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.
Economy-wide material flow accounts (EW-MFA) provide an aggregate overview, in thousand tonnes per year, of the material flows into and out of an economy. EW-MFA cover solid, gaseous, and liquid materials, except for bulk flows of water and air. Like the system of national accounts, EW-MFA constitute a multi-purpose information system. The detailed material flows provide a rich empirical database for numerous analytical purposes. Further, EW-MFA are used to derive various material flow indicators.
The National Statistical Institute (NSI) sent to Eurostat on yearly basis the EW-MFA. The accounts comprise the following reporting tables:
Table A 'Domestic extraction (DE)': records material flows from the environment into the economy in a detailed breakdown by type of material
Table B 'Imports - total imports (intra- and extra-EU) and Table D 'Exports – total exports (intra- and extra-EU)': These physical trade tables record the imports and exports of products in thousand tonnes and grouped by materials.
Table F 'Domestic processed output (DPO)': records material flows from the economy to the domestic environment (e.g. emissions to air, water and soil)
Table G 'Balancing items': reports some memorandum items which are necessary to have the full material balance related to a national economy
Table H 'Indicators': presents the EW-MFA derived indicators which are automatically calculated from Table A to G
Table I 'Material flow accounts in raw material equivalents (RME)': records material flow accounts in raw material equivalents (MFA-RME). Some items are calculated automatically based on data reported in Table A and Table I
3.2. Classification system
EW-MFA record physical flows of materials broken down by type of flow and by type of material.
The type of flow dimension corresponds to the EW-MFA questionnaire reporting tables and derived indicators, namely:
domestic extraction (Table A)
physical imports (Table B)
physical exports (Table D)
domestic processed output (Table F)
balancing items (Table G)
direct material input (indicator)
domestic material consumption (indicator)
physical trade balance (indicator)
The breakdown by type of material employs a classification of materials. This EW-MFA classification of materials is hierarchical with main material flow categories (1-digit level). Each main category is further broken down, maximal down to 4-digit-level:
1-digit: material category;
2-digit: material class;
3-digit: material group;
4-digit: material sub-group.
3.3. Coverage - sector
The data refer to national economies as defined in the system of national accounts. All economic activities
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
Conceptually economy-wide material flow accounts (EW-MFA) belong to the international system of environmental economic accounting (SEEA-Central Framework). Furthermore, EW-MFA is one of several physical modules of Eurostat's programme on European environmental economic accounts. It is covered by Regulation (EU) No. 691/2011 on European environmental economic accounts.
EW-MFA are closely related to concepts and definitions of national accounts. Most notably they follow the residence principle, i.e. they record material flows related to resident unit's activities, regardless where those occur geographically.
Further methodological guidelines are provided in various publications by Eurostat (see Eurostat website > Environment > Methodology, heading: 'Material flows and resource productivity').
For more detailed information please see also 3.1.
3.5. Statistical unit
Statistical units change according to the different data sources (e.g. agriculture, forestry and fishery statistics, production statistics, geological surveys, energy statistics, foreign trade statistics etc.) which EW-MFA are based on.
3.6. Statistical population
EW-MFA refer to the entire national economy of the reporting country (see also 3.3 'Coverage - sector')).
EW-MFA include all materials (excluding water and air) crossing the system boundary (between the environment and the economy) on the input side or on the output side. The economy is demarcated by the conventions of the national accounting system (resident units).
Material inputs to the economy cover extractions of natural resources (excluding water and air) from the natural environment and imports of material products (goods) from the rest of the world economy (ROW).
Material outputs are disposals of materials to the natural environment and exports of material products and waste to the ROW. Information on natural resources extracted and traded products is provided by different statistical units.
3.7. Reference area
Whole country
3.8. Coverage - Time
Please see the table in 3.8.1.
3.8.1. Coverage – Time: by questionnaire table
Questionnaire table
From (YEAR)
To (YEAR)
Comments
Domestic extraction (Table A)
2000
2023
Imports – Total trade (Table B)
2000
2023
Exports – Total trade (Table D)
2000
2023
Domestic processed output (Table F)
2000
2022
Balancing items (Table G)
2000
2022/2023
Material flow accounts in raw material equivalents (RME) (Table I)
2008
2022
3.9. Base period
Not applicable because EW-MFA are not reported as indices.
The unit of measure is thousand tonnes.
The data refer to the calendar years.
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
Economy-wide material flow accounts (EW-MFA) are legally covered by Regulation (EU) 691/2011 on European Environmental Economic Accounts.
6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing
Not applicable in national level this information is required at European level only.
7.1. Confidentiality - policy
The dissemination of data collected for the purpose of producing official statistics is guided by the requirements provided for in § 32, § 34, § 35, § 38 of the Official Statistics Act.
