Target EDI Requirements: The Complete 2026 Supplier Compliance Guide

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Introduction: The Target Opportunity

Target represents one of the most coveted retail partnerships for consumer brands. With 1,950+ stores, a curated brand approach, and strong appeal to millennials and Gen Z shoppers, Target offers something Walmart doesn't: premium positioning alongside mass reach.

But here's what successful Target vendors know: Target's selective approach extends to their operational requirements too.

Target expects suppliers to meet rigorous EDI compliance standards from day one. Their Partners Online vendor portal monitors every transaction. Chargebacks for non-compliance can erode margins before your products even hit store shelves. And unlike some retailers who ease new vendors into requirements, Target expects full compliance immediately.

This guide covers everything you need to achieve and maintain Target EDI compliance in 2026:

The complete list of required EDI documents

Step-by-step setup process from vendor agreement to go-live

Partners Online portal navigation and integration

GS1 and barcode requirements

ASN specifications that prevent chargebacks

Routing guide compliance essentials

Common errors and how to avoid them

Whether you're an emerging DTC brand landing your first Target PO or an established supplier optimizing operations, this guide will help you succeed as a Target vendor.

Target EDI Requirements Overview

What is Target EDI?

Target EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) is Target's standardized system for exchanging business documents with vendors electronically. Purchase orders, ship notices, invoices, and other documents flow through structured data formats that integrate directly with Target's supply chain systems.

Key Point: Target requires ALL vendors to be EDI-capable. Manual document processing is not available for ongoing vendor relationships. If you want to sell to Target, you must implement EDI.

Target EDI Standards and Protocols

Target uses the ANSI X12 EDI standard, consistent with most major U.S. retailers. Specific requirements include:

Version: ANSI X12 5010 (current standard)

Communication Protocol: AS2 (Applicability Statement 2) is preferred; SFTP available for some vendors

VAN Support: Target works with major Value Added Networks (VANs) including SPS Commerce, TrueCommerce, and others

Testing: Mandatory testing in Target's certification environment before production

Vendor Types and EDI Requirements

Target categorizes vendors differently than Walmart, with specific EDI variations:

Domestic Vendors

Ship from U.S.-based warehouses to Target DCs

Standard EDI document set required

Must follow Target Routing Guide specifications

Import Vendors (Direct Import)

Overseas manufacturing with shipments to Target

Extended documentation for customs and international logistics

FOB (Free on Board) terms typically apply

Drop Ship Vendors

Ship directly to Target.com customers

Different EDI transaction set focused on e-commerce

Tighter SLA requirements for shipping speed

Target Plus Partners

Third-party marketplace sellers on Target.com

API-based integration, not traditional EDI

Separate requirements from store vendors

Required EDI Documents for Target Suppliers

Target vendors must support a core set of EDI transaction types. Here's the complete breakdown:

Core Required Documents

EDI 850 - Purchase Order

The foundational document for every Target transaction. When Target wants to order products, they send an 850.

Contains: Item numbers (DPCI and UPC), quantities, costs, ship-to DC locations, requested delivery dates

Frequency: Varies based on item velocity and replenishment model

Response: Required acknowledgment via EDI 855

EDI 855 - Purchase Order Acknowledgment

Your confirmation that you received the purchase order and can fulfill it.

Purpose: Confirms receipt, validates pricing, flags any fulfillment issues

Timing: Should be sent within 24-48 hours of receiving the 850

Content: Acknowledges line items, quantities, and pricing

EDI 856 - Advance Ship Notice (ASN)

The most critical compliance document. Tells Target exactly what's in each shipment and how it's packaged.

Contains: Shipment details, carton-level content, pallet configuration, SSCC-18 labels, carrier info

Timing: Must be sent BEFORE shipment arrives at Target DC

Accuracy: Must match physical shipment exactly—discrepancies trigger chargebacks

EDI 810 - Invoice

Your bill to Target for goods shipped.

