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.
The Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic (SOSR)
1.2. Contact organisation unit
Department of External Trade Statistics
1.3. Contact name
Confidential because of GDPR
1.4. Contact person function
Confidential because of GDPR
1.5. Contact mail address
Lamačská cesta 3/C , 840 05 Bratislava
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
31 May 2024
2.2. Metadata last posted
31 May 2025
2.3. Metadata last update
31 May 2025
3.1. Data description
International trade in goods statistics (ITGS) published by Eurostat measure the value and quantity of goods traded between the EU Member States (intra-EU trade) and goods traded by the EU Member States with non-EU countries (extra-EU trade). ‘Goods’ means all movable property including electricity. ‘European’ means that the statistics are compiled on the basis of the concepts and definitions set out in EU legislation.
Trade by invoicing currency (TIC) data are part of the information available for extra-EU trade. The invoicing currency is the currency in which the commercial invoice is drawn up. Data by invoicing currency can be used for instance to explore the use of the euro in the EU’s international trade, to compare it with the role of the United States dollar (USD) or to analyse the role of the euro in the euro area and in the EU. These statistics are very useful to central banks, including the European Central Bank, for comparing the euro with other major international currencies. These data are also used by financial market segments or foreign investors.
Statistical dimensions available for TIC data:
reporting country
partner country
reference period
trade flows
product
currency
3.2. Classification system
Product classification
The Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) is managed by the United Nations and correlated with the subheadings of the Harmonised System. SITC Rev. 4 comprises 2 970 basing headings which are aggregated into 262 groups, 67 divisions and 10 sections. TIC data are based on the section level complemented by the division 33 ‘oil”.
Country classification
The ‘Nomenclature of countries and territories for the external trade statistics of the Union and statistics of trade between Member States’, known as the ‘Geonomenclature’, is used to collect detailed statistics on exchanges of goods. TIC data are only disseminated at an aggregated partner level: partner ‘extra-EU’ for TIC data reported by the EU Member States and partner ‘world’ for the TIC data reported by the EFTA and enlargement countries. See the publication European business statistics geonomenclature applicable to European statistics on international trade in goods for more information (Eurosta - publications).
3.3. Coverage - sector
The scope of TIC data is the same as for monthly extra-EU trade in goods statistics. They cover all goods entering (imports) or leaving (exports) the statistical territory of Slovakia in accordance with the customs procedures laid down in the Union Customs Code: release for free circulation and inward processing (extra-EU imports); export and outward processing (extra-EU exports).
TIC data covers the whole economy - all activity sectors (from sections A to U of the NACE Rev. 2 classification) as the importer/exporter may be the legal or natural person who will lodge the customs declaration in Slovakia. TIC data cover also imports and exports of non-resident economic operators.
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
Reporting country – Except for some specific goods like vessels and aircraft, ITGS follow the physical movements of the goods. A country should record an import when goods enter its statistical territory and an export when goods leave that territory except if those goods are in simple transit.
Partner country – At detailed level, this is the last known country of destination for exports and the country of origin for imports. However individual partner countries are not kept in the dissemination of data by invoicing currency. They are replaced by the partner area ‘extra-EU’.
Product – Goods are primarily classified by commodity code as set out in the EU Combined Nomenclature. TIC data are compiled on the basis of a correspondence table enabling the transposition of detailed data collected according to the Combined Nomenclature into the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC). TIC data are available by three product groups: Raw materials without oil (SITC0, SITC1, SITC2, SITC3, SITC4, excluding division 33), Oil (SITC division 33) and Manufactured products (SITC5, SITC6, SITC7, SITC8, SITC9). Additionally, since 2021 reference period, TIC data are available also by 10 individual SITC sections.
