0. INTRODUCTION
1. SCOPE
   1. Functional definition
   2. Field of application
   3. Principles
2. REFERENCES
3. TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
   1. Standard terms and definitions
4. MESSAGE DEFINITION
   1. Segment clarification
      1. Header section
      2. Detail section
      3. Summary section
   2. Segment index (alphabetical sequence)
   3. Message structure
      1. Segment table

This specification provides the definition of the Announcement for returns message (RETANN) to be used in Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) between trading partners involved in administration, commerce and transport.

A message by which a party announces to another party details of goods for return due to specified reasons (e.g. returns for repair, returns at end of leasing period, returns because of damage).

The Announcement for returns message may be used for both national and international applications. It is based on universal practice related to administration, commerce and transport, and is not dependent on the type of business or industry.

This message may be used by the message sender to request credit for goods, or the replacement of goods from the message recipient.

This message should stimulate the message recipient to instruct on how the named goods should be returned, destroyed, or disposed of.

In the case where the recipient of the announcement refuses to accept the return of goods the sender would expect to receive notification of this decision and also instructions on what should happen instead of the return. This process will usually be handled using the Instruction for Return message.

The announcement for returns can be used by a party to inform another party on the requested return of:

• goods received in bad condition;
• goods received but not ordered;
• goods for repair;
• goods which have to be returned due to the end of a leasing contract;
• goods which have exceeded their expiry date without being sold;
• goods on commission;
• goods from sale on approval;
• sale or return goods;
• returnable transport or packaging containers;
• obsolete goods.

The announcement for returns may be used to return received goods for which receipt of delivery may already have been acknowledged by way of the Receiving Advice message (where this message is being used), e.g., the faulty goods are only discovered on opening a container for which a receiving advice has been issued.

The announcement for returns may also be used to specify additional information regarding the return of goods such as handling instructions or hazardous material information.

The recipient of the announcement for returns is requested to decide the final disposition of the goods for return:

• whether the goods shall be returned, repaired, destroyed, or disposed of;
• which transport means and mode should be used;
• on or by which date the return should take place;
• which party is responsible for the cost of return.

See UNTDID, Part 4, Chapter 2.3 UN/ECE UNSM - General Introduction, Section 1.

See UNTDID, Part 4, Chapter 2.3 UN/ECE UNSM - General Introduction, Section 2.

This section should be read in conjunction with the segment table which indicates mandatory, conditional and repeating requirements.

The following guidelines and principles apply to the whole message and are intended to facilitate the understanding and implementation of the message:

All specified dates/times should be in the format 'ccyymmdd' /'hhmm' unless all parties involved in the transaction agree that there is a functional requirement for an alternative format. Periods should be specified as whole numbers representing the required period as indicated in the format qualifier (weeks, months, etc.)

Where a choice of code or text is given only the code element should be used wherever possible.

Conditional data that is not required in the message should not be included.

Care must be taken that the segment qualifier in dependent segments do not conflict with the segment qualifier of the trigger segment of a group.

Free text information within the message should be avoided as this inhibits automatic processing. It is only used when additional information that cannot be accommodated within the other segments is required.

Information to be provided in the Header section:

0010 UNH, Message header

A service segment starting and uniquely identifying a message. The message type code for the Announcement for returns message is RETANN.

Note: Announcement for returns messages conforming to this document must contain the following data in segment UNH, composite S009:

0020 BGM, Beginning of message

A segment by which the sender must uniquely identify the Announcement For Returns message.

0030 DTM, Date/time/period

A segment specifying the dates, and when relevant, the times related to the whole message. The segment must be specified at least once to specify the message date as allocated by the sender.

0040 FTX, Free text

A segment with free text information, in coded or clear form, used when additional information is needed but cannot be accommodated within other segments. In computer to computer exchanges such text will normally require the receiver to process this segment manually.

0050 CUX, Currencies

A segment to specify currencies and relevant details for the rate of exchange.

0060 Segment Group 1: DOC-DTM

A group of segments identifying documents which the message sender requests to receive, and if necessary when he wishes to receive them, as a result of the announcement of returns message, e.g. returns instruction, credit note.

0070 DOC, Document/message details

A segment by which the sender of the message indicates to the receiver what type of document or message is required in return (e.g. returns instruction, credit note).

0080 DTM, Date/time/period

A segment specifying the date and where necessary the time related to the current document. This segment may be used to indicate required document receipt dates, times, or periods.

0090 Segment Group 2: RFF-DTM

A group of segments providing references and where necessary associated dates related to the current message, e.g. despatch note number, invoice, etc.

0100 RFF, Reference

A segment for identifying a reference by its type and number.

0110 DTM, Date/time/period

A segment specifying the date and where necessary the time of the reference.

0120 Segment Group 3: NAD-LOC-SG4-SG5

A group of segments identifying the parties involved in the announcement for returns message and any associated information.

0130 NAD, Name and address

A segment to identify a party name and address, either by coded identification or in clear form. It is recommended that where possible only the coded form of the party identification should be specified, e.g. the Buyer and Seller are known to each other, thus only the coded identification is required. It is recommended that the party announcing the return and the party to whom the announcement is directed are identified in this segment.

