DESADV

Despatch Advice. The EDIFACT message that announces a shipment: contents, packaging, dates, logistics references.

Definition

The DESADV message (Despatch Advice Message) is defined, per UN/EDIFACT directory D.96A, to "inform the receiver of the details of goods despatched under conditions agreed". It is typically emitted by the supplier or logistics warehouse before or at the time of physical departure, and received by the buyer or consignee before the truck arrives.

DESADV describes the shipment at three levels:

1. Header — DESADV number, dates, sender, receiver, order references.
2. Package / pallet (CPS, PAC) — hierarchical packaging structure, SSCC for each logistic unit.
3. Line item (LIN, QTY, IMD) — articles, quantities, batches, expiry dates.

Origin

DESADV is one of the historical messages of the EDIFACT commercial core, present from the first early-1990s directories. Directory D.96A officially archives the specification dated 27 November 1995 (UN/EDIFACT Directory D.96A, message DESADV). The GS1 EANCOM subset builds on top of it the dominant format for European retail, adding the GS1 SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code).

Example in context

When a supplier ships a truck to a retailer's warehouse:

1. The supplier's WMS generates a DESADV listing pallets (SSCC), articles, batches, and the source ORDERS reference via an RFF ON segment.
2. The DESADV is sent via AS2 to the retailer, typically before actual departure.
3. On physical receipt, the warehouse scans the SSCCs and reconciles line-by-line against the DESADV. Any discrepancy raises a claim.

See the full message page: DESADV D.96A.

Related terms

• ORDERS — the purchase order preceding the DESADV.
• INVOIC — the invoice following delivery.
• ASN — Advanced Shipping Notice, the X12 856 equivalent.
• RFF — the segment linking the DESADV to the order.