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.
Statistics on international supply of services (ISS) by modes of supply (MoS) show how and where services are supplied internationally, namely by answering the question of 'how' services are exchanged across countries and 'where' services are supplied to foreign customers. Detailed information on international supply of services statistics by services category, mode of supply and partner country help policymakers carry out the ongoing and future trade negotiating agenda with facts and strong, evidence-based arguments and they allow to monitor the impact of services trade agreements.
The General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), the first multilateral agreement to cover trade in services, defines trade in services as the supply of a service through any of four modes of supply, outlined in the bullet points below.
Mode 1 - cross-border supply: from the territory of one country into the territory of another country; Mode 2 - consumption abroad: in the territory of one country to the service consumer of another country; Mode 3 - commercial presence: by a service supplier of one country, through a commercial presence in the territory of another country. The FATS framework is designed to provide information on the activities of enterprises located in foreign markets; Mode 4 - presence of natural persons: by a service supplier of one country, through the presence of natural persons of that country in the territory of any other country.
Total international supply of services (total of modes 1, 2, 3 and 4)
Mode 1 (‘cross border transactions’),
Mode 2 (‘consumption abroad’),
Mode 3 (‘commercial presence’), and
Mode 4 (‘presence of natural persons’).
3.5. Statistical unit
Not applicable.
3.6. Statistical population
Total international supply of services by all four modes of supply.
3.7. Reference area
The economic territory of Bulgaria, including the Bulgarian embassies and representations in foreign countries.
3.8. Coverage - Time
Available from 2023 following Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 on European business statistics.
3.9. Base period
Not applicable.
Data are reported in thousands national currency.
Eurostat disseminates data in million euro.
Calendar year.
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 on European business statistics sets the data requirements in the field of international supply of services by modes for the EU Member States and EFTA countries. The exact technical specifications are listed in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197. The requirements concerning the MoS domain are defined in table 38 "Statistics on international activities – International Supply of Services by Mode of Supply – annual data" of the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197. The variable must be reported annually with first reference year 2023.
6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing
Only with Eurostat
7.1. Confidentiality - policy
Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 on European statistics (recital 24 and Article 20(4)) of 11 March 2009 (OJ L 87, p. 164), stipulates the need to establish common principles and guidelines ensuring the confidentiality of data used for the production of European statistics and the access to those confidential data with due account for technical developments and the requirements of users in a democratic society. Article 4 (2) of the Law on the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB), Article 7 (10) of the Currency Law and Article 25 of the Law on Statistics ensure the confidentiality of the individual data. The collection of statistical information is also carried out under the requirements of Council Regulation 2533/98 of November 1998 (as amended) whose Article 8 regulates in detail the protection and use of confidential statistical information collected by the ESCB. The ECB guideline 1998/NP28 defines common rules and minimum standards to protect the confidentiality of the individual statistical information collected by the European Central Bank assisted by the national central banks. Data are processed by Macroeconomic Statistics Division within the Statistics Directorate of the BNB, while strictly respecting data confidentiality. The reporting agents are informed of their rights and obligations with regard to the provision of information as well as the usage of the information they provide for the production of statistics in the instructions regarding data requirements. Access to individual data is restricted only to the staff that needs information for the performance of the respective duties. Authorisation rules and protection measures for the logical access of staff to confidential statistical information are in place. Statistical data and systems are located in areas subject to controlled physical access which is restricted to authorised staff only. According to Article.7 (10) of the Currency Law the BNB is permitted to publish and to disseminate to other persons and institutions only aggregated data. According to Statistics Act, Article 25 individual data received and collected through statistical surveys shall constitute a statistical secret and may be used only for statistical purposes. The National Statistical Institute and statistical authorities and their staff may not disclose or provide: 1. individual statistical data; 2. statistical data which can be matched in a way that enables the identification of a specific statistical unit; 3. statistical information which aggregates data about less than three statistical units or about a population in which the relative share of the value of a surveyed parameter of a single unit exceeds 85 per cent of the total value of such parameter for all units in the population.
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
The same as under item 7.1.
8.1. Release calendar
Data compiled by the Statistics Directorate at the BNB is published according to the Statistical Data Release Calendar available at the BNB’s website in the section Press Office/ Calendar but MOS data is not included in it at present.
MOS data are only disseminated by Eurostat.
8.2. Release calendar access
Available at the BNB’s website in the section Press Office/ Calendar but MOS data is not included in it at present.
8.3. Release policy - user access
MOS data are only disseminated by Eurostat.
Annual.
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
The data is available to users when published by Eurostat.
10.2. Dissemination format - Publications
No
10.3. Dissemination format - online database
No
10.3.1. Data tables - consultations
Not applicable.
10.4. Dissemination format - microdata access
No microdata is disseminated because of confidentiality constrains.