0140 LOC, Place/location identification

A segment to allow the further identification of locations related to the current party, e.g. the location of the goods for return.

0150 Segment Group 4: RFF-DTM

A group of segments for specifying any references related to the current.

0160 RFF, Reference

A segment for identifying a reference related to the current party by its type and number.

0170 DTM, Date/time/period

A segment specifying the date and where necessary the time of the reference.

0180 Segment Group 5: CTA-COM

A group of segments identifying the contact person or department for the current party.

0190 CTA, Contact information

A segment to identify a person or department and their function, to whom communications should be directed.

0200 COM, Communication contact

A segment specifying the communication channel and number for the specified contact.

0210 Segment Group 6: TOD-LOC

A group of segments indicating the terms of delivery for the whole announcement for returns.

0220 TOD, Terms of delivery or transport

A segment identifying the delivery terms used, e.g. INCOTERMS code could be used to specify the delivery terms.

0230 LOC, Place/location identification

A segment identifying locations relevant to the delivery terms.

0240 Segment Group 7: TDT-LOC-DTM

A group of segments identifying the mode and means of transport, location and relevant dates and times for transportation, relating to the whole announcement for returns.

0250 TDT, Details of transport

A segment specifying the mode and means of the transport for the goods being announced for return.

0260 LOC, Place/location identification

A segment identifying locations relevant to the transport details.

0270 DTM, Date/time/period

A segment identifying any dates associated with the transport details.

0280 Segment Group 8: EQD-MEA-FTX

A group of segments to specify equipment necessary for transport.

0290 EQD, Equipment details

A segment to specify equipment, equipment size and type used in the transport.

0300 MEA, Measurements

A segment to specify measurements associated with the equipment, such as weight.

0310 FTX, Free text

A segment to specify processable supplementary information associated with the equipment.

0320 Segment Group 9: ALC-ALI-DTM-MOA-SG10

A group of segments specifying allowances and, or charges for the whole announcement for returns message. Information specified in this segment group may be used to identify charges which will be imposed or allowances which will be requested by the message sender to cover the cost of storing the goods for return. Additional information, dates and times, monetary amounts and tax details which are related to the allowances or charges may also be specified.

0330 ALC, Allowance or charge

A segment identifying the charge or allowance and where necessary its calculation sequence.

0340 ALI, Additional information

A segment indicating that allowance or charge specified is subject to special conditions owing to origin, customs preference or commercial factors.

0350 DTM, Date/time/period

A segment specifying any dates and, or times which are related to the allowances or charges.

0360 MOA, Monetary amount

A segment to specify any monetary amounts related to the current allowances or charges.

0370 Segment Group 10: TAX-MOA

A group of segments specifying tax related information for the allowances or charges.

0380 TAX, Duty/tax/fee details

A segment specifying the tax type, category and rate, or exemption, related to the allowances or charges.

0390 MOA, Monetary amount

A segment specifying amounts related to the tax details for the allowance or charge.

Information to be provided in the Detail section:

0400 Segment group 11: LIN-PIA-IMD-MEA-DTM-PRI-FTX-LOC-MOA-SG12- SG13-SG14-SG15-SG16-SG17-SG18-SG20-SG21-SG22 A group of segments providing details of the individual items which are being announced for return. There must be at least one occurrence of segment group 11 within an announcement for returns.

0410 LIN, Line item

A segment identifying a line item by the line item number and configuration level, and additionally, identifying the return product. Other product identification numbers, e.g. supplier product number etc., can be specified within the following PIA segment.

0420 PIA, Additional product id

A segment to provide additional identification to the product specified in the LIN segment (e.g. Harmonized System number).

0430 IMD, Item description

A segment for describing the current line item as well as product characteristic. This segment should be used for products that cannot be fully identified by an article number.

0440 MEA, Measurements

A segment enabling the physical measurements of the current item to be specified where this is required for full identification of the product.

0450 DTM, Date/time/period

A segment specifying date and or time, or period details relating to the current line item only, e.g. receipt date, requested pick-up date.

0460 PRI, Price details

A segment to provide the details of the price of the product which is being announced for return.

0470 FTX, Free text

A segment with free text information, in coded or clear form, used when additional information is needed but cannot be accommodated within other segments. In computer to computer exchanges such text will normally require the receiver to process this segment manually.

0480 LOC, Place/location identification

A segment to allow the further identification of locations related to the current line item, e.g. location of product for return.

0490 MOA, Monetary amount

A segment specifying any monetary amounts relating to the product, e.g. credit note amount.

0500 Segment Group 12: TAX-MOA

A group of segments specifying tax related information for the currently identified product, e.g. tax amount, etc.

0510 TAX, Duty/tax/fee details

A segment specifying the tax type, category and rate, or exemption, for the current product.

0520 MOA, Monetary amount

A segment specifying amounts related to the tax details for the current product.

0530 Segment Group 13: QTY-CDI

A group of segments specifying quantities for return and states related to the quantities being returned, e.g. never ordered, damaged.

