Walmart Code 29: Defective merchandise.
Walmart Code 29 is issued when Walmart deducts for merchandise deemed defective at the store or distribution center level. It is disputable if your Vendor Agreement includes a fixed Defective Allowance (Destroy in Field) that supersedes per-unit defective deductions.
Why Walmart issues Code 29.
- Store-level returns or quality claims processed through Walmart Return Centers
- System error deducting per-unit defectives despite an active Defective Allowance on the Vendor Agreement
- Packaging failure or expiration issue identified at the DC
Documents that win.
- Signed Walmart Vendor Agreement highlighting the Defective Merchandise Allowance / Destroy in Field clause
- Invoice and PO showing the defective allowance was already deducted off-invoice
- Quality assurance batch records if disputing a mass defect claim
How to dispute it.
Find remittance line for Code 29 in Accounts Payable Dispute Portal (APDP) in Retail Link. Note the PO, invoice number, and claim amount.
Collect and verify documentation: Signed Walmart Vendor Agreement highlighting the Defective Merchandise Allowance / Destroy in Field clause, Invoice and PO showing the defective allowance was already deducted off-invoice, Quality assurance batch records if disputing a mass defect claim. Ensure piece counts and timestamps match.
File dispute claim package via APDP selecting claim reason for Code 29 (Defective merchandise) and attaching all verification documents.
Monitor claim status in APDP until approved (60-75 days). Approved credit memo will apply to a future settlement remittance.
Walmart generally reviews accounts payable deduction disputes up to two years after the deduction date in APDP. Check your remaining filing window with our free Dispute deadline checker.
Source: Walmart supplier guidance · Verified by Laxmi Narayan · 2026We audit remittances, assemble proof documents, and handle end-to-end Walmart deduction recovery on pure contingency. We'll check whether yours is disputable, free, in 72 hours.