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 Global Value Chains (GVC) statistics for Bulgaria are compiled in accordance with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918 for the 2021–2023 reference period. The data describe enterprise participation in GVCs through ten variables covering business functions, high-value trade in goods and services, international sourcing, employment effects, motivations, barriers, and events affecting GVC arrangements.
Geographical partner areas are classified based on the breakdowns prescribed in Regulation (EU) 2022/918, covering EU Member States, Extra-EU, and key partner regions including China, India, USA and Canada, Central and South America, and Africa.
Where relevant, additional standard ESS classifications, such as the distinction between high-skilled and not-high-skilled jobs, are applied according to the European Business Statistics compilers’ manual for global value chains.
3.3. Coverage - sector
The enterprise population covers market producers in NACE Rev.2 Sections B to N. Enterprises must have at least 50 persons employed or self-employed persons.
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
All concepts follow Regulation (EU) 2022/918 and the GVC Compilers’ Manual. International sourcing refers to the full or partial relocation of business functions abroad within or outside the enterprise group during 2021–2023. For variables related to the purchase or supply of goods and services abroad, the dataset includes only enterprises that reported at least EUR 100,000 in cross-border transactions during the final year of the reference period. This threshold ensures that the collected data remain relevant, comparable and statistically significant.Motivations and barriers follow the fixed lists provided in the regulation, and importance factors use the standard four-level scale.
3.5. Statistical unit
The statistical unit used for the GVC statistics is the enterprise, defined under Regulation (EU) 2019/2152.
3.6. Statistical population
The enterprise population covers market producers in NACE Rev.2 Sections B to N with 50 or more employees, including self-employed persons, in the final year of the reference period. For variables related to the purchase or supply of goods and services abroad, the dataset includes only enterprises that reported at least EUR 100,000 in cross-border transactions during the final year of the reference period.
3.7. Reference area
National economic territory of Bulgaria.
3.8. Coverage - Time
Triennial period: 2021–2023.
3.9. Base period
Not applicable.
All GVC variables are compiled and transmitted as absolute values, as required by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918.
Number of enterprises
Number of persons employed
Number of jobs created/lost
Absolute values (counts) for motivations, barriers, and events.
The reference period for the GVC statistics is 2021–2023. Variables 1–5 refer to the final year (2023), while variables 6–10 cover activities occurring at any time during the full three-year period.
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
GVC statistics are produced under the EU legal framework for business statistics, mainly Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918, which set the required variables and transmission rules. The national data collection follows the Bulgarian Statistics Act, which provides the mandate for surveys, access to administrative sources, and the obligation of enterprises to report. Overall, the process is also guided by Regulation (EC) 223/2009, ensuring professional independence, data quality, and confidentiality in European statistics.
6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing
Data are transmitted to Eurostat in compliance with EU legislation and confidentiality rules.
7.1. Confidentiality - policy
The confidential policy is specified in the National Law on statistics, Chapter Six, Article 25, published on NSI website: StatisticsAct_en.pdf
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
Two criteria (national confidentiality rules) are applied for primary confidentiality treatment that is carried out in NSI. They are specified in the Law on statistics, according to which aggregated statistics cannot be made public or released when:
the total of the information was received by less than three statistical units (Criterion A);
one enterprise formed equal or more than 85% in the total volume of aggregated data (Criterion B).
8.1. Release calendar
GVC microdata and aggregated results collected at national level are not published nationally.
8.2. Release calendar access
Not available.
8.3. Release policy - user access
Statistical information is disseminated according to the Rules for Dissemination of Statistical Products and Services. Additional information (aggregated data in different breakdowns and details) is provided under custom request. Anonymised individual data for scientific and research purposes could be requested and provided according to the Rules for Provision of Anonymised Individual Data for Scientific and Research Purposes.
GVC statistics are collected, compiled and transmitted on a three-year cycle in line with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918.
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
Not applicable.
10.2. Dissemination format - Publications
Not applicable.
10.3. Dissemination format - online database
Not applicable.
10.4. Dissemination format - microdata access
The micro-data can be provided, upon decision of the Commission for access to anonymised data for scientific purposes (CAAD), if applicable and if not in conflict with existing regulations, according to Rules for Provision of Anonymised Individual Data for Scientific and Research Purposes, published on NSI website. The Rules are based on and in accordance with the requirements of the national legislation and the relevant regulations of the European Union. These rules govern procedure for applying and granting access to anonymised data.
10.5. Dissemination format - other
Information services on request may be provided by the “Relations with Users and e-Services” Department in accordance with the NSI Rules for the Dissemination of Statistical Products and Services. GVC data are not published nationally; they are transmitted to Eurostat.
