What is the SEPA document and how is it used in the business environment?
The SEPA document is a permit that a self-employed person or company provides in relation to suppliers. It is a convenient and secure form of payment, however, it must follow a certain procedure in order to be completely legal.
What is the SEPA document?
The SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) document represents a European initiative that unifies euro payment methods, enabling seamless electronic transactions between countries. Designed to simplify and standardise cross-border payments, it facilitates operations such as bank transfers, direct debits and card payments under uniform conditions. SEPA aims to make euro payments as simple and efficient as domestic payments by removing barriers to financial transactions within Europe.
At the business level, the use of the SEPA document between companies and suppliers is essential for streamlining commercial and financial relations. It facilitates the fast and secure payment of invoices, payroll and other financial commitments, reducing the processing times and costs associated with international transactions. In addition, it enables companies to manage their cash flows more efficiently and make more accurate financial planning, as SEPA payments ensure transparency, security and fast execution.
This process results in greater trust and stability in business-to-business and supplier relationships, thereby boosting trade and investment within the European single market.
How the SEPA document is completed
To complete a SEPA document, whether it is a direct debit mandate (SEPA mandate) or a credit transfer, it is necessary to follow a specific process to ensure the validity and effectiveness of the document in accordance with European regulations.
First, essential sender and receiver data must be collected, including full names, addresses and, most importantly, the IBAN (International Bank Account Number) and, if applicable, the BIC (Bank Identifier Code) of the bank accounts involved in the transaction.
In the case of a SEPA direct debit, the debtor must sign a SEPA mandate authorising the creditor to collect payments from his or her account. This mandate must include the unique mandate identification (UDI), the date of signature, and confirmation of the direct debit authorisation. For a SEPA credit transfer, you must specify the amount to be transferred, the execution date and, optionally, a concept or reference for the payment.
It is crucial to ensure that all information provided is accurate and up-to-date to avoid delays or problems in the execution of the payment. Once completed, the document is processed through the sender’s banking system to the receiver’s, complying with SEPA standards for efficient and secure transactions in the euro area.
Direct debit between companies and suppliers via SEPA
SEPA direct debit between companies and suppliers is an efficient mechanism, which facilitates the recurring payment process for goods or services within the Single Euro Payments Area. This system allows companies to authorise their suppliers to collect payments directly from their bank accounts, ensuring smooth transactions, which is essential for maintaining strong and long-lasting business relationships.
To set up a SEPA direct debit, the company (debtor) must sign a SEPA mandate, providing explicit consent to the supplier (creditor) to initiate collections. This mandate includes critical information such as the identification of the creditor, the IBAN of the debtor, and a unique mandate reference, ensuring the transparency and traceability of each transaction.
This payment method offers numerous advantages, such as the automation of collections, thereby reducing the administrative burden and human error. It also improves cash flow management by providing predictable and regular payments, allowing both businesses and suppliers to plan their finances more accurately.
In addition, the SEPA system has stringent security and consumer protection measures, which increases confidence in the payment process and strengthens business relationships.
SEPA Direct Debit typesSEPA Direct Debit types
Within the SEPA system, there are two main types of direct debit: CORE and B2B, designed to meet different payment needs.
The CORE direct debit, also known as the Core Scheme, is intended for the general public, including both individuals and corporates. It allows debtors to authorise creditors to collect payments directly from their bank accounts. It is notable for its extended repayment period, offering debtors the possibility to request repayment for up to eight weeks after the debit date.
The SEPA B2B (Business to Business) direct debit, on the other hand, is specifically designed for business-to-business payments. This scheme requires the debtor to be a business and offers a more streamlined framework for payments, with a shorter repayment period. In this case, the debtor does not have the right to request repayment once the payment has been completed, which offers greater security and financial certainty to the creditor. Both systems aim to optimise and simplify financial transactions within the European Economic Area, each adapted to different payment contexts.
At Asesoría Orihuela Costa we work with you to clarify all the doubts you may have about payments to your suppliers and other companies with which you collaborate regularly.
