Last updated: 3 August 2026
How Do I Use an INVOIC EDIFACT Message?
The INVOIC is an EDI message code in the UN/EDIFACT standard, used to claim payment for goods or services between trading partners.
The INVOIC EDIFACT message is a digital invoice used by trading partners to request payment for goods or services, based on terms previously agreed between seller and buyer. The INVOIC message follows the UN/EDIFACT standard, and various industries, such as retail and automotive, utilize these messages to simplify supply chain management.
An INVOIC EDIFACT message can be used instead of a PDF, paper, or email invoice. Leveraging this electronic data interchange (EDI) message allows partners to automatically match their billing with corresponding orders, creating a seamless invoicing process.
Trading partners also use INVOIC EDIFACT messages for debit and credit notes.
What Are the Key Data for Credit Advice Messages?
An INVOIC EDIFACT message claims payment for goods or services. The INVOIC EDIFACT guideline specifies segments and elements required for a correct and complete invoice message.
EDIFACT INVOIC messages usually include the following information:
- Invoice number
- Invoice date
- Payment terms
- Discounts
- Date of shipment of each item
- Specific item details
As an EDIFACT INVOIC message, all data follows the UN/EDIFACT standard, ensuring consistent interpretation across trading partners in Europe and beyond.
The EDIFACT INVOIC message is commonly used in Europe. In North America, similar invoice message codes are EDI 210, EDI 880, and EDI 310 for specific transactions, while suppliers use EDI 810 invoices for general transactions.
How Do I Process an INVOIC EDIFACT Message?
The supplier generates an EDIFACT INVOIC message and transmits it to the buyer. The buyer’s system receives and validates the message, then returns an acknowledgment. Once the supplier receives that confirmation, the invoice data can be imported into their enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform to create a new invoice record.
Where Do INVOIC EDIFACT Messages Fit in the EDI Workflow?
EDI trading partners follow a standard process when exchanging documents, which may vary depending on the industry. The seller’s system issues EDIFACT INVOIC messages after obtaining a receiving advice (EDIFACT RECADV) message wherein the buyer confirms collecting the consignment.
What Are the Benefits of INVOIC EDIFACT Messages?
Leveraging EDI to deploy invoices reduces your company’s paper trail, but automated electronic invoicing also holds a range of other business advantages, as these messages can:
- Reduce employee workload: Employees can spend time on other tasks because they need not provide data by hand.
- Simplify payment procedures: Electronic invoices are easy for buyers to pay and archive.
- Minimise errors: EDI systems generate invoicing data automatically, reducing human-induced inaccuracies.
- Enhance transparency for suppliers: Utilizing INVOIC EDIFACT messages provides complete visibility and control over invoices.
- Protect partners’ data: EDI protocols like the ODETTE File Transfer Protocol 2 (OFTP2), Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP), and Applicability Statement 2 (AS2) safeguard the buyer’s and seller’s data.
- Streamline payment for buyers: INVOIC EDIFACT messages eliminate the need for manual data entry, providing a clear overview of outstanding fees.
Automate Your EDIFACT INVOIC Process
TrueCommerce EDI handles INVOIC message exchange automatically, connecting you to trading partners across Europe without manual data entry.
Seamlessly Connect with Your Business Partners
TrueCommerce helps businesses of all sizes automate EDIFACT INVOIC message exchange and connect with trading partners across the globe. Our EDI solution handles INVOIC EDI alongside all other transaction types, so your invoicing process runs without manual intervention. To see the program in action, schedule a demo today!