KeHE deduction codes (invoice prefixes) explained
Every KeHE deduction starts with a short letter prefix in front of the invoice number. `IA4410021` is an invoice adjustment, `MA…` the Connect BI allowance, `N…` a scan promotion. Read the prefix first and you know which documents can win the dispute.
Deadline: KeHE's Supplier Policies & Procedures (1 Nov 2025, s.4.4) require you to file the repayment request electronically in K-Solve within 180 days of the deduction, "otherwise Supplier's objection is waived". For receiving shortages, answer the UDR within 48 hours.
The groups that matter
| Group | Example prefixes | Usually… | Win with |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shortage / invoice adjustment | IA, KC, C | Disputable if your POD is signed by a KeHE employee | KeHE PO, KeHE-signed POD/BOL, your UDR reply |
| Price | XPP (price protection), IA | Disputable when the PO supports your price (KeHE pays the lower of PO net or invoice) | PO, invoice, price-change submission |
| Promotion / MCB scans & ads | N, H, A, TG; banners MN, SN, SWN, AA, SA | Depends: dispute only if terms differ from what you approved | Signed promo / roadmap, proof of execution, MCB backup |
| Unsaleables | G, Q, CS, MD | Medium. Check the spoilage allowance isn't also taken off-invoice | P&P Terms Form, store detail |
| Compliance fines | E, SLF | Medium. Check the quarter's on-time % | Routing guide, delivery records |
| Retailer pass-through | S, P, D, U, IP, NP | Repaid only if the retailer repays KeHE | Retailer program agreement |
| Retailer audits / reclamation | RR, GP, HB, JW, SV, SW | Low; can arrive 2+ years later | Original deal, proof already paid |
| Contractual (rarely worth it) | MA (Connect BI ~2%), IAA, I, PF, BF, 2% terms, 8% MCB fee ($65 min/DC) | Valid unless the rate is wrong | Fee Schedule / P&P Terms Form |
Tip: single-letter prefixes overlap with longer ones. MN… is Meijer scan, not M = samples plus a stray N. Always match the longest prefix.
Prioritise by age
With a 180-day hard stop and reviews that can take about three weeks each, anything older than ~120 days should go to the top of the pile. A denial after day 150 leaves little room to refile.
Check a whole K-Solve export
Export your deductions from KeHE CONNECT and drop the file into Deduction Decoder. It decodes every prefix, flags what's expired or urgent, and totals what looks disputable. Everything runs inside your browser, so KeHE data never leaves your computer.
Sources: KeHE Supplier Policies & Procedures, 1 Nov 2025 (s.4.4, 7.4, 11.4); iNymbus "KeHE deduction codes & invoice prefixes"; Trewup "KeHE deductions: types, codes, and how to dispute". Not legal advice. Not affiliated with KeHE.