New file format for non-SEPA international payments

We will stop supporting the following file formats for non-SEPA international payment uploads:

BTL91
BSI VDB
Paymul

Please read below how this affects you, what the alternatives are and how to implement the change in your operations.

Why we stop supporting BTL91, BSI VDB and Paymul

We are continuously working to ensure the secure and efficient processing of your payments, in accordance with the ISO 20022 standard. The BTL91, BSI VDB and Paymul file formats are used to import international non-SEPA payment instructions. However, since these are outdated formats that no longer comply with the ISO standard, we are switching to XML as the new standard format. 

When these changes take effect

If you use Internet Banking for Business

You will cease to be able to upload BTL91, BSI VDB and Paymul files from 31 May 2021
From 12 April 2021, you can upload your non-SEPA XML files
You can still always submit non-SEPA international payments manually

If you use Access Online, Access Direct or File Act

You will cease to be able to upload BTL91, BSI VDB and Paymul files from 1 September 2022
From March 1st 2022 onward, you can upload your non-SEPA XML files
You can still always submit non-SEPA international payments manually

The new XML standard

The new XML file format is structured differently from the current file formats. For further information, check the I Instructions on how to switch from BLT91 to XML .
The address details must be submitted in a structured manner, with each part of the address, i.e. street, house number, postcode, etc., submitted in a dedicated field.
There are two versions of the XML standard: PAIN 001.001.003 and 001.001.009. For details, please check the non-SEPA XML format book .

What this means for you

Reports will remain the same for the time being. Given that fields in the XML format can contain more characters, some fields may be shown in a shortened form. We will update you on any future changes as soon as possible.
You may have to adapt your address database to the new ISO standard.
Please check whether your accounting software supports the XML standard. For all the details, please see the  BTL91 - XML conversion table .
If you use accounting software from one of the following vendors, click the name of your vendor to go directly to the software’s compatibility information.
- AFAS Software
- Asperion
- Cash Software
- Exact Globals
- Exact Financials
- King Software
- Snelstart
- Twinfield
- Unit4 Multivers
- Visma Software

Test a file

Use Swift MyStandards to test if your non-SEPA xml file can be processed by ABN AMRO.

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