Currency – The invoicing currency is the currency in which the commercial invoice is drawn up. Its definition is provided by the customs legislation. Only the following currencies or groups of invoicing currencies are considered for data transmission to Eurostat:
Total (_T)
Euro (EUR),
UK pound sterling (GBP),
US dollar (USD),
national currencies of non-euro Member States (XU3),
Brazilian real (BRL)
Canadian dollar (CAD)
Swiss franc (CHF)
Chinese yuan renminbi (CNY)
Indian rupee (INR)
Japanese yen (JPY)
South Korean won (KRW)
Mexican peso (MXN)
Norwegian krone (NOK)
Russian rouble (RUB)
Singapore dollar (SGD)
Turkish lira (TRY)
Other not specified currencies (_X)
Unknown currency (_U)
Note on ‘unknown’ currency: Trade for which the currency is unknown should be distributed over the individual currencies or groups of currencies proportionally to their relative share except if it is known that such a distribution would skew the data in a too significant extent. In such a case, the code _U ‘Unknown’ could exceptionally be used.
The set of collected currencies has been evolving over time. Initially, only 5 currencies were collected (EUR, USD, _X, XU3 and _T). Since 2020 reference year, _U currency was added. The full set mentioned above has been collected only since 2021 reference year.
3.5. Statistical unit
The statistical unit is any natural or legal person lodging a customs declaration in Slovakia on the condition that the customs procedure is of statistical relevance.
3.6. Statistical population
Importer/exporter may be a legal or natural person who lodge a customs declaration in Slovakia. So also non-resident economic operators are included in the population.
3.7. Reference area
Slovakia. The statistical territory of Slovakia is the same as its economic territory.
For data transmission to Eurostat – Trade values (in national currency units) by invoicing currency. The value of traded goods is calculated at the national frontier, on a FOB (free on board) basis for exports and a CIF (cost, insurance, freight) basis for imports. Hence, only incidental expenses (freight, insurance) are included and they are incurred for:
exports in the part of the journey located on the territory of the country where the goods are exported from;
imports in the part of the journey located outside the territory of the country where the goods are imported to.
For data dissemination on Eurostat website – Share of each invoicing currency in extra-EU imports and exports.
Theoretically, the reference period for the information on international trade in goods transactions should be the calendar month of export or import of the goods. However, in practice the reference period is generally the calendar month during which the customs declaration is accepted by the Slovak National Customs Authority.
The reference years for which TIC data are disseminated result from the aggregation of monthly figures from January to December.
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
General statistical legislation
Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on European statistics
Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/1225 specifying the arrangements for the data exchanges and amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197, as regards the Member State of extra-Union export and the obligations of reporting units;
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/1704 further specifying the details for the statistical information to be provided by tax and customs authorities and amending Annexes V and VI of Regulation (EU) 2019/2152.
Extra-EU trade legislation (or Extrastat) - legislation applicable up to 1 January 2022
Basic Act: Regulation (EC) No 471/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council
Implementing Commission Regulation (EC) No 92/2010;
Implementing Commission Regulation (EC) No 113/2010.
All regulations relevant for the European statistics on international trade in goods can be found in the publication Legislation on European statistics on international trade in goods or consulted from the Legislation page of the International trade in goods section on Eurostat website. All legal texts of the EU are accessible on Eur-Lex.
6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing
Not applicable.
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.
As a general definition, data used by national and EU authorities for producing statistics are considered confidential if statistical units can be identified, either directly or indirectly, and information about individuals or businesses is disclosed as a result.
The principle of passive confidentiality is used as specified in Article 19 of Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 of the European Parliament and of the Council. Procedures how to apply the principle are detailed in SOSR's internal legal act DIRECTIVE SME-10/2023 on the protection of confidential statistical data.
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
TIC data are the results of the aggregation of real trade data as reported on the customs declarations. Data by invoicing currency are aggregated to the extent which does not make possible to identify a specific importer/exporter. Therefore no specific data treatment applies.
8.1. Release calendar
TIC data are only disseminated by Eurostat. See item 8.1 ‘Release calendar’ of the related metadata ‘ext_tic - International trade in goods – trade by invoicing currency (TIC)’ for more details.
