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.
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) sent to Eurostat on yearly basis the EW-MFA. 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) and Table D 'Exports – total exports (intra- and extra-EU)': These physical trade tables record the imports and exports of products in thousand tonnes and grouped by materials.
Table F 'Domestic processed output (DPO)': records material flows from the economy to the domestic environment (e.g. emissions to air, water and soil)
Table G 'Balancing items': reports some memorandum items which are necessary to have the full material balance related to a national economy
Table H 'Indicators': presents the EW-MFA derived indicators which are automatically calculated from Table A to G
Table I 'Material flow accounts in raw material equivalents (RME)': records material flow accounts in raw material equivalents (MFA-RME). Some items are calculated automatically based on data reported in Table A and Table I
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.) which EW-MFA are based on.
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 units.
3.7. Reference area
Sweden
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)
1998
2023
*
Imports – Total trade (Table B)
1998
2023
*
Exports – Total trade (Table D)
1998
2023
*
Domestic processed output (Table F)
-
-
not reported
Balancing items (Table G)
-
-
not reported
Material flow accounts in raw material equivalents (RME) (Table I)
-
-
not reported
* Mandatory tables according to Regulation (EU) 691/2011 on European Environmental Economic Accounts.
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
There is no confidentiality in the reported data.
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
There is no confidentiality in the reported data.
8.1. Release calendar
Publishing calendar. (Subject Environment, Organization Statistics Sweden, and make sure the month of December is included in the time interval)
8.2. Release calendar access
Publishing-calendar. (Subject Environment, Organization Statistics Sweden, and make sure the month of December is included in the time interval)
8.3. Release policy - user access
The release calendar is updated anually at the end of the year, which means the publication date for the EW-MFA is publically available approximately one year before the publication date.
Also, at the end of the national news release for the EW-MFA, the date for next publication is included.
Yearly
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
The EW-MFA are published nationally on 24 January 2024 at SCB websiteincluding a news release.
10.2. Dissemination format - Publications
The EW-MFA are published nationally on 24 january 2024 at SCB website (scroll down to “Economy-Wide Material Flow Account” under “Tables and Graphs” and “Tables in the Statistical Database”).
For the Swedish Material Flow Accounts, there is no such thing as micro data as the statistics are compiled based on models and a number of national data.
10.5. Dissemination format - other
Not applicable.
10.5.1. Metadata - consultations
Will be calculated and provided by EUROSTAT.
10.6. Documentation on methodology
National documentation is available at Dokumentation (Materialflödesräkenskaper).
10.6.1. Metadata completeness - rate
Will be calculated and provided by EUROSTAT.
10.7. Quality management - documentation
This is the main international document describing the quality of swedish EW-MFA data.
National documentation is found here: Dokumentation (Materialflödesräkenskaper).
In addition, internal documentation exists at Statistics Swede: work documentation and QA/QC checkling lists.
The interest we see for the MFA figures at the moment is mainly to explain how the Swedish MFA data can be interpreted in the international data sets. Swedish industry is depending on forest and mineral resources and thus there is good national data for these areas already before the MFA data were established as a statistical area.
We can also see an increasing interest for measuring resource efficiency in general from especially our ministry of environment and energy and the Swedish environment protection agency on the basis of the EU strategy for resource efficiency and circular economy.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
User satisfaction is detected by meetings organized by Statistics Sweden. More information on these meetings: SCB website.
Also, user satisfaction is noted through comments from users when new statistics is published and also by comments and questions recieved throughout the year.
12.3. Completeness
Data are complete for all categories but a few, these are described in Annex 3 (see 13.1).
12.3.1. Data completeness - rate
Will be calculated and provided by EUROSTAT.
13.1. Accuracy - overall
Please use Annex 3 for providing an assessment of the overall quality of the reported data.
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 EW-MFA is compiled from a variety of national data sources published at different times of the year ranging from springtime to early December.
The compilation of the EW-MFA generally takes place in October-December. Results are published nationally as soon as possible, which is in mid January. No early estimates are made.
14.1.1. Time lag - first result
Not applicable.
14.1.2. Time lag - final result
Not applicable.
14.2. Punctuality
The EW-MFA is published nationally according to what is set in the national publishing calendar and reported to Eurostat at latest April 30st.
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
Please see the table in 15.2.1.1.
15.2.1. Length of comparable time series
Will be calculated and provided by EUROSTAT.
15.2.1.1. Comparability - over time detailed
Please use below table for explaining b)-flags (breaks in time series):
Year (of the break in series)
Questionnaire table(s)
MF-code(s)
Reason for' break in time series'
All years
All tables
No break in time series
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
See subsections.
