Walmart EDI Requirements: A Simple Breakdown for Suppliers
Walmart is strict about EDI compliance — and non-compliance results in chargebacks and delays. Here's a simple breakdown of exactly what Walmart expects and how to get approved.
If you're planning to sell to Walmart, there's one requirement you can't avoid: EDI compliance. Walmart is strict about how suppliers exchange data — and if your EDI setup isn't right, you won't get approved (or worse, you'll face chargebacks).
The good news? Once you understand what Walmart expects, the process becomes much more manageable.
What does Walmart EDI compliance mean?
EDI is how Walmart communicates with suppliers. The core documents required:
- 850 — Purchase Order (Walmart's order to you)
- 856 — Advance Ship Notice (your shipment details)
- 810 — Invoice (your payment request)
- 997 — Functional Acknowledgment (receipt confirmation)
These need to follow Walmart's exact format and validation rules — not just generic X12 standards.
Walmart's key EDI requirements
Accurate and timely ASNs (856)
This is the most critical document. Walmart expects correct packaging hierarchy, accurate item and carton details, proper SSCC-18 labels, and on-time submission — before delivery, not after. Mistakes here lead directly to chargebacks.
Functional acknowledgments (997)
Walmart expects confirmation that you received and processed each document. Missing or incorrect 997s fail compliance checks — even if the underlying documents were correct.
Invoice accuracy (810)
Invoices must match the purchase order, reflect shipped quantities, and be sent within Walmart's required window. Errors delay payments.
Strict testing and certification
Before going live, Walmart requires multiple test cycles with error-free document exchange and validation of all required fields. You don't go live until everything passes — no exceptions.
The Walmart EDI onboarding process
Receive Walmart's EDI specs, required documents, and testing guidelines from your supplier relations contact.
Configure document mappings — converting your internal data into Walmart's format for orders, shipping data, and invoices.
Set up AS2 communication — Walmart requires AS2. You'll need certificates, a secure connection, and proper endpoint configuration.
Complete compliance testing — send and receive test documents, fix any errors, and get certified through multiple successful test cycles.
Go live — orders start flowing, you send ASNs and invoices automatically, and you stay compliant.
Traditional providers
4–8 weeks
Pre-built maps
7–14 days
Common mistakes that delay Walmart approval
- Incorrect ASN packaging hierarchy
- Missing or late 997 functional acknowledgments
- SSCC-18 label errors on cartons
- Rushing through testing cycles
- Choosing a provider with slow support response times
Final thoughts
Walmart EDI compliance is achievable — even for first-time suppliers. The key is understanding exactly what Walmart requires and making sure your setup handles it correctly from day one.
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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