External Code Sets

The ISO 20022 messages use external code sets which are validated and approved by the SEGs.

The listed codes can be used in specific elements of the messages as indicated in the documents below. Unlike other ISO 20022 code sets, the codes are not included in the message schema with the message element they type. The purpose of externalising these codes is to be able to update the code sets (for example, add new codes) without impacting the messages themselves and, hence, without requiring the development of a new version of the messages that use these code sets.

The code sets are published in two sets of documents:

• 48 external code sets are published in a spreadsheet which is versioned at three levels: the spreadsheet itself has a publication date, each code set within the spreadsheet has a publication date and each individual code has a date of last update ('status date').

Download the External Code Sets spreadsheet - dated 7 May 2013

• 3 code sets which are combined to form the 'Bank Transaction Code' are described separately:

Download the Bank Transaction Code sets description - dated 16 June 2009

Download the possible Bank Transaction Code combinations - dated 24 June 2009

Requests for updates to External Code Sets (addition of a new code value, clarification of an existing definition, deactivation of an existing code value) must be submitted to the ISO 20022 RA, using the "Change Request for update of an External Code Set" template.

Change requests received by end of March, end of June, end of September and end of December are evaluated on a quarterly basis and approved updates are published respectively by end of May, end of August,end of November and end of February.