The released the version 6.0 of the document ‘Guidance on Reason Codes for R-transactions’ in November 2021. This applies to the two current applicable 2021 Single Euro Payments Area ( ) Direct Debit ( ) rulebooks.
To give some background: one of the main benefits of the schemes is that the scheme rules streamline exception handling, at both process and dataset level. This allows straight-through-processing and automated exception handling end-to-end. Possible exceptions to the normal execution of a direct debit collection include refunds, returns, rejects, refusals and reversals (commonly referenced as ‘R-transactions’ and described in detail in the rulebooks).
The and Business-to-Business (B2B) rulebooks specify reasons which trigger an R-transaction, i.e. data elements required to convey information to the payee (biller) regarding the R-transaction. These data elements identify the type of the R-transaction; name the initiator; and detail the reason for the R-transaction.
The correct application of these reason codes by a Debtor Payment Service Provider ( ) (the of the payer), informing a Creditor (the of the biller), about a failed collection is crucial to allow the biller to determine its reaction.
The only change in this version is the use of the term ‘ ’ throughout the document. As of the and rulebooks entering into force in November 2021, the term ‘Bank’ has been changed into ‘ ’.