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 GVC dataset contains ten variables defined in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918. These cover:
(1) employment by business function,
(2-5) enterprises purchasing or supplying goods and services abroad,
(6) the number of enterprises carrying out international sourcing,
(7-8) jobs created and lost resulting from international sourcing,
(9) motivations and barriers for sourcing, and
(10) events affecting GVC arrangements.
For variables (2)-(5), the dataset includes only enterprises that report at least EUR 100 000 in goods or services purchased from or supplied abroad in the final year of the reference period.
All data are provided as absolute values and presented by NACE activity, business function, geographical partner area, size class, motivation and barrier types, and other breakdowns required by the regulation.
3.2. Classification system
NACE Rev. 2 is used to classify economic activities for all variables. Business functions are created following the Manual on the Classification of Business Function and follow the harmonised list defined in the GVC implementing act, distinguishing core and support functions as well as specific functional categories such as production of goods, ICT services, marketing, engineering, and R&D.
For classification by Enterprise, the primary source was Enterprise Register (HDC and enterprise's members), but since our Enterprise Register is not yet fully available (complex enterprise's NACE code and number of employees data missed) on the complex enterprises by the summer of 2024 regarding the reference year we had to made some assumptions. If the enterprise comprised of several LeUs, we selected the enterprise HDC's NACE code from Business Register and we used the total number of employees aggregate data for each legal unit (from the labour statistics and administrative sources in the case of small LeUs).
Geographical classifications follow the breakdowns prescribed in Regulation (EU) 2022/918, including EU Member States, Extra-EU, and specific partner regions (e.g. China, India, USA and Canada, Central and South America, Africa).
Classifications for job skills follow the high-skilled / not-high-skilled distinction set out in the GVC Compilers’ Manual.
3.3. Coverage - sector
The statistics cover market producers classified under NACE Rev. 2 Sections B to N. This sector coverage is defined in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918 and applies uniformly to all variables. Only enterprises with 50 or more employees and self-employed persons in the final year of the reference period are included.
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
All concepts and definitions follow Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918 and the GVC Compilers’ Manual. International sourcing refers to the partial or full movement of business functions abroad within or outside the enterprise group, during 2021-2023. Variables (2)-(5) apply only to enterprises exceeding the EUR 100 000 threshold for goods/services purchased or supplied abroad. Business functions are divided into core and support categories and specific functional areas (e.g. ICT, management and administration). Motivations and barriers follow the fixed lists provided in the regulation, and importance factors use the standard four-level scale (very important, moderately important, not important, not applicable/do not know).
3.5. Statistical unit
The statistical unit used for the GVC statistics is the enterprise, as defined in Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 on European business statistics and the Business Register Regulation.
3.6. Statistical population
The target population consists of all market-producing enterprises in NACE Sections B-N with at least 50 employees and self-employed persons in the final year of the reference period. For variables (2)-(5), only enterprises reporting at least EUR 100 000 of goods or services purchased from or supplied abroad are included, in line with the Annex of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918. The total population in year 2023 was 5232 enterprises.
3.7. Reference area
The reference area is the national economic territory of Hungary, as defined in Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 for European business statistics. Units located within the national territory and covered by national statistical legislation are included.
3.8. Coverage - Time
The GVC statistics refer to the triennial reference period 2021–2023, as defined in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918. All data transmitted relate exclusively to this three-year reference period.
3.9. Base period
Not applicable. No base year or index is used, as the data are compiled as absolute values within the triennial reference period defined by Regulation (EU) 2022/918.
All variables in the GVC dataset are compiled and transmitted in absolute values, in accordance with the measurement unit specified in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918. No percentages, indexes, ratios or other derived units are transmitted to Eurostat. This unit applies uniformly to all variables and all breakdowns required by the regulation.
The reference period for the GVC statistics is 2021-2023, in accordance with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918. Variables cover activities that may have occurred during this three-year period. Variables (1)-(5) refer specifically to the final year of the period (2023). Variables (6)-(10) cover actions that took place at any time between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2023.
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
GVC statistics are produced under the legal framework of European business statistics. The main legal bases are Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 on European business statistics and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918, which defines the variables, population, breakdowns and transmission deadlines for the 2021-2023 reference period. The topic Global Value Chains is listed in Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2019/2152.
