Deduction Codes & Dispute Guide
Kroger uses 8 deduction reason codes across 4 categories. Of these, 8 are typically disputable with proper documentation. The standard dispute window is 180 days from the deduction date.
Submit via Lavante portal (transitioning to Supplier Connect by PRGX). Once filed, no changes allowed -- verify all documentation before submitting. DM chargebacks handled separately via Kroger Reclaim.
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All known Kroger deduction reason codes with dispute guidance.
| Code | Name | Category | Disputable | Recovery | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Promo Allowance Difference (OI) Off-invoice promotional allowance not received or incorrectly applied. Sub-types: OI, NA, KSD/KSI/KSP/KSR, PC/PSD/PSI/PSP/PSR. | trade | Yes | medium | Submit signed deal sheet and proof of off-invoice discount applied. Verify promo dates and stores. |
| 3 | Promo Cost Difference (List Cost) Unit price discrepancy between invoice and Kroger's expected cost. | pricing | Yes | high | Provide cost confirmation and any cost-change communications. |
| 4 | Shortage / Damage / Do Not Stock Fewer products received than invoiced. Sub-types: SH (Shortage), RT (Return Issues), OV (Overage). | logistics | Yes | high | Provide BOL, POD, and packing list. Challenge with weight tickets if applicable. |
| 5 | Do Not Stock / EDI Non-Compliance Invoice not sent via EDI, or item is discontinued/not authorized. | compliance | Yes | medium | Provide EDI transmission confirmation. If item is authorized, show authorization proof. |
| 6 | Item Invoiced / Not Received Invoice exists but product never received. Sub-types: EC (EDI Non-Compliance), WV (Wrong Vendor), MR (Medturn Returns). | logistics | Yes | high | Provide shipping confirmation, BOL, POD. Include ASN and carrier tracking. |
| 7 | Overage (PCM) Kroger received more product than ordered. Positive deduction. | logistics | Yes | high | Verify PO quantities. If overship, negotiate return or credit. |
| 8 | Net Total Dollar Difference Catch-all when Kroger cannot auto-determine if discrepancy is price or quantity. Sub-types: CD (Cash Discount), LC (List Cost), SP (Stop Payment). | pricing | Yes | high | Request detailed breakdown. Compare invoice total to PO total line by line. |
| 9 | Pickup Allowance (Freight/Logistics) Freight charge deduction when Kroger's carrier picks up a PO. | logistics | Yes | high | Verify pickup actually occurred. Check if freight was already accounted for. |
Proactive steps to reduce deductions and improve compliance.
You CANNOT modify a dispute once submitted -- double-check everything before filing
Code 2 (OI) is the most common -- always match to signed deal sheets
Code 8 (Net Dollar Diff) is a catch-all -- request line-level detail
DM chargebacks and reclamation go through different channels than standard disputes
Watch for Fred Meyer claims (701 Series) if distributing to that banner
Keep partnerportal@kroger.com in your contacts for promotional allowance questions
Stop spending hours on manual deduction research. AisleCore automatically matches deductions to promotions, flags invalid charges, and generates dispute documentation.