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.
Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union
1.2. Contact organisation unit
Unit G4 – Trade in services; Globalisation
1.3. Contact name
Confidential because of GDPR
1.4. Contact person function
Confidential because of GDPR
1.5. Contact mail address
BECH Building, 5, rue Alphonse Weicker, L-2721 Luxembourg
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
18 January 2026
2.2. Metadata last posted
18 January 2026
2.3. Metadata last update
18 January 2026
3.1. Data description
Global Value Chains (GVC) statistics provide information on enterprises’ cross-border production arrangements and international sourcing practices. The data cover the purchase and supply of goods and services abroad, the organisation of business functions across countries, employment effects related to international sourcing, and factors influencing sourcing decisions. The statistics are produced within the framework of European Business Statistics and follow the concepts and variables defined in the GVC Implementing Act.
The statistics use harmonised European and international classifications. Economic activities are classified according to NACE Rev. 2. Business functions are classified using the Classification of Business Functions (CBF). Geographical breakdowns follow standard EU and international country and area classifications.
The statistical coverage includes market producers in the non-financial business economy. For the 2021–2023 reference period, the coverage comprises enterprises classified in NACE Rev. 2 sections B to N. From the 2024–2026 reference period onwards, the coverage is extended to NACE sections B to O, in accordance with the amended GVC Implementing Act.
Statistical concepts and definitions follow the harmonised framework laid down in the GVC Implementing Act and related methodological guidance. Key concepts include international sourcing, business functions, enterprise group relationships, and employment effects linked to sourcing activities.
3.5. Statistical unit
The statistical unit is the enterprise, as defined in the European Business Statistics Regulation.
3.6. Statistical population
The statistical population consists of enterprises with 50 or more persons employed in the last year of the reference period, within the covered economic activities.
3.7. Reference area
The reference area covers the territory of the European Union and participating EEA countries, as defined for European Business Statistics.
3.8. Coverage - Time
Mandatory GVC data are collected for the reference period 2021–2023 and subsequent three-year cycles, in accordance with the European Business Statistics regulation.
3.9. Base period
Not applicable.
The main units of measure are absolute numbers. All GVC variables are reported as absolute numbers, in accordance with the GVC Implementing Act.
The reference period for GVC statistics is a three-year period. Variables related to international sourcing activities and their employment effects refer to the full three-year reference period. Variables describing the organisation of business functions refer to the last year of the reference period. This follows the specifications laid down in the GVC Implementing Act.
The first reference period is 2021-2023.
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
Global Value Chains statistics are produced within the framework of European Business Statistics. The legal basis is Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 of the European Parliament and of the Council on European business statistics. The detailed technical specifications for GVC statistics are laid down in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918 and, for the 2024–2026 reference period, in the amending Implementing Regulation.
Aggregated, non-confidential GVC data are transmitted by Member States to Eurostat as part of the regular European Business Statistics data transmissions. Data sharing follows the applicable rules on statistical confidentiality.
7.1. Confidentiality - policy
Statistical confidentiality is ensured in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 on European statistics. Confidential data are used exclusively for statistical purposes and are protected throughout the production and dissemination process.
Before dissemination at EU level, GVC data are subject to confidentiality protection in line with European statistical confidentiality rules. Only non-confidential aggregated data are disseminated by Eurostat.
8.1. Release calendar
GVC statistics are released by Eurostat in accordance with the European Business Statistics dissemination schedule. Release dates are announced in advance through Eurostat’s release calendar.
The first data publication occured on 19 December 2025, while the next data publication is expected in December 2028.
Quality aspects of GVC statistics are documented in accordance with the Single Integrated Metadata Structure (SIMS) and are made available through Eurostat’s metadata systems.
11.1. Quality assurance
Quality assurance for GVC statistics is based on the harmonised methodological framework of European Business Statistics and on coordinated validation procedures carried out by Eurostat in cooperation with Member States. Validation checks cover completeness, internal consistency and compliance with the GVC Implementing Act.
11.2. Quality management - assessment
Based on the available validation results and consistency checks, the overall quality of GVC statistics at EU level is considered appropriate for the intended analytical and policy uses.
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
GVC statistics respond to EU policy and analytical needs related to globalisation, international production networks and the organisation of business activities across borders. The main users include the European Commission services, international organisations, researchers and policy analysts.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
User feedback is collected through regular interactions with institutional users, expert groups and statistical working parties, and is taken into account in the development and improvement of GVC statistics.
12.3. Completeness
At EU level, all mandatory variables and breakdowns defined in the GVC Implementing Act are covered in the dataset.
13.1. Accuracy - overall
The overall accuracy of GVC statistics at EU level is supported by the use of harmonised concepts, common definitions and coordinated validation procedures. Data transmitted by Member States are subject to consistency and plausibility checks, including checks on completeness, internal coherence and alignment with the requirements of the GVC Implementing Act.
13.2. Sampling error
For Member States applying sample surveys, sampling error may affect survey-based GVC variables. Sampling error is assessed at national level in line with national sampling designs. At EU level, no numerical sampling error indicators are disseminated.
