Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia (SORS)

Domestic Trade, Catering Trade and Tourism Statistics Division

Republic of Serbia, Belgrade, Milana Rakića 5

Retail trade (G47)

The main purpose of data collecting is providing the indicators on turnover in retail trade on monthly basis. Data are collected by statistical surveys Monthly Report on Retail Trade (Form TRG-10) and Quarterly Survey on Retail Trade (Form TRG-16) and by using administrative data (Tax Administration data from Value Added Tax).

The objective of the retail trade turnover index is to show the development of the consumer goods market and measure the change of retail sales. As an important short-term indicator, retail trade turnover index is used to analyse economic situation and as an indicator of individual consumption and input for National accounts statistics.

Indices on the retail trade turnover are presented in two ways:

• for retail trade turnover including VAT (for national purposes)
• for retail trade turnover excluded VAT (obligations according to Eurostat)

The data set refer to retail trade turnover value and volume indices. Value indices show turnover movements in current prices. Volume of sales indices in retail trade represent the changes in the value of turnover in constant prices.

Wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (G45), Wholesale trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles (G46)

Data on turnover realized in Division G45 of NACE Rev. 2 are collected by the Quarterly survey of wholesale and retail trade of motor vehicles and motorcycles (Form TRG-16M) and using administrative source (data from the Tax Administration).

The aim of the obtained results is to provide data on total turnover for the quarter and by months and are used for monitoring the volume and dynamics of goods and services flow, for computing the turnover indices, simultaneously being a part of the results for total distributive trade (Sector G).

Data on wholesale trade turnover are collected by the statistical survey Quarterly survey on wholesale trade (Form TRG-16KV). The survey collects the following data: turnover (including VAT), calculated VAT, number of employees, supplies and turnover for 30 commodity groups. The purpose of the quarterly survey on wholesale trade is to provide the data (total for the quarter and by months) necessary for monitoring the volume and dynamics of the turnover, as well as for analysing the effects of measures on the overall trade policy; they are part of the results for the distributive trade.

The results for Divisions G45 and G46 are shown in the form of nominal (value) indices.

- Classification of activities CA (“Official Gazette of RS”, No 54/10), which is without any changes based on Statistical Classification of Economic Activities in EU – NACE Rev. 2.

- National Nomenclature of Statistical Territorial Units (“Official Gazette of RS”, No 109/09 and 46/10)

Retail trade (G47)

Statistical surveys involve:

- enterprises (legal entities) with principal activity classified into Retail trade, excluding trade of motor vehicles and motorcycles (Division 47 of NACE Rev. 2);

- selected legal entities whose principal activity is not retail trade, but they realize significant turnover in retail trade as secondary activity.

Administrative data source – included are unincorporated enterprises (entrepreneurs) registered in value added tax system (VAT payers) within the section of Retail trade, excluding trade of motor vehicles and motorcycles (Division 47 of NACE Rev. 2), as well as bakery and butcher shops.

Wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (G45), Wholesale trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles (G46)

The surveys cover enterprises (legal entities) if their principal activity is one of the following:

Wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (Division 45 of NACE Rev. 2);

Wholesale trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles (Division 46 of NACE Rev. 2).

A certain number of legal entities that are classified, according to the principal activity, in other activities, but generate significant turnover in the wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles / wholesale trade are also included.

Also included are entrepreneurs registered in the activity of wholesale and retail trade of motor vehicles and motorcycles (Division 45 of NACE Rev. 2), which are in the VAT system (VAT payers).

Retail trade (G47)

Statistical variable provided is turnover. Data collected refer to retail trade turnover including VAT and the amount of VAT which are calculated on invoiced turnover (included in the sales price to customers).

Turnover excluding VAT (for Eurostat needs) is derived from these two variables.

Note that indices are compiled both including VAT (for national purposes) and excluding VAT (obligations according to Eurostat).

Retail trade turnover represents the sales of goods and services to final consumers (primarily to individuals for personal consumption, for use in the households, as well as to other consumers who are supplied at retail prices). The turnover of goods in retail trade also includes the sale of goods to individuals through consignment, whether performed from a warehouse or store.