Contains: Line items matching the 856, quantities, costs, payment terms

Timing: Typically sent within 24 hours of shipment

Matching: Must reconcile with PO and ASN or payment holds occur

Additional Document Types

EDI 846 - Inventory Inquiry/Advice

Reports your current inventory availability

Helps Target optimize replenishment orders

Required for some vendor programs (VMI)

EDI 860 - Purchase Order Change Request

Target's modifications to original purchase orders

May include quantity changes, date adjustments, or cancellations

Requires response via EDI 865

EDI 865 - Purchase Order Change Acknowledgment

Your acceptance or rejection of Target's requested changes

Required response to any 860 received

EDI 812 - Credit/Debit Adjustment

Handles returns, allowances, and adjustments

Used for managing chargebacks and deductions

EDI 820 - Payment Order/Remittance Advice

Target's notification of payment processing

Details any deductions, chargebacks, or adjustments

Document Requirements Summary Table

Target EDI Setup Process: Step-by-Step

Setting up EDI with Target involves coordination between your company, your EDI provider, and Target's vendor systems. Here's the process:

Phase 1: Vendor Agreement and Onboarding

Step 1: Complete Vendor Agreement

After Target's buying team selects your products, you'll complete the Vendor Agreement. This documents:

Product assortment and pricing

Payment terms (typically Net 30-60)

Compliance requirements and expectations

EDI requirements and deadlines

Step 2: Register in Partners Online

Target's vendor portal is called Partners Online. Registration includes:

Company legal information

Tax documentation (W-9)

Banking details for ACH payment

Primary contacts for orders, shipping, and compliance

Step 3: Obtain Vendor Number

Target assigns a unique vendor number that identifies your company across all their systems. This number appears on every EDI transaction and is essential for setup.

Phase 2: EDI Provider Selection and Configuration

Step 4: Select an EDI Provider

You have several options for Target EDI connectivity:

1. Full-Service EDI Provider (Recommended) - Provider manages technical setup and maintenance - Pre-built Target mappings available - Faster implementation timeline

2. VAN (Value Added Network) - Mailbox-based document routing - Works if you already have VAN connectivity - Additional fees per transaction

3. Direct Connection (AS2) - Connect directly to Target's systems - Requires more technical resources - No per-document VAN fees

Russ Wallace, CEO & Co-founder of Freestyle, emphasizes the value of speed:

"As a startup, our biggest advantage is speed of execution. Having a partner, like Crstl, who shares that same advantage and acts quickly was incredibly valuable, especially when it allowed us to get EDI set up with UNFI sooner, which in turn allowed us to secure better payment terms."

Step 5: Configure Connection

Work with your EDI provider to establish connectivity:

Exchange trading partner IDs with Target

Configure AS2 certificates or VAN mailbox routing

Test connectivity before document mapping

Step 6: Build Document Mappings

Your EDI system must translate Target's formats to your internal systems:

Map Target DPCI numbers to your item database

Configure DC location codes

Set up unit of measure conversions

Define exception and error handling rules

Phase 3: Testing and Certification

Step 7: Submit Test Documents

Target requires testing before production transactions:

Test 855 (PO Acknowledgment)

Send acknowledgment for test POs

Verify format compliance

Confirm all required fields populated

Test 856 (ASN)

Create ASN with correct hierarchical structure

Validate SSCC-18 format

Verify carton content accuracy

Test 810 (Invoice)

Submit invoice matching test PO

Verify pricing and quantity matching

Confirm required reference numbers

Step 8: Receive Certification Approval

Once all test documents pass validation:

Target enables production trading

You receive notification to begin live transactions

First orders are monitored for compliance

Phase 4: Go-Live and Optimization

Step 9: Process Live Orders

Monitor initial POs carefully

Verify ASN timing meets requirements

Confirm invoice reconciliation

Address any 997 acknowledgment errors immediately

Step 10: Establish Ongoing Compliance Monitoring

Review vendor scorecard in Partners Online weekly

Track chargeback trends monthly

Update mappings when Target changes requirements

Scale operations as order volume increases

Timeline Comparison

Target Partners Online: Your Vendor Portal

What is Partners Online?

