How to Become EDI Compliant for Amazon Vendor Central
Amazon Vendor Central requires EDI compliance — and they're strict about it. Here's the step-by-step guide to getting set up correctly, from document mapping to go-live.
If you're approved (or about to be approved) as an Amazon vendor, one thing becomes clear very quickly: you need to be EDI compliant.
Unlike marketplace selling, Amazon Vendor Central requires structured, automated data exchange — and they're strict about it. The good news? Getting compliant is very doable if you understand the process.
What does "EDI compliant" mean for Amazon?
EDI is how Amazon communicates with vendors. The key documents for Vendor Central:
- 850 — Purchase Order (Amazon's order to you)
- 855 — Purchase Order Acknowledgment (your confirmation)
- 856 — Advance Ship Notice (your shipment details before delivery)
- 810 — Invoice (your payment request)
These must be sent and received in Amazon's exact format. Close enough doesn't work.
Why Amazon requires EDI: It automates ordering and fulfillment, reduces manual errors, tracks shipments accurately, and ensures vendors meet operational standards. EDI errors directly impact your vendor scorecard.
Step-by-step: How to become EDI compliant for Amazon
Get access to Amazon Vendor Central
You need an active Vendor Central account. Once approved, Amazon provides EDI requirements, testing instructions, and vendor onboarding steps.
Review Amazon's EDI requirements
Amazon has strict rules for document formats, required fields, and timing. ASNs must be accurate and on time. PO acknowledgments (855) must match orders exactly. Small errors cause rejections.
Set up document mappings
Your internal data needs to match Amazon's format for each transaction set — order details, shipping info, invoice structure. All four documents must be correctly mapped.
Set up communication (AS2)
Amazon supports both AS2 and VAN. Most vendors use AS2 — it's faster, has no per-document fees, and is the preferred method for Vendor Central.
Complete testing and certification
Send test documents, fix formatting errors, and pass Amazon's validation. Testing continues until everything is perfect.
Go live
Orders (850) start flowing, you send acknowledgments (855) and ASNs (856), and you submit invoices (810). Everything becomes automated.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Incorrect PO acknowledgments (855): Amazon expects exact alignment with the order. Even small mismatches cause issues.
- ASN errors: Must include accurate shipment details, correct timing, and proper structure. Mistakes lead to penalties.
- Delayed responses: Amazon expects fast acknowledgments and timely document exchange.
- DIY without experience: Trying to handle everything internally leads to delays and failed tests.
Final thoughts
Becoming EDI compliant for Amazon Vendor Central is very achievable. The process is straightforward when mappings are done correctly, testing is handled properly, and issues are resolved quickly.
No onboarding fees. Pay only after you go live.
More EDI Resources
How to Become EDI Compliant for Walmart, Target, and Home Depot (Step-by-Step Guide)
Getting approved by Walmart, Target, or Home Depot requires EDI compliance. Here's a step-by-step guide to get compliant quickly — without the technical headaches.
EDI Pricing Explained: Why Suppliers Overpay (and How to Avoid It)
EDI pricing is confusing by design. Between per-document fees, VAN charges, and hidden add-ons, most suppliers have no clear idea what they're paying for. Here's how to avoid it.
AS2 vs VAN: What Suppliers Actually Need to Know
AS2 and VAN are both ways to send EDI documents. But which one do you actually need? This plain-English guide breaks down the real differences — and what actually matters for suppliers.
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