Retail trade turnover comprises the invoiced value from sales of goods during the reference period, no regardless it was paid or not. Turnover includes excise duties and excludes income from sales of fixed assets, as well as other operating income, financial income and other extraordinary income (rentals, subsidies, etc.).

The volume of sales (deflated turnover) represents the value of turnover at constant prices.

Wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (G45), Wholesale trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles (G46)

Turnover in wholesale trade presents the value of sold goods, for the purpose of further selling (to trade enterprises and shops dealing with retail trade, selling to other wholesale traders) for further processing of goods, as well as goods sale to large consumers for their own consumption, only on domestic market.

Results for Sector G, Division G45 and G46 are shown in the form of nominal (value) indices.

Retail trade (G47)

Reporting unit is an enterprise.

Statistical observation units are enterprises with principal activity classified under Division 47 of NACE Rev. 2 (Retail trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles). For business entities engaged in retail trade, but with the principal activity not related to retail trade, the statistical unit is kind of activity unit (KAU).

Observed activity is retail trade and only the data related to the observed activity is taken into account.

Administrative data source - the Tax Administration data on value added tax (VAT returns) are used in order to provide data on the turnover of the entrepreneurs.

Wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (G45), Wholesale trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles (G46)

Statistical observation unit and a reporting unit is an enterprise (business entity).

A small number of business entities whose principal activity is outside of Divisions 45 and 46 of NACE Rev. 2 are also included, as they realize significant turnover in this areas.

Administrative data source - Database from VAT reports on turnover of unincorporated enterprises.

Retail trade (G47)

The target statistical population includes all active business entities with principal activity classified into retail trade (Division 47 of NACE Rev. 2). Also, the statistical population includes a certain number of business entities that perform retail trade, but according to the main activity they are classified into other activities.

Enterprises corresponding to legal entities are surveyed in monthly and quarterly surveys that are based on random samples. The goal of the monthly survey is to provide data for estimating indices in retail trade by activity groups/classes according to Classification of Activities and NUTS 2 regions. The monthly sample is a subsample of the quarterly survey. The quarterly survey, conducted on a larger number of units in the sample, collects data for more detailed estimates and provides final results.

The sampling frame for both surveys is based on the Statistical Business Register (SBR) which includes about 7000 enterprises in retail trade activity that have reported annual financial statements (for the year t-2, where t is the reference year). The sampling frame was constructed from this list of enterprises by excluding the smallest enterprises. The cut-off limit depends upon the size of the enterprise and annual turnover. Included are all large and medium enterprises and small and micro enterprises with an annual turnover greater than 4 million RSD. Annual turnover and size classes (large, medium, small and micro) for enterprises are taken from financial statements for the year t-2, where t is the current year. The size of the enterprise is defined according to the annual turnover, number of employees and assets of the enterprise. Excluded enterprises make up less than 1% of turnover. The sampling frame includes about 4300 enterprises out of which are 33 with principal activity not in retail trade.

The number of enterprises in the population and the sampling frame according to NACE Rev. 2 classes or groups in retail trade activity presented in the Table below.

Table 1. Number of units according to NACE Rev. 2 classes or groups in 2022.

Republic of Serbia

Note: Starting from 1999 the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia has not at disposal and may not provide available certain data relative to AP Kosovo and Metohija and therefore these data are not included in the coverage for the Republic of Serbia (total).

Retail trade comparable data series are available from January 2000 onwards. Historical time series of period 2000-2010 were recalculated in accordance with NACE Rev. 2 classification, so the time series can be considered continuous.

For G45 and G46 data have been available since 2005. The dynamics of conducting surveys is quarterly, but as part of the surveys, data for the monthly level of turnover is also collected.

The base year is 2015.

Data on turnover (and VAT) are collected in thousands RSD.

Only indices are disseminated, not absolute figures.

The data refer to a month.

The reference period is the calendar quarter for statistical surveys from divisions G45 and G46.

National legislation:

The Official Statistics Law ("Official Gazette of RS", No. 104/09);

Decision on the Programme of the Official Statistics over the period 2021 - 2025 ("Official Gazette of RS", No. 24/2021);

Regulation on defining the Plan of Official Statistics for 2022 ("Official Gazette of RS", No. 133/2021);

Law on the Classification of Activities ("Official Gazette of RS", No. 54/2010).