8.2. Release calendar access
TIC data are only disseminated by Eurostat. See item 8.2 ‘Release calendar access’ of the related metadata ‘ext_tic - International trade in goods – trade by invoicing currency’ for more details.
8.3. Release policy - user access
TIC data are only disseminated by Eurostat. See item 8.3 ‘Release policy - user access’ of the related metadata ‘ext_tic - International trade in goods – trade by invoicing currency’ for more details.
TIC data are only disseminated by Eurostat. See item 9 ‘Frequency of dissemination’ of the related metadata ‘ext_tic - International trade in goods – trade by invoicing currency’ for more details.
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
TIC data are only disseminated by Eurostat. See item 10.1 ‘Dissemination format - News release’ of the related metadata ‘ext_tic - International trade in goods – trade by invoicing currency’ for more details.
10.2. Dissemination format - Publications
TIC data are only disseminated by Eurostat. See item 10.2 ‘Dissemination format - Publications’ of the related metadata ‘ext_tic - International trade in goods – trade by invoicing currency’ for more details.
10.3. Dissemination format - online database
TIC data are only disseminated by Eurostat. See item 10.3 ‘Dissemination format - online database’ of the related metadata ‘ext_tic - International trade in goods – trade by invoicing currency’ for more details.
TIC data are only disseminated by Eurostat. See item 10.6 ‘Documentation on methodology' of the related metadata ‘ext_tic - International trade in goods – trade by invoicing currency’ for more details.
10.6.1. Metadata completeness - rate
100%
10.7. Quality management - documentation
TIC data are only disseminated by Eurostat. See item 10.7 ‘Quality management - documentation’ of the related metadata ‘ext_tic - International trade in goods – trade by invoicing currency’ for more details.
11.1. Quality assurance
The SOSR follows the Quality Policy based on requests of users of statistics, on rules, principles, recommendations and conclusions of the ISO 9001 standard for Quality Management Systems.
The compliance of the Quality Management System with the requirements of the ISO 9001:2015 standard was confirmed by recertification audit by Bureau Veritas Slovakia in September 2024. The successful audit reaffirmed that the quality management system introduced in the SOSR creates the appropriate conditions for further improvement of the products and services provided to the customers and for the development of the office towards greater efficiency and effectiveness.
11.2. Quality management - assessment
See item 11.2 ‘Quality management - assessment' of the related metadata ‘ext_tic - International trade in goods – trade by invoicing currency’ for more details.
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
TIC data are only disseminated by Eurostat. See item 12.1 ‘Relevance - User Needs’ of the related metadata ‘ext_tic - International trade in goods – trade by invoicing currency’ for more details.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
TIC data are only disseminated by Eurostat. See item 12.2 ‘Relevance - User Satisfaction’ of the related metadata ‘ext_tic - International trade in goods – trade by invoicing currency’ for more details.
12.3. Completeness
See item 12.3 ‘Completeness’ of the related metadata ‘ext_tic - International trade in goods – trade by invoicing currency’ for more details.
The accuracy of Slovak TIC data depends mainly on the accuracy of customs declarations data.
13.2. Sampling error
Sampling errors are not applicable. Slovak TIC data are derived almost completely from the information reported on customs declarations. The imputed data on exports and imports of electricity and natural gas are included as well.
13.2.1. Sampling error - indicators
Not applicable.
13.3. Non-sampling error
The correctness of customs declarations data and consequently potential reporting errors in the respective data elements may affect the TIC data. The Slovak TIC data does not contain estimates for late or incomplete customs declaration as the data are processed after the goods being released for proposed custom procedure.
The imputed data on exports and imports of electricity are included to ensure completeness of the Slovak TIC data.
Slovak data on imports and exports of natural gas declared on customs declarations are complemented, when necessary, by the imputed exports and imports.
Slovak extra-EU trade is compiled in accordance with the special trade system, the relaxed definition following the EU legal provisions. So differences in the trade of those partner countries compiling their trade by general trade system may be observed. Further reasons for asymmetries are the time lag in recording transaction, different valuation, allocation of the trade to a Member State where the customs declaration is lodged, imputation method for extra-EU trade in electricity and natural gas.
