EDI Reference / segments / REF
REF

Reference Identification

A general-purpose reference number (department, vendor, contract, etc.).

Key elements

ElementNameWhat it carries
REF01 Reference Qualifier What kind of reference (DP=department, IA=vendor).
REF02 Reference Value The number itself.

Key elements only — the ones that matter in retail trade, not the full element list.

Appears in

850 · Purchase Order 855 · Purchase Order Acknowledgment 856 · Advance Ship Notice (ASN) 810 · Invoice 860 · Purchase Order Change

See a real REF in context — paste any X12 and the Inspector breaks out every segment.

Inspect an X12 free