The above documents are available at SORS website:

http://www.stat.gov.rs/en-us/o-nama/dokumenti/

Important legal acts and other documents at the European Union level:

The European Parliament and Council adopted the European Business Statistics (EBS) Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 on 27 November 2019, followed by the Commission Implementing Regulation 2020/1197 laying down technical specifications and arrangements pursuant to the mentioned EBS Regulation (General Implementing Act).

The former legal basis for the STS indicators is the Council Regulation No 1165/98 of 19 May 1998 concerning short-term statistics and subsequent amending regulations.

The references to the EBS Regulation and its implementing legal acts can be found on the Eurostat website. 

Data are transmitted to Eurostat.

At the national level data confidentiality is stipulated by:

- Official Statistics Law (Official Gazette of RS, number 104/2009), Articles 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, and 49.

http://www.stat.gov.rs/media/2322/zakon_o_statisticie.pdf

- Rulebook on statistical data protection in the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia

http://www.stat.gov.rs/media/2343/rulebook-on-statistical-data-protection-in-sors.doc

- Guidelines on measures of data and information protection in the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia

http://www.stat.gov.rs/media/2341/guidelines-on-measures-of-data-and-information-protection-in-the-sors.doc

European legislation: Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2009 on European statistics.

Confidential data may be used for statistical purposes only. Confidential statistical data are individual data as well as aggregates on which the data holder may be recognized in any way.

Confidential data are considered official secret and cannot be published or communicated, that is, they cannot be part of aggregated data from which individual data can be identified.

When processing confidential data for users’ needs, data protection must be provided so that individual data cannot be identified on either level of aggregated data.

Release Calendar is available at SORS website on the 1st day of December every year for the forthcoming year http://www.stat.gov.rs/en-US/calendar.

All SORS releases are launched at 12.00. Any divergence from the defined time schedule are announced in advance and explained in the Calendar.

Release Calendar is available at SORS website: http://www.stat.gov.rs/en-US/calendar.

The data obtained through statistical surveys are released at the internet presentation: http://www.stat.gov.rs/en-US/,

in the database

http://data.stat.gov.rs/?caller=SDDB&languageCode=en-US,

in statistical releases and publications

http://www.stat.gov.rs/en-US/publikacije/.

The results of official statistics are available at the same time to all users on impartial basis; any privileged access by external users before their release is not allowed.

Retail trade turnover and Volume of sales indices are disseminated to national users and transmitted to Eurostat monthly.

Periodicity of data publishing (in the form of indices) for G45 and G46 is quarterly.

Since the January 2022 data, monthly data for Section G and G45 and G46 NACE Divisions are transmitted to Eurostat in quarterly periodicity.

Data on retail trade turnover are published in monthly periodicity, in Statistical release ‘’Retail trade turnover’’, on the SORS website http://www.stat.gov.rs/en-us/oblasti/unutrasnja-trgovina/trgovina-na-malo/ simultaneously, in Serbian and in English, according to Release Calendar.

Domestic trade turnover data are published in the "Domestic Trade" statistical release in quarterly periodicity on SORS website https://www.stat.gov.rs/en-us/oblasti/unutrasnja-trgovina/, both in Serbian and in English language. The data sets are published for Divisions 45, 46 and 47 of the Classification of Activities.

“Monthly Statistical Bulletin” - statistical data are presented in quarterly and monthly series, by the territorial level and by Classification of Activities. Monthly series comprise period of the last 13 months;

“Trends” - a quarterly publication providing information on current trends in economy;

“Statistical Yearbook of the Republic of Serbia” - an comprehensive annual publication compiles all final data and series of the most important indicators from different areas of economic and social life of the country;

“Statistical Pocketbook of the RS” - an edition that offers the principal statistical data on the national social and economic development.

Retail trade, wholesale trade and wholesale and retail trade of motor vehicles and motorcycles data (monthly, quarterly and annual indicators) are available in the Statistical Database in scope of the statistical area of Domestic Trade:

http://data.stat.gov.rs/?caller=SDDB&languageCode=en-US

On request, the access to anonymized microdata is ensured to scientific and research institutions. The request can be placed by email at stat@stat.gov.rs, or by regular mail addressed at 5 Milana Rakića St, Belgrade.