15.3.1. Coherence - sub annual and annual statistics
Not applicable; reported EW-MFA data are only annual.
15.3.2. Coherence - National Accounts
Reported data are following the EW-MFA handbook and thus coherent with the National Accounts.
15.4. Coherence - internal
Data are internally consistent. For categories where data sources differ for different year in the time series every effort has been taken to ensure that the resulting data is coherent.
The collection, compilation and dissemination of the Swedish MFA required approximately 180 working hours during 2024.
17.1. Data revision - policy
Time series are checked annually and revised whenever better data become available. Because of this, time series are always consistent.
17.2. Data revision - practice
Revisions in the 2021 EW-MFA questionnaire:
1990-2019 - Table A - MF1.3M Net increment of timber stock, new areas have been added/subtracted from what is considered protected woods, alas the whole timeserie is revised.
2015, 2018 and 2019 - Table A - MF1.4.3 Hunting and gathering, small differences in reported numbers of hunted beavers year 2015 and revised numbers of reindeer "hunted"/owned during 2018-2019.
2016-2019 - Table A - MF3.3 Slate cannot be separated from MF39 for the years 2016-2019.
2016-2019 - Table A - MF3.9 revised data seperation.
2008-2009 - Table B and D MF4.2 revised data due to revised import/export data.
2020 Table A - MF 3.8 new data were available.
revision in the 2023 data:
2019-2020 Table A -MF1.3.1 and MF 3.4 revisted with new data.
2016-2019 - Table A - MF3.3 Slate cannot be separated from MF39 for the years 2016-2019.
Revisions in the 2020 EW-MFA questionnaire:
2013 - Table A - MF.1.1.A Other crops (excluding fodder crops) n.e.c. - Best data source for subcategory energy crops (Energy agency : Unprocessed wood fuel) existing for 2013 and later years. 1998-2012 estimated using other data sources available
2013 - Table A - MF.1.3.2 Wood fuel and other extraction - Best data source for wood fuel (Energy agency : Unprocessed wood fuel) existing for 2013 and later years. 1998-2012 estimated using other data sources available
2004-2018 - Table A - MF.1.1.9 - New estimated data introduced.
2018 - Table A - MF.1.2.1 - Correction or input error for year 2018.
2013-2017 - Table A - MF.1.2.2 - Minor adjustments year 2013-2017 due to improved calculations.
2018 - Tabe A - MF.1.3.1 - 2018 revised data due to revised provisional data.
2018 - Tabe A - MF.1.3.2 - Minor revision of last year’s data, 2018.
1998-2018 - Table A - MF.1.3.M - All years are calculated as five year averages using a model, this implies estimates for earlier years might change. We always report based on most recent published statistics available.
1998-2018 - Table A - MF.2.2.1 - Time series revised, improved model for non-iron ores MF.2.2
1998-2018 - Table A - MF.2.2.3 - Time series revised, improved model for non-iron ores MF.2.2
1998-2018 - Table A - MF.2.2.4 - Time series revised, improved model for non-iron ores MF.2.2
1998-2018 - Table A - MF.2.2.6 - Time series revised, improved model for non-iron ores MF.2.2
2018 - Table A - MF.3.4 - 2018 revised data
2016-2018 - Table A - MF.3.3 - New data from 2016, cannot be separated from MF.3.9 - 2016-2019 due to confidentiality.
2016-2018 - Table A - MF.3.9 - New data from 2016.
Differences between current and last years reported data:
Matflows
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
MF.1.1.9
..
..
..
..
..
..
1
2
4
6
3
1
2
1
0,4
0,4
0,3
0,3
1
1
1
MF.1.2.1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
-205
MF.1.2.2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0,07
0,06
-0,07
-0,03
-0,01
0
MF.1.3.1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
-343
MF.1.3.2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
-1
MF.2.2.1
0
-319
0
0
0
0
0
-155
-549
-264
-248
-234
-212
-116
-377
-498
-254
-229
-355
50
-140
MF.2.2.3
0
-34
0
0
0
0
0
-4
45
-8
-9
-9
-5
-2
-7
-9
-5
-6
-9
1
-3
MF.2.2.4
0
-55
0
0
0
0
0
-20
236
-35
-25
-24
-16
-7
-22
-26
-17
-19
-36
5
-14
MF.2.2.6
0
408
0
0
0
0
0
179
269
307
282
266
233
125
406
533
276
294
269
423
408
MF.3.3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
C
C
C
MF.3.4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
-8
MF.3.9
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
42
5
-5
C = data has become confidential
In 2019, the following revisions took place:
2013 - Table A - MF.1.1.A Other crops (excluding fodder crops) n.e.c. - Best data source for subcategory energy crops (Energy agency : Unprocessed wood fuel) existing for 2013 and later years. 1998-2012 estimated using other data sources available
2013 - Table A - MF.1.3.2 Wood fuel and other extraction - Best data source for wood fuel (Energy agency : Unprocessed wood fuel) existing for 2013 and later years. 1998-2012 estimated using other data sources available
1998-2017 - Table A - MF.1.1.7 - Time series revised, additional sorts of vegetables added
1998-2017 - Table A - MF.1.1.10 - Time series revised. Now including both energy crops and flowers and ornamental plants
1998-2017 - Table A - MF.1.2.2.1 - Minor adjustments all years due to improved calculations.
