Reference metadata describe statistical concepts and methodologies used for the collection and generation of data. They provide information on data quality and, since they are strongly content-oriented, assist users in interpreting the data. Reference metadata, unlike structural metadata, can be decoupled from the data.
Istat, Directorate for National Accounts Division chief, Final demand, labour and capital input, environmental accounts Via Depretis,74/b 00184 Rome, Italy
1.6. Contact email address
Confidential because of GDPR
1.7. Contact phone number
Confidential because of GDPR
1.8. Contact fax number
Confidential because of GDPR
2.1. Metadata last certified
28 May 2025
2.2. Metadata last posted
28 May 2025
2.3. Metadata last update
28 May 2025
3.1. Data description
Economy-wide material flow accounts (EW-MFA) provide an aggregate overview, in thousand tonnes per year, of the material flows into and out of an economy. EW-MFA cover solid, gaseous, and liquid materials, except for bulk flows of water and air. Like the system of national accounts, EW-MFA constitute a multi-purpose information system. The detailed material flows provide a rich empirical database for numerous analytical purposes. Further, EW-MFA are used to derive various material flow indicators.
The National Statistical Institute (NSI) sends EW-MFA data to Eurostat on a yearly basis. The accounts comprise the following reporting tables:
Table A 'Domestic extraction (DE)': records material flows from the environment into the economy in a detailed breakdown by type of material
Table B 'Imports - total imports (intra- and extra-EU)
Table D 'Exports – total exports (intra- and extra-EU).
Table H 'Indicators': presents the EW-MFA derived indicators which are automatically calculated from Table A, B and D
3.2. Classification system
EW-MFA record physical flows of materials broken down by type of flow and by type of material.
The type of flow dimension corresponds to the EW-MFA questionnaire reporting tables and derived indicators, namely:
domestic extraction (Table A)
physical imports (Table B)
physical exports (Table D)
domestic processed output (Table F)
balancing items (Table G)
direct material input (indicator)
domestic material consumption (indicator)
physical trade balance (indicator)
The breakdown by type of material employs a classification of materials. This EW-MFA classification of materials is hierarchical with main material flow categories (1-digit level). Each main category is further broken down, maximal down to 4-digit-level:
1-digit: material category;
2-digit: material class;
3-digit: material group;
4-digit: material sub-group.
3.3. Coverage - sector
The data refer to national economies as defined in the system of national accounts.
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
Conceptually economy-wide material flow accounts (EW-MFA) belong to the international system of environmental economic accounting (SEEA-Central Framework). Furthermore, EW-MFA is one of several physical modules of Eurostat's programme on European environmental economic accounts. It is covered by Regulation (EU) No. 691/2011 on European environmental economic accounts.
EW-MFA are closely related to concepts and definitions of national accounts. Most notably they follow the residence principle, i.e. they record material flows related to resident unit's activities, regardless where those occur geographically.
Further methodological guidelines are provided in various publications by Eurostat (see Eurostat website > Environment > Methodology, heading: 'Material flows and resource productivity').
For more detailed information please see also 3.1.
3.5. Statistical unit
Statistical units change according to the different data sources (e.g. agriculture, forestry and fishery statistics, production statistics, geological surveys, energy statistics, foreign trade statistics etc.) upon which EW-MFA data are based.
3.6. Statistical population
EW-MFA refer to the entire national economy of the reporting country (see also 3.3 'Coverage - sector')).
EW-MFA include all materials (excluding water and air) crossing the system boundary (between the environment and the economy) on the input side or on the output side. The economy is demarcated by the conventions of the national accounting system (resident units).
Material inputs to the economy cover extractions of natural resources (excluding water and air) from the natural environment and imports of material products (goods) from the rest of the world economy (RoW).
Material outputs are disposals of materials to the natural environment and exports of material products and waste to the RoW. Information on natural resources extracted and traded products is provided by different statistical sources.
3.7. Reference area
The reference area is the economic territory as defined in SEEA CF 2012 and National Accounts (ESA). A unit is said to be a resident unit of a country when it has a centre of economic interest in the economic territory of that country, that is, when it engages for an extended period (1 year or more) in economic activities in that territory.
By following this residence principle, the the MFA records the purchases of fuels made abroad by Italian residents as imports, and purchases in Italy by units not residents in Italy as exports.
