn’t exist.Double-check the instrument ID via the instruments endpoint.
instrument_not_trading400The instrument isn’t currently tradable (e.g. market is closed or the instrument is suspended).Retry later, or check the instrument’s status via the catalog.
invalid_param400A request parameter is invalid — for example, a negative cash_amount, a zero quantity, or an invalid order_type.Check the request body against the expected schema.
currency_not_supported400The instrument can’t be traded in the requested currency.Check which currencies the instrument supports.
insufficient_funds400The account doesn’t have enough cash to cover the buy order.Check the account’s cash balance before placing the order.
insufficient_units400The account doesn’t hold enough units to sell.Check the account’s positions before placing the order.

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Permission errors

These errors indicate the account or user isn’t allowed to perform the requested action.
CodeHTTP StatusDescriptionWhat to do
buy_order_forbidden403Buy orders aren’t enabled for this account.Contact support to enable buy orders.
sell_order_forbidden403Sell orders aren’t enabled for this account.Contact support to enable sell orders.
professional_trader_required403This instrument requires the account holder to be classified as a professional trader.Ensure the account meets the professional trader requirements.

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Error response format

All error responses follow the same structure: 
{
  "code": "instrument_not_trading",
  "detail": "The instrument is not currently tradable.",
  "docs": "https://docs.engine.usesophic.com/api-reference/errors",
  "context": {
    "instrument_id": "ins_xyz789"
  }
}
FieldTypeDescription
codestringA machine-readable error code.
detailstringA human-readable description of the error.
docsstringA URL to documentation about this error code. May be absent.
contextobjectExtra context about the error (e.g. which parameter failed). May be absent.
paramsarrayA list of parameters that failed validation. Only present for validation errors.