Skip to content
Theme
English
Theme

Understanding UN/EDIFACT INVOIC

EDIFACT INVOIC is the UN/EDIFACT text invoice message used in EDI. Read about its segments, directory versions, partner guides and EN 16931 binding.

On this page

INVOIC is the UN/EDIFACT invoice message, used in electronic data interchange between trading partners. It is a text file of segments, such as BGM for the document type and number, NAD for parties, LIN for lines and MOA for amounts, with a directory version such as D96A or D01B in its header. Partner guides decide which segments are required. Klarbon support is planned, not available yet.

What is in an INVOIC message?

Segment Holds
UNA, UNB separators, and the interchange header with sender and receiver
UNH message header with type INVOIC, version D, release such as 01B, agency UN
BGM document type, such as 380 invoice or 381 credit note, and number
DTM invoice date and other dates
NAD parties, such as buyer, seller and delivery point
CUX currencies
PAT payment terms
LIN, QTY, PRI lines, quantities and prices
TAX tax rates and categories
UNS, MOA section separator and totals
UNT, UNZ message and interchange trailers

The message, its segments and the directory versions are published by UNECE (INVOIC D.01B, UN/EDIFACT). The EN 16931 binding for INVOIC D16B is CEN/TS 16931-3-4 (European Commission).

EDIFACT INVOIC or XML e-invoices?

EDIFACT INVOIC UBL and CII
Syntax segments in plain text XML
Rules directory version plus partner guide schema plus a profile such as EN 16931
Typical use retail, automotive and logistics EDI public sector and Peppol exchange
Retail subset EANCOM

What does Klarbon do with EDIFACT INVOIC?

Opening, checking and converting INVOIC files are planned in Klarbon, not available yet. Klarbon does not send EDI messages or connect to an EDI network. Klarbon opens UBL and CII invoices; see the invoice viewer.

Frequently asked questions

What is EDIFACT INVOIC?

The invoice message of UN/EDIFACT, the United Nations standard for electronic data interchange. It claims payment for goods or services supplied under conditions agreed between seller and buyer, and with the right qualifiers it also serves as a credit note or debit note.

What does an INVOIC message look like?

A text interchange of tagged segments: BGM for document type and number, DTM for dates, NAD for parties, LIN for lines and MOA for amounts. Check the file's syntax and separator declarations.

What are D96A and D01B?

Versions of the UN/EDIFACT directory, published by UNECE. D96A is from 1996 and D01B from 2001. The version is stated in the UNH segment, and both partners must use the same one.

Is an EDIFACT invoice an EN 16931 e-invoice?

It can be. CEN/TS 16931-3-4 binds EN 16931 to INVOIC in directory D16B, but an arbitrary EDIFACT invoice is not therefore EN 16931 compliant. Check its directory and agreed implementation rules.

Sources

Updated 5 November 2026

Related