Global EBICS Payments Updates: Structured/Hybrid Address Requirements

Overview

Effective November 2026, SWIFT message validation requirements will no longer support unstructured addresses for cross-border payments.  Only fully structured or hybrid addresses will be accepted. In addition, some clearing systems across various markets may require hybrid addresses whenever a postal address is provided. At a minimum, hybrid addresses must include town/city and country as dedicated data elements. These updates align with SWIFT industry standards and are designed to ensure a smooth transition.

EBICS Versions Supported:

  • 2.4 (French EBICS)
  • 2.5 (German EBICS)
  • 3.0 (combines features of both French and German EBICS)

Order Types:

  • German EBICS: Y01, Y08
  • French EBICS: pain.001.001.03.xct

All validations and acknowledgements are done by H2H and delivered through EBICS.

What’s changing?

As part of the Cross Border Payments and Reporting Plus (CBPR+) initiative, SWIFT and leading Payment Market Infrastructures (PMIs) now require that cross-border payment messages include both a country code and town name in postal address fields. 

This change will improve compliance and increase automation in payment processing.

When is the change expected?

Currently, you must use one of three formats for postal addresses in your payment messages:

  1. Fully unstructured: 
    This format will be phased out by November 14, 2026. After that, all address fields must use either the structured or hybrid format.
  2. Fully structured: 
    This format separates address details into specific fields, such as street name, post code, town, and country.
  3. Hybrid:
    This option combines structured elements (town name and country are required) with up to two unstructured address lines (each up to 70 characters). This provides flexibility during the transition.

These requirements apply to cross-border payments sent over the SWIFT network and to payments processed through clearing systems that require hybrid or fully-structured addresses, such as U.S. Fedwire, U.S. CHIPS, Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), Swiss Interbank Clearing, UK CHAPS, Target2-Euro, and South Africa’s SAMOS. 

If your payments do not meet the new requirements

Payments that do not follow the new address requirements may be rejected or delayed, which could impact payment processing timelines.