HCSO collects and compiles these data under the national statistical law, which provides the legal mandate for data collection, access to administrative sources and the obligation of enterprises to respond. Regulation (EC) 223/2009 on European statistics provides the general legal framework for professional independence, data quality and statistical confidentiality.
6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing
Data are transmitted to Eurostat in accordance with Regulation (EC) 223/2009 and Articles 17 and 18 of Regulation (EU) 2019/2152, which govern data and metadata transmission. Only authorised staff have access to identifiable information at the national level, and no microdata are shared outside the national statistical authority. Data transmitted to Eurostat are handled under strict confidentiality rules and disseminated only in aggregated form. Secure transmission channels are used for all data transfers.
7.1. Confidentiality - policy
Confidentiality of statistical data is ensured by national statistical legislation, Regulation (EC) 223/2009 on European statistics and Regulation (EU) 2019/2152. These acts establish the legal obligation to protect confidential information, ensure professional secrecy and restrict the use of data to statistical purposes only. Access to identifiable information is limited to authorised staff, and confidential data cannot be used for administrative, fiscal or legal purposes. Hungarian legislation: (See the Hungarian legislation at the official website HCSO). Act CLV of 2016 on Official Statistics; Government Decree 184/2017 (VII. 5.) on implementing Act CLV of 2016 on Official Statistics; Act CXII of 2011 on Informational self-administration and freedom of information.
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
Confidential enterprise data are processed under strict disclosure control procedures. Primary and secondary suppression are applied in accordance with national confidentiality rules and ESS guidelines to prevent any direct or indirect identification of individual enterprises. Only aggregated data are transmitted to Eurostat, and microdata are not disseminated. Eurostat applies its own confidentiality rules to the aggregated data received, ensuring secure handling and safe dissemination.
8.1. Release calendar
The dissemination of statistics follows the national release calendar published on the HCSO website. Release dates are announced in advance and updated regularly in accordance with national dissemination policy and the ESS principles of impartiality and equal treatment. GVC results are not yet released through the standard national dissemination channels, the planning of statistical releases of next year is still ongoing.
8.2. Release calendar access
The national release calendar is publicly available on the KSH website. It is accessible free of charge and updated regularly to reflect planned publication dates for statistical outputs, including GVC-related releases. The calendar ensures transparency and equal access for all users.
8.3. Release policy - user access
All users can have equal access to statistical information at the same time, pre-release access is exceptional, its rules are public, and their violation – by external or internal users or persons – has legal implications.
Data that are not published on the website of HCSO can be disseminated as well.
There are two main types of disclosure depending on the requiring:
Public authorities: data transfer is obligatory under a specific law (in this case the data supply is free of charge) or based upon a signed contract for data transfer agreement;
(HCSO supports scientific researches with the available tools, by extending the scope of data usable for research purposes and data access possibilities.).
Payments need to be made for information which is not available as a result of standardized work processes, so they need to be compiled upon individual requests, and which generates additional personnel and material costs.
GVC statistics are collected, compiled and transmitted every three years in accordance with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918.
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
Not available / No news releases are published with disseminated data.
10.2. Dissemination format - Publications
GVC results are included in the standard publication repository of HCSO.
10.3. Dissemination format - online database
Not available
10.4. Dissemination format - microdata access
Access to anonymised GVC microdata for scientific research is available under strict conditions defined by national statistical legislation. Researchers may access data through the HCSO's secure research environment after formal accreditation and approval.
10.5. Dissemination format - other
GVC results may also be presented in thematic reports, statistical yearbooks or public presentations organised by HCSO.
10.6. Documentation on methodology
Methodological information is provided in the national metadata accompanying the GVC data transmission and in the GVC Compilers' Manual published by Eurostat. Additional methodological notes are included in the disseminated analytical publications.
10.7. Quality management - documentation
Information on quality procedures is available in the national quality guidelines published by the NSI and follows the principles of the ESS quality framework, including relevance, accuracy, timeliness and coherence. Documents related to data quality (Guidelines_reports_policies_tart) are available in Hungarian and English on HCSO's website.
11.1. Quality assurance
Quality assurance is carried out in line with the ESS Quality Assurance Framework (QAF) and the NSI's internal quality management system. Automated validation checks ensure completeness, internal consistency and compliance with definitions and breakdowns set out in Implementing
Regulation (EU) 2022/918. Additional manual and cross-domain checks compare GVC data with related sources such as SBS, FATS, TEC and STEC. All corrections, follow-up actions and methodological decisions are documented to maintain transparency and traceability.
