Understanding EDIFACT Versions

EDIFACT (Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce, and Transport) is an international EDI standard developed by UN/CEFACT. It is updated twice a year (April & October) with new versions labeled as DYYA (e.g., D97A, D00A, D21A).

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EDIFACT Version Naming Format

Each EDIFACT version follows the format:
D → Directory (Data set)
YY → Year of release (e.g., 97, 00, 21)
A/B → Release cycle (A = April, B = October)

For example:
D97A – Released in April 1997
D00B – Released in October 2000
D21A – Released in April 2021

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Key EDIFACT Versions & Their Importance

Version	Release Year	Key Features & Updates
D93A/D93B	1993	Early widespread adoption in retail & logistics.
D96A/D96B	1996	First version with major transportation & banking improvements.
D97A/D97B	1997	Enhanced support for automotive & supply chain.
D00A/D00B	2000	Improved global trade & customs compliance.
D10A/D10B	2010	Support for e-commerce & digital invoicing.
D21A/D21B	2021	Cloud integration, API-friendly modernized version.

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Commonly Used EDIFACT Messages Across Versions

Message Type	Message Name	Purpose
ORDERS	Purchase Order	Place an order for goods/services.
INVOIC	Invoice	Send electronic invoices.
DESADV	Despatch Advice	Advanced shipping notice (ASN).
REMADV	Remittance Advice	Payment remittance details.
IFTSTA	Transport Status	Shipment tracking & updates.
PAYMUL	Payment Instructions	Multi-payment orders & settlements.

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