15.1.1. Asymmetry for mirror flow statistics - coefficient
Not applicable.
15.2. Comparability - over time
In general, the Slovak TIC data are comparable over time.
Discontinuities may occur at the most detailed level for some commodities due to modifications of the compilation rules. The principle of recording aircraft in foreign trade statistics has changed (since 2010 based on a change in economic ownership) and the principle of compiling foreign trade in electricity (since 2010 based on the data from energy statistics). The compilation of foreign trade in natural gas in the gaseous state was also modified (since 2010 on the basis of information from the transit transmission system operator and storage operators).
15.2.1. Length of comparable time series
Comparable TIC data are available for the years 2010-2024.
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
Indicators similar to the trade in goods statistics may be detected also in National Accounts, Balance of Payments or Business statistics. Even though the individual data may describe the same transaction those indicators are compiled according to different concepts. So their comparability is limited.
15.3.1. Coherence - sub annual and annual statistics
Not applicable.
15.3.2. Coherence - National Accounts
Not applicable.
15.4. Coherence - internal
Slovak TIC data are based on the same data as used for compilation of detailed extra-EU trade data applying official correspondence table between the Combined Nomenclature and SITC what ensures internal coherence.
Slovak TIC data are derived from information reported on customs declarations. The data comprise also the imputed data on exports and imports of electricity based on existing statistical survey. No specific data collection is then necessary, which means that the burden is null for the respondents. Slovak TIC data may contain, when necessary, the imputed exports and imports of the natural gas based on transmission and storage system data. The transmission system operator data on physical flows of the natural gas crossing Slovak border are provided monthly to the SOSR. The storage operator publishes the information on its website daily. That information does not represent extra burden for the operators.
17.1. Data revision - policy
Regular revisions of extra-EU trade data are based on new data received as a result of amendments in customs proceedings. They are transmitted and disseminated every month for all months since the beginning of the reference year. Then semi-definitive and final data are transmitted in accordance with the Release calendar.
17.2. Data revision - practice
Slovak TIC data are compiled using detailed extra-EU trade data for a given reference year as available in March next year. Subsequent revisions of the extra-EU trade data are not used to revise TIC data.
However, if the major revisions of extra-EU trade statistics are carried out then the TIC data will be revised as well. The major revision made in 2019 were reflected in the data for the years 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
17.2.1. Data revision - average size
Not available.
18.1. Source data
In general, Slovak TIC data are based on information reported on the customs declarations. Moreover, the data on gross cross-border flows of electricity provided by transmission system operator are used to impute exports and imports of electricity. The transmission system operator data on physical flows of the natural gas crossing Slovak border and data from the storage operator may complement when necessary the data reported on customs declarations. The statistical value of the electricity and natural gas is estimated using unit values calculated from the data reported on customs declarations.
18.2. Frequency of data collection
Customs declarations are transmitted to the SOSR monthly. The energy statistics collects information from transmission system operator on monthly basis as well. The transmission system operator data on physical flows of the natural gas crossing Slovak border are provided monthly to the SOSR. The storage operator publishes the information on its website daily.
The invoicing currency is provided every month for data reported on customs declarations.
18.3. Data collection
The standard source of information on extra-EU trade transactions is the customs declaration submitted by businesses and, in some cases, by private individuals involved in an international transaction of goods with a non-EU country. Customs declarations on imports are collected entirely electronically, while on exports also paper declarations are allowed. Precise rules for sending corrections are set out. The data are transmitted by Slovak customs authority - Customs section of Financial Directorate of the SR after the goods are released into proposed customs procedure.
Data on electrical energy from energy statistics are obtained electronically. The energy statistics collects information from transmission system operator under the statistical survey.
Slovak data on imports and exports of natural gas declared on customs declarations are complemented, when necessary, by the imputed exports and imports. The imputation is based on data obtained electronically from transmission system operator under the statistical survey and downloaded from webpage of storage operators.