Partners Online is Target's comprehensive vendor management portal. While EDI handles automated document exchange, Partners Online provides:

Order Management: View, search, and track purchase orders

Compliance Scorecards: Fill rate, on-time performance, and quality metrics

Item Management: Product setup, UPC registration, and content management

Financial Data: Invoice status, payment details, and deduction reports

Communication: Alerts, bulletins, and buyer messaging

Routing Guide: Shipping requirements and approved carriers

Key Partners Online Functions for EDI Vendors

Document Tracking

View EDI document status (sent, received, acknowledged)

Identify transmission errors or rejections

Access historical transaction records

Compliance Monitoring

Vendor scorecard with key performance metrics

Fill rate tracking (shipped vs. ordered quantities)

On-time delivery performance

ASN accuracy metrics

Chargeback Management

View current and historical chargebacks

Access chargeback detail and documentation

Submit disputes within allowed windows

Track dispute resolution status

Item Setup

Register new UPCs and DPCI assignments

Upload product content and images

Manage item hierarchy (eaches, inner packs, cases)

Partners Online and EDI Integration Points

GS1 and Barcode Requirements for Target

GS1 Company Prefix

Before becoming a Target vendor, you need a GS1 Company Prefix—the foundation for all product identification.

What You Need:

GS1 US Company Prefix (obtained from GS1 US)

Ability to generate unique GTINs for each product

Capability to create SSCC-18 codes for shipping containers

Cost Structure:

Initial license fee: $250 (up to 10 products) to $10,500+ (100,000+ products)

Annual renewal: $50 to $2,100+ depending on prefix capacity

GTIN/UPC Requirements

Target requires GS1-compliant GTINs on all products:

Product-Level Barcodes

Consumer unit (each) must have unique GTIN-12 or GTIN-13

Case pack must have unique GTIN-14 (ITF-14 barcode)

Each size, flavor, or variety requires separate GTIN

UPC Placement and Quality

UPC must be scannable at point of sale

Minimum barcode quality grade of C or higher

Placement per Target's packaging guidelines

DPCI (Department, Class, Item)

Target assigns an internal DPCI number to each item:

Used in Target systems alongside UPC

Required in EDI transactions

Maps to UPC in your item setup

SSCC-18 Requirements for ASN

SSCC-18 (Serial Shipping Container Code) uniquely identifies every carton shipped to Target.

Structure (18 digits):

Extension digit (1 digit): Usually "0"

GS1 Company Prefix (7-10 digits)

Serial reference (6-9 digits, assigned by you)

Check digit (1 digit, calculated)

Requirements:

Every carton must have unique SSCC-18

SSCC must appear on GS1-128 shipping label

SSCC in label must exactly match ASN (856) data

Carton contents must match ASN item detail

GS1-128 Shipping Label Requirements

Target requires GS1-128 compliant labels on every shipping carton:

Required Label Elements:

SSCC-18 barcode (Application Identifier 00)

Ship-to location (Target DC)

Ship-from information (your warehouse)

PO number reference

Carrier and tracking information

Format Specifications:

4" x 6" label (standard)

Clear barcode with proper quiet zones

Human-readable interpretation below barcodes

Placement: Two adjacent sides of carton

Josh Lazenby, Senior Operations Manager at KitchenSupply, emphasizes partner support:

"The ability and willingness of Crstl to help is night and day compared to other providers. They're not just a vendor; they're genuinely invested in our success."

Target ASN Requirements (EDI 856)

The ASN is the single most important compliance document for Target vendors. Errors here directly cause chargebacks.

ASN Timing Requirements

When to Send:

ASN must be transmitted BEFORE shipment arrives at Target DC

Target monitors the gap between ASN receipt and physical arrival

Late ASNs cause receiving delays and compliance failures

Best Practices:

Send ASN within 30 minutes of carrier pickup

For LTL shipments, send before carrier's last scan en route

Never send ASN after shipment has arrived

Why Timing Matters:

Target uses ASN data to schedule receiving labor

DCs expect specific shipments on specific days

Late or missing ASNs disrupt operations

ASN Hierarchical Structure

Target requires a specific hierarchical structure in the 856:

Shipment Level (HL01 = S)

├── Order Level (HL01 = O)

│   ├── Tare/Pallet Level (HL01 = T) - if applicable

│   │   └── Pack/Carton Level (HL01 = P)

│   │       └── Item Level (HL01 = I)

