Rate Limits

Overview

The smenso API enforces rate limits to ensure fair usage, platform stability, and a consistent experience for all workspaces. Rate limits apply to all API models (JSON, XML, and Reporting).

Current limits

Scope	Limit	Window
Per API token	{z.B. 100 requests}	{z.B. per minute}
Per workspace	{z.B. 500 requests}	{z.B. per minute}

Response headers

Header	Description
`Retry-After`	Number of seconds to wait before retrying
`X-RateLimit-Limit`	Maximum number of requests allowed in the current window
`X-RateLimit-Remaining`	Number of requests remaining in the current window
`X-RateLimit-Reset`	Timestamp (Unix) when the rate limit window resets

Handling rate limits

Respect the `Retry-After` header

When you receive a 429 response, wait for the duration specified in the Retry-After header before making the next request.

Use exponential backoff

If no Retry-After header is provided, apply exponential backoff:

Wait 1 second → retry
Wait 2 seconds → retry
Wait 4 seconds → retry
Wait 8 seconds → retry
Cap at 30 seconds

Optimize your integration

Batch operations where possible instead of sending individual requests for each record.
Cache responses that don't change frequently (e.g., timezone lists, flavor configurations).
Spread requests over time rather than sending bursts.
Use the Reporting API for bulk data extraction instead of iterating over individual records with the Integration API.

Rate limits and async tickets

Submitting a batch request (e.g., 100 tasks in one POST) counts as a single request against the rate limit. Subsequent status polling calls each count as individual requests - use the backoff strategy described in Integration Tickets to avoid hitting rate limits during polling.

Best practices

Monitor your request volume and stay well below the limits during normal operation.
Implement proper 429 handling from the start - don't wait for production issues.
Log rate limit events so you can identify and address spikes.
If your use case requires higher limits, contact smenso support