3.8. Coverage - Time
Please see the table in 3.8.1.
3.8.1. Coverage – Time: by questionnaire table
Questionnaire table
From (YEAR)
To (YEAR)
Comments
Domestic extraction (Table A)
1990
2023
Imports – Total trade (Table B)
1991
2023
Exports – Total trade (Table D)
1991
2023
Domestic processed output (Table F)
Balancing items (Table G)
Material flow accounts in raw material equivalents (RME) (Table I)
3.9. Base period
Not applicable because EW-MFA are not reported as indices.
The unit of measure is thousand tonnes.
The data refer to the calendar years.
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
Economy-wide material flow accounts (EW-MFA) are legally covered by Regulation (EU) 691/2011 on European Environmental Economic Accounts.
6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing
Not applicable in national level this information is required at European level only.
7.1. Confidentiality - policy
Code regarding the protection of personal data (Legislative Decree no. 196 of 30 June 2003)
Code of deontology - Processing of personal data for statistical purposes in the Sistan area (Annex A3 of Legislative Decree No. 196 of 30 June 2003)
Criteria and methods for the communication of personal data within the national statistical system (Directive no. 9 Comstat of 20 April 2004)
Security measures and methods of exchanging personal data between public administrations (Provision no.393 of the Guarantor for the Protection of Personal Data of 2 July 2015)
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
The general rules and methods described in the references provided under 7.1 apply
Furthermore, the data is not disclosed if:
In the case of domestic extraction, it refers to less than three economic units,
In the case of import or export, it refers to less than two economic units.
8.1. Release calendar
The MFA data will be made available in the Istat warehouse as soon as they are validated with Eurostat. The next publication is foreseen for 30 June 2025
8.2. Release calendar access
The calendar is set on a weekly basis for releases not accompanied by a briefing for the press.
8.3. Release policy - user access
Data are uploaded in Istat' datawarehouse (https://www.istat.it/en/data/databases/), accessible to everybody on the same terms, in a section dedicated to environmental accounts, within the larger "national accounts" area. The general public is informed through a note on the website after publication. Known users and possibly interested subjects are informed through an email message. No press release.
Data are disseminated annually.
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
No press release.
10.2. Dissemination format - Publications
An annual Report on the main Environmental Accounting indicators, including from MFA, is published each year in December.
Data are used occasionally in Istat's Annual report.
An e-book presenting analyses of various Environmental accounting data, including EW-MFA, was realised in 2021.
10.3. Dissemination format - online database
Istat DATAWAREHOUSE: data with similar detail by item as the EU questionnaire
Datawarehouse tables are accompanied by the main metadata. More detailed metadata are provided through the Institute's quality of statistics documentation system: http://siqual.istat.it/SIQual/visualizza.do?id=8888979.
10.6.1. Metadata completeness - rate
Will be calculated and provided by EUROSTAT.
10.7. Quality management - documentation
Quality is reported on the Istat Information system on quality of statistical production processes at this link: http://siqual.istat.it/SIQual/visualizza.do?id=8888979.
11.1. Quality assurance
Since the 90s Istat adopted a systematic approach to ensure quality in both statistical information and service to the community. For this purpose, the Italian National Institute of Statistics has defined a quality policy providing itself with appropriate tools as well as management changes to carry it out. Istat quality policy is aimed at the improvement of statistical outputs and processes through the development of appropriate methodologies and tools as well as an appropriate scientific and technical support, provided to the personnel directly involved in the production and dissemination of statistical information. Istat quality policy is coherent with the European framework developed by Eurostat, taking up its main principles and definitions stated in the European Statistics Code of Practice and useful to ensure and strengthen the accountability and governance of the European Statistical System and of the National Statistical Systems. For details: https://www.istat.it/en/organisation-and-activity/institutional-activities/quality-commitment
11.2. Quality management - assessment
Overall data quality is quite high for some items. It is medium or low for other. See "Accuracy" for details.
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
Economy-wide material flow accounts (EW-MFA) provide a rich empirical database for numerous purposes. At international level the European Commission uses EW-MFA and derived indicators for developing and monitoring policies in domains such as circular economy, sustainable development, resource efficiency, sustainable consumption and production, and greening of other policy areas. The derived EW-MFA indicator domestic material consumption (DMC) is a headline indicator for the Europe 2020 resource efficiency initiative.