European Statistics Code of Practice is on the website of HCSO with the Peer review on the implementation of European Statistics Code od Practice.
The compliance with te Code of Practice is monitored regularly.
There are some additional documents in English on the website of HCSO:
Overall data quality is assessed through evaluations of relevance, accuracy, coherence and completeness. Internal coherence between variables and breakdowns is reviewed, and external coherence is checked against other business statistics domains. Common limitations include item non-response in detailed breakdowns and occasional inconsistencies in administrative variables.
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
Main user groups include [internal, international stakeholders] and Eurostat. These stakeholders use GVC information to analyse sourcing structures, international fragmentation of production and sectoral exposure to global shocks. The statistics also support evidence-based policy development related to supply chain resilience and strategic dependencies.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
No formal user satisfaction survey has been carried out specifically for the GVC domain. Informal exchanges with key users suggest that the dataset meets current analytical needs. Users value the harmonised EU methodology and the detailed breakdowns by business function, activity and geographical area.
12.3. Completeness
All mandatory variables and breakdowns required by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918 were transmitted for the 2021-2023 reference period. The 1 percent rule was not applied. Data cover all required combinations of NACE sections B-N, size classes, business functions and geographical areas as specified in the regulation.
13.1. Accuracy - overall
Overall accuracy is assessed using checks on coverage, internal coherence and consistency with related business statistics. Most units in the target population provided usable data, and validation procedures reduced the impact of inconsistent responses. The response rate was high (96,5%) which supports the data quality.
13.2. Sampling error
The total population in the NACE Sections B to N where the enterprise’s wtih 50 or more employees and self-employed persons was 5232 enterprises in 2023. We separetade in the sample the single LeU enterprises and the enterprises consisting of multiple enterprises. Since the distribution of multi-member enterprises by number of members is very skewed, we do not use the simple arithmetic mean. Instead, we first excluded enterprises with equal numbers of members greater than Q3+1.5*IQR (Q3 is the third quartile of member numbers, and IQR is the interquartile range), in our case, enterprises with 7 or more members.
With this method we got an average 2,75 LeU per enterprise.
With this average number of LeU-s, we looked at how many legal units multi-LEU enterprises contain on average, and we divided the sample size of 1500 between single- and multi-LEU enterprises in proportion to this and the number of single-member enterprises. In the case of multi-member enterprises, we converted the resulting value into the number of enterprises based on the above average number of members.
For the sample in 2023 we selected 1235 enterprises (with a simple random sample by stratums) which in this case this case 1028 single LeU enterprise and 207 multiple-LeU entprises were selected with a total of 1535 LeUs.
The survey response rate was 96,5% on the enterprise level and 97,2% on the legal unit level.
13.3. Non-sampling error
Non-sampling errors constitute the main potential source of inaccuracy in the GVC dataset. Item non-response may occur for some detailed breakdowns, particularly for questions requiring subjective assessments such as sourcing motives or barriers. Follow-up procedures are used to reduce missing information, and validation checks identify inconsistent responses or misinterpretation of business function categories. Coverage errors are limited due to the use of the statistical business register for population and sample construction. Overall, non-sampling errors have a moderate but manageable effect on the final results, and established validation and imputation procedures help to minimise their impact. The response rate was high (96,5%) which reduces the possibility of non-sampling errors.
14.1. Timeliness
Data and metadata were transmitted to Eurostat within the legal deadline of T+21 months. Processing stages, including data collection, validation and preparation for transmission, were completed according to the national timetable. The transmission took place on the 30th of september 2025.
14.2. Punctuality
All internal milestones in the national GVC production process were met in line with the planned schedule. Data collection, editing and validation activities followed the established timetable.
15.1. Comparability - geographical
Geographical comparability is supported by the harmonised definitions, classifications (NACE Rev. 2) and breakdowns specified in the GVC Implementing Act. Methodological guidance from Eurostat ensures a common framework across EU Member States. No national deviations from the European definitions were applied. Minor procedural differences at national level may occur but do not materially affect comparability.
