The start date for using the new file format for submitting credit transfer or direct debit batches is now set at 18 March 2024. This is a decision from the European organisation responsible for SEPA payments. We advise you to switch to the new format as soon as possible. You can continue to use the current file format for now. See the Implementation Guidelines and the ABN AMRO Addenda for more information about the formats.
Structured address details
Please note that, from 23 November 2025, it will be mandatory to provide the address details of the recipient or the debtor in a structured manner. This can be done using both the current and the new file format. Check whether the address data are already stored in your accounting system in a structured way. If not, we advise you to arrange this well in advance.
Providing address details is only mandatory for the debited account for credit transfers to or direct debits from a SEPA country outside the European Economic Area. For credit transfers we automatically add your address data in case it is mandatory. You may provide the recipient’s address details, but there is no obligation to do so in any situation. However, for a direct debit transaction from a SEPA country outside the European Economic Area, such as the United Kingdom or Switzerland, you have to provide the debtor’s address details yourselves. In case you forget to do so, the debtor’s bank can reject the direct debit transaction.
If you agreed a SEPA Direct Debit contract with us, the SEPA Direct Debit Conditions and the SEPA Direct Debit Rules will apply.
SEPA Direct Debit batches must be delivered in the XML file format PAIN. From 18 March 2024, you can use the new file format pain.008.001.08. You can continue to use the current file format pain.008.001.02 for now. The Dutch Payments Association (Betaalvereniging Nederland) has published Implementation Guidelines for this purpose. You should also consult the ABN AMRO Addendum.
For both the SEPA Direct Debit Core and the SEPA B2B Direct Debit you can design the mandate form yourself. The SEPA mandate form must contain a number of mandatory data elements.
For the SEPA Direct Debit Core you can also use standard mandate forms, so called 'stoplichtkaarten'. Examples can be found below. There is also a 'certified PDF'-version which you can use for mail merges.
In case the mandate data for a SEPA Direct Debit Core change, check this overview what you need to do.
A change of your creditor ID is not always necessary. Read here in what situations you can continue using your creditor ID.
As a debtor you can provide companies in all SEPA countries with a mandate. You send the mandate to the creditor. Do you want to provide a mandate for the SEPA B2B Direct Debit? For this type of Direct Debit, you have no right of refund after collection. As an extra check, you must therefore register the mandate with ABN AMRO.
The Dutch banks published a list that explains the different r-transactions (refusal, revocation or refund of direct debits) they use. This list also contains the reason codes that belong to the r-transactions, and clarification on their recommended follow up.
The CAMT reporting format contains detailed information about SEPA transactions. The Dutch Payment Association has drawn up guidelines for this purpose. You should also consult the ABN AMRO Addendum.
No address details in CAMT.053For incoming SEPA credit transfers you do not receive the payer's address and residence details. Privacy laws and regulations prohibit this. We advise you to set the automatic processing of incoming credit transfers in your (accounting) system to a payment reference. Read more about the different payment references.You are not obliged to use the CAMT reporting format as ABN AMRO continues to support the use of MT940 and MT942.
Do you want to clearly present the payment details on your paper or digital invoice? The Instruction to pay might be a useful tool.
All SEPA credit transfer and direct debit batches must contain the right tags. Many batches lack the tags:
