EDI - EANCOM specifications
Supplier Actions

Interchange Header

Seq Element Element Description Req Data Length Example Data Notes
UNB   Interchange Header M      
  0001 Syntax identifier M an4 UNOA  
  :0002 Syntax version M n1 3  
  +0004 Sender identification M an35   Supplier's mailbox ANA no.
  :0007 Qualifier M an4 ZZ,01,08,12,14 Supplier's qualifier
  :0008 Address for reverse n     Not used
  +0010 Recipient identification M an35 5023949000004 John Lewis ANA number
  :0007 Qualifier M an4 14 John Lewis qualifier
  :0014 Routing address n     Not used
  +0017 Date M n6 20130326 Format YYMMDD
  :0019 Time M n4 1139 Format HHMM
  +0020 Interchange control ref. M an14 3408 Unique number
  +0022 Password M an14 Network password  
  :0025 Qualifier n     Not used
  +0026 Application ref. M an14 INVOIC  
  +0029 Processing priority n     Not used
  +0031 Acknowledgment req. n     Not used
  +0032 Communications agreement n     Not used
  +0035 Test indicator n     Not used

 

Message Header

Seg Element Element Description Req Data Length Example Data Notes
UNH   Message Header M      
  0062 Message reference number M an..14 3652 Sequential no. unique to your supplier's ANA no. and this INVOIC doc. We check this no. and will reject any files
which are out of sequence. DE0062 in UNT will have the same value
  +0065 Message type identifier M an..6 INVOICES  
  :0052 Message type version number M an3 D D = draft directory
  :0054 Message type release M an3 96A Version
  :0051 Controlling agency M an2 UN  
  0057 Association assigned code M an6 EAN008 Version control number
  +0068 Common access ref     Not used
  +S010 Status of the transfer n     Not used

 

Beginning of Message

Note: This segment is used to indicate the type and function of a message and to transmit the identifying number.

Seg Element Element Description Req Data Length Example Data Notes
BGM C002 Beginning of Message M      
  1001 Document message name M an3 380 = Commercial Invoice
          384 = Corrected Invoice
  :1131 Code list qualifier n     Not used
  :3055 Code list agency n     Not used
  :1000 Doc / message name n     Not used
  +1004 Doc / message no. M an35 Your invoice number Invoice no. assigned by document sender
  +1225 Message function  M an3  9 = Original
          7 = Duplicate
          43 = Additional
  +4343 Response type n     Not used

 

Date/Time Period

Note: This segment is used to specify the date or period of the invoice. It may also be used to specify the date on which the goods were despatched, delivered or received.

Seg Element Element Description Req Data Length Example Notes
DTM   Date/ Time period M      
  2005 Date/ Time period qualifier M an3 20130331 137 = document date/time
            325 = tax date
            11 = despatch time
            35 = delivery date/time
            50 = recipient date/time
  :2380 Date time M an35    
  :2379 Date/time format qualifier M an3   102 = CCYYMMDD
            203 = CCYYMMDDHHMM

 

Additional Information

Note: This segment is used to specify any special conditions which apply to the goods being invoiced. The country of origin of all the products ( if it is the same) may be specified here in the header section.

Seg Element Element Description Req Data Length Example Data Notes
ALI   Additional information M     For non-UK invoices. Used to specify any special conditions which may apply to the goods being invoiced.
  3239 Country of origin M an3 ALI+GB IDO3103166 country code two alpha country code
  +9213 Type of duty n     Not used
  +4183 Special conditions n     Not used

 

Free Text

Note: This segment is used to provider free form or coded text information which applies to the complete invoice message.

Seg Element Element Description Req Data Length Example Data Notes
FTX   Free Text M      
  4451 Text subject qualifier M an3 PUR = Purchasing information
  +4453 Text function n     Not used
  +C107 Text reference n     Not used
  +4440 Free text O an70 Free text Narrative - up to 28 characters, optional
  :4440 Free text O an70 Free text Narrative - up to 28 characters, all :4440 fields are optional narrative fields
  +3453 Language O an3   ISO 639 two alpha code

 

Reference

Note: This segment is used to specify references which relate to the whole invoice, for example Purchase Order Numbers, Delivery Numbers, etc.

Seg Element Element Descritpion Req Data Length Example Data  Notes
RFF   Reference M      
  1153 Reference qualifier M an3 ON =JL order number. You must send this seg. Any messages without a valid 6 digit number are rejected.
          ALL = Invoice batch number. Must match the TAXCON batch sent with the invoice
          DQ = Delivery note number, optional
  :1154 Ref. number M an35 6 digit order number JL order number
  :1156 Line number n     Not used
  :4000 Ref. version n     Not used

 

Name & Address

Note: This segment is used to identity the Trading Parties involved in the invoice process - Identification of the Buyer and Supplier of goods and services in mandatory in the invoice.