│   └── Pack/Carton Level (HL01 = P) - if no pallets

│       └── Item Level (HL01 = I)

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Levels Explained:

Shipment (S): Overall shipment information, carrier, dates

Order (O): Links to specific PO number

Tare (T): Pallet-level grouping (when applicable)

Pack (P): Individual carton with SSCC-18

Item (I): Contents of each carton by GTIN/UPC

ASN Content Requirements

Header (Shipment) Level:

Shipment identification number

Ship date and estimated delivery date

Carrier SCAC code and tracking/PRO number

Bill of lading number

Ship-from and ship-to locations

Order Level:

Target PO number

PO date

Pack (Carton) Level:

SSCC-18 for the carton

Carton weight

Carton dimensions (if required)

Item Level:

UPC/GTIN for each item

Quantity in the carton

Unit of measure

DPCI (Target's internal item number)

Common ASN Errors That Trigger Chargebacks

SSCC Mismatch

ASN SSCC doesn't match physical label on carton

DC scanner returns "SSCC not found" error

Result: Chargeback + manual receiving at your cost

Quantity Variance

ASN says 12 units in carton, physical count is 11

Creates inventory discrepancy

Result: Chargeback for overstated quantity

Missing Cartons

Physical shipment has cartons not listed in ASN

Cannot be received into Target inventory

Result: Potential return + chargeback

Wrong Ship-To Location

ASN shows different DC than actual destination

Creates receiving confusion

Result: Compliance violation

Item Not on PO

ASN includes item not ordered on the PO

Cannot be received against order

Result: Chargeback + return shipping

Target PO Compliance and Routing Guide

Understanding Target's Routing Guide

Target's Routing Guide specifies exactly how shipments must be prepared and transported. Compliance is not optional.

Key Routing Guide Elements:Carrier Selection

Target specifies approved carriers for each shipping lane

Collect shipments use Target's carrier contracts

Prepaid shipments may use vendor carriers with approval

Appointment Scheduling

Most DCs require delivery appointments

Appointments scheduled through Target's system

Missing appointments triggers chargebacks

Pallet Requirements

GMA standard pallets (48" x 40")

Maximum pallet height: 48-60" depending on DC

No mixed SKU pallets unless specified

Proper stretch wrap and corner boards

Carton Standards

Minimum carton strength (ECT rating)

No carton overhang on pallets

Proper labeling on two adjacent sides

Fill Rate and On-Time Requirements

Fill Rate

Target measures the percentage of ordered units actually shipped:

Target expectation: 95%+ fill rate

Calculated: Units Shipped ÷ Units Ordered

Tracked in Partners Online scorecard

On-Time Delivery

Measures whether shipments arrive within the delivery window:

Ship window: Specified on each PO

Arrival window: Based on ship date + transit time

Target expectation: 95%+ on-time

PO Compliance Best Practices

Review Every PO Upon Receipt

Verify item numbers and quantities

Check requested ship dates are achievable

Flag issues immediately via EDI 855

Plan Inventory to Support Fill Rates

Maintain safety stock for Target orders

Prioritize Target POs during allocation

Communicate shortages early

Ship Complete When Possible

Partial shipments create complexity

Multiple ASNs and invoices per PO

Higher chance of compliance errors

Silas Ang, Director of Operations at Immi, notes the importance of operational excellence:

"Crstl is exactly what I wanted and more. I would recommend them to any food & beverage brand at any stage. Their platform is easy to use and their customer service is terrific."

Common Target EDI Errors and Chargebacks

Understanding Target Chargebacks

Target deducts chargeback fees directly from your payments. Categories include:

Compliance Chargebacks

ASN errors and timing violations

Labeling non-compliance

Routing guide violations

Shortage Chargebacks

Quantity discrepancies between ASN and receipt

Missing cartons in shipment

Concealed shortages discovered later

Quality Chargebacks

Damaged goods received

Expired or short-dated product

Non-compliant packaging

Common Chargeback Causes and Costs

Disputing Target Chargebacks

Review Chargeback Detail

Access chargeback information in Partners Online

Document includes reason code and evidence

Determine if dispute is warranted

Gather Supporting Documentation

Proof of delivery with quantities

ASN transmission confirmation

Photos of shipment (if available)

