0.    INTRODUCTION

       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.

1.    SCOPE

1.1   Functional Definition

       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).

1.2   Field of Application

       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.

1.3   Principles

       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.

2.    REFERENCES

       See UNTDID, Part 4, Chapter 2.6 UN/ECE UNSM - General Introduction,
       Section 1.

3.    TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

3.1   Standard terms and definitions

       See UNTDID, Part 4, Chapter 2.6 UN/ECE UNSM - General Introduction,
       Section 2.

4.    MESSAGE DEFINITION

4.1   Data Segment Clarification

       This section should be read in conjunction with the Segment
       Table which indicate 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:
       
       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.

4.1.1  Header section

       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:

       Data element  0065 RETANN
                     0052 D
                     0054 98A
                     0051 UN

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   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.

0060      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).

0070      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.


0080   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.

0090      RFF, Reference
          A segment for identifying a reference by its type and
          number.

0100      DTM, Date/time/period
          A segment specifying the date and where necessary the time
          of the reference.


0110   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.

0120      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.

0130      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.


0140      Segment group 4: RFF-DTM
          A group of segments for specifying any references related to
          the current.

0150         RFF, Reference
             A segment for identifying a reference related to the
             current party by its type and number.

0160         DTM, Date/time/period
             A segment specifying the date and where necessary the
             time of the reference.


0170      Segment group 5: CTA-COM
          A group of segments identifying the contact person or
          department for the current party.

0180         CTA, Contact information
             A segment to identify a person or department and their
             function, to whom communications should be directed.

0190         COM, Communication contact
             A segment specifying the communication channel and number
             for the specified contact.


0200   Segment group 6: TOD-LOC
       A group of segments indicating the terms of delivery for the
       whole announcement for returns.

0210      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.

0220      LOC, Place/location identification
          A segment identifying locations relevant to the delivery
          terms.


0230   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.

0240      TDT, Details of transport
          A segment specifying the mode and means of the transport for
          the goods being announced for return.

0250      LOC, Place/location identification
          A segment identifying locations relevant to the transport
          details.

0260      DTM, Date/time/period
          A segment identifying any dates associated with the
          transport details.


0270   Segment group 8: EQD-MEA-FTX
       A group of segments to specify equipment necessary for
       transport.

0280      EQD, Equipment details
          A segment to specify equipment, equipment size and type used
          in the transport.

0290      MEA, Measurements
          A segment to specify measurements associated with the
          equipment, such as weight.

0300      FTX, Free text
          A segment to specify processable supplementary information
          associated with the equipment.


0310   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.

0320      ALC, Allowance or charge
          A segment identifying the charge or allowance and where
          necessary its calculation sequence.

0330      ALI, Additional information
          A segment indicating that allowance or charge specified is
          subject to special conditions owing to origin, customs
          preference or commercial factors.

0340      DTM, Date/time/period
          A segment specifying any dates and, or times which are
          related to the allowances or charges.

0350      MOA, Monetary amount
          A segment to specify any monetary amounts related to the
          current allowances or charges.


0360      Segment group 10:TAX-MOA
          A group of segments specifying tax related information for
          the allowances or charges.

0370         TAX, Duty/tax/fee details
             A segment specifying the tax type, category and rate, or
             exemption, related to the allowances or charges.

0380         MOA, Monetary amount
             A segment specifying amounts related to the tax details
             for the allowance or charge.

4.1.2  Detail section

       Information to be provided in the Detail section:


0390   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.

0400      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.

0410      PIA, Additional product id
          A segment to provide additional identification to the
          product specified in the LIN segment (e.g. Harmonized System
          number).

0420      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.

0430      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.

0440      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.

0450      PRI, Price details
          A segment to provide the details of the price of the product
          which is being announced for return.

0460      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.

0470      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.

0480      MOA, Monetary amount
          A segment specifying any monetary amounts relating to the
          product, e.g. credit note amount.


0490      Segment group 12:TAX-MOA
          A group of segments specifying tax related information for
          the currently identified product, e.g. tax amount, etc.

0500         TAX, Duty/tax/fee details
             A segment specifying the tax type, category and rate, or
             exemption, for the current product.

0510         MOA, Monetary amount
             A segment specifying amounts related to the tax details
             for the current product.


0520      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.

0530         QTY, Quantity
             A segment identifying the product quantities, e.g.
             requested return quantity.

0540         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.


0550      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.

0560         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).

0570         DTM, Date/time/period
             A segment specifying the date and where necessary the
             time related to the current document.