Seg Element Element Description Req Data Length Example Data Notes
NAD   Name & address M      
  3035 Party qualifier M an3 5023949000004 BY = Buyer. JL ANA no. - always sent
            SR = Supplier's agent. OPD only - overseas suppliers etc
          1234567891231 SU = Supplier. Supplier's ANA no.
          1234567891231 DP = Delivery party
            VN = Supplier's ANA no. Optional, not sent if SU used
  +3039 Party identifier M an35   ANA number for party specified in 3035
  :1131 Code list qualifier n     Not used
  :3035 Code list agency M an3 9 =EAN
  +C058 Name & address freeform n     Not used
  +3036 Party name M an35 Name  
  :3036 Party name n      
  :3036 Party name n     Not used
  :3036 Party name n     Not used
  :3036 Party name n     Not used
  :3045 Party name format n     Not used
  +C059 Street n     Not used
  +3164 City name n     Not used
  +3229 Country n     Not used
  +3251 Postcode n     Not used

 

Reference

Seg Element Element Description Req Data Length Example Data Notes
RFF   Reference M     Mandatory for all UK suppliers paying VAT and for non-UK suppliers
  1153 Reference qualifier M an3 VA = VAT reg. no.
  :1154 Reference no. M an35 VAT re. no. Supplier's VAT reg
  :1156 Line number n     Not used
  :4000 Reference version n     Not used

 

Contact information

Seg Element Element Description Req Data Length Example Data Notes
CTA   Contact information O     Optional
  3139 Contact function O an3 AD =Accounts contact
          AP = Accounts payable
          AR = Accounts receivable
  +3413 Employee identification n     Not used
  :3412 Employee n an35   Not used
COM   Communication contact O     Optional
  3148 Communication number O an512   Tel or fax number
  :3155 Communication channel O an3 EM = Email
          FX = Fax
          TE = Telephone

 

Currency

Notes:  This segment is used to specify currency information for the complete invoice.

Seg Element Element Description Req Data Length Example Data Notes
CUX   Currency M     Optional
  6347 Currency detail qualifier M an3 CUX+2 2 = Reference currency
  :6345 Currency M an3 GBP ISO4217 currency code
  :6343 Currency qualifier M an3 4 = invoicing currency
  :6348 Currency rate n     Not used
  +C504 Currency details 2 n     Not used
  +5402 Rate of exchange n     Not used
  +6341 Currency market exchange n     Not used

 

Payment Terms

Seg Element Element Description Req Data Length Example Data Notes
PAT   Payment Terms       Mandatory for all non-UK invoices. Not used for nUK invoices
  4279 Payment terms type qualifier M an3 1 = Basic
  +4277 Terms of payment ID M an17 22 = Discount
  :1131 Code list qualifier n     Not used
  :3055 Code list agency n     Not used
  :4276 Terms of payment text 1 M an35    
  :4276 Terms of payment text 2 M an35    
  +2475 Payment terms ref M an3 5 = invoice date
  :2009 Time relation N an3 3 = after reference
  :2151 Type of period M an3 D = Day
          M = Month
  :2152 No of periods M n3   Number of periods for payment

 

Date/Time Period

Notes: This segment is used to specify any dates associated with the payment terms for the invoice.

Seg Element Element Description Req Data length Example Data Notes
DTM   Date / Time period M      
  2005 Date / time period qualifier M an3 7 = Effective date/time
  :2380 Date / time M an35    
  :2379 Date / time format qualifier M an3 102 =CCYYMMDD

 

Monetary Amount

Note: This segment is used to specify monetary values which will be allowed or charged if the Invoices pays (does not pay) to terms.

Seg Element Element Description Req Data Length Example Data Notes
MOA   Monetary Amount       Settlement discount before VAT - Optional
  5025 Monetary amount qualifier M an3 21 = cash discount
  :5004 Monetary amount M n18    
  :6345 Currency n     Not used
  :6343 Currency qualifier n     Not used
  :4005 Satus n     Not used

 

Transport Details

Note: This segment is used to specify transport services provided for the delivery of the invoiced line items, such as express transport services.

Seg Element Element Description Req Data Length Example Data Notes
TDT   Transport details       Mandatory for non-UK suppliers. This segment is used to specify transport services provided for the delivery of the invoice line items, such as express transport service.
  8051 Transport stage an3 20 = Main carriage
  +8028 Reference number M      
 

C220

+8067

Mode of transport coded M an3 10  =Maritime
          20 = Rail
          30 = Road
          40 = Air
  :8066 Mode of transport n     Not used
 

C228

+8179

Transport means C  

23

25

31

= Rails

= Rail express

= Truck

  +C400 Carrier n     Not used
  +C401 Excess transport n     Not used
  +C222 Transport ID n     Not used
  +8281 Transport ownership n     Not used

 

Terms of Delivery

Note: This segment is used to specify the terms of delivery for the complete invoice. When specifying terms of delivery it is required in EANCOM to use incoterms.

Seg Element Element Description Req Data Length Example Data Notes
TOD   Terms of delivery       Mandatory for non-UK
suppliers. This segment is used to specify the terms of delivery for the complete invoice.
  4055 Terms of delivery function M an3 6 = Delivery condition
  +4215 Method of payment M      
  +4043 Terms of delivery M an3   Use INCOTERMS 1990
  :1131 Code list qualifer n     Not used
  :3055 Code list agency n     Not used
  :4052 Terms of delivery n     Not used
  :4052 Terms of delivery n     Not used

 

Allowance or Charge

Note: This segment is used to indicate any Allowances or Charges to the total invoice, e. g. packaging costs.

Seg Element Element Description Req Data Length Example Data Notes
ALC   Allowance or charge M     Sent to add a surcharge/carriage ti the cost of goods on the order
  5463 Allowance qualifier M an3 C = Charge / carriage
  +C552 Allowance information n     Not used
  +4471 Settlement coded M   6 Charged to be paid by customer
  +1227 Calculation sequence n     Not used
  +7161 Special services codes M an3 FC = Freight charge/carriage
          HD = Handling
          IN = Insurance
  :1131 Code list qualifier n     Not used
  :3055 Code list agency n     Not used
  :7160 Sepcial service n     Not used
  :7160 Special service n     Not used
MOA   Monetary Amount       Surcharge/carriage before VAT
  5025 Monetary amount qualifier M an3 23 = charge amount
  :5004 Monetary amount M n18   Not used
  :6345 Currency n     Not used
  :6345 Currency qualifier n     Not used
  :4405 Status n     Not used

 

Line Details

Note: This segment is used to indicate the beginning of the details sections of the Invoice message. The detail section is formed by a repeating group of segments, always starting with a LIN segment.

Seg Element Element Description Req Data Length Example Data Notes
LIN   Line Item M      
  1082 Line item number M n6   Invoice line item number from PO
  +1229 Action request n      
  +7140 Item number M an35   EAN8, UPC12 or EAN13 code. Must be the same item number sent by JL on EDI order
  :7143 Item number type M an3 EN =EAN
          UP = UPC12
  :1131 Code list qualifier n     Not used
  :3055 Code list agency n     Not used
  +C829 Sub line info N     Not used
  +1222 Configuration level n     Not used
  +7083 Configuration n     Not used

 

Additional Product ID

Notes: This segment is used to specify additional or substitutional item identification codes such as buyer’s or supplier’s item number.

Seg Element Element Description Req Data Length Example Data Notes
PIA   Additional Product ID M      
  4347 Prodict ID function M an3 5 = Product information
          1 = Additional info -commodity group for EC Intrastats imports. Supplemental ID
which provides more
info complementary
to the main global trade no. (provided in LIN segment) e.g. a batch no., promo
variant no., product group no.
  +7140 Item number M an35 Supplier's item number If not EAN/UPC. If 5 sent in 4374
          EC Intrastats commodity group If 1 sent in 4374
  :7143 Item number type M an3 SA = Supplier's article number
          HS = Harmonised system
          CG = EC Intrastats
  :1131 Code list qulifier n     Not used
  :3055 Code list agency n     Not used
  +C212 Item number ID n     Not used
  +C212 Item number ID       Not used
  +C212 Item number ID       Not used
  +C212
Item number ID       Not used

 

Item Description

Seg Element Element Description Req Data Length Example Data Notes
IMD   Item Description M      
  7077 Item description type M an3   Must be A, E or F (free-form text)
  :7081 item characteristic n     Not used
  +7009 Item description code n     Not used
  :1131 Code list qualifier n     Not used
  :3055 Code list agency n     Not used
  :7008 Item description n     Not used
  :3453 Language n     Not used
  +7383 Surface/layer indicator n     Not used

 