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
Not applicable
8.1. Release calendar
Notifications about the dissemination of statistics are published in the release calendar, which is available on the website. Every year on 1 October, the release times of the statistical database, news releases, main indicators by IMF SDDS and publications for the following year are announced in the release calendar (in the case of publications – the release month).
All users have been granted equal access to official statistics: dissemination dates of official statistics are announced in advance and no user category (incl. Eurostat, state authorities and mass media) is provided access to official statistics before other users. Official statistics are first published in the statistical database. If there is also a news release, it is published simultaneously with data in the statistical database. Official statistics are available on the website at 8:00 a.m. on the date announced in the release calendar.
Annual
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
Not published
10.2. Dissemination format - Publications
Not published
10.3. Dissemination format - online database
Data are published under the subject area “Environment / Environmental Accounts/ Material flow accounts” in the statistical database.
10.3.1. Data tables - consultations
Will be calculated and provided by EUROSTAT.
10.4. Dissemination format - microdata access
Not applicable
10.5. Dissemination format - other
Not used
10.5.1. Metadata - consultations
Will be calculated and provided by EUROSTAT.
10.6. Documentation on methodology
Economy Wide Material Flow Account. Final report. Grant Agreement No 50304.2008.001-2008.329. Tallinn 2010.
10.6.1. Metadata completeness - rate
Will be calculated and provided by EUROSTAT.
10.7. Quality management - documentation
Economy Wide Material Flow Account. Final report. Grant Agreement No 50304.2008.001-2008.329. Tallinn 2010.
11.1. Quality assurance
To assure the quality of processes and products, Statistics Estonia applies the EFQM Excellence Model, the European Statistics Code of Practice and the Quality Assurance Framework of the European Statistical System (ESS QAF). Statistics Estonia is also guided by the requirements in § 7. “Principles and quality criteria of producing official statistics” of the Official Statistics Act.
11.2. Quality management - assessment
Statistics Estonia performs all statistical activities according to an international model (Generic Statistical Business Process Model – GSBPM). According to the GSBPM, the final phase of statistical activities is overall evaluation using information gathered in each phase or sub-process; this information can take many forms, including feedback from users, process metadata, system metrics and suggestions from employees. This information is used to prepare the evaluation report which outlines all the quality problems related to the specific statistical activity and serves as input for improvement actions.
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
MFA resource productivity indicator allows the complex assessments of the implementation of resource-saving measures presented in competitiveness development stategy “Estonia 2035”.
Currently data exists for 2000–2023.
Material flow accounts allows the assessment of the economy’s dependence on the use of resources and, thus, flexibility and growth potential of the economy, partly also the needs for political choices directed towards reduction in resource use. In order to improve the adaptability of economy, it is more beneficial for the state to choose a development strategy, which reduces reliance on individual resource availability, price and imports.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
Since 1996, Statistics Estonia has conducted reputation and user satisfaction surveys.
All results are available on the website at user-surveys.
12.3. Completeness
In compliance with the rules (regulations)
12.3.1. Data completeness - rate
Will be calculated and provided by EUROSTAT.
13.1. Accuracy - overall
Please use Annex 3 for providing an assessment of the overall quality of the reported data.
Not applicable because data are not based on a sample survey.
13.2.1. Sampling error - indicators
Not applicable because data are not based on a sample survey.
13.3. Non-sampling error
Not applicable.
13.3.1. Coverage error
Not applicable.
13.3.1.1. Over-coverage - rate
Not applicable.
13.3.1.2. Common units - proportion
Not applicable.
13.3.2. Measurement error
Not applicable.
13.3.3. Non response error
Not applicable.
13.3.3.1. Unit non-response - rate
Not applicable.
13.3.3.2. Item non-response - rate
Not applicable.
13.3.4. Processing error
Not applicable.
13.3.5. Model assumption error
Not applicable.
14.1. Timeliness
The data are published 360 days after the end of the reference year (T + 360)
14.1.1. Time lag - first result
Not applicable.
14.1.2. Time lag - final result
Not applicable.
14.2. Punctuality
Not applicable.
14.2.1. Punctuality - delivery and publication
Will be calculated and provided by EUROSTAT.
15.1. Comparability - geographical
Data on EW-MFA are compiled according to harmonised guidelines provided by Eurostat and hence comparable across European countries reporting EW-MFA data to Eurostat.
15.1.1. Asymmetry for mirror flow statistics - coefficient
Not applicable because physical imports and exports as recorded in EW-MFA are not specified by origin and/or destination.
15.2. Comparability - over time
Not relevant.
15.2.1. Length of comparable time series
Will be calculated and provided by EUROSTAT.
