What you need to know about the Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme (AWRS)

Guidance on how to record your AWRS registration number in your EDI invoices using GS1 standards

From 1 April 2017, if you sell alcohol to another business you may need to apply to register for the Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme (AWRS) and if you buy alcohol to sell from a UK wholesaler, you’ll need to check that the wholesaler has registered with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and has an AWRS Unique Reference Number (URN). The scheme was introduced by HMRC to tackle alcohol fraud, and you can get more detailed information here.

Suppliers should be aware that the HMRC guidance states that:

• If you’re approved as a wholesaler of alcohol, you’ll have to include your URN on all sales invoices involving controlled liquor, and provide your URN on request to anyone purchasing alcohol from you. Existing wholesalers have until 1 April 2017 to change their invoices. You may also include your URN on any other commercial documentation you deem appropriate
• For those suppliers using EDI to transmit their invoices, this URN will also need to be included in the invoice message

Where to record your AWRS URN in your EDI invoices

If you’re using GS1 EANCOM or TRADACOMS then this is how you record your AWRS reference number in the invoice message

GS1 EANCOM invoice message: the AWRS URN should be recorded in

• SG1 RFF segment
  • Data Element 1153
    • Using code AGW

AGW = Scheme/plan number

Reference number assigned to a service scheme or plan

GS1 XML invoice message: the AWRS URN can be recorded under

•         Invoice message/invoice/note

TRADACOMS invoice message: the AWRS URN should be recorded in
INVFIL

• Segment DNA
  • Data Element RTEX
    • Code list 24, code 24

code 024 = Registration number

If you have any questions about how to support this change with GS1 standards please contact us.

Find out more about how GS1 standards can help improve the full order-to-cash process.