Overview of updates – Bulk File Submitters

The latest SEPA Rulebook updates (March 2024) saw the implementation of the 2019 version of the ISO20002 XSDs, with new Credit Transfer and Direct Debit File spec versions. BOI has accepted these new File versions from March 2024.

• If you recently became a Bulk File submitter with BOI and you already submit the latest file versions, there is no action required.
• For existing Bulk File submitters, we strongly recommend you review the information below and plan for adopting the changes well in advance of the Nov 2026 deadline, or you are at risk of having Bulk Files failing.

Important Note: Submitters who include Address information on their CT or DD bulk files must use either the Structured Address or Hybrid Address formats from Nov 2026. Failure to do so will result in failed file uploads. Bank of Ireland can accept the Structured Address today. Hybrid Address format will be accepted from Oct 2025.

Existing Bulk file submitters can:

• Continue to submit the existing PAIN.001 (CT) and PAIN.008 (DD) file versions, until Nov 2026, with no impact to current processes.

OR

• Choose to submit the new version PAIN.001 and PAIN.008 file versions, which include some new and renamed tags, in advance of Nov 2026.

For more information on the Address Options available and the dates applicable to each option, please review the information in the ‘Address Options & Applicable Dates’ dropdown section below.

If you continue to submit the existing file formats:

There will be no impact to the processes you currently have in place. Your files must continue to adhere to the existing file XSD specifications, and you will continue to receive the existing PAIN.002.001.03 report.

When you submit the new file formats:

You must ensure that the files adhere to the new file XSD specifications. You will also receive the new version PAIN.002.001.10 report for any r-messages associated with these files.

File Specification and XSDs

All existing and new file specifications and XSDs are listed in their respective ‘Forms & Checklists’ dropdown section below.

No changes to payment channels

There are no changes to the file submission and authorisation channels, File Gateway and Payments Plus. The steps to submit a new version CT or DD file, and the file name requirements, are the same as the steps and requirements for the existing file formats.

What’s different in the new version?

The new file formats will see the introduction of new tags and the renaming of some existing tags.

New Tags: Structured Address & Hybrid Address Formats

The majority of the newly introduced tags are related to the introduction of Structured Address & Hybrid Address formats. Thirteen new tags will be available for both debtor and creditor addresses.

• When using the Structured Address format, bulk file submitters must ensure that of the 13 new tags, at a minimum, the ‘Town Name’ and ‘Country Code’ tags are used.
• When using the Hybrid Address format (available from Oct 2025) bulk file submitters must ensure that of the 13 new tags, at a minimum, the ‘Town Name’ and ‘Country Code’ tags are used and use of up to 2 free text ‘Address Line’ fields is also permitted*

*Before the Introduction of Hybrid Address in Oct 2025, if a submitter decides to use the new Structured Address tags, they cannot use any other unstructured address Line tags, other than ‘Country’.

For more information on the Address Options available and the dates applicable to each option, please review the information in the ‘Address Options & Applicable Dates’ dropdown section below.

New Tags: LEI (Legal Entity Identifier)

The LEI (Legal Entity Identifier) is a 20 character alpha-numeric code used to uniquely identify parties to financial transactions worldwide. It has been implemented to improve the quality and accuracy of financial data reporting systems for better transparency and risk management. This is an optional tag.

New Tags: Proxy (applicable to Credit Transfer file submitters only)

The Proxy tag will allow bulk file submitters to provide an additional identifier, such as a mobile phone number or email. IBAN will continue to be the primary identifier for transactions. This is an optional tag.

New Tags: Date (applicable to Credit Transfer file submitters only)

The existing ‘ReqdExctnDt’ tag will now have a child tag, ‘Dt’, where the requested execution date data must be entered. There will be no change to the format of the date provided. This is a mandatory tag.

Renamed Tags:

• ‘BIC’ tags will be renamed ‘BICFI’.
• ‘BICorBEI’ tags will be renamed ‘AnyBIC’.

