Explained: SWIFT gpi UETR – Unique End-to-End Transaction Reference 16

Before we delve into the UETR, we need to know what the SWIFT gpi is. In a nutshell SWIFT gpi refers to SWIFT’s Global Payments Innovation initiative, enabling:

• Faster payments – enabling same day use of funds
• Transparency of fees
• End to end visibility/tracking of payments
• Complete and unaltered remittance information

As mentioned above, driving the SWIFT gpi initiative is the UETR….

What is the UETR – Unique End-to-End Transaction Reference?

As stated already the UETR is a Unique End-to-End Transaction Reference. The UETR is:

• The SWIFT cross border payments equivalent of your parcel tracking number
• Generated by the Payer and passed through, without modification, the SWIFT network and any intermediary banks through to the Payee (beneficiary)
• Used within the SWIFT gpi Tracker to enable banks and corporates to track and monitor in real time the end to end progress of all gpi payments

Which Message Types Require the UETR – Unique End to End Transaction Reference?

The SWIFT Standard MT Release 2018 requires you to populate (it is currently optional) the UETR in the FIN user header (block 3) for the following MT messages:

• MT103
• MT103 REMIT
• MT103 STP
• MT202
• MT202 COV
• MT205
• MT205 COV

What are the UETR SWIFT Format Requirements?

As stated above, the SWIFT Standard MT Release 2018 makes it mandatory for you to add the UETR in field 121 within block 3 of the FIN header.

The UETR (Unique End to End Transaction Reference) must be:

• Unique – As the name of the field indicates this is intended to be a globally unique value, not just unique to your organisation
  • Adhering to the Universal Unique Identifier (UUID) or Globally Unique Identifier (GUID) which is compliant with IETF standard RFC4122, version 4 of the generation algorithm
  • Follow the link for further details about generating the UUID, Universal Unique Identifier
  • Check out this overview around how to generate a UUID compliant with RFC 4122
  • xxxxxxxx-xxxx-4xxx-yxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx
  • Where:
    • x is any lowercase hexadecimal character
    • 4 – fixed value
    • y – either: 8, 9, a, b

    

    Where to indicate the UETR Field 121 in the SWIFT Header Block 3

    If you’re new to SWIFT formatting, i would recommend having a read of my earlier post The Structure Of A SWIFT Message, Explained! That post deals with a MT101 header, but the idea is the same. Note, below i have indicated in bold the message type (103). Here is what your existing MT103 header looks like:

    and now with the UETR you must generate something like this:

    When SWIFT gpi is released to the broader corporate user base, you’ll indicate field 121 in your MT101 header in exactly the same way. Easy peasey, eh?

    Thanks for stopping by – Take a look around…!!

    What is the Service Type Identifier Field 111?

    Field 111 is to be placed in the header section block 3, and is to be used as indicated below by SWIFT gpi members only:

    Couple of things to note:

    • Depending on whether you are a gpi-bank or not, you will either add or drop field 111
    • Values will be:
      • 001 – to be used for:
        • 001 – SWIFT gpi Customer Credit Transfer (gCCT)
        • 001- SWIFT gpi Cover services (gCOV)

        Okay, I have a generated the UETR – What Next?

        • For the above stated message types, you (banks, corporates, message initiator) must ensure the UETR is generated and indicated in the header (block 3), even if you are not a SWIFT gpi bank / registered institution
        • As a receiving bank you must be able to receive the UETR value in the header block 3 of the MT message
        • If you are an intermediary, you must pass on this UETR value unchanged to the next bank
        • The above requirements are available to test in the T&T (Test and Training) environment right now, and will go live on 18th November, 2018 (based on the annual SWIFT Standard MT Release schedule)

        Further information can be found at:

        • SWIFT gpi and head across to the Document Centre
        • SWIFT Standards MT Release 2018 and the webinar overview

        Related posts:

        1. Simple Guide to the SWIFT MT101 Format
        2. The SWIFT Customer Security Programme EXPLAINED!
        3. The Structure Of A SWIFT Message, Explained!
        4. List of MT940 Transaction Type Identification Codes

        16 thoughts on “ Explained: SWIFT gpi UETR – Unique End-to-End Transaction Reference ”

        I believe this article has incorrect information.
        Prior to MT standards 2018 it is not allowed to use the 111 and 121 tags if not part of the gpi Closed User Group (error code G27). The doc below for MT Standards 2017 states:
        Field 111 and f‌ield 121 must both be present or both absent (error code U12) https://docplayer.net/62323373-Standards-release-2017-sr-2017-frequently-asked-questions-related-to-the-swift-global-payment-innovation-gpi-service.html

        Reply Gaurav Kumar Jan 28,2019 11:37 am What if as a intermediary bank i change the UETR value and payment get failed. Reply Rajan Khanna Feb 6,2019 5:17 am

        If a bank creates a fresh payment UETR, it will be tracked as a new and a separate payment. The previous one will be continued to be shown as with this bank.

        Reply Igwuade Okojie Jul 6,2019 9:56 pm Where and how can one find a swift gpi code for top 25 banks can anyone please please uploaded SWIFT Standard Release SR 2019 changes documents / pdf can any one please share me the SWIFT standard release SR 2019 changes? Hi Guys, Can anyone please share me the SWIFT SR 2019 changes? Reply Tracy Allen Jan 12,2020 11:33 pm

        Hello guys, I need a serious sender of MT103 direct, Plus or Manual download. Receiver is ready. Contact me via : tracyallen358@gmail.com

        Reply Junior Nene Apr 29,2020 8:24 am Can no GPI banks still receive money sent through GPI

        What if a GPI enabled Bank does not send Service Type Identifier but send just a UETR for some payments. Will that bank will receive Updates of those Payments via SWIFTgpi tracker?

        How many types of swift gpi are there? Can all banks that have joined the system issue and receive all types? what are the costs of sending and receiving

        Dealing with the MT103 and MT 103/ Mt202 – When does the system prints off the reports and what should I expect?

        Hello all, I would like to verify the UETR of an MT103.
        How can I do that?

        hi, can a UETR number be used for 2 different payments from same sender?
        also can a UETR number be faked or is it system generated?

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