13.3. Non-sampling error
Potential sources of non-sampling error include coverage errors, non-response, measurement errors and processing errors. These risks are mitigated through the use of business registers as population frames, harmonised questionnaires, validation rules and follow-up procedures applied by Member States. Eurostat performs additional validation checks at EU level to ensure consistency across countries.
14.1. Timeliness
GVC statistics are transmitted by Member States and disseminated by Eurostat within the deadlines laid down in the GVC Implementing Act. Data are released after completion of validation and confidentiality checks.
14.2. Punctuality
At EU level, GVC statistics are disseminated in accordance with the announced release schedule.
15.1. Comparability - geographical
A high degree of geographical comparability is ensured through the use of harmonised concepts, definitions, classifications and variables defined in the GVC Implementing Act and applied consistently across Member States.
15.2. Comparability - over time
Comparability over time is generally ensured through the stable application of the GVC methodological framework. However, changes in legal requirements, variable definitions or coverage between reference periods may lead to breaks in time series. Such changes are documented in the metadata.
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
GVC statistics are conceptually coherent with other European Business Statistics, in particular structural business statistics and the business register. Coherence is supported by the use of common definitions and classifications.
15.4. Coherence - internal
Internal coherence of the GVC dataset is ensured through validation checks on aggregates, breakdowns and logical relationships between variables, carried out by Member States and Eurostat.
The response burden for GVC statistics is managed through the harmonised survey design and the integration of GVC data collection within the European Business Statistics framework. Where possible, Member States make use of existing administrative and statistical sources to reduce the reporting burden on enterprises.
17.1. Data revision - policy
GVC statistics disseminated by Eurostat follow the general revision policy for European Business Statistics. Revisions may occur if significant errors are identified or if substantial updates to underlying data are made available.
17.2. Data revision - practice
At EU level, GVC data are generally considered final at the time of dissemination. Any revisions, if necessary, are clearly documented and communicated to users.
18.1. Source data
The primary source of GVC statistics is a dedicated survey of enterprises conducted by Member States in accordance with the GVC Implementing Act. Structural information used in the production of GVC statistics is derived from the European Business Statistics framework.
18.2. Frequency of data collection
GVC data are collected by Member States on a triennial basis, covering a three-year reference period.
18.3. Data collection
Data collection is organised by Member States using survey instruments based on the harmonised GVC questionnaire, adapted where necessary to national conditions.
18.4. Data validation
Data transmitted by Member States are subject to validation checks at both national and EU level. These include checks on completeness, internal consistency and compliance with the GVC Implementing Act.
18.5. Data compilation
Data compilation is carried out by Member States in accordance with national statistical practices and the requirements of the GVC Implementing Act. Eurostat compiles the EU dataset based on validated national contributions.
18.6. Adjustment
No seasonal, calendar or other statistical adjustments are applied to GVC data at EU level.
No additional comments.
Global Value Chains (GVC) statistics provide information on enterprises’ cross-border production arrangements and international sourcing practices. The data cover the purchase and supply of goods and services abroad, the organisation of business functions across countries, employment effects related to international sourcing, and factors influencing sourcing decisions. The statistics are produced within the framework of European Business Statistics and follow the concepts and variables defined in the GVC Implementing Act.
Statistical concepts and definitions follow the harmonised framework laid down in the GVC Implementing Act and related methodological guidance. Key concepts include international sourcing, business functions, enterprise group relationships, and employment effects linked to sourcing activities.
The statistical unit is the enterprise, as defined in the European Business Statistics Regulation.
The statistical population consists of enterprises with 50 or more persons employed in the last year of the reference period, within the covered economic activities.
The reference area covers the territory of the European Union and participating EEA countries, as defined for European Business Statistics.
The reference period for GVC statistics is a three-year period. Variables related to international sourcing activities and their employment effects refer to the full three-year reference period. Variables describing the organisation of business functions refer to the last year of the reference period. This follows the specifications laid down in the GVC Implementing Act.
The first reference period is 2021-2023.
The overall accuracy of GVC statistics at EU level is supported by the use of harmonised concepts, common definitions and coordinated validation procedures. Data transmitted by Member States are subject to consistency and plausibility checks, including checks on completeness, internal coherence and alignment with the requirements of the GVC Implementing Act.
The main units of measure are absolute numbers. All GVC variables are reported as absolute numbers, in accordance with the GVC Implementing Act.
Data compilation is carried out by Member States in accordance with national statistical practices and the requirements of the GVC Implementing Act. Eurostat compiles the EU dataset based on validated national contributions.
The primary source of GVC statistics is a dedicated survey of enterprises conducted by Member States in accordance with the GVC Implementing Act. Structural information used in the production of GVC statistics is derived from the European Business Statistics framework.
GVC statistics are disseminated by Eurostat on a triennial basis, in line with the European Business Statistics production cycle.
GVC statistics are transmitted by Member States and disseminated by Eurostat within the deadlines laid down in the GVC Implementing Act. Data are released after completion of validation and confidentiality checks.
A high degree of geographical comparability is ensured through the use of harmonised concepts, definitions, classifications and variables defined in the GVC Implementing Act and applied consistently across Member States.
Comparability over time is generally ensured through the stable application of the GVC methodological framework. However, changes in legal requirements, variable definitions or coverage between reference periods may lead to breaks in time series. Such changes are documented in the metadata.
