What is an EDIFACT INVOIC message?

The term INVOIC refers to the message type invoice according to the UN/EDIFACT definitions. Thus, an EDIFACT INVOIC is an invoice file/data format for electronic data interchange (EDI). The area of application, the structure and the setup are defined in the respective directories/versions/descriptions of the UNECE. Further important definitions can be found in various subsets, especially EANCOM. Besides ORDERS and DESADV, INVOIC is one of the three most common message types.

The invoice is used to request payment for goods or services provided under conditions previously agreed between the buyer and seller. The INVOIC can also be used for debit notes and credit notes. The INVOIC can be used nationally and internationally, regardless of the industry.

Often the term INVOIC is used as a synonym for a structured file containing invoice information. This does not necessarily have to be an EDIFACT file as described under a), but can mean any data format (e.g. XML, CSV, TXT). In case of doubt, the terminology must be clarified in advance with the respective trading partner.

INVOIC follows these principles:

• The invoice can refer to multiple transactions.
• The invoice can refer to goods, items or services from multiple purchase orders, delivery instructions, call-offs, etc.
• The invoice can contain references to payment terms.
• The invoice can contain further information for e.g. customs or statistics in case of cross-border actions.
• The invoice can contain details about transportation.

For further information on the structure of EDIFACT INVOICs we recommend the corresponding pages of the UNECE (www.unece.org).