10.6. Documentation on methodology
The methodological information is available in the GVC Compilers’ Manual published by Eurostat.
10.7. Quality management - documentation
Not applicable
11.1. Quality assurance
The National Statistical Institute of Bulgaria and its territorial units are certified by ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System for the field of activities 'Receiving, collecting, processing, storing, analyzing, delivering and disseminating statistical information'. The quality management system has established and maintains a process oriented quality management system, taking into account the specific requirements, the impact of external and internal factors, the interests of the stakeholders, the risks and opportunities and perspectives of the Institute. According to the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 NSI developed Quality Management Procedures related to the compilation, production and provision of statistical products and services for citizens and organizations, as well as a Declaration for policy of the quality management in NSI. Every year NSI develops Annual Programme for the Implementation of Quality Objectives and carries out internal audit on the compliance of the activities, set out in the procedures.
11.2. Quality management - assessment
The improvement of statistical information quality is one of priority directions in the National Statistical System (NSS) development. The quality activities in NSS are built on the fifteen principles of the European Statistics Code of Practice, covering the institutional environment, statistical processes and statistical outputs. The data are collected through Information System 'Business statistics' (ISBS) to the NSI, which provides online collection of annual reports of all economic active enterprises, containing a set of accounting and statistical questionnaires. The quality of information increases due to the arithmetic and logical controls of the input data, made automatically. The NSI of Bulgaria uses also other data sources as a verification tool for production of business statistics data (comparison with available administrative data – data from National revenue agency, from National Social Security Institute, Foreign trade data, etc.
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
The main users of GVC statistics in Bulgaria include government institutions (such as the Ministry of Economy and Industry and the Ministry of Finance), research institutes, the academic community and Eurostat. The data are used to analyse international fragmentation of production, dependence on foreign suppliers and sectoral exposure to global risks.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
No formal user satisfaction survey has been carried out specifically for the GVC domain. Based on informal contacts with key users, the data are considered to meet current analytical needs. Users value the harmonised EU methodology and the detailed breakdowns. Some interest has been expressed in more frequent updates of the data.
12.3. Completeness
All mandatory variables and breakdowns required by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918 were delivered for the reference period 2021–2023. The 1 percent rule was not applied. The data cover all required combinations of NACE Rev.2 sections B–N, size classes, business functions and geographical areas.
13.1. Accuracy - overall
Overall accuracy is assessed through checks on population coverage, internal coherence between variables and consistency with related business statistics. Coverage of the target population is ensured through the use of the statistical business register, and most enterprises provided usable responses. Automated and manual validation procedures reduced the impact of reporting and processing errors. Some remaining uncertainty concerns detailed breakdowns, in particular variables based on subjective assessments such as sourcing motives and barriers, but this does not materially affect the main analytical conclusions.
13.2. Sampling error
Where sampling is applied, stratified sampling designs ensure adequate representation by economic activity and enterprise size class. Formal sampling error indicators are not produced for this statistical domain.
13.3. Non-sampling error
The online data collection system applies strict arithmetic and logical input controls. Data are validated against available administrative sources and other statistical information. Non-sampling errors represent the main source of potential inaccuracy, mainly related to differences in the interpretation of business function categories and the need for follow-up clarifications. Coverage errors are limited due to the use of the statistical business register, while validation and imputation procedures help to minimise the impact of non-sampling errors on the final results.
14.1. Timeliness
The GVC results for the 2021–2023 reference period were compiled and transmitted to Eurostat within the legal deadline of T+21 months. The national production schedule allowed sufficient time for data collection, validation and quality control.
14.2. Punctuality
All internal milestones of the national GVC production process were achieved as planned. Data collection, editing and validation activities were conducted in line with the established timetable.
15.1. Comparability - geographical
GVC statistics are fully aligned with harmonised European concepts and definitions. Internal coherence across activity, size, business function and geographical breakdowns has been verified. Comparability across EU Member States is ensured through the common methodological framework.
15.2. Comparability - over time
The 2021–2023 period represents the first official GVC data collection under the European Business Statistics Regulation. While the country has previous experience with the survey, the current collection follows a harmonised framework ensuring broad conceptual continuity. Differences in survey design may limit full comparability with earlier voluntary results, but no methodological breaks occurred within the 2021–2023 cycle.
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
The data are broadly consistent with Structural Business Statistics (SBS). Minor differences in the number of enterprises and persons employed between SBS, the Business Register and Business Demography arise from methodological differences, particularly in the definition of active enterprises and the availability of administrative information. These differences are limited and do not materially affect the overall coherence of the data.
15.4. Coherence - internal
All GVC data series are validated by EDAMIS ACC tool before official transmission to Eurostat.
