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EDIFACT message guide · Shipping and logistics

RETINS Instruction for returns

The UN/EDIFACT message a party uses to say whether, and how, goods announced for return should be returned.

Sent by
Supplier, lessor or manufacturer
Received by
Customer or holder of the goods
Standard
UN/EDIFACT · Batch message
X12 equivalent
No direct equivalent

What is the EDIFACT RETINS message?

RETINS is the UN/EDIFACT instruction for returns message. The directory defines it as a message by which a party informs another party whether and how goods shall be returned. It usually answers an announcement for returns (RETANN).

The instruction can authorize the return and give an authorization number, a destination such as a repair center, the transport arrangements and the timing, or it can refuse the return or tell the customer to dispose of the goods locally. Clear instructions prevent unauthorized returns arriving at the wrong place.

How the EDIFACT RETINS message worksDiagram of the UN/EDIFACT RETINS Instruction for returns message. Supplier, lessor or manufacturer sends it to customer or holder of the goods. It usually follows RETANN. It is usually followed by DESADV. Inside the UNB and UNH envelopes, the directory D.21A requires, in the start of message: BGM (Beginning of message) and body and segment groups: the required SG11 loop with LIN (Line item). 15 conditional segment groups are listed by their trigger segment.How the EDIFACT RETINS message worksInstruction for returns: who sends it, where it fits and what the directory marks mandatory1 WHERE IT FITSUSUALLY FOLLOWSRETANNAnnouncement forreturnsRETINSSENDERSupplier, lessor ormanufacturerRECEIVERCustomer or holder ofthe goodsCONTRL syntax report back, if agreedUSUALLY FOLLOWED BYDESADVDespatch advice2 WHAT DIRECTORY D.21A REQUIRESInterchange: sender and recipient IDsUNB … UNZMessage RETINSUNH … UNTSTART OF MESSAGEBGMBeginning of messageBODY AND SEGMENT GROUPSMandatory group SG11 · repeats up to 9,999LINLine item+ 15 conditional groups, starting with:DOCRFFNADCDITODTDTEQDDGSHANPACBlue box: mandatory segment group. Conditional groups are listed by the trigger segment that starts them; a group is sent only when its data applies.Conditional segments outside groups are not drawn.Structure: mandatory segments and groups in the UN/EDIFACT directory D.21A listing for RETINS. Your trading partner's implementation guide adds itsown requirements.
How the EDIFACT RETINS message worksDiagram of the UN/EDIFACT RETINS Instruction for returns message. Supplier, lessor or manufacturer sends it to customer or holder of the goods. It usually follows RETANN. It is usually followed by DESADV. Inside the UNB and UNH envelopes, the directory D.21A requires, in the start of message: BGM (Beginning of message) and body and segment groups: the required SG11 loop with LIN (Line item). 15 conditional segment groups are listed by their trigger segment.How the EDIFACT RETINSmessage worksInstruction for returns: who sends it, where itfits and what the directory marks mandatory1 WHERE IT FITSUSUALLY FOLLOWSRETANNAnnouncement for returnsRETINSSENDERSupplier, lessoror manufacturerRECEIVERCustomer orholder of thegoodsCONTRL syntax report back, if agreedUSUALLY FOLLOWED BYDESADVDespatch advice2 WHAT DIRECTORY D.21A REQUIRESInterchange: sender and recipient IDs(UNB … UNZ)Message RETINS (UNH … UNT)START OF MESSAGEBGMBeginning of messageBODY AND SEGMENT GROUPSMandatory group SG11 · repeats upto 9,999LINLine item+ 15 conditional groups, starting with:DOCRFFNADCDITODTDTEQDDGSHANPACBlue box: mandatory segment group. Conditionalgroups are listed by the trigger segment thatstarts them; a group is sent only when its dataapplies. Conditional segments outside groups arenot drawn.Structure: mandatory segments and groups in theUN/EDIFACT directory D.21A listing for RETINS.Your trading partner's implementation guide adds itsown requirements.

How to read this diagram: the top row shows who sends RETINS, to whom, and which messages usually come before and after it. The lower part shows what the directory D.21A itself requires: the envelopes around RETINS and the segments and segment groups it marks mandatory. Conditional groups are listed by their trigger segment rather than drawn in full. This is the directory's minimum, not a trading partner's requirement: a message implementation guide, such as an industry subset or a partner’s own guide, usually makes some conditional groups mandatory, restricts the codes and may use an older directory.

Expand diagram Download SVG

When it is used

  • Authorizing a return and giving the destination
  • Refusing a return
  • Instructing local disposal or scrapping

Where it fits in the message flow

Usually follows RETANN Announcement for returns
This message RETINS Instruction for returns
Usually followed by DESADV Despatch advice

Structure

Mandatory segments in RETINS (directory D.21A)

In UN/EDIFACT directory D.21A, the RETINS message has 65 segment positions arranged in 21 segment groups. These are the segments and segment groups marked mandatory at message level, in order; a mandatory group is shown with the segment that starts it. Segments inside conditional groups are needed only when the group is used. This is the directory’s requirement, not your trading partner’s: each partner’s message implementation guide names the directory it uses, often an older one such as D.96A or D.01B where the structure can differ, makes some conditional segments mandatory and restricts the codes.

  • UNH
  • BGM
  • SG11 (LIN)
  • UNT

Practical example

RETINS in practice

A manufacturer receives a RETANN for 40 faulty routers. It sends the retailer a RETINS authorizing the return of 35 units to its repair center with a return authorization number and a collection date, and instructing local recycling of five units with cosmetic damage only. The retailer ships the 35 units with a despatch advice quoting the authorization.

Implementation

Implementation considerations for RETINS

  • Give a return authorization reference for every accepted return.
  • Specify destination, transport and timing.
  • Answer each announced line, including refusals.
  • Connect authorizations to credit and repair processes.

How ECOM helps

Automate RETINS with ECOM

Industry

Consumer Goods

Retail, distributor, marketplace and direct-channel integration for consumer brands.

Industry

Retail

Retail and eCommerce EDI for suppliers and retailers, from purchase order to payment, with compliance built in.

Solution

Logistics Automation

Automate tenders, status updates, freight invoices and warehouse orders with logistics partners.

Compare X12 and EDIFACT, or see answers to general questions in the EDI FAQ.

Related messages

Related shipping and logistics messages

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