Automatic formal and logical controls are implemented in the Integrated statistical information system which was established for the purpose of BOP, ITSS, STEC and MOS compilation at the Statistics Directorate, BNB. During the data compilation process the system does not allow processing errors such as coding, editing and tabulation errors. Cross-checking techniques are implemented for verifying the accuracy of the data. After receiving directly reported forms, the experts administer quality checks which include:
Micro-data checks for inconsistencies - when necessary, reporting units are contacted for additional information necessary for code verifications, or for confirmation of reported values;
Analysis of the aggregated data series;
Periodic reviews in order to identify necessary steps to maintain quality requirements.
Respondents are informed of the results of the quality checks by emails and when necessary, they are asked to revise their initial data. The source data are analyzed for underreporting/misreporting, in particular to check for:
temporal consistency,
consistency with related data sources.
Collection, processing and dissemination of statistics are organized in such a way as to ensure that quality is closely monitored.
11.2. Quality management - assessment
In general, according to the information available from the quality reports, the data providers have applied the recommendations available in the Regulation (EU) 2019/2152.
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
Hypothetic internal users: research department; External users: policymakers, journalists, students, researchers, international organizations. We use hypothetic because no users show interest on that data.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
At present it is not evaluated.
12.3. Completeness
The BNB reported 100% of the mandatory cells.
12.3.1. Data completeness - rate
100%
13.1. Accuracy - overall
Data revisions are due to the later inclusion of some of the directly reported data on services or after applying a grossing up procedure on the sample data received through direct reporting of services by enterprises
13.2. Sampling error
Not applicable.
13.2.1. Sampling error - indicators
Not applicable.
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
For Mode 1, 2 and 4 - 10 months after the reference period
For Mode 3 - 22 months after the reference period
14.1.1. Time lag - first result
For Mode 1, 2 and 4 - 10 months after the reference period
For Mode 3 - 22 months after the reference period
14.1.2. Time lag - final result
For all modes of supply - 34 months after the reference period
14.2. Punctuality
Usually data are provided ahead of the scheduled date of transmission.
14.2.1. Punctuality - delivery and publication
Not applicable.
15.1. Comparability - geographical
The used geographical breakdown for BOP, ITSS and MOS data is the same and the comparability is fully achieved.
15.1.1. Asymmetry for mirror flow statistics - coefficient
Not applicable.
15.2. Comparability - over time
Datasets are comparable with BOP and ITSS datasets. The use of FATS data contributes to good comparability with FATS statistics.
15.2.1. Length of comparable time series
Not applicable.
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
The consistency between BOP, ITSS and MOS data is achieved.
15.3.1. Coherence - sub annual and annual statistics
Not applicable.
15.3.2. Coherence - National Accounts
Not applicable.
15.4. Coherence - internal
No discrepancies between BOP, ITSS and MOS data should occur as the IT system is built to assure consistency automatically.
Conducting an additional annual sample survey for the purpose of MoS;
Preparation of comprehensive instructions with a lot of examples which explain correctly to the responders how to complete the new statistical form for the purpose of MoS;
Estimation of modes of supply in case of missing information from the respondents for certain type of services.
17.1. Data revision - policy
The revision of the BOP and ITSS data include routine revisions, that are performed twice a year (in March and September) mainly in order to incorporate the final results of statistical surveys, additional data or correction of errors. MOS data for 2023 and 2024 are consistent with the BOP and ITSS data transmitted to Eurostat in September 2024.
BOP transmission and publication in September coincides with annual ITS transmission, so data between these two domains are equal and consistent. The same datasets for Services are used for the compilation of MOS data for the reference year.
17.2. Data revision - practice
Revised MOS 2023 and initial MOS 2024 data transmitted in October 2025 are consistent with the BOP and ITSS data transsmitted to Eurostat in September 2025.
17.2.1. Data revision - average size
Not applicable.
18.1. Source data
The BNB applies mixed approach for compiling the ITS by MoS:
for services based on estimation model - used the Eurostat - WTO model. These services are: Manufacturing services on physical inputs owned by others (SA); Freight and Passenger transportation (SC); Travel (SD); FISIM (SG2); Insurance services (SF).
for services based on direct reporting survey - used results of the survey conducted by the BNB for the MoS purposes. Services based on quarterly survey on enterprises trading internationally in services and for which the BNB has started conducting an additional survey for MoS purposes are: Maintenance and repair services n.i.e. (SB); Transport services other than passenger and freight (SC33); Postal and Courier services (SC4); Construction (SE); Financial services other than FISIM (SG1); Charges for the use of intellectual property n.i.e. (SH); Telecommunications, computer, and information services (SI); Other business services (SJ); Personal, cultural, and recreational services (SK); Government goods and services n.i.e. (SL).
The NSI is in charge of the compilation of Mode 3 which used residents' turnover and FATS data.
18.2. Frequency of data collection
Annual.
18.3. Data collection
For MOS purposes BNB starts conducting an additional annual sample survey based on the biggest players of the quarterly survey of enterprises trading internationally in services; it includes the top 7 of companies of each type of services (SB, SC33, SC4, SE etc.) for exports and imports separately. The survey was condected once in the beggining of 2024 for reference 2023 year and the results of it was applied for 2023 and 2024 data. Our intention is to conduct the survey every 3 years.
FATS survey is conducted by the NSI every year.
18.4. Data validation
Data validation is implemented in the Integrated statistical information system which was established for the purpose of BOP, ITSS and MOS compilation. It ensures full consistensy between these three domains and the preparation and reporting of statistical information to Eurostat in the required format, the breakdowns and nomenclatures, and validation and integrity rules.
18.5. Data compilation
Data compilation is implemented in the Integrated statistical information system and combines ITSS data and data from the new sample survey conducted for the MOS purposes and WTO model.
ISS values for Mode 1 includes an estimate of Distribution services S_DS.
The BNB has not subtracted an estimate of the goods value which is included in SB, SD, SE and SL. The values for codes SB, SD, SE and SL are the same as reported under ITSS and BOP statistics. We reported separately SBG, SDG, SEG and SLG.
18.5.1. Imputation - rate
Not applicable.
18.6. Adjustment
Not applicable.
18.6.1. Seasonal adjustment
Not applicable.
No
Statistics on international supply of services (ISS) by modes of supply (MoS) show how and where services are supplied internationally, namely by answering the question of 'how' services are exchanged across countries and 'where' services are supplied to foreign customers. Detailed information on international supply of services statistics by services category, mode of supply and partner country help policymakers carry out the ongoing and future trade negotiating agenda with facts and strong, evidence-based arguments and they allow to monitor the impact of services trade agreements.
The General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), the first multilateral agreement to cover trade in services, defines trade in services as the supply of a service through any of four modes of supply, outlined in the bullet points below.
Mode 1 - cross-border supply: from the territory of one country into the territory of another country; Mode 2 - consumption abroad: in the territory of one country to the service consumer of another country; Mode 3 - commercial presence: by a service supplier of one country, through a commercial presence in the territory of another country. The FATS framework is designed to provide information on the activities of enterprises located in foreign markets; Mode 4 - presence of natural persons: by a service supplier of one country, through the presence of natural persons of that country in the territory of any other country.
Total international supply of services (total of modes 1, 2, 3 and 4)
Mode 1 (‘cross border transactions’),
Mode 2 (‘consumption abroad’),
Mode 3 (‘commercial presence’), and
Mode 4 (‘presence of natural persons’).
Not applicable.
Total international supply of services by all four modes of supply.
The economic territory of Bulgaria, including the Bulgarian embassies and representations in foreign countries.
Calendar year.
Data revisions are due to the later inclusion of some of the directly reported data on services or after applying a grossing up procedure on the sample data received through direct reporting of services by enterprises
Data are reported in thousands national currency.
Eurostat disseminates data in million euro.
Data compilation is implemented in the Integrated statistical information system and combines ITSS data and data from the new sample survey conducted for the MOS purposes and WTO model.
ISS values for Mode 1 includes an estimate of Distribution services S_DS.
The BNB has not subtracted an estimate of the goods value which is included in SB, SD, SE and SL. The values for codes SB, SD, SE and SL are the same as reported under ITSS and BOP statistics. We reported separately SBG, SDG, SEG and SLG.
The BNB applies mixed approach for compiling the ITS by MoS:
for services based on estimation model - used the Eurostat - WTO model. These services are: Manufacturing services on physical inputs owned by others (SA); Freight and Passenger transportation (SC); Travel (SD); FISIM (SG2); Insurance services (SF).
for services based on direct reporting survey - used results of the survey conducted by the BNB for the MoS purposes. Services based on quarterly survey on enterprises trading internationally in services and for which the BNB has started conducting an additional survey for MoS purposes are: Maintenance and repair services n.i.e. (SB); Transport services other than passenger and freight (SC33); Postal and Courier services (SC4); Construction (SE); Financial services other than FISIM (SG1); Charges for the use of intellectual property n.i.e. (SH); Telecommunications, computer, and information services (SI); Other business services (SJ); Personal, cultural, and recreational services (SK); Government goods and services n.i.e. (SL).
The NSI is in charge of the compilation of Mode 3 which used residents' turnover and FATS data.
Annual.
For Mode 1, 2 and 4 - 10 months after the reference period
For Mode 3 - 22 months after the reference period
The used geographical breakdown for BOP, ITSS and MOS data is the same and the comparability is fully achieved.
Datasets are comparable with BOP and ITSS datasets. The use of FATS data contributes to good comparability with FATS statistics.