15.2. Comparability - over time
The 2021-2023 cycle is the first official GVC data collection under the European Business Statistics (EBS) Regulation. However, Hungary has previous experience with voluntary or pilot GVC surveys carried out before the EBS framework. Broad conceptual continuity exists between the earlier exercises and the current official collection, as key definitions, business function categories and geographical breakdowns follow the same methodological foundations. Nevertheless, differences in survey design, sampling approach, questionnaire content or follow-up procedures may limit full comparability with earlier voluntary results. No methodological breaks exist within the 2021-2023 cycle itself.
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
Cross-domain coherence is generally ensured through comparisons with related statistics such as SBS, FATS, TEC and STEC. Differences may arise due to varying reference periods, reporting thresholds (such as the EUR 100 000 criterion) or domain-specific definitions. These discrepancies are limited and do not substantially affect the interpretation of GVC results.
15.4. Coherence - internal
Internal coherence is supported by validation checks that ensure consistency across activity, size class, business function and geographical breakdowns. Logical rules are applied to verify relationships between variables, and follow-up procedures address inconsistencies where necessary. Enterprises reporting international sourcing are expected to appear in the relevant business function or partner breakdowns.
The average completion time for the questionnaire was around 48,5 minutes for the respondents. To reduce costs and burden for the respondent we applied filter questions in the questionaire. In the case of filtering questions, by selecting the "no" answer, the questions that served to detail the answers became inactive in the data-callection system 'ELEKTRA'. This rule applied for the question about purcahasing goods and services from abroad,domestic sourcing,reshoring business functions from abroad , international sourcing, and moving new functions from abroad to Hungary. The overall response burden for the GVC data collection is considered manageable. Burden reduction measures include clear questionnaire design, targeted follow-up and the reuse of administrative data. Internal NSI resource use was in line with standard operational requirements for business surveys.
17.1. Data revision - policy
HCSO applies a national revision policy that allows for updates to previously transmitted data when significant new or corrected information is identified. Revisions follow the principles set out in national dissemination and quality guidelines and are communicated to Eurostat through established ESS procedures. Because the GVC dataset is collected for a fixed reference period, revision activity is typically limited to the period shortly after the initial transmission.
17.2. Data revision - practice
In practice, revisions are infrequent and usually concern clarifications or corrections identified during validation or respondent follow-up. These adjustments may relate to detailed classifications such as geographical partner categories or sourcing motivations. All revisions are documented internally and communicated to Eurostat as part of the validation process.
18.1. Source data
The primary source for carrying out the GVC statistics is HCSO's enterprise register. The population was NACE Sections B to N where the enterprise’s number of employees and self-employed persons>=50 (5232 enterprises) and we selected 1235 enterprises (with a simple random sample by stratums) which means more than 1500 LeUs.
18.2. Frequency of data collection
The GVC data are collected every three years in accordance with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918. No interim or annual data collection is carried out, as the domain is designed to provide structural information for a fixed three-year reference period. The triennial cycle allows sufficient time for preparation, collection, validation and transmission. The most recent data collection covered the reference period 2021-2023 and was carried out once during 2024.
18.3. Data collection
The data collection is carried out via our in-house electronic data-collection system ‘ELEKTRA’. The first, simple logical check rules are already applied within ELEKTRA. (For example the summ of the average annual number of employees via business functions and the TOTAL (all functions) should be equal.)
18.4. Data validation
Loading, revisions and modifying of the data are carried out by using an intelligent data entry and validation system (‘ADEL’). During the validation process consistency checks are made within 'ADEL'. The total number of employees in 2023 should be consistent with the average of the employees reported on the quarter-year labour statistics. In the case of the questions about purchasing goods and services from other enterprises abroad a check rule is applied, if the respondent reported more than 100.000 € as import in intra end extra statistics in 2023, than the respondent should have marked 'yes' for the purchase.
18.5. Data compilation
Data compilation follows HCSO's standard procedures for business surveys. Depending on the survey design, weighting factors may be applied to ensure representativeness across industries and size classes. Item non-response is addressed using established imputation methods or auxiliary information from registers. Final aggregates are produced according to the required breakdowns, including activity, business function, type of goods or services and geographical area.
18.6. Adjustment
No seasonal or trend adjustments are applied, as the GVC dataset refers to structural triennial information. Adjustments are limited to validation-related edits, imputation for missing items and outlier treatment where necessary, following standard procedures for structural business statistics.