For more information, please see http://www.stat.gov.rs/en-US/korisnicka-podrska/micropodaci.

Data on retail trade turnover/volume of sales are transmitted to Eurostat via eDamis.

Monthly data for Section G and G45 and G46 NACE Divisions are delivered to Eurostat quarterly via eDamis.

On users’ request, SORS may provide the data and information obtained by special processing.

Statistical questionnaires on retail trade, wholesale trade and wholesale and retail trade of motor vehicles and motorcycles are available on the website:

https://www.stat.gov.rs/istrazivanja/methodology-and-documents/?a=21&s=0

http://www.stat.gov.rs/en-us/istrazivanja/methodology-and-documents/?a=21&s=0.

Methodological explanations (referent metadata) on retail trade, wholesale trade and wholesale and retail trade of motor vehicles and motorcycles are available on the SORS website:

http://data.stat.gov.rs/Metadata/21_Unutrasnja%20trgovina/Html/2101_ESMS_G0_2021_3.html

https://data.stat.gov.rs/Metadata/21_Unutrasnja%20trgovina/Html/2102_ESMS_G0_2022_3.html

https://data.stat.gov.rs/Metadata/21_Unutrasnja%20trgovina/Html/2100_ESMS_G0_2021_3.html.

http://www.stat.gov.rs/en-us/o-nama/sistem-upravljanja-kvalitetom/

The SORS quality management system is relied on the Serbian official statistics mission and vision, as well as on the European Statistics Code of Practice – CoP and the Total Quality Management – TQM principles, which together make the common quality framework of the European Statistical System (ESS).

For more information, please see the documents at http://www.stat.gov.rs/en-US/o-nama/sistem-upravljanja-kvalitetom.

Through all stages of data production, the main quality aspects are controlled by the responsible statisticians, sample methodologists, time series and IT experts, according to specifications for concrete surveys.

Statistical activities are focused on the monitoring of the main aspects of quality within the organization of statistical surveys (data collection, coverage, data processing, punctuality and timeliness).

The main data users are state administration bodies (Government, Ministry of Domestic and Foreign Trade, Ministry of Finance), Chamber of Commerce, business entities, economic analysts, media representatives, researchers, students, internal users (National accounts statistics, Division for time series analysis and public policies’ effects measuring), international users (Eurostat, IMF).

On biennial basis (once in two years), by the means of web interview, implemented is the User Satisfaction Survey. The survey results are available at SORS website: Results of the User satisfaction survey,2021 (stat.gov.rs).

The survey on users’ satisfaction which separately relates to short-term indicators has not been conducted yet.

Retail trade indicators are complete and fully in line with relevant STS Requirements.

Gaps in the completeness of the indicators for Section G, Divisions G45 and G46 refer to timeliness (monthly indices are disseminated in the quarterly periodicity) and deflated turnover (volume of sales) of these activities are missing.

The turnover and volume of sales variables are computed by combining estimates on turnover from the surveys (enterprises) and administrative data (entrepreneurs). Consequently, the results have sampling and non-sampling errors, of which the main are: coverage, nonresponse, measurement and processing error.

Enterprises (legal entities)

The main sources of errors in these surveys (mentioned under point 3.1.) are of sampling and non-sampling nature.

The sample design is such that the estimates for the main domains are of satisfactory precision.

The following non-sampling errors exist in this survey:

- coverage errors that are due to not completely updated SBR and existing time lag in registering the changes of enterprise characteristics;

- errors that are a consequence of cut-off, the smallest enterprises are excluded from the sampling frame;

- measurement and non-response errors are inevitable, but the process of data collection and data entry are controlled to reduce these errors.

The general assessment is that the type, design and organization of the surveys, as well as the data collection and processing methods ensure sufficient overall accuracy.

Unincorporated enterprises (Entrepreneurs)

Since data on the turnover of unincorporated enterprises are derived from VAT returns, obtained from the Tax Administration, unincorporated enterprises (entrepreneurs) which are not VAT payers (the smallest taxpayers that are not obliged to calculating VAT) are not covered.

For quarterly VAT payers, monthly turnover values are estimated (for each month of the quarter).