0580      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.

0590         RFF, Reference
             A segment for the inclusion of any references related to
             the current line item.

0600         DTM, Date/time/period
             A segment specifying the date and where necessary the
             time of the reference.


0610      Segment group 16:DGS-QTY-FTX
          A group of segments giving information about dangerous
          goods.

0620         DGS, Dangerous goods
             A segment to indicate the class of dangerous goods.

0630         QTY, Quantity
             A segment to specify quantity of the given dangerous
             goods.

0640         FTX, Free text
             A segment to describe dangerous goods.


0650      Segment group 17:HAN-FTX
          A group of segments identifying handling instructions
          relevant to the current line item only.

0660         HAN, Handling instructions
             A segment providing information on required handling and
             notification of hazardous materials relevant to the
             current line item only.

0670         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.


0680      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.

0690         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.


0700         Segment group 19:PCI-DTM-GIN
             A group of segments specifying markings, labels, and
             packing numbers for the current package.

0710            PCI, Package identification
                A segment specifying markings and or labels used on
                the current package.

0720            DTM, Date/time/period
                A segment for specifying date and or time, or period
                related to the package.

0730            GIN, Goods identity number
                A segment providing the identity numbers of the
                current package.


0740      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.

0750         TDT, Details of transport
             A segment specifying the mode and means of the transport
             for the current line item.

0760         LOC, Place/location identification
             A segment identifying locations relevant to the transport
             details.

0770         DTM, Date/time/period
             A segment identifying any dates associated with the
             transport details.


0780      Segment group 21:EQD-MEA-FTX
          A group of segments to specify equipment related to the
          transport of the current line item.

0790         EQD, Equipment details
             A segment to specify equipment, equipment size and type
             used in the transport.

0800         MEA, Measurements
             A segment to specify measurements, other than dimensions,
             associated with the equipment, such as weight.

0810         FTX, Free text
             A segment to specify processable supplementary
             information associated with the equipment.


0820      Segment group 22:ALC-ALI-DTM-MOA-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.

0830         ALC, Allowance or charge
             A segment identifying the charge or allowance and where
             necessary its calculation sequence.

0840         ALI, Additional information
             A segment indicating that allowance or charge specified
             is subject to special conditions owing to origin, customs
             preference or commercial factors.

0850         DTM, Date/time/period
             A segment specifying any dates and, or times which are
             related to the allowances or charges.

0860         MOA, Monetary amount
             A segment to specify any monetary amounts related to the
             current allowances or charges.


0870         Segment group 23:TAX-MOA
             A group of segments specifying tax related information
             for the allowances or charges.

0880            TAX, Duty/tax/fee details
                A segment specifying the tax type, category and rate,
                or exemption, related to the allowances or charges.

0890            MOA, Monetary amount
                A segment specifying amounts related to the tax
                details for the allowance or charge.

4.1.3  Summary section

       Information to be provided in the Summary section:

0900   UNS, Section control
       A segment placed at the start of the summary section to
       separate the detail and summary sections.

0910   CNT, Control total
       A segment by which control totals may be provided by the sender
       for checking by the receiver.

0920   MOA, Monetary amount
       A segment to specify total monetary amounts for the complete
       message, e.g. credit note amount.


0930   Segment group 24:TAX-MOA
       A group of segments specifying tax totals for the announcement
       for returns message.

0940      TAX, Duty/tax/fee details
          A segment specifying the tax type to be summarized.

0950      MOA, Monetary amount
          A segment specifying the summary amount for the tax
          specified.

0960   UNT, Message trailer
       A service segment ending a message, giving the total number of
       segments in the message and the control reference number of the
       message.

4.2   Data segment index (Alphabetical sequence by tag)

          ALC Allowance or charge
          ALI Additional information
          BGM Beginning of message
          CDI Physical or logical state
          CNT Control total
          COM Communication contact
          CTA Contact information
          DGS Dangerous goods
          DOC Document/message details
          DTM Date/time/period
          EQD Equipment details
          FTX Free text
          GIN Goods identity number
          HAN Handling instructions
          IMD Item description
          LIN Line item
          LOC Place/location identification
          MEA Measurements
          MOA Monetary amount
          NAD Name and address
          PAC Package
          PCI Package identification
          PIA Additional product id
          PRI Price details
          QTY Quantity
          RFF Reference
          TAX Duty/tax/fee details
          TDT Details of transport
          TOD Terms of delivery or transport
          UNH Message header
          UNS Section control
          UNT Message trailer

Contents of RETANN