Carrier delivery receipt

Submit Dispute Within Window

Target allows disputes within 30-60 days (varies by type)

Submit through Partners Online dispute system

Include all supporting documentation

Track Resolution

Monitor dispute status in Partners Online

Respond promptly to any Target requests

Document outcomes for process improvement

Preventing Chargebacks with AI-Powered EDI

Modern EDI platforms prevent chargebacks through intelligent automation:

Pre-Transmission Validation

Validate ASN against PO before sending

Verify SSCC-18 format and uniqueness

Check quantities against order requirements

Flag discrepancies before they become chargebacks

Real-Time Compliance Monitoring

Track ASN timing vs. carrier events

Alert when shipments are at risk

Automated escalation for issues

Predictive Analytics

Identify patterns that historically cause chargebacks

Proactive recommendations to prevent issues

Continuous learning from transaction history

Ryan Chen, CFO & Co-founder of Neuro, experienced the transformation:

"Crstl delivers a product that makes traditional platforms look like a protection racket. As a fast-emerging brand, Crstl enables us to adapt and scale without viewing us as another pocket to pick."

Target EDI Compliance Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure your Target EDI readiness:

Before Vendor Onboarding

[ ] GS1 Company Prefix obtained from GS1 US

[ ] GTINs created for all products (eaches and cases)

[ ] Products registered in GS1 US Data Hub

[ ] EDI provider selected and contracted

[ ] Internal team identified (operations, finance, compliance contacts)

[ ] Warehouse capable of GS1-128 labeling

During Setup

[ ] Target Vendor Number received

[ ] Partners Online access configured for all team members

[ ] EDI trading partner relationship established

[ ] Connection tested (AS2 or VAN)

[ ] Document mappings built (850, 855, 856, 810)

[ ] ERP/WMS integration configured

[ ] DPCI-to-UPC mapping complete

[ ] GS1-128 label templates created

[ ] SSCC-18 generation process established

Testing Phase

[ ] Test 855 (PO Acknowledgment) accepted

[ ] Test 856 (ASN) accepted with correct hierarchy

[ ] Test 810 (Invoice) accepted

[ ] Full order cycle tested (850 → 855 → 856 → 810)

[ ] Partial shipment scenario tested (if applicable)

[ ] Certification approval received from Target

Go-Live Readiness

[ ] Operations team trained on EDI workflows

[ ] Warehouse team trained on labeling requirements

[ ] Exception handling procedures documented

[ ] Chargeback monitoring process established

[ ] Routing Guide downloaded and reviewed

[ ] Approved carrier list confirmed

[ ] Partners Online compliance dashboards bookmarked

Ongoing Compliance

[ ] Weekly Partners Online scorecard review

[ ] Weekly ASN accuracy monitoring

[ ] Monthly chargeback analysis and root cause review

[ ] Monthly fill rate review

[ ] Quarterly EDI mapping review for Target updates

[ ] Annual GS1 data verification and renewal

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the basic Target EDI requirements?

Target requires all vendors to exchange documents electronically using ANSI X12 EDI standards. The core required documents are: EDI 850 (Purchase Order received from Target), EDI 855 (Purchase Order Acknowledgment), EDI 856 (Advance Ship Notice), and EDI 810 (Invoice). Vendors must connect via AS2 protocol or through an approved VAN. All products require GS1-compliant GTINs, and all shipping cartons require SSCC-18 identification matching the ASN.

How long does it take to set up Target EDI?

With traditional EDI providers, Target EDI setup typically takes 7-12 weeks from contract signing to go-live. This includes provider onboarding (2-3 weeks), connection configuration (1-2 weeks), document mapping (2-4 weeks), and certification testing (2-3 weeks). Modern AI-powered EDI platforms can reduce this timeline to 1-2 weeks by using pre-built Target mappings and automated testing.

What is the cost of Target EDI?

Target EDI costs vary based on your provider and transaction volume. Traditional providers typically charge implementation fees ($1,000-5,000), monthly minimums ($300-800), and per-document fees ($0.15-0.50 per transaction). Modern AI-powered EDI platforms often offer flat monthly pricing ($500-1,500/month) without per-document fees. Additional costs include GS1 membership ($250-10,500/year depending on product count) and any ERP/WMS integration work.