Measurements

Seg Element Element Description Req Data Length Example Data Notes
MEA   Measurements       For measured sq metre stock only
  6311 Measurement qualifier M an3 PD = Physical dimensions
  +6313 Measurement qualifier M an3 LN = Length
          WD = Width - sq metred only
  :6321 Measurement significance n     Not used
  :6155 Measurement attribute, coded n     Not used
  :6154 Measurement attribute n     Not used
  +6411 Meaure unit qualifier M an3 MTR = Metre
  :6314 Measurement value M n18 Piece length Measured & sq metred stock. Up to 3 decimal places
          Piece width For sq metred stock. Up to 3 decimal places
  :6162 Range minuimum n     Not used
  :6152 Range maximum n     Not used
  :6432 Significant digits n     Not used
  +7383 Surface/layer indicator n     Not used

 

Quantity

Seg Element Element Description Req Data Length Example Data Notes
QTY   Quantity        
  6063 Quantity qualifier M an3 47 = Invoice quantity - no. of traded units
          59 = Pack size - no. of consumer units in traded unit
  :6060 Quantity M n15    
  :6411 Measure unit qualifier M an3 MTR = Metres. Measured& sq metre stock only
          MTK = Sq metres. For measured & sq metred stock only

 

Free Text

Note: This segment is used to provide free form or coded text information that applies to the complete invoice message.

Seg Element Element Description Req Data Length Example Data Notes
FTX   Free Text M      
  4451 Text subject qualifier M an3 PUR = Purchasing information
  +4453 Text function n     not used
  +C107 Text ref. n     not used
  +4440 Free text O an70 Free text Narrative (up to 28 characters, optional).
  :4440 Free text O an70 Free text Narrative (up to 28 characters, optional).
  :4440 Free text O an70 Free text Narrative (up to 28 characters, optional).
  :4440 Free text O an70 Free text Narrative (up to 28 characters, optional).
  :4440 Free text O an70 Free text Narrative (up to 28 characters, optional).
  +3453 Language n     Not used

 

Monetary Amount

Seg Element Element description Req Data length Example date Notes
MOA   Monetary Amount M      
  5025 Monetar amount qualifier M an3 66 = goods item total
          203 = Line item amount. (If 66 is
also sent, 203 will take preference.)
  :5004 Monetary amount M n18    
  :6345 Currency n     Not used
  :6343 Currency qualifier n     Not used
  :4405 Status n     Not used

 

Price

Seg Element Element description Req Data length Example data Notes
PRI   Price M      
  5125 Price qualifier M an3 AAA -Traded unit price of net line of discounts
          AAB - Price gross of line discounts
  :5118 Price M n15   Up to 4 decimal points
  :5375 Price type n     Not used
  :5387 Price type qualifier n     Not used
  :5284 Unit price basis n     Not used
  :6411 Measure unit qualifier M an3 MTR =Per metre. For measured and sq-metred stock only
          MTK =Per sq-metre. For measured and sq-metred stock only.
  +5213 Sub-line price n     Not used

 

Reference

Seg Element Element description Req Data Length Example data Notes
RFF   Reference M     Each line must have an RFF segment with the line number.
  1153 Reference qualifier M an3 ON or LI = Order and line number
  :1154 Reference number M an35 Order number  
  :1156 Line number M an6 Line number  
  :4000 Reference version n     Not used

 

Tax

Seg Element Element description Req Data Length Example data Notes
TAX   Tax       If a product has more than one VAT rate, then two of these segments may be
sent.
  5283 Tax qualifier M an3 7 = Tax
  +5153 Tax type coded M an3 VAT Value Added Tax
  :1131 Code list qualifier n     Not used
  :3055 Code list agency n     Not used
  :5152 Tax type n     Not used
  +C533 Tax account details n     Not used
  +5286 Tax assesment basis n     Not used
  +5279 Tax rate ID n     Not used
  :1131  Code list qualifier n     Not used
  :3055 Code list agency n     Not used
  :5278 Tax rate M an17 17.50    In format nn.nn%
  :5273 Tax rate basis identification n     Not used
  :1131 Code list qualifier n     Not used
  :3055 Code list agency n     Not used
  +5305 Tax category coded  M an3 Z  
          L = lower rate
          E = exempt
          A = mixed rate
          S = standard rate tax
  +3446 Tax identification n     not used

 

