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All API requests (except /health) require an API key. Authentication is handled at the API Gateway layer before requests reach the application.

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System Use Notification

This is a U.S. Government information system. By accessing this system, you acknowledge and consent to the following:
  • This system is provided for authorized use only.
  • Usage may be monitored, recorded, and subject to audit.
  • Unauthorized use of this system is prohibited and subject to criminal and civil penalties.
  • Use of this system constitutes consent to monitoring and recording.
This notice satisfies NIST SP 800-53 AC-8 (System Use Notification) for programmatic API access.

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Passing Your API Key

Include your key in the x-api-key header: 
curl https://api.consus.io/v1/models \
  -H "x-api-key: YOUR_API_KEY"
When using the OpenAI SDK, pass it via default_headers: 
client = OpenAI(
    base_url="https://api.consus.io/v1",
    api_key="dummy",  # Required by SDK but not used
    default_headers={"x-api-key": "YOUR_API_KEY"},
)
The OpenAI SDK requires an api_key value and sends it as a Bearer token in the Authorization header. Consus Gateway ignores this header. Authentication is performed via the x-api-key header, which is validated at the API Gateway layer before your request reaches the application. Set api_key to any non-empty string.

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Rate Limits

See Rate Limits for API key limits and per-model upstream limits.

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Error Responses

Status CodeMeaning
401 UnauthorizedAuthentication failed
403 ForbiddenInvalid or missing API key
429 Too Many RequestsRate limit or monthly quota exceeded

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Key Management

To get an API key or adjust rate limits, book a call with our team.