What is Partners Online and how does it relate to EDI?

Partners Online is Target's vendor management portal. While EDI handles automated document exchange (orders, ASNs, invoices), Partners Online provides the user interface for managing your Target business: viewing orders, monitoring compliance scorecards, managing chargebacks, setting up items, and accessing the Routing Guide. Both systems are essential—EDI for transactions, Partners Online for visibility and management.

What happens if my ASN doesn't match the physical shipment?

ASN discrepancies trigger chargebacks and receiving delays. If your ASN shows items or quantities that don't match the physical shipment, Target's DC cannot efficiently receive the goods. Common penalties range from $75-500 per incident depending on severity. Repeated accuracy failures impact your vendor scorecard and can affect future order allocation. Prevention through pre-transmission validation is essential.

How do I handle Target chargebacks?

When you receive a chargeback, first review the detail in Partners Online to understand the reason code and evidence. Determine if a dispute is warranted—not all chargebacks are disputable. For valid disputes, gather supporting documentation (delivery receipts, ASN confirmations, photos) and submit through Partners Online within the allowed window (typically 30-60 days). Track dispute status and document outcomes to improve processes.

What is the difference between Target store EDI and Target.com?

Target store vendors use traditional EDI as described in this guide, shipping to Target distribution centers for store replenishment. Target Plus partners (third-party sellers on Target.com) use API-based integration rather than EDI, with different requirements focused on e-commerce fulfillment. Drop ship vendors who ship directly to Target.com customers have a hybrid requirement set. Clarify your vendor type with Target to understand specific requirements.

Can I use the same EDI setup for Target as other retailers?

While many retailers use the same ANSI X12 EDI standards, each has specific requirements for document content, timing, and hierarchy structure. Your EDI provider should maintain separate trading partner profiles for each retailer. If you already have EDI with Walmart, UNFI, or other retailers, adding Target typically requires new mapping work but can leverage your existing connection infrastructure. AI-powered EDI platforms with pre-built retailer templates make multi-retailer EDI much simpler.

Conclusion

Target EDI compliance is non-negotiable for vendors who want to maintain a profitable relationship with one of America's most desirable retailers. The brands that thrive with Target treat EDI not as a burden but as a competitive advantage that enables growth.

Key takeaways from this guide:1. Understand Target's Expectations

Target expects full compliance from day one. EDI 850, 855, 856, and 810 documents must flow accurately via AS2 or VAN, with strict timing and accuracy requirements. Non-compliance triggers immediate chargebacks.

2. Choose the Right EDI Infrastructure

Your EDI provider choice determines your speed to market and ongoing compliance burden. AI-powered platforms offer faster onboarding, pre-built Target mappings, and built-in validation that prevents errors before they become chargebacks.

3. Master the ASN

The EDI 856 (ASN) is where most Target chargebacks originate. SSCC-18 accuracy, quantity matching, correct hierarchy structure, and timing are all critical. Pre-transmission validation catches errors before they cost you money.

4. Use Partners Online Proactively

Don't wait for problems. Review your vendor scorecard weekly. Monitor fill rates and on-time metrics. Catch compliance trends early and address root causes before they escalate.

5. Build for Scale

When your EDI foundation is solid, Target growth becomes an opportunity rather than an operational nightmare. The right infrastructure lets you focus on selling more product and expanding your Target business.

The vendors winning with Target are those who view EDI compliance as a core operational capability—not a necessary evil. Modern, AI-powered EDI makes that capability accessible to emerging brands, not just enterprise suppliers with dedicated EDI teams.

Ready to Simplify Target EDI?

Get compliant with Target in days, not months. See how AI-powered EDI prevents chargebacks and accelerates your retail growth.

Book a Demo | View Case Studies | Contact SalesThis guide is maintained by Crstl, the modern B2B commerce network. Crstl helps brands like KitchenSupply, Elavi, Freestyle, Neuro, and Immi achieve EDI compliance with major retailers including Target, Walmart, UNFI, and Whole Foods.

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