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Spotlight PEPPOL BIS Billing 3.0 The EU e-invoicing mandate is here — France Sept 2026, Belgium Jan 2026, Germany 2025.

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UNECE Rec 21

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UNECE Rec 21 is the UN/CEFACT Recommendation codifying types of cargo, packages and packaging materials (BG=Bag, BX=Box, PX=Pallet, etc.).

Definition

Rec 21 standardises 2-character packaging codes. Common codes: BX (Box), CT (Carton), PK (Package), PX (Pallet), DR (Drum), BG (Bag). Massively used by DESADV to describe packaging hierarchy.

Origin

Published in 1986 by UN/CEFACT. Reference for UNECE Code List Rec 21 and UN/EDIFACT 7065.

Use

In an EDIFACT DESADV: PAC+1++201:::PX' declares 1 packaging unit of type PX (Pallet, code 201 in list 7065 aligned with Rec 21). PCI follows for parcel identification.