Costco Vendor EDI Setup: A Supplier’s Guide

Costco is unique in retail — their warehouse model, merchandise strategy, and vendor compliance requirements all differ from traditional retailers. Here’s what you need to know about EDI setup.

Costco’s EDI Requirements

Costco uses a subset of standard ANSI X12 EDI:

• 850: Purchase Order
• 855: PO Acknowledgment
• 856: ASN (required for all shipments)
• 810: Invoice
• 997: Functional Acknowledgment

Connection Options

Costco supports both VAN and AS2 connections. Many suppliers use their existing VAN relationships for Costco connectivity.

Carton Labeling at Costco

Costco’s labeling requirements are distinct:

• Each pallet must have a Costco-specific pallet label
• Carton labels follow GS1-128 format but with Costco-specific fields
• Inner pack requirements vary by product category

Pallet Requirements

Costco is very specific about pallet configuration:

• Standard GMA pallet (48" x 40")
• Maximum pallet height varies by product category
• Pallet must be "floor-ready" — Costco moves pallets directly to the floor

Costco’s Receiving Process

Costco DCs receive pallets, not individual cartons. Your ASN must accurately reflect pallet-level details, not just carton counts.

Seasonal and Special Buy Programs

Costco runs large seasonal buys — back-to-school, holiday, etc. These often have compressed timelines and additional compliance requirements. Spring Systems has helped suppliers navigate these programs with expedited setup and testing.