Not available
The GVC dataset contains ten variables defined in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918. These cover:
(1) employment by business function,
(2-5) enterprises purchasing or supplying goods and services abroad,
(6) the number of enterprises carrying out international sourcing,
(7-8) jobs created and lost resulting from international sourcing,
(9) motivations and barriers for sourcing, and
(10) events affecting GVC arrangements.
For variables (2)-(5), the dataset includes only enterprises that report at least EUR 100 000 in goods or services purchased from or supplied abroad in the final year of the reference period.
All data are provided as absolute values and presented by NACE activity, business function, geographical partner area, size class, motivation and barrier types, and other breakdowns required by the regulation.
27 November 2025
All concepts and definitions follow Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918 and the GVC Compilers’ Manual. International sourcing refers to the partial or full movement of business functions abroad within or outside the enterprise group, during 2021-2023. Variables (2)-(5) apply only to enterprises exceeding the EUR 100 000 threshold for goods/services purchased or supplied abroad. Business functions are divided into core and support categories and specific functional areas (e.g. ICT, management and administration). Motivations and barriers follow the fixed lists provided in the regulation, and importance factors use the standard four-level scale (very important, moderately important, not important, not applicable/do not know).
The statistical unit used for the GVC statistics is the enterprise, as defined in Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 on European business statistics and the Business Register Regulation.
The target population consists of all market-producing enterprises in NACE Sections B-N with at least 50 employees and self-employed persons in the final year of the reference period. For variables (2)-(5), only enterprises reporting at least EUR 100 000 of goods or services purchased from or supplied abroad are included, in line with the Annex of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918. The total population in year 2023 was 5232 enterprises.
The reference area is the national economic territory of Hungary, as defined in Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 for European business statistics. Units located within the national territory and covered by national statistical legislation are included.
The reference period for the GVC statistics is 2021-2023, in accordance with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918. Variables cover activities that may have occurred during this three-year period. Variables (1)-(5) refer specifically to the final year of the period (2023). Variables (6)-(10) cover actions that took place at any time between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2023.
Overall accuracy is assessed using checks on coverage, internal coherence and consistency with related business statistics. Most units in the target population provided usable data, and validation procedures reduced the impact of inconsistent responses. The response rate was high (96,5%) which supports the data quality.
All variables in the GVC dataset are compiled and transmitted in absolute values, in accordance with the measurement unit specified in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918. No percentages, indexes, ratios or other derived units are transmitted to Eurostat. This unit applies uniformly to all variables and all breakdowns required by the regulation.
Data compilation follows HCSO's standard procedures for business surveys. Depending on the survey design, weighting factors may be applied to ensure representativeness across industries and size classes. Item non-response is addressed using established imputation methods or auxiliary information from registers. Final aggregates are produced according to the required breakdowns, including activity, business function, type of goods or services and geographical area.
The primary source for carrying out the GVC statistics is HCSO's enterprise register. The population was NACE Sections B to N where the enterprise’s number of employees and self-employed persons>=50 (5232 enterprises) and we selected 1235 enterprises (with a simple random sample by stratums) which means more than 1500 LeUs.
GVC statistics are collected, compiled and transmitted every three years in accordance with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918.
Data and metadata were transmitted to Eurostat within the legal deadline of T+21 months. Processing stages, including data collection, validation and preparation for transmission, were completed according to the national timetable. The transmission took place on the 30th of september 2025.
Geographical comparability is supported by the harmonised definitions, classifications (NACE Rev. 2) and breakdowns specified in the GVC Implementing Act. Methodological guidance from Eurostat ensures a common framework across EU Member States. No national deviations from the European definitions were applied. Minor procedural differences at national level may occur but do not materially affect comparability.
The 2021-2023 cycle is the first official GVC data collection under the European Business Statistics (EBS) Regulation. However, Hungary has previous experience with voluntary or pilot GVC surveys carried out before the EBS framework. Broad conceptual continuity exists between the earlier exercises and the current official collection, as key definitions, business function categories and geographical breakdowns follow the same methodological foundations. Nevertheless, differences in survey design, sampling approach, questionnaire content or follow-up procedures may limit full comparability with earlier voluntary results. No methodological breaks exist within the 2021-2023 cycle itself.