Domestic material consumption (DMC) is one of the indicators chosen for representing environmental sustainability in the “Measuring Equitable and Sustainable Well-being” project, jointly promoted by Istat and the Constitutionally relevant body CNEL (Consiglio Nazionale Economia e Lavoro).
It also features in the national set of indicators for monitoring the Agenda 2030 goals (SDGs), in the same forms as in the international set.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
Istat is constantly interested in understanding who the users of the statistics it produces are, what the information needs are, whether they match production and if the statistics produced satisfy users. To this aim, together with the analysis of user requests received through the Web Contact Center service, tools for direct consultation were developed, such as the annual online survey of customer satisfaction and indirect tools such as analysis of accesses and of users' browsing paths on the web site.
12.3. Completeness
The system is complete and fully complying with relevant regulations/ guidelines.
12.3.1. Data completeness - rate
Will be calculated and provided by EUROSTAT.
13.1. Accuracy - overall
Please use Annex 3 for a detailed assessment of the quality of the reported data.
While some details may still need refinement, the quality of the estimates is in general high.
A thorough revision of methods and data sources was carried out for the present edition.
Not applicable because data are not based on a sample survey.
13.2.1. Sampling error - indicators
Not applicable because data are not based on a sample survey.
13.3. Non-sampling error
Not applicable.
13.3.1. Coverage error
Not applicable.
13.3.1.1. Over-coverage - rate
Not applicable.
13.3.1.2. Common units - proportion
Not applicable.
13.3.2. Measurement error
Not applicable.
13.3.3. Non response error
Not applicable.
13.3.3.1. Unit non-response - rate
Not applicable.
13.3.3.2. Item non-response - rate
Not applicable.
13.3.4. Processing error
Not applicable.
13.3.5. Model assumption error
Not applicable.
14.1. Timeliness
The European Questionnaire is the most timely delivery of detailed national Ew-MFA data.
14.1.1. Time lag - first result
Not applicable.
14.1.2. Time lag - final result
Not applicable.
14.2. Punctuality
Italy transmitted the data to Eurostat on 08 May 2025.
14.2.1. Punctuality - delivery and publication
Will be calculated and provided by EUROSTAT.
15.1. Comparability - geographical
Data on EW-MFA are compiled according to harmonised guidelines provided by Eurostat and hence comparable across European countries reporting EW-MFA data to Eurostat.
15.1.1. Asymmetry for mirror flow statistics - coefficient
Not applicable because physical imports and exports as recorded in EW-MFA are not specified by origin and/or destination.
15.2. Comparability - over time
no relevant issue
15.2.1. Length of comparable time series
Will be calculated and provided by EUROSTAT.
15.2.1.1. Comparability - over time detailed
None. All items are deemed to be consistent throughout the time series, even in cases where estimation methods have been adapted to the variable availability of sources
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
The other related statistical results, often used as a source of data for the MFA, are consistent with the EW-MFA.
15.3.1. Coherence - sub annual and annual statistics
Not applicable; reported EW-MFA data are only annual.
15.3.2. Coherence - National Accounts
Italian EW-MFA are consistent with ESA.
15.4. Coherence - internal
Internal coherence is full.
Restricted from publication.
17.1. Data revision - policy
The data for years t-2 is calculated at each year t. Furthermore, the entire historical series are recalculated whenever new data sources become available or better estimation methods feasible.
Revisions of previously released data generally take place whenever there is a general revision of sources and methods of the whole of national accounts (new benchmark). The present (2025) edition is one of these cases.
17.2. Data revision - practice
nothing to report
17.2.1. Data revision - average size
Will be calculated and provided by EUROSTAT.
18.1. Source data
Data sources used to produce economy-wide material flow accounts are described in the sub-concepts 18.1.1 (and Annex) and 18.1.2.
18.1.1. Source data - Table A, B, D, F and G
Please use Annex 1 to report the detailed data sources for questionnaire tables A, B, D, F and G.
As for the outputs, the validation is based on: - quality guidelines: Eurostat suggests checks on the data guide us to identify and correct unjustified outliers; - use of best practices: new best practices are implented as much as posssible at every general revision of the National Accounts, when the compilation system is thoroughly reconsidered; - self-assessments: the interrelations between MFA and other environmental as well as with core national accounts oblige to continuosly self-assess the quality of the work done on the basis of e.g. the likelyhood of characteristic ratios.