18.4. Data validation
Completeness and validity checks (mandatory fields checks, code lists checks, data type checks, ...) are performed during the data imports to the ITGS production system. All data must pass through validity checks. Credibility checks (e.g. unit value checks) are then performed by the processing software, data are marked in accordance with the results of the checks and treated following the severity of errors. Time series of the biggest traders are monitored and suspicious values are verified. Reported vessels and aircrafts are verified at declarants.
Slovak TIC data disseminated by Eurostat have passed the following quality checks:
Intra-dataset checks: completeness of the dataset and uniqueness of the records, validity of the codes, validity of code combinations across the different dimensions, inter-record consistency checks;
Intra-domain check: check of the coherence between trade values published in the TIC dataset and trade values coming from aggregated and detailed trade in goods data.
18.5. Data compilation
At national level:
Slovak TIC data are based on detailed extra-EU trade data including imputed data for exports and imports of electricity. Slovak TIC data comprises all imports and exports declared on customs declarations for natural gas and when necessary the data are complemented by the imputed exports and imports. Records level data are supplemented by SITC codes assigned according to correspondence with the CN code. The aggregations are made following the defined structure.
At European level:
The share of each invoicing currency in the imports and exports of Slovakia is calculated on the basis of the transmitted trade values.
18.5.1. Imputation - rate
At national level:
Not available yet.
At European level:
No imputation is made by Eurostat.
18.6. Adjustment
Slovak TIC data does not contain estimates for late or incomplete customs declaration as the data are processed after the goods being released into proposed custom procedure.
18.6.1. Seasonal adjustment
Not applicable.
No further comments.
International trade in goods statistics (ITGS) published by Eurostat measure the value and quantity of goods traded between the EU Member States (intra-EU trade) and goods traded by the EU Member States with non-EU countries (extra-EU trade). ‘Goods’ means all movable property including electricity. ‘European’ means that the statistics are compiled on the basis of the concepts and definitions set out in EU legislation.
Trade by invoicing currency (TIC) data are part of the information available for extra-EU trade. The invoicing currency is the currency in which the commercial invoice is drawn up. Data by invoicing currency can be used for instance to explore the use of the euro in the EU’s international trade, to compare it with the role of the United States dollar (USD) or to analyse the role of the euro in the euro area and in the EU. These statistics are very useful to central banks, including the European Central Bank, for comparing the euro with other major international currencies. These data are also used by financial market segments or foreign investors.
Statistical dimensions available for TIC data:
reporting country
partner country
reference period
trade flows
product
currency
31 May 2025
Reporting country – Except for some specific goods like vessels and aircraft, ITGS follow the physical movements of the goods. A country should record an import when goods enter its statistical territory and an export when goods leave that territory except if those goods are in simple transit.
Partner country – At detailed level, this is the last known country of destination for exports and the country of origin for imports. However individual partner countries are not kept in the dissemination of data by invoicing currency. They are replaced by the partner area ‘extra-EU’.
Product – Goods are primarily classified by commodity code as set out in the EU Combined Nomenclature. TIC data are compiled on the basis of a correspondence table enabling the transposition of detailed data collected according to the Combined Nomenclature into the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC). TIC data are available by three product groups: Raw materials without oil (SITC0, SITC1, SITC2, SITC3, SITC4, excluding division 33), Oil (SITC division 33) and Manufactured products (SITC5, SITC6, SITC7, SITC8, SITC9). Additionally, since 2021 reference period, TIC data are available also by 10 individual SITC sections.