The renaming of the above tags are mandatory across both CT and DD file Types.

File Specification/Format Legend

We recommend that Bulk File submitters check with their IT Department/Software providers with regards to the updates detailed out above. For further information submitters should contact our Business On Line Customer Helpdesk by emailing business.online@boi.com or calling 0818 818 265 (9am to 5pm, Monday – Friday)

From Nov 2026 the use of the Structured Address or Hybrid Address formats will be mandatory for submitters who include Address information on their bulk file uploads. Bank of Ireland can accept the Structured Address today. Hybrid Address format will be accepted from Oct 2025.

Please review the below information carefully.

If you do not currently submit Address information and have no plans to do so, there is no action required of you at this time.

Reminder: The use of Postal Address tags is optional, except in the instances below:

• Credit Transfer (PAIN001) File Submitters: Originators must include their debtor address, on the PAIN.001 file, for any payments destined for a Non-EEA Country/territory.
• Direct Debit (PAIN008) File Submitters: Originators must include the debtor address, on the PAIN.008 file, for any payments debiting a bank located in a Non-EEA Country/territory.

Please see list of Non-EEA SEPA Countries/Territories below:

(Source: EPC list of Countries in the SEPA Schemes’ Geographical Scope March 2025)

If you are a Bulk file submitter who is currently providing Postal Address information or plans to do so in the future, you must ensure a valid Address format is used. While you can continue to use the Unstructured format for now, from November 2026 you will be required to use either the Structured Address or Hybrid Address formats. Depending on your preferred Address format, you may be required to adopt the latest File versions. Please review the options below to determine which Address format will work best for you:

* Address Line and Structured Address tags cannot be mixed in the same address record until Oct 2025 when Hybrid Address will be accepted.

Option 1 – Structured Address format

For Credit and Debit bulk files you must adopt the new File versions, PAIN.001.001.09 or PAIN.008.001.08, and adhere to file specifications. Bank of Ireland can accept this new formats today.

Option 2 – Hybrid Address Format (Available for use from Oct 2025 only)

For Credit bulk files you can remain on (unstructured) PAIN.001.001.03 or choose to adopt the latest file version PAIN.001.001.09. From November 2026 if making payments and you include address information*, you will need to include a minimum of Town Name, Country Code and up to 2 instances of the Address Line field. If you do not, you risk the file being rejected.

For Debit bulk files, you can remain on PAIN.008.001.02 for the time being. However, from November 2026, if making collections and you include address information*, you will need to adopt the latest file version PAIN.008.001.08 and include Town Name and Country Code and up to 2 instances of the Address Line field. If you do not, you risk the file being rejected.

Reminder: If you are a Bulk file submitter who is not providing Postal Address information (or you don’t plan to in the future), there is no action for you to take.

*For payments / collections to Non EEA countries, address is mandatory

Bank of Ireland Recommendations:

We recommend that Bulk File submitters check with their IT Department/Software providers regarding the changes outlined above and consider submitting the updated file formats. Failure to adhere to the Address requirements will result in failed transactions/files.

For further information, submitters should contact our Business On Line Customer Helpdesk by emailing BOLPaymentsPlus@boi.com or calling 0818 818 265 (9am to 5pm, Monday – Friday).

Help Protect your business from scam calls, payment redirection scams, CEO fraud and more by visiting Bank of Ireland Security Zone and remember, if someone asks you for a one-time code from your Approve app, they are very likely to be a fraudster. For more information, visit Security Zone on our website.

New File Specifications – SEPA Rulebook 2023

• Pain.008.001.08.BOI.02.xsd

Additional Guides

New File Specifications – SEPA Rulebook 2023

• Pain.001.001.09.BOI.01.xsd

Additional Guides

Archived File Specifications

• Pain.001.001.03.BOI.xsd
• Pain.008.001.02.BOI.06.xsd