18.5. Data compilation
Data sources used to produce economy-wide material flow accounts are described in the sub-concepts 18.1.1 (and Annex) and 18.1.2.
18.5.1. Imputation - rate
Not applicable.
18.5.2. Estimation approaches for specific items
Please use Annex 2 to describe estimation approaches for specific items.
18.5.3. Adjustment used of correspondence table for Tables B and D
Nothing to report.
18.5.4. Adjustment used of conversion factors for Tables B and D
Nothing to report.
18.5.5. Fuel trade, residence adjustment
Nothing to report
18.5.6. Significant problems
Nothing to report.
18.6. Adjustment
Not applicable; i.e. in EW-MFA no time series adjustment necessary.
18.6.1. Seasonal adjustment
Not applicable.
Economy-wide material flow accounts (EW-MFA) provide an aggregate overview, in thousand tonnes per year, of the material flows into and out of an economy. EW-MFA cover solid, gaseous, and liquid materials, except for bulk flows of water and air. Like the system of national accounts, EW-MFA constitute a multi-purpose information system. The detailed material flows provide a rich empirical database for numerous analytical purposes. Further, EW-MFA are used to derive various material flow indicators.
The National Statistical Institute (NSI) sends EW-MFA data to Eurostat on a yearly basis. The accounts comprise the following reporting tables:
Table A 'Domestic extraction (DE)': records material flows from the environment into the economy in a detailed breakdown by type of material
Table B 'Imports - total imports (intra- and extra-EU)
Table D 'Exports – total exports (intra- and extra-EU).
Table H 'Indicators': presents the EW-MFA derived indicators which are automatically calculated from Table A, B and D
28 May 2025
Conceptually economy-wide material flow accounts (EW-MFA) belong to the international system of environmental economic accounting (SEEA-Central Framework). Furthermore, EW-MFA is one of several physical modules of Eurostat's programme on European environmental economic accounts. It is covered by Regulation (EU) No. 691/2011 on European environmental economic accounts.
EW-MFA are closely related to concepts and definitions of national accounts. Most notably they follow the residence principle, i.e. they record material flows related to resident unit's activities, regardless where those occur geographically.
Further methodological guidelines are provided in various publications by Eurostat (see Eurostat website > Environment > Methodology, heading: 'Material flows and resource productivity').
For more detailed information please see also 3.1.
Statistical units change according to the different data sources (e.g. agriculture, forestry and fishery statistics, production statistics, geological surveys, energy statistics, foreign trade statistics etc.) upon which EW-MFA data are based.
EW-MFA refer to the entire national economy of the reporting country (see also 3.3 'Coverage - sector')).
EW-MFA include all materials (excluding water and air) crossing the system boundary (between the environment and the economy) on the input side or on the output side. The economy is demarcated by the conventions of the national accounting system (resident units).
Material inputs to the economy cover extractions of natural resources (excluding water and air) from the natural environment and imports of material products (goods) from the rest of the world economy (RoW).
Material outputs are disposals of materials to the natural environment and exports of material products and waste to the RoW. Information on natural resources extracted and traded products is provided by different statistical sources.
The reference area is the economic territory as defined in SEEA CF 2012 and National Accounts (ESA). A unit is said to be a resident unit of a country when it has a centre of economic interest in the economic territory of that country, that is, when it engages for an extended period (1 year or more) in economic activities in that territory.
By following this residence principle, the the MFA records the purchases of fuels made abroad by Italian residents as imports, and purchases in Italy by units not residents in Italy as exports.
The data refer to the calendar years.
Please use Annex 3 for a detailed assessment of the quality of the reported data.
While some details may still need refinement, the quality of the estimates is in general high.
A thorough revision of methods and data sources was carried out for the present edition.
Data sources used to produce economy-wide material flow accounts are described in the sub-concepts 18.1.1 (and Annex) and 18.1.2.
Data sources used to produce economy-wide material flow accounts are described in the sub-concepts 18.1.1 (and Annex) and 18.1.2.
Data are disseminated annually.
The European Questionnaire is the most timely delivery of detailed national Ew-MFA data.
Data on EW-MFA are compiled according to harmonised guidelines provided by Eurostat and hence comparable across European countries reporting EW-MFA data to Eurostat.