Allowance or Charge

Seg Element Element description Req Data legth Example data Notes
ALC   Allowance or charge       This segment should be sent if there are any line
discounts on this invoice.
  5463 Allowance qualifier M an3 A = Allowance
  +C552 Allowance information n     Not used
  +4471 Settlement n     Not used
  +1227  Calculation sequence M an3 1 = First step
          2 = Second step
  +7161 Special services coded M an3 TD = Trade discount
          QD =Quantity discount
  :1131 Code list qualifier n     Not used
  :3055 Code list agency n     Not used
  :7160 Special service n     Not used
  :7160 Special service n     Not used

 

Monetary amount

Seg Element Description Req Data length Example data Notes
MOA   Monetary Amount M     This segment is the discount value for the line allowance in the previous ALC segment.
  5025 Monetary amount qualifier M an3 204 = Allowance amount
  :5004 Monetary amount M n18    
  :6345 Currency n     Not used
  :6343 Currency qualifier n     Not used
  :4405 Status n     Not used

 

Section Control

Seg Element Element Description Req Data length Example data Notes
UNS   Section control        
  0081 Section identification M a1 S = detail / summary separation
CNT   Control total        
  6069 Control qualifier M an3 2 = No. of line items in message. must always be sent
          29 = Total net weight of the consignment. Must be sent for non-uk EC suppliers
          10 consignments no. of deliveries. Must be sent ffor non UK EC suppliers
          11 No. of packages. Must be sent ffor non UK EC suppliers
          15 or 26 = cube or total measure of the consignment. Must be sent ffor non UK EC suppliers
  :6066 Control value M n18   Count of LIN items, or measure value
  :6411 Measure unit qualifier M   KGM = Kilogram. For type 15,26 or 29
          MTR = Meters. For type 15,26 or 29
          MTK = Sq meters. For type 15,26 or 29
          MTQ = Cubic meters. For type 15,26 or 29
          TNE = Metric ton. For type 15,26 or 29

 

Monetary amount

Seg Element Element Description Req Data Length Example Data Notes
MOA   Monetary amount M      
  5025 Monetary amount qualifier M an3 86 or 9 or 39 or 77 = Total monetary amount (ie including surcharges settlement discount and VAT) Mandatory for all invoices
      M   124 or 176 = Total VAT (send 0 for goods coming from outside UK) Mandatory for all invoices
      M   129  = Goods inc surcharge (ie inc surcharges but before settlement discount and VAT) Mandatory for all invoices
      M   125 =Taxable amount (ie inc surcharges and settlement discount but before VAT). Mandatory for all invoices.
      M   79 = Total line items amount (ie goods excluding surcharges settlement discount and VAT
  :5004 Monetary amount M n18    
  :6345 Currency  M an3 GBP  
  :6343 Currency qualifier n     Not used
  :4405 Status n     Not used

 

Tax

Seg Element Element description Req Data length Example data Notes
TAX   Tax       This is mandatory on all
invoices from UK suppliers who pay VAT.
  5283 Tax qualifier M an3 = Tax
  +5153 Tax type coded M an3 VAT =Value added tax
  :1131 Code list qualifier n     Not used
  :3055 Code list agency n     Not used
  :5152 Tax type n     Not used
  +C533 Tax account details n     Not used
  +5286 Tax assesment basis n     Not used
  +5279 Tax rate identification n     Not used
  :1131 Code list qualifier n     Not used
  :3055 Code list agency n     Not used
  :5278 Tax rate M an17 20.00 In format nn.nn%
  :5273 Tax rate basis identification n     Not used
  :1131 Code list qualifier n     Not used
  :3055 Code list agency n     Not used
  +5305 Tax category, coded M an3 Z = Zero rated tax
          L = lower rate
          E = Exempt
          A = Mixed rate
          S = Standard rate tax
  +3446 Tax identification n     Not used

 

Monetary Amount

Seg Element Element Desciption Req Data Length Example data Notes
MOA   Monetary amount M      
  5025 Monetary amount qualifier M an3 124 or 176 = Total VAT/ mandatory for all invoices from UK suppliers who pay VAT.
      M   125 = Taxable amount (ie inc surcharges and settlement discount, but before VAT). Mandatory for all invoices from UK suppliers who pay VAT
  :5004 Monetary amount M n18    
  :6345  Currency M an3 GBP  
  :6343 Currency qualifier n     Not used
  :4405 Status n     Not used

 

Message Trailer

Seg Element Element Description Req Data length Example data Notes
UNT   Message trailer        
  0074 Number of segments M n6   Number of segments in a message
  +0062 Message ref. number M an14   =UNH segment
UNZ   Interchange trailer M      
  0036 Interchange control count M n6   Number of messages in interchange
  +0200 Interchange control ref M an14   =UNB segment