0540 QTY, Quantity

A segment identifying the product quantities, e.g. requested return quantity.

0550 CDI, Physical or logical state

A segment to indicate the physical or logical state of the quantity detailed in the QTY segment for the current line item, e.g. never ordered, damaged.

0560 Segment Group 14: DOC-DTM

A group of segments identifying documents which the message sender requests to receive, and if necessary when he wishes to receive them, for the current line item only as a result of the announcement of returns message, e.g. returns instruction, credit note.

0570 DOC, Document/message details

A segment by which the sender of the message indicates to the receiver what type of document or message is required in return (e.g. returns instruction, credit note).

0580 DTM, Date/time/period

A segment specifying the date and where necessary the time related to the current document.

0590 Segment Group 15: RFF-DTM

A group of segments for specifying any references relating to the current line item only, e.g. invoice number, etc.

0600 RFF, Reference

A segment for the inclusion of any references related to the current line item.

0610 DTM, Date/time/period

A segment specifying the date and where necessary the time of the reference.

0620 Segment Group 16: DGS-QTY-FTX

A group of segments giving information about dangerous goods.

0630 DGS, Dangerous goods

A segment to indicate the class of dangerous goods.

0640 QTY, Quantity

A segment to specify quantity of the given dangerous goods.

0650 FTX, Free text

A segment to describe dangerous goods.

0660 Segment Group 17: HAN-FTX

A group of segments identifying handling instructions relevant to the current line item only.

0670 HAN, Handling instructions

A segment providing information on required handling and notification of hazardous materials relevant to the current line item only.

0680 FTX, Free text

A segment with free text information relevant to the handling instructions, in coded or clear form, used when additional handling information is needed. In computer to computer exchanges such text will normally require the receiver to process this segment manually.

0690 Segment Group 18: PAC-SG19

A group of segments identifying packaging, marks and numbers, date and time information for the product which is announced for return.

0700 PAC, Package

A segment specifying the number and type of the packages and, or physical units and the type of packaging for the current line item.

0710 Segment Group 19: PCI-DTM-GIN

A group of segments specifying markings, labels, and packing numbers for the current package.

0720 PCI, Package identification

A segment specifying markings and or labels used on the current package.

0730 DTM, Date/time/period

A segment for specifying date and or time, or period related to the package.

0740 GIN, Goods identity number

A segment providing the identity numbers of the current package.

0750 Segment Group 20: TDT-LOC-DTM

A group of segments identifying the mode and means of transport, location and relevant dates and times for transportation, relating to the current line item.

0760 TDT, Details of transport

A segment specifying the mode and means of the transport for the current line item.

0770 LOC, Place/location identification

A segment identifying locations relevant to the transport details.

0780 DTM, Date/time/period

A segment identifying any dates associated with the transport details.

0790 Segment Group 21: EQD-MEA-FTX

A group of segments to specify equipment related to the transport of the current line item.

0800 EQD, Equipment details

A segment to specify equipment, equipment size and type used in the transport.

0810 MEA, Measurements

A segment to specify measurements, other than dimensions, associated with the equipment, such as weight.

0820 FTX, Free text

A segment to specify processable supplementary information associated with the equipment.

0830 Segment Group 22: ALC-ALI-DTM-MOA-PCD-SG23

A group of segments specifying allowances and or charges for the current line item only. Information specified in this segment group may be used to identify charges which will be imposed or allowances which will be requested by the message sender to cover the cost of storing the goods for return. Additional information, dates and times, monetary amounts and tax details which are related to the allowances or charges may also be specified.

0840 ALC, Allowance or charge

A segment identifying the charge or allowance and where necessary its calculation sequence.

0850 ALI, Additional information

A segment indicating that allowance or charge specified is subject to special conditions owing to origin, customs preference or commercial factors.

0860 DTM, Date/time/period

A segment specifying any dates and, or times which are related to the allowances or charges.

0870 MOA, Monetary amount

A segment to specify any monetary amounts related to the current allowances or charges.

0880 PCD, Percentage details

A segment to specify any percentage values related to the current allowances or charges.

0890 Segment Group 23: TAX-MOA

A group of segments specifying tax related information for the allowances or charges.

0900 TAX, Duty/tax/fee details

A segment specifying the tax type, category and rate, or exemption, related to the allowances or charges.

0910 MOA, Monetary amount

A segment specifying amounts related to the tax details for the allowance or charge.

Information to be provided in the Summary section:

0920 UNS, Section control

A segment placed at the start of the summary section to separate the detail and summary sections.

0930 CNT, Control total

A segment by which control totals may be provided by the sender for checking by the receiver.

0940 MOA, Monetary amount

A segment to specify total monetary amounts for the complete message, e.g. credit note amount.

0950 Segment Group 24: TAX-MOA

A group of segments specifying tax totals for the announcement for returns message.

0960 TAX, Duty/tax/fee details

A segment specifying the tax type to be summarized.

0970 MOA, Monetary amount

A segment specifying the summary amount for the tax specified.

0980 UNT, Message trailer

A service segment ending a message, giving the total number of segments in the message (including the UNH & UNT) and the control reference number of the message.