Normally the data (results) are final 60 days after the reference quarter for the months of that quarter, after quarterly revision, when the preliminary results obtained on the basis of the monthly survey are replaced with final data from the quarterly survey (t+60) carried out on a larger number of units in the sample and when data from the Tax Administration for quarterly taxpayers are available.

Retail trade (G47)

The sample design is such that the estimates for the main domains are of satisfactory precision.

The sampling weights are corrected for non-response and the presence of outliers. 

Coefficients of variation are calculated for estimated monthly turnover and chain index in retail trade by NACE Rev. 2 classes and groups, as well as for NUTS 2 regions.

For the total monthly turnover, estimates of the coefficients of variation are about 0,8%. On the level of the Republic of Serbia, coefficients of variation of chain indices in retail trade are around 0.3%.

The monthly average of the coefficients of variation for the chain indices is highest in class 47.9 (4.75%) and group 47.19 (1.92%). The monthly average of the coefficients of variation for the chain indices is lowest in class 47.8 (0.0%), group 47.11 (0.21%) and class 47.3 (0.35%). 

The response rate is high throughout the whole year, the un-weighted response rate on the level of the Republic of Serbia is between 85.1% (January) and 93.3% (November). Size-weighted response rate in 2021 on the level of Republic of Serbia on average is 98.6%, the size-weight is the product of design sample weight and a size measure, reported turnover in retail trade in the given month. Based on the results for 2022, the size-weighted unit response rate on the level of the Republic of Serbia is between 96.1% (January) and 99% (October). 

In the Annex is a table with monthly estimates of coefficients of variation by main economic classes in retail trade.

Wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (G45), Wholesale trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles (G46)

Sampling errors of quaterly turnover estimates are presented by the corresponding coefficients of variation for the estimation domains. Sampling weights that are used in estimation are corrected for non-response.

The coefficient of variation for the estimated total turnover on the level of the Republic of Serbia in 2022 in wholesale and retail trade of motor vehicles and motorcycles (G45 of NACE Rev. 2) is 1.48% and in wholesale trade (G46 of NACE Rev. 2) is 2.0%.

Retail trade (G47)

Enterprises (legal entities)

Non-sampling errors can be defined as errors arising during all survey activities. The main non-sampling errors in the results on the turnover in retail trade are coverage, nonresponse, measurement and processing errors.

Frame imperfection is the major cause of coverage errors. SBR variables: the economic activity of the enterprise, registration status and turnover from the financial statement for the year t-2 are of crucial importance for the definition of the survey sample design and sample selection. If these variable values are not updated, or with an error, then coverage errors may occur.

Also, under-coverage errors arise because the frame list contains only the data on enterprises that have submitted the financial statements for the year t-2. Those that opened after that year are not covered unless it is known that they are exceptionally big or important for the activity they perform. Under-coverage errors are caused also by exclusion the smallest enterprises from the sampling frame with respect to turnover (from financial statements for the year t-2).

Although the magnitude of the under-coverage error is not computed it is not considered to be significant.

The over-coverage and non-response errors (or the rate of response) are computed using the coded information on the response that is classified in 9 categories:

1. Runs business, submits a report;
2. Runs business, refuses to submit a report;
3. Not found (undeliverable questionnaire);
4. Closed, extinguished;
5. Blocked, not working;
6. Outside the scope of the survey (does not perform the selected activity);
7. Bankruptcy;
8. Liquidation;
9. Other reasons (e.g. organizational changes).

Over-coverage units, determined not to belong to the target universe for the survey, are those for which the response is: closed, extinguished; blocked, not working; outside the scope of the survey (does not perform the selected activity); bankruptcy and liquidation. The average rate of over-coverage was 6.2% in 2022. On the level of the Republic of Serbia, the over-coverage rate is between 4.2% (January) and 7% (December). The main reasons for over-coverage are ‘not working’ and ‘outside the scope of the survey’.

Non-response units are in-scope units for which data were not collected. Non-response units are those for which the response is: runs a business, refuses to submit a report; not found or moved (undeliverable questionnaire) and other reasons (unknown reason of non-response). The average (un-weighted) nonresponse rate was 8.5% in 2022. On the level of the Republic of Serbia, the un-weighted non-response rate is between 6.7% (November) and 14.9% (January). Size-weighted unit nonresponse rate (size-weight is the product of design sample weight and a size measure, reported turnover in retail trade in the given month) on the level of Republic of Serbia is between 1% (October) and 3.9% (January).

