ANSI X9.100-160-2-2004 pdf download Placement and Location of Magnetic Ink Printing (MICR) Part 2: EPC Field Use
1 Scope
Part 2 of this standard establishes external processing code (EPC) assignments and management, and specifies the MICR characters approved for use in the U.S. Payments System.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated references,only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ANS X9.7-1 999 (X9.1 00-1 1 0), Bank Check Background and Convenience Amount Field Specification
ANS X9.1 00-20-2006 (X9.27), Print and Test Specifications for Magnetic Ink Printing (MICR)
ANS X9-1 00-1 40-2004 (X9.90), Specifications for an Image Replacement Document – IRD
ANS X9.1 00-1 51 -2004 (X9.40), Check Correction Strip Specification
ASC X9 TR 1 00-2006 (X9/TG-1 00), Organization of Standards for Paper-based and Image-based Payments Federal Reserve Regulation CC: Section 229.30-31 , Paying Bank’s Responsibility for Return of Checks Federal Reserve Regulation CC: Section 229.51 , General Provisions Governing Substitute Checks
3 Terms and definitions
3.1 character (MICR) (ANS X9.100-160-1/X9.13)
Any of the ten numerals or four special symbols comprising the MICR type font known as E-1 3B.
3.2 character space (MICR) (ANS X9.100-160-1/X9.13)
A 0.1 25 inch space in the MICR print band within which one MICR character may appear.
3.3 E-13B (ANS X9.100-20/X9.27)
A special type font consisting of ten numerals and four special symbols, developed for magnetic ink character recognition.
3.4 external processing code (EPC) (ANS X9.100-160-1/X9.13)
A MICR digit that conveys special information regarding the correct handling or routing of a check or check data to financial institutions and other processors.
3.5 external processing code field (EPC field) (ANS X9.100-160-1/X9.13)
An optional, single digit field located to the left of the routing field on a check. The EPC field is used for special purposes as authorized by ASC X9.
3.6 fixed format (ANS X9.100-160-1/X9.13)
A term applied to the required and optional fields for which the location, digit sequence and structure are completely specified.
4 General
Part Two of this standard accommodates U. S. Payments System interoperability through the usage of the EPC field to convey check processing information for applications or processes such as electronification, returns, and security. Use of the EPC Field represents participation by the issuing financial institution in an approved activity. Financial institutions that use the EPC field agree by that use to the terms, conditions, and limitations placed on the use of the code by the Accredited Standards Committee X9. No independent or unilateral use of the EPC is permitted.
4.1 EPC code use
Use of a code in the EPC Field is an external communication among participants in the check payment process. The EPC will trigger specific, universally recognized, unique actions among institutions with the check payment process. Usage of any particular EPC shall not conflict with or impede or preclude other EPC function