International ACH Transaction (IAT) Output File Delivery Sort Frequently Asked Questions

The Federal Reserve Banks offer the ability for Receiving Points and RDFIs to receive their IAT items in a separate file from their domestic items. It will allow Receiving Points and RDFIs to easily identify IAT items to perform necessary due diligence (i.e. OFAC screening) without having to interrogate the entire output file.

1. At which point during the day will the IAT file be available?

   File availability will coincide with FedACH^® Services standard processing. IAT files may be picked up during each FedACH distribution window.

2. What will be included in the IAT file?

   The IAT Output File sort will contain IAT forward items (not IAT return items) destined to a particular RDFI and/or RP. The file may also contain any truncation and destroyed check entries (TRC, TRX, XCK) destined to the same location. Volume for the check entries are extremely limited and are not expected to cause any difficulty in identifying IAT items.

3. How will I be able to tell which file is an IAT file?

   The file name for the IAT file will begin with ACHAJ06 and will otherwise follow the FedACH standard file name for each distribution window, which includes a timestamp and file ID modifier.

   Please note that ACH file ID modifiers (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, ...) are assigned in ascending order and are assigned in the order in which items are received by the FedACH application. For example, if the first item received by the Receiving Point in a given processing day is an IAT item, the IAT file will be assigned the ACH file ID modifier A, and the non-IAT file will be assigned the ACH file ID modifier B.

   Conversely, if the first item received by the Receiving Point in a given processing day is not an IAT forward item, the non-IAT file will be assigned the ACH file ID modifier A, and the IAT file will be assigned the ACH file ID modifier B (if such item is received).

   For FedLine Advantage^® and FedLine Direct^® customers the ACH file ID modifier will be found in position 17 of the file name and for FedLine Command^® customers, the ACH file ID modifier will be found in position 18.

   For example, if a customer has the sort option of receiving all non-IATs in one file (AJ11) and then all IATs in another file (AJ06), and there are both non-IAT and IAT files available after the first distribution window, the file names will be similar to the examples below:

   For FedLine Advantage and FedLine Direct Customers:
   ACHAJ11123456789AIN200909181151.ach
   ACHAJ06123456789BIN200909181152.ach

   For FedLine Command Customers:
   ACHAJ11123456789PAIN200909181151.ach
   ACHAJ06123456789PBIN200909181152.ach

4. How many files should I expect to receive with the new File Delivery Sort option?

   Customers that have historically received and processed four output files per day should be prepared to receive and process eight output files. The actual number of output files delivered to a Last customer will vary depending on the time and type of transactions that have been sent to them in addition to the actual sort options selected in the FedACH Participation Agreement.

5. How long are the IAT files available for download?

   The process for IAT files downloads mirrors today's processing environment. IAT files are available for download on FedLine Advantage for 10 business days. Should have trouble with the file within that 10 day period and need the file remade and resent please contact the FedACH^® and Check Services Customer Support.

6. How do I sign up for the service?

   Sign up is available through the FedACH Participation Agreement (Part 3). Customers may contact FedACH^® and Check Services Customer Support for assistance in completing and/or updating the form.

7. What are the fees associated with this service feature?

   Current fees are available in the FedACH Services fee schedule.

8. Can I request test IAT files?

   Yes, the Federal Reserve has testing available for depository institutions.

9. How long will it take the Federal Reserve Banks to update my profile to begin receiving IAT files separately?

   All FedACH profile changes require a lead time of 5 business days.

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