Target deduction & chargeback codes
A Target deduction (or chargeback) is money Targetsubtracts from a supplier's invoice when a shipment breaks a compliance rule. Below are the 5 Target codes we track, each with what triggers it, the typical penalty, and how to prevent it before you ship.
- Deduction / DamageCode A032: Damage / defective (invoice-receipt difference)View details →
- Deduction / ShortageCode A034: Unit / internal shortage or case-pack differenceView details →
- Deduction / PricingCode A036: Cost difference (invoice vs Target's cost)View details →
- Deduction / SubstitutionCode A038: Substitution (invoice-receipt difference)View details →
- Deduction / AutoCode A176: Auto chargeback (system-generated difference)View details →
Target deduction codes: common questions
How many deduction codes does Target have?
We currently document 5 Target deduction and chargeback codes, each with what triggers it, the typical penalty, and how to prevent it. Target may assess others; we add and verify codes against public sources over time.
What is the difference between a Target chargeback and a deduction?
In retail vendor compliance the two terms are used interchangeably: the retailer subtracts, or "charges back," money from your invoice when a shipment breaks a rule in the vendor agreement. This is not the same as a payment-card chargeback, which is a consumer dispute on a credit-card transaction.
How do you prevent Target deductions?
Catch the ASN, label, routing, or invoice error before the shipment leaves your dock. Each code page lists its common causes and prevention steps, and the Target prevention playbook collects the pre-shipment checks that matter most.
Last reviewed 2026-07-09. Compiled by the GetChargeback editorial team from public retailer vendor documentation and GS1/X12 EDI standards. How we research and verify.
GetChargeback is not affiliated with Target. This is an informational reference, not legal, financial, or compliance advice.