Walmart Code 21: Concealed shortage.
Walmart Code 21 means cases were found missing after the shipment was opened, even though the delivery was signed for in full. Because the shortage was found after receipt, clean delivery paperwork is your strongest evidence.
Why Walmart issues Code 21.
- Cases were counted short after the trailer was unloaded
- Units were missing inside cartons that arrived sealed
- Product was moved or misplaced after receipt
- Packing lists didn't match the cartons inside the pallet
Documents that win.
- Signed clean POD with no shortage notation
- BOL with case count and seal number
- Packing list
- Loading records or photos from your warehouse or 3PL
How to dispute it.
Locate Code 21 on your Walmart remittance and note the invoice and PO.
Collect every document listed above for that shipment.
Submit it in the Accounts Payable Dispute Portal (APDP) in Retail Link, with the documents attached. This code is reported as eligible for mass dispute creation.
If Walmart returns it for supplier action, respond within its 7-day window.
Reviews typically take about 60 to 75 days.
Why disputes on this code fail.
- The seal was broken or not recorded
- No loading evidence to show the cases were shipped
PreventionRecord seal numbers on every BOL. Keep loading photos for each outbound trailer for at least two years.
Walmart generally reviews accounts payable deduction disputes up to two years after the deduction. Dispute as early as possible: the oldest claims expire first.
Source: Walmart supplier guidance · Verified by Laxmi Narayan · 23 Oct 2026We'll check whether yours is disputable, free, in 72 hours.