In order to reduce the non-response, the following measures are undertaken: web questionnaire was introduced, reminders are sent in e-mail or written form, reporting units are contacted by telephone. Once a year, a new coordinated sample with rotation is selected. In this way, a gradual replacement of small sampling units is provided, among which non-response is frequent.

In order to reduce non-sampling errors caused by human errors, the following measures are undertaken: collected data are entered in the PC application that represents the so-called "controlled entry". During this phase, the program does not allow the entry of numerically inconsistent data. In addition, it is checked whether the questionnaires are filled out completely. The next step is to run the program for checking logical inconsistencies. Further steps in data editing are based on the analysis of statistical experts and resulting in correction of discovered errors. If necessary, the reporting unit is contacted in order to get the correct data. Finally, data validation is realized during analysis of statistical aggregates.

Every effort is made to reduce non-sampling errors to a minimum.

In the Annex are tables with monthly un-weighted over-coverage and both un-weighted and size-weighted unit non-response rates by main economic classes in retail trade.

Unincorporated enterprises (Entrepreneurs)

Turnover and VAT data extracted from VAT returns obtained from the Tax Administration are used for estimation of entrepreneurs’ turnover.

Under-coverage is caused by small units that are not VAT payers, but it is expected that it does not have a significant impact on total retail trade turnover index.

Analysis of administrative data is focused on the quality of data from the tax return of value added tax. The tax data are thoroughly checked, both for individual months/quarters as well as over months and quarters. Turnover and VAT values of entrepreneurs are sorted in decreasing order to 

detect values that are suspicious for errors. For those values that are suspected to be with errors, further checks are conducted by comparison with data from previous months/quarters.

Wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (G45), Wholesale trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles (G46)

Average non-response rate in 2022 on the level of Republic of Serbia in wholesale and retail trade of motor vehicles and motorcycles is 6.37% and in wholesale trade is 3.97%.

Average over-coverage rate in 2022 on the level of Republic of Serbia in wholesale and retail trade of motor vehicles and motorcycles is 11.42% and in wholesale trade is 7.49%.

Preliminary results of retail trade are published on the last day in month for the previous (reference) month. Preliminary data are corrected by using the final monthly data of the quarterly survey (t+60) that is conducted on a larger number of units in the sample.

Final data for G45 and G46 are published 60 days after the end of the reference quarter (t+60).

There is no time lag between the actual delivery of the data and the target date when it should have been delivered. Deadlines are respected and data are published and delivered on time, according to the pre-announced Release calendar.

The same statistical concepts are applied for the entire territory.

Comparable data series are available from 2000 for G47 and from 2005 for G45 and G46.

The data collected by monthly survey are checked in detail and compared with data from quarterly retail trade survey at a micro level.

Comparison with VAT data does not indicate major discrepancies between available data from administrative sources and results of the surveys.

Occasionally, comparisons with other statistical sources covering turnover, quarterly Structural Business Statistics data, are carried out, but it should be noted that there are certain methodological differences and some differences in definitions.

The results of domestic trade are used as an input data for the creation of Quarterly National Accounts.

Retail trade data are internally coherent. In order to check the internal coherence, comparison is carried out between the data of previous month and data of the reference month, as well as comparison of the current data with the data of the corresponding period of the previous year.

All aggregated data are derived on the basis of individual data.

Wholesale trade and wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles data are also internally coherent. The data from statistical surveys are checked for internal coherence. Comparison is carried out between the data of the previous quarter and data of the reference quarter, as well as comparison of the current data with the data of the corresponding period of the previous year.

All aggregated data are derived directly from micro data.

Standardized information on cost and burden is not systematically collected.

A system of coordination of random samples of business entities has been introduced, which reduces the burden of small units.

More details in publication ″Sample coordination of statistical business surveys″:

http://publikacije.stat.gov.rs/G2014/PdfE/G201410089.pdf .

The SORS general revision policy constitutes the global frame ensuring that each statistical domain shall define its own revision policy in compliance with its specific nature.