Currency – The invoicing currency is the currency in which the commercial invoice is drawn up. Its definition is provided by the customs legislation. Only the following currencies or groups of invoicing currencies are considered for data transmission to Eurostat:
Total (_T)
Euro (EUR),
UK pound sterling (GBP),
US dollar (USD),
national currencies of non-euro Member States (XU3),
Brazilian real (BRL)
Canadian dollar (CAD)
Swiss franc (CHF)
Chinese yuan renminbi (CNY)
Indian rupee (INR)
Japanese yen (JPY)
South Korean won (KRW)
Mexican peso (MXN)
Norwegian krone (NOK)
Russian rouble (RUB)
Singapore dollar (SGD)
Turkish lira (TRY)
Other not specified currencies (_X)
Unknown currency (_U)
Note on ‘unknown’ currency: Trade for which the currency is unknown should be distributed over the individual currencies or groups of currencies proportionally to their relative share except if it is known that such a distribution would skew the data in a too significant extent. In such a case, the code _U ‘Unknown’ could exceptionally be used.
The set of collected currencies has been evolving over time. Initially, only 5 currencies were collected (EUR, USD, _X, XU3 and _T). Since 2020 reference year, _U currency was added. The full set mentioned above has been collected only since 2021 reference year.
The statistical unit is any natural or legal person lodging a customs declaration in Slovakia on the condition that the customs procedure is of statistical relevance.
Importer/exporter may be a legal or natural person who lodge a customs declaration in Slovakia. So also non-resident economic operators are included in the population.
Slovakia. The statistical territory of Slovakia is the same as its economic territory.
Theoretically, the reference period for the information on international trade in goods transactions should be the calendar month of export or import of the goods. However, in practice the reference period is generally the calendar month during which the customs declaration is accepted by the Slovak National Customs Authority.
The reference years for which TIC data are disseminated result from the aggregation of monthly figures from January to December.
The accuracy of Slovak TIC data depends mainly on the accuracy of customs declarations data.
For data transmission to Eurostat – Trade values (in national currency units) by invoicing currency. The value of traded goods is calculated at the national frontier, on a FOB (free on board) basis for exports and a CIF (cost, insurance, freight) basis for imports. Hence, only incidental expenses (freight, insurance) are included and they are incurred for:
exports in the part of the journey located on the territory of the country where the goods are exported from;
imports in the part of the journey located outside the territory of the country where the goods are imported to.
For data dissemination on Eurostat website – Share of each invoicing currency in extra-EU imports and exports.
At national level:
Slovak TIC data are based on detailed extra-EU trade data including imputed data for exports and imports of electricity. Slovak TIC data comprises all imports and exports declared on customs declarations for natural gas and when necessary the data are complemented by the imputed exports and imports. Records level data are supplemented by SITC codes assigned according to correspondence with the CN code. The aggregations are made following the defined structure.
At European level:
The share of each invoicing currency in the imports and exports of Slovakia is calculated on the basis of the transmitted trade values.
In general, Slovak TIC data are based on information reported on the customs declarations. Moreover, the data on gross cross-border flows of electricity provided by transmission system operator are used to impute exports and imports of electricity. The transmission system operator data on physical flows of the natural gas crossing Slovak border and data from the storage operator may complement when necessary the data reported on customs declarations. The statistical value of the electricity and natural gas is estimated using unit values calculated from the data reported on customs declarations.
TIC data are only disseminated by Eurostat. See item 9 ‘Frequency of dissemination’ of the related metadata ‘ext_tic - International trade in goods – trade by invoicing currency’ for more details.
See concepts 14.1.1 and 14.1.2.
Slovak extra-EU trade is compiled in accordance with the special trade system, the relaxed definition following the EU legal provisions. So differences in the trade of those partner countries compiling their trade by general trade system may be observed. Further reasons for asymmetries are the time lag in recording transaction, different valuation, allocation of the trade to a Member State where the customs declaration is lodged, imputation method for extra-EU trade in electricity and natural gas.
In general, the Slovak TIC data are comparable over time.
Discontinuities may occur at the most detailed level for some commodities due to modifications of the compilation rules. The principle of recording aircraft in foreign trade statistics has changed (since 2010 based on a change in economic ownership) and the principle of compiling foreign trade in electricity (since 2010 based on the data from energy statistics). The compilation of foreign trade in natural gas in the gaseous state was also modified (since 2010 on the basis of information from the transit transmission system operator and storage operators).