15.2.1.1. Comparability - over time detailed
Please use below table for explaining b)-flags (breaks in time series):
Year (of the break in series)
Questionnaire table(s)
MF-code(s)
Reason for' break in time series'
All years
All tables
No break in time series
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
Not relevant.
15.3.1. Coherence - sub annual and annual statistics
Not applicable; reported EW-MFA data are only annual.
15.3.2. Coherence - National Accounts
Not applicable
15.4. Coherence - internal
Not relevant
Cost of statistical activity 34,3 thousand euros (data for 2020)
Data in table B and D was updated series since 2019, that for the data in this tables is are comparable with table I data.
Reported forestry data figures MF.1.3.1 and MF.1.3.2 - T+12 be revised in next reporting year, since the forestry data T+12 is based on felling documentation base, which is based on planned felling in year. More accurate data about forestry comes from the national forest inventory, but this data is available for use from the time period T+18. Based on this, the forestry data presented in T+12 in figures MF.1.3.1 and MF.1.3.2 are reviewed in following reporting year.
In table A figures MF.1.2.2.2 were revised for the period 2020-2022, there was updated in the input data about the number of animals (horses).
n table B and D was updated input series of "Fuels bunkered" data of years 2008-2022, bringing the data compilation methodology in line with the air emissions account data.
17.2.1. Data revision - average size
Will be calculated and provided by EUROSTAT.
18.1. Source data
Data sources used to produce economy-wide material flow accounts are described in the sub-concepts 18.1.1 (and Annex) and 18.1.2.
18.1.1. Source data - Table A, B, D, F and G
Please use Annex 1 to report the detailed data sources for questionnaire tables A, B, D, F and G.
Period 2008-2022 used almost fully Eurostat provided data. In table I was used Eurostat provided country tool data, with national foreign trade data which was used in table B and D. Foreign trade data input of years 2008-2022 was updated and also was updated "Fuels bunkered" data of years 2008-2022.
18.2. Frequency of data collection
Annual
18.3. Data collection
Data from the Estonian Land Board, Estonian Environment Agency and the Estonian Environmental Research Centre are received by e-mail.
18.4. Data validation
Arithmetic and qualitative controls are used in the validation process, including comparison with other data. Before data dissemination, the internal coherence of the data is checked.
18.5. Data compilation
The material flow accounts comprises two main elements: material balance sheets compiled in physical units and material flow indicators derived from these tables. On the input side of balance sheets are indicated the data of materials used in the domestic economy (all domestic natural resources and imported materials). The used materials are classified according to the basic material categories to biomass, mineral resources and fossil fuels. For comparability all imported materials are recalculated for their basic natural resources indicating their processing level. For example refrigerator made mostly of metals is accounted as finished product of mineral resources, as metallic minerals were extracted for its production.
All emissions and waste generated in the production and consumption process as well as exported materials by types of material and their processing level are accounted for on the output side of material balance sheets. The material balance sheets include lot of detailed information, but are difficult to interpret for the general public. Therefore, a number of material flow indicators are derived from the balance sheets, which are easily understandable and usable both in social decision-making and for journalists in informing the public. At the same time, the material flow indicators contain substantial information about special characteristic of domestic material use, its intensity and productivity and environmental risks connected to use of natural resources. Material flow indicators are usually classified as material input, consumption, resource productivity and intensity, material output and balance indicators.
18.5.1. Imputation - rate
Not applicable.
18.5.2. Estimation approaches for specific items
Please use Annex 2 to describe estimation approaches for specific items.
18.5.3. Adjustment used of correspondence table for Tables B and D
Not applicable
18.5.4. Adjustment used of conversion factors for Tables B and D
Not applicable
18.5.5. Fuel trade, residence adjustment
Adjustments for residence principle (fuel bunkered by resident units abroad) are made only for total foreign trade and cannot be split between extra-EU and intra-EU trade. Quantity of fuel bunkered by residents abroad was estimated on the bases of data from national account statistics (expenditures for fuel bought broad) and data of expenditure on an outbound overnight trip of Estonian residents (Travelling of Estonian) and average prizes of fuels.
Adjustments due to residential principle (fuel bunkered by non-resident units domestically) are based on energy statistics, national accounts, air emissions accounts and environmental taxis accounts data and average prizes of fuels. Also adjustments for fuel bunkered by non-resident units domestically are made only for total foreign trade and cannot be split between extra-EU and intra-EU trade.
18.5.6. Significant problems
Intrastat data are based on statistical survey and companies with lower foreign trade turnover are not obliged to submit data. Additionally there are other data losses caused by non-response or late response. Missing data are replaced with estimations and estimated figures are revised upon receiving additional information. The estimations are calculated on 2-digit commodity codes level and in monetary value only. Physical quantities and division by 6-digit commodity code level should be estimated. Developed methods in order to estimate the physical quantities on 2-digit commodity codes level are provided in the report: Economy Wide Material Flow Account. Final report. Grant Agreement No 50304.2008.001-2008.329. Tallinn 2010.
