The SEPA Rulebook changes, operational as of 17 March 2024, allow for submission of the updated PAIN001 and PAIN008 file formats. These updated file formats have introduced some new mandatory and optional tags, for example the introduction of Structured Address tags. Some tags have also been renamed.

When you submit the updated PAIN.001.001.09 (Credit Transfer) or PAIN.008.001.08 (Direct Debit) file formats, you must ensure that the files adhere to the updated file XSD specifications. You will also receive the updated PAIN.002.001.10 report for any r-messages associated with these files.

The latest file specifications and XSD documents are listed in their respective ‘Forms & Checklists’ sections below.

There are no planned changes to the file submission and authorisation channels, File Gateway and Payments Plus.

Postal Address Tags

Thirteen new Postal Address tags are available for population for both Debtor and Creditor addresses. Please refer to the Direct Debit or Credit Transfer File Specifications for a list of the Structured address tags.

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:

Important Dates:

When a Bulk file submitter is providing Postal Address information, the submitter must ensure the correct Address format is used, as per the below:

* Address Line and Structured Address tags cannot be mixed in the same address record.

Hybrid Address is a combination of the minimum required Structured Address tags (Town Name and Country) and the addition of the Address Line tags available in the Unstructured Address.

What do you need to do:

If you are a Bulk file submitter who is providing Postal Address information, you must ensure the correct Address format is used. While you can continue to use unstructured format up until November 2026, there are 2 Options available to you as mentioned below:

<PstlAdr>
<Ctry>IE</Ctry>
<AdrLine>Debtor Street</AdrLine>
<AdrLine>Debtor Town County</AdrLine>
</PstlAdr>

<PstlAdr>
<Dept>Debtor Finance1</Dept>
<SubDept>Debtor Cards1</SubDept>
<StrtNm>Debtor Street1</StrtNm>
<BldgNb>2201</BldgNb>
<BldgNm>Hudson1</BldgNm>
<Flr>22nd1</Flr>
<PstBx>2231</PstBx>
<Room>341</Room>
<PstCd>L11</PstCd>
<TwnNm>Debtor Derry</TwnNm>
<TwnLctnNm>Debtor TwnLctnNm</TwnLctnNm>
<DstrctNm>Debtor DstrctNm</DstrctNm>
<CtrySubDvsn>North Derry</CtrySubDvsn>
<Ctry>IE</Ctry>
</PstlAdr>

<PstlAdr>
<TwnNm>UMRIDGE,</TwnNm>
<Ctry>GB</Ctry>
<AdrLine>Debtor Street</AdrLine>
<AdrLine>Debtor Town County</AdrLine>
</PstlAdr>

* 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 can migrate to (structured) PAIN.001.001.09 or PAIN.008.001.08 and adhere to file specifications. Bank of Ireland can accept these new formats today.

Option 2 – Hybrid Address Format

For Credit and Debit bulk files you can remain on (unstructured) PAIN.001.001.03 and PAIN.008.001.02, however, from October 2025 if making payments/collections to countries listed above you will need to include Town Name and Country Code and up to 2 instances of Address Line. If you do not you risk the file being rejected.

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.

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