The EDI interface file contains the following root element:

EDI X12:
<interchanges>
element.
EDIFACT:
<interchange>
element.

Within the root element is a message type element, for example

<x12:TS_810>

in EDI X12 or

<TS_INVOIC>

in EDIFACT, and loop elements, segment elements, and data elements. For each element in the standard, there is a matching element in the interface file. The loop, segment, and data elements use the naming conventions in the EDI X12 or EDIFACT standard.