GVC data are collected from enterprises with 50 or more employees, using the existing Information System for Business Statistics (ISBS). The response burden for enterprises is assessed as moderate. The survey covers enterprises with 50 or more persons employed, and part of the information is supported by business register data.
17.1. Data revision - policy
Revisions are carried out in accordance with the national revision policy for business statistics. Revisions may occur if new or corrected information becomes available, but due to the triennial nature of the data collection, revision activity is limited.
17.2. Data revision - practice
The methodology is the same, used for the final data.
18.1. Source data
The main source of primary data, including employment, is the annual activity report, which includes both financial statements and statistical information. Reports are submitted through the online-based Information System 'Business Statistics' (ISBS) to the NSI, ensuring uniformity, completeness and feasibility in the data collection process for the entire population of active legal units within NACE Rev. 2 Sections A to S.
Data were collected via the NSI’s Information System “Business Statistics” (ISBS), which enables online reporting of annual questionnaires. Participation is mandatory for enterprises with main activity in NACE sections B–N and 50 or more employees, and data quality is ensured through automatic arithmetic and logical checks.
18.4. Data validation
All data series are pre-validated, in structure and content, in the Acceptance environment of Eurostat Standard corporate tools before the official transmission to Eurostat.
18.5. Data compilation
The GVC data compilation is based on a survey of all active legal units. Participation is mandatory for enterprises with a main activity in NACE sections B–N and employing 50 or more persons.
18.6. Adjustment
Not applicable.
No further comments.
The Global Value Chains (GVC) statistics for Bulgaria are compiled in accordance with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918 for the 2021–2023 reference period. The data describe enterprise participation in GVCs through ten variables covering business functions, high-value trade in goods and services, international sourcing, employment effects, motivations, barriers, and events affecting GVC arrangements.
30 November 2025
All concepts follow Regulation (EU) 2022/918 and the GVC Compilers’ Manual. International sourcing refers to the full or partial relocation of business functions abroad within or outside the enterprise group during 2021–2023. For variables related to the purchase or supply of goods and services abroad, the dataset includes only enterprises that reported at least EUR 100,000 in cross-border transactions during the final year of the reference period. This threshold ensures that the collected data remain relevant, comparable and statistically significant.Motivations and barriers follow the fixed lists provided in the regulation, and importance factors use the standard four-level scale.
The statistical unit used for the GVC statistics is the enterprise, defined under Regulation (EU) 2019/2152.
The enterprise population covers market producers in NACE Rev.2 Sections B to N with 50 or more employees, including self-employed persons, in the final year of the reference period. For variables related to the purchase or supply of goods and services abroad, the dataset includes only enterprises that reported at least EUR 100,000 in cross-border transactions during the final year of the reference period.
National economic territory of Bulgaria.
The reference period for the GVC statistics is 2021–2023. Variables 1–5 refer to the final year (2023), while variables 6–10 cover activities occurring at any time during the full three-year period.
Overall accuracy is assessed through checks on population coverage, internal coherence between variables and consistency with related business statistics. Coverage of the target population is ensured through the use of the statistical business register, and most enterprises provided usable responses. Automated and manual validation procedures reduced the impact of reporting and processing errors. Some remaining uncertainty concerns detailed breakdowns, in particular variables based on subjective assessments such as sourcing motives and barriers, but this does not materially affect the main analytical conclusions.
All GVC variables are compiled and transmitted as absolute values, as required by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918.
Number of enterprises
Number of persons employed
Number of jobs created/lost
Absolute values (counts) for motivations, barriers, and events.
The GVC data compilation is based on a survey of all active legal units. Participation is mandatory for enterprises with a main activity in NACE sections B–N and employing 50 or more persons.
The main source of primary data, including employment, is the annual activity report, which includes both financial statements and statistical information. Reports are submitted through the online-based Information System 'Business Statistics' (ISBS) to the NSI, ensuring uniformity, completeness and feasibility in the data collection process for the entire population of active legal units within NACE Rev. 2 Sections A to S.
GVC statistics are collected, compiled and transmitted on a three-year cycle in line with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918.
The GVC results for the 2021–2023 reference period were compiled and transmitted to Eurostat within the legal deadline of T+21 months. The national production schedule allowed sufficient time for data collection, validation and quality control.
GVC statistics are fully aligned with harmonised European concepts and definitions. Internal coherence across activity, size, business function and geographical breakdowns has been verified. Comparability across EU Member States is ensured through the common methodological framework.
The 2021–2023 period represents the first official GVC data collection under the European Business Statistics Regulation. While the country has previous experience with the survey, the current collection follows a harmonised framework ensuring broad conceptual continuity. Differences in survey design may limit full comparability with earlier voluntary results, but no methodological breaks occurred within the 2021–2023 cycle.