The general SORS revision policy determines:

- general rules of revisions of the published data,

- forms of informing users as regards the possible causes of revisions,

- categories of revisions, and

- documents covering all aspects of revisions.

The general SORS revision policy is available at http://www.stat.gov.rs/media/2332/general-revision-policy.docx.

The same revision policy is applied to data released nationally and transmitted to Eurostat.

Regular analyses between preliminary and final data are carried out for the retail trade STS data sent to Eurostat.

A revision calendar does not exist.

Routine revisions - all published Retail trade turnover/Volume of sales indices in Monthly statistical release are treated as preliminary, meaning that certain corrections can appear on the basis of the estimated results, obtained from the regular quarterly survey that are conducted on a larger number of units in the sample. Also, every detected error is corrected on that occasion, as well as any corrections initiated by data providers. Routine revisions are made when preliminary results from monthly survey are replaced with final data from quarterly survey and when the Tax Administration database is completed with data for quarterly tax payers.  Retail trade turnover/Volume of sales indices are usually revised four times a year (each time for the months which belongs to the specific quarter).

Regarding calendar and seasonally adjusted indices, by adding new data, the whole series is updated.

Major revisions due to changes in methodology, classification of activities (e.g. implementation of NACE Rev. 2) or base year change - data series are recalculated or so-called back casting is performed in order to obtain comparable data series. The last major revision was conducted in 2018 in the context of the new base year 2015. Revisions are announced and explanations are provided at the time of data publishing and data dissemination.

The Mean Revision (MR) and Mean Absolute Revision (MAR) are provided as revision quality indicators. They are calculated for year-on-year growth rates for unadjusted and calendar adjusted data and for period-on-period for seasonally adjusted data. 

The computed values for the last 36 months (for the period January 2020 – December 2022) for Retail trade turnover and volume of sales index – total are:

Turnover indices for G45 and G46 of NACE Rev. 2 are considered as final. If errors are detected, corrected data are published and disseminated as soon as possible.

Retail trade (G47)

Combination of statistical surveys (for legal entities) and administrative data source (for unincorporated enterprises) are used.

Enterprises (legal entities)

Retail trade statistical surveys are based on a random samples with a stratified sample design. The sampling frame is based on the data of the Statistical Business Register, state of 31^st of December t-1, where t is the reference year. Stratification of the sampling frame is according to economic activity, financial statements size classes and amount of annual turnover (see 3.3 and 3.6 above).

Stratification according to the economic activity of enterprises is into 2 classes (4711, 4719), 8 groups (472, 473, 474, 475, 476, 477, 478, 479), and into one special class reserved for those enterprises whose main activity is not retail trade.

Stratification according to size of the enterprise is into large, medium, small and micro. Size classes are taken from financial statements and they are defined according to the annual turnover, number of employees and assets of the enterprise.

Within each class defined by cross-classifying size class and economic activity class, enterprises are further stratified into 2 classes according to the annual turnover: larger and smaller. Census strata are strata that contain the largest units, with respect to turnover. Units with the largest turnover; large and medium units and those with businesses engaged in retail trade, but with the main activity outside the division, were exhaustively sampled. A random sample is selected from strata marked as ‘smaller’.

Allocation of the sample was done using the Bethel algorithm (Bethel, J. “Sample allocation in multivariate surveys”, Survey Methodology, 15, 1989: 47–57) which is based on a Neyman`s allocation method. Turnover was used as auxiliary information. This way a sample of 1902 units was allocated for the quarterly survey and sub-sample of 574 units for the monthly survey.

A sample of enterprises was selected using the SORS system of coordination that is based on the Swedish SAMU system (SAMU, 2003). In this system, every unit has its unique permanent random number from uniform (0,1) distribution. This number is used in sequential simple random sampling inside each stratum. The starting point for selection was 0.25.

Table, below, includes data on sample sizes, sample fractions and net samples by NACE Rev. 2 classes or groups, for the monthly survey.

Table 2. Sample size, sample fraction and net sample size for the year 2022 (monthly survey)

Unincorporated enterprises

In order to provide data on retail trade turnover from unincorporated enterprises, administrative source are used, i.e. VAT returns obtained from the Tax Administration.

Wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (G45), Wholesale trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles (G46)

Data sets for legal entities are obtained from the statistical surveys. Sample selection frames are based on Statistical Business Register data, as of December 31st, year T-1, where T is the current year.

Stratification of sample frame is done according to economic activity of enterprises, size classes of financial reports, territories (Srbija-South, Belgrade and Vojvodina) and amount of annual turnover.

Stratification according to size of the enterprise is into large, medium, small and micro. Size classes are taken from financial statements and they are defined according to the annual turnover, number of employees and assets of the enterprise.

Regarding unincorporated enterprises from Division 45 of NACE Rev. 2, the data are from administrative sources.

In statistical surveys, periodicity of data collection is monthly and quarterly.

Tax Administration data (VAT returns) are available in the monthly periodicity for large taxpayers and in the quarterly periodicity for small taxpayers.

In statistical surveys, data are collected by post (questionnaires), Web application and e-mail.

The questionnaires used in the surveys are the Monthly report on retail trade (form TRG-10), Quarterly survey of retail trade (form TRG-16), Quarterly survey on wholesale trade (form TRG-16KV) and Quarterly survey on wholesale and retail trade of motor vehicles and motorcycles (form TRG-16M). The deadline for submitting the completed questionnaire is the 15^th calendar day following the end of the reference month (monthly survey), i.e. 15 days after the end of the reference quarter (quarterly surveys).

Actions taken to speed up or increase the rate of response are written reminders sent by e-mail and post, usually 1-2 days after the time given for the replies. There is also re-contacts by phone. In the monthly survey, data collection is closed 25 days after the end of the reference month.

Tax Administration data from VAT returns are downloaded via FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server.

There are the following stages of data validation: control of individual data (at micro level) and control of aggregated data and indices.

In order to ensure data quality, simultaneously with collecting and coding, data are visually checked by statisticians for missing, invalid or inconsistent questionnaires or values, and if needed, the reporting units are contacted for additional clarifications. Afterwards, checking is done during the process of data entry and during data processing. Data checking is performed in accordance with the defined criteria of logical-calculation control within the IST application (statistical information system fully developed in SORS) and error corrections are carried out.

Data are compared with the previous period of the same year, as well as with same period of previous year. If necessary, the respondents are contacted in order to clarify the deviation and correct recognized errors. There is the remark field in the questionnaire for any remark and note with the explanation of the unit (especially in case of large increase or decrease in turnover relative to the previous period).

Possible deviations, observed during the estimation of the totals by the sample experts are also checked subsequently.

Statistical results (aggregated data) for the reference month are also compared to the results of the previous month and with the corresponding month of the previous year at each level of aggregation.

The prepared indices are also checked in detail before publication and data transmission to Eurostat.

The methods used to treat non-response: imputation for large non-respondents is based on previous values for the same enterprise or value of the previous period multiplied by the growth rate of the equivalent period of the previous year; the other units are treated by reweighting (weights are adjusted to take account of non-response).

The estimations of totals are calculated pursuant to the standard procedure for stratified sample with a random selection of units within the stratum (Horvitz-Thompson estimates). This means that estimates of totals calculated by summing the weighted values from the sample, while the weight for the units of the same stratum is equal to the quotient of the number of units in the stratum and the number of units in the realized sample in the stratum. The realized sample consists of the units that filled out the questionnaire, for which the data were evaluated and as part of the over-covered units for which the response information is one of the following: not working; has an activity out-of-scope or bankruptcy. The rest of the units are classified into the unrealized sample. An unrealized sample also includes part of over-coverage units (for reasons of "closed" or "in liquidation") in order to compensate, by number, newly created units that a sampling frame do not contain.

Enterprises that are detected as outliers with respect to turnover are put into special census strata. The weights of the remaining units in the strata from which they originated are corrected.

The retail trade turnover index compiled is a simple index (value relative). The indices are calculated directly from the data. The retail trade volume of sales index is obtained by deflating the turnover value index with appropriate consumer price index, which exclude: water (from public utility systems), electricity and motor vehicles, motorcycles and parts thereof. Deflation takes place at the level of detail required by STS data requirements.

For G45 and G46, the results are presented only in the form of nominal (value) indices.

The data are calendar and seasonally adjusted.

More information on time-series adjustment is provided in the Annexes.

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