External code sets
Catalogue of messages
The ISO 20022 messages may use internal or external code sets.
External code sets are not included in a message schema and are approved by the SEGs.
The purpose and value of externalizing a code set is to allow for a more frequent update of the code set by for example adding new codes in the set without impacting the version of the messages and the development cycle of the messages. In practice the external code sets follow a quarterly update cycle.
Users of external code sets must refer to the latest version published on this website to apply valid codes.
The ISO 20022 Technical Support Group (TSG) developed a machine readable version of the external code sets including the required data attributes for each code. Based on a proof of concept and user feedback, the new design is produced since August 2021.
The external code sets are published in XSLX, XSD and JSON files.
A separate list of the Bank Transaction Code Combinations is also published below.
Submission and publication timeline
An updated version of the external codes sets is published by the Registration Authority (RA) after evaluation and approval by the SEG at the end of February, May, August and November. To be included in the updated version, change requests must be received two months before the publication and respectively by end of December, March, June and September.
Download the External Code Sets
December 2024 (v1)
Bank Transaction Code combinations and description
Dated 21 March 2024
Request for updates
Requests for updates to External Code Sets (addition of a new code value, clarification of an existing definition, deactivation of an existing code value) must be submitted to the ISO 20022 RA, using the "Change Request for update of an External Code Set" template.
