this is exactly the same problem I have run into. We have 800 items pending to import and categorize that I did last week. I don't know of a method of quickly adding an imported item in batch mode, one after another. What version of AC are you using? I'm still on old version 3x and I agree it is somewhat cumbersome in that version. I asked Bert if FAP would be of use and he didn't think it would help. Still researching alternatives.