2017 - Table A - MF.1.2.2.2 - 2017 revised data
2013-2017 - Table A - MF.1.3.1 - 2013-2017 revised data due to revised data on fellings.
1998-2017 - Table A - MF.1.3.M - All years are calculated as five year averages using a model, this implies estimates for earlier years might change. We always report based on most recent published statistics available.
2009-2017 - Table A - MF.1.4.1 - Time series revised
1998-2017 - Table A - MF.1.4.3 - Time series revised. Fine tuning of last year revision with additional species. Also inclusion of reindeer (however all reindeer in Sweden are owned animals, not hunted)
1998-2017 - Table A - MF.2.2.1 - Time series revised, improved model for non-iron ores MF.2.2
1998-2017 - Table A - MF.2.2.3 - Time series revised, improved model for non-iron ores MF.2.2
1998-2017 - Table A - MF.2.2.4 - Time series revised, improved model for non-iron ores MF.2.2
1998-2017 - Table A - MF.2.2.6 - Time series revised, improved model for non-iron ores MF.2.2
2017 - Table A - MF.3.4 - 2017 revised data
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.
Data are collected using nationally available data sources. No surveys. For details please see Annex 1 (18.1).
18.4. Data validation
Time series for all material categories are compared with time series produced one year ago. All differences are analysed to ensure that changes are due to actual revisions and no errors occur. Also, results for the last reference year is compared to the previous reference year fo all material categories and any significant changes are analysed and checked against other available data (example: statistical news for indata providing explanations).
18.5. Data compilation
Generally just following the EW-MFA handbook and using data sources according to Annex 1( 18.1.1) National models see Annex 2 (18.5.2).
18.5.3. Adjustment used of correspondence table for Tables B and D
No adjustments were carried out in addition to the mapping CN-MF provided in the annexes on the questionnaire.
18.5.4. Adjustment used of conversion factors for Tables B and D
No conversion factors were used for tables B and D.
18.5.5. Fuel trade, residence adjustment
A residence adjustment has been implemented in 2020 for the years 2008-2019. The method is based on information from the national accounts and transport statistics and is harmonised with Sweden’s AEA and PEFA reporting. It is currently not possible to extend the residence adjustment further back in time due to data limitations.
18.5.6. Significant problems
No significant problems.
18.6. Adjustment
Not applicable; i.e. in EW-MFA no time series adjustment necessary.
18.6.1. Seasonal adjustment
Not applicable.
No further comments.
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) sent to Eurostat on yearly basis the EW-MFA. 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) and Table D 'Exports – total exports (intra- and extra-EU)': These physical trade tables record the imports and exports of products in thousand tonnes and grouped by materials.
Table F 'Domestic processed output (DPO)': records material flows from the economy to the domestic environment (e.g. emissions to air, water and soil)
Table G 'Balancing items': reports some memorandum items which are necessary to have the full material balance related to a national economy
Table H 'Indicators': presents the EW-MFA derived indicators which are automatically calculated from Table A to G
Table I 'Material flow accounts in raw material equivalents (RME)': records material flow accounts in raw material equivalents (MFA-RME). Some items are calculated automatically based on data reported in Table A and Table I
2 May 2024
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.) which EW-MFA are based on.
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 units.
Sweden
The data refer to the calendar years.
Please use Annex 3 for providing an assessment of the overall quality of the reported data.
Generally just following the EW-MFA handbook and using data sources according to Annex 1( 18.1.1) National models see Annex 2 (18.5.2).
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.
Yearly
The EW-MFA is compiled from a variety of national data sources published at different times of the year ranging from springtime to early December.
The compilation of the EW-MFA generally takes place in October-December. Results are published nationally as soon as possible, which is in mid January. No early estimates are made.
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.
