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EDIFACT Segment Tags, BGM Codes and NAD Qualifiers

UN/EDIFACT messages are made of short three letter segments separated by plus signs, which makes them hard to read at first. This reference explains the segment tags and the codes that tell you which kind of document you have.

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Group	Tag or code	Name	Use
Service	UNA	Service string advice	Optional. Declares separators and release character at the start of the interchange.
Service	UNB	Interchange header	Syntax identifier, sender, recipient, date and time, interchange reference.
Service	UNZ	Interchange trailer	Count of messages and the interchange control reference.
Service	UNG	Functional group header	Optional group envelope. Many implementations skip it.
Service	UNE	Functional group trailer	Closes the UNG group.
Service	UNH	Message header	Message reference, message type (ORDERS), version and release (D96A, D01B).
Service	UNT	Message trailer	Count of segments including UNH and UNT, plus message reference.
Service	UNS	Section control	Separates the detail and summary sections. UNS+S is the usual form.
Service	CONTRL	Syntax and service report message	Acknowledgment of syntax acceptance, similar in purpose to a 997.
Data	BGM	Beginning of message	Document name code, document number, message function.
Data	DTM	Date, time, period	Qualifier 137 is document date, 2 delivery date requested, 11 despatch date.
Data	NAD	Name and address	Party qualifier then party identification.
Data	RFF	Reference	Qualifier ON is order number, DQ delivery note number, IV invoice number.
Data	LIN	Line item	Line number and item number with EN for EAN.
Data	PIA	Additional product id	Supplier or buyer item codes (qualifier 5 product id, SA supplier's article number).
Data	IMD	Item description	Free form or coded description.
Data	QTY	Quantity	Qualifier 21 ordered, 12 despatched, 47 invoiced.
Data	PRI	Price details	Qualifier AAA is net price, AAB gross price.
Data	MOA	Monetary amount	Qualifier 203 line amount, 77 invoice total, 125 taxable amount.
Data	TAX	Duty, tax and fee details	Tax type (VAT), category code and rate.
Data	CUX	Currencies	Reference and target currencies using ISO 4217 codes.
Data	PAT	Payment terms basis	Payment terms type with time reference.
Data	ALC	Allowance or charge	A for allowance, C for charge, then qualifiers and amounts.
Data	LOC	Place or location identification	Qualifier 7 place of delivery, 11 place of discharge.
Data	CPS	Consignment packing sequence	Hierarchy of the pack in DESADV.
Data	PAC	Package	Number and type of packages.
Data	PCI	Package identification	Marks and labels on packages.
Data	GIN	Goods identity number	Serial shipping container code (SSCC) with qualifier BJ.
Data	MEA	Measurements	Weight, volume, length.
Data	TDT	Details of transport	Carrier and mode of transport.
Data	FTX	Free text	Notes by qualifier such as AAI general information.
BGM 1001	220	Order	Purchase order in ORDERS.
BGM 1001	231	Purchase order response	Used in ORDRSP.
BGM 1001	351	Despatch advice	Used in DESADV.
BGM 1001	380	Commercial invoice	Used in INVOIC.
BGM 1001	381	Credit note	Used in INVOIC to credit a prior invoice.
BGM 1001	383	Debit note	Used in INVOIC to increase a prior invoice.
BGM 1225	9	Original	First transmission of the document.
BGM 1225	5	Replace	Replaces a previously sent document.
BGM 1225	1	Cancellation	Cancels a previously sent document.
NAD 3035	BY	Buyer	Party placing the order.
NAD 3035	SU	Supplier	Party supplying the goods.
NAD 3035	DP	Delivery party	Ship-to location.
NAD 3035	IV	Invoicee	Party being invoiced.
NAD 3035	SE	Seller	Party selling the goods.

EDIFACT directories change between releases (D96A, D01B and others). Codes shown are widely used, but always check the message implementation guide and the directory version in the UNH segment.

Plain language view of EDIFACT traffic

An optional review of how EDIFACT messages could be summarized for non-technical staff.

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How to read an EDIFACT message

A file starts with UNB and ends with UNZ. Each message sits between UNH and UNT. The UNH tells you the message type and directory version, for example ORDERS:D:96A:UN. Inside, BGM identifies the document (220 for an order, 351 for a despatch advice, 380 for an invoice), and the rest is a sequence of segments: DTM for dates, NAD for parties, LIN for each line, QTY and PRI for numbers.

Separators and release characters

The default separators are a colon between components, a plus sign between elements, an apostrophe as the segment terminator and a question mark as the release character that escapes the others. The optional UNA segment declares them. When a description contains a plus sign or an apostrophe, the sender must put a question mark in front of it, otherwise the parser splits the value.

Component separator: colon.
Data element separator: plus.
Segment terminator: apostrophe.
Release character: question mark.

Common mistakes

The most common errors are an incorrect segment count in UNT, which must include UNH and UNT themselves, and a mismatch between UNH and UNT message reference numbers. Mixing up directory versions is another: a D96A map sent to a partner expecting D01B may be rejected because of changed code lists. Always test with the partner's validation tool before production.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ORDERS and ORDRSP?

ORDERS is the purchase order message sent by the buyer. ORDRSP is the purchase order response sent by the supplier to confirm, change or reject. They map roughly to X12 850 and 855.

Does UNT count UNH?

Yes. The segment count in UNT includes both UNH and UNT. A message with UNH, BGM, DTM and UNT has a count of 4.

What is DESADV?

DESADV is the despatch advice, the EDIFACT equivalent of an advance ship notice (X12 856). It uses BGM 351 and CPS segments to show the packaging hierarchy.

How do I escape a plus sign in text?

Put the release character, normally a question mark, in front of it. For example, 'A?+B' carries the text A+B. The same applies to colons, apostrophes and the question mark itself.

Netray can help build read-only views of EDIFACT traffic in plain language for the EDI desk, showing the order, delivery date and quantity without needing to parse segments by eye.

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