18.6. Adjustment
Not applicable; i.e. in EW-MFA no time series adjustment necessary.
18.6.1. Seasonal adjustment
Not applicable.
No further comment.
Economy-wide material flow accounts (EW-MFA) provide an aggregate overview, in thousand tonnes per year, of the material flows into and out of an economy. EW-MFA cover solid, gaseous, and liquid materials, except for bulk flows of water and air. Like the system of national accounts, EW-MFA constitute a multi-purpose information system. The detailed material flows provide a rich empirical database for numerous analytical purposes. Further, EW-MFA are used to derive various material flow indicators.
The National Statistical Institute (NSI) sent to Eurostat on yearly basis the EW-MFA. The accounts comprise the following reporting tables:
Table A 'Domestic extraction (DE)': records material flows from the environment into the economy in a detailed breakdown by type of material
Table B 'Imports - total imports (intra- and extra-EU) and Table D 'Exports – total exports (intra- and extra-EU)': These physical trade tables record the imports and exports of products in thousand tonnes and grouped by materials.
Table F 'Domestic processed output (DPO)': records material flows from the economy to the domestic environment (e.g. emissions to air, water and soil)
Table G 'Balancing items': reports some memorandum items which are necessary to have the full material balance related to a national economy
Table H 'Indicators': presents the EW-MFA derived indicators which are automatically calculated from Table A to G
Table I 'Material flow accounts in raw material equivalents (RME)': records material flow accounts in raw material equivalents (MFA-RME). Some items are calculated automatically based on data reported in Table A and Table I
16 January 2025
Conceptually economy-wide material flow accounts (EW-MFA) belong to the international system of environmental economic accounting (SEEA-Central Framework). Furthermore, EW-MFA is one of several physical modules of Eurostat's programme on European environmental economic accounts. It is covered by Regulation (EU) No. 691/2011 on European environmental economic accounts.
EW-MFA are closely related to concepts and definitions of national accounts. Most notably they follow the residence principle, i.e. they record material flows related to resident unit's activities, regardless where those occur geographically.
Further methodological guidelines are provided in various publications by Eurostat (see Eurostat website > Environment > Methodology, heading: 'Material flows and resource productivity').
For more detailed information please see also 3.1.
Statistical units change according to the different data sources (e.g. agriculture, forestry and fishery statistics, production statistics, geological surveys, energy statistics, foreign trade statistics etc.) which EW-MFA are based on.
EW-MFA refer to the entire national economy of the reporting country (see also 3.3 'Coverage - sector')).
EW-MFA include all materials (excluding water and air) crossing the system boundary (between the environment and the economy) on the input side or on the output side. The economy is demarcated by the conventions of the national accounting system (resident units).
Material inputs to the economy cover extractions of natural resources (excluding water and air) from the natural environment and imports of material products (goods) from the rest of the world economy (ROW).
Material outputs are disposals of materials to the natural environment and exports of material products and waste to the ROW. Information on natural resources extracted and traded products is provided by different statistical units.
Whole country
The data refer to the calendar years.
Please use Annex 3 for providing an assessment of the overall quality of the reported data.
The material flow accounts comprises two main elements: material balance sheets compiled in physical units and material flow indicators derived from these tables. On the input side of balance sheets are indicated the data of materials used in the domestic economy (all domestic natural resources and imported materials). The used materials are classified according to the basic material categories to biomass, mineral resources and fossil fuels. For comparability all imported materials are recalculated for their basic natural resources indicating their processing level. For example refrigerator made mostly of metals is accounted as finished product of mineral resources, as metallic minerals were extracted for its production.
All emissions and waste generated in the production and consumption process as well as exported materials by types of material and their processing level are accounted for on the output side of material balance sheets. The material balance sheets include lot of detailed information, but are difficult to interpret for the general public. Therefore, a number of material flow indicators are derived from the balance sheets, which are easily understandable and usable both in social decision-making and for journalists in informing the public. At the same time, the material flow indicators contain substantial information about special characteristic of domestic material use, its intensity and productivity and environmental risks connected to use of natural resources. Material flow indicators are usually classified as material input, consumption, resource productivity and intensity, material output and balance indicators.
Data sources used to produce economy-wide material flow accounts are described in the sub-concepts 18.1.1 (and Annex) and 18.1.2.
Annual
The data are published 360 days after the end of the reference year (T + 360)
Data on EW-MFA are compiled according to harmonised guidelines provided by Eurostat and hence comparable across European countries reporting EW-MFA data to Eurostat.
