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.
Structural business statistics (SBS) describes the structure, conduct and performance of economic activities, down to the most detailed activity level (several hundred economic sectors). SBS covers all activities of the business economy with the exception of agricultural activities, public administration and (largely) non-market services such as education and health. Main characteristics (variables) of the SBS data category:
Business demographic variables (e.g. Number of active enterprises)
"Output related" variables (e.g. Net turnover, Value added)
"Input related" variables: labour input (e.g. Number of employees and self-employed persons, Hours worked by employees); goods and services input (e.g. Purchases of goods and services); capital input (e.g. Gross investments)
Business services statistics (BS) collection contains harmonised statistics on business services. From 2008 onwards BS become part of the regular mandatory annual data collection of SBS. The BS’s data requirement includes variable “Turnover” broken down by products and by type of residence of client.
The annual regional statistics collection includes three characteristics due by NUTS-2 country region and detailed on NACE Rev 2 division level (2-digits).
3.2. Classification system
Statistical Classification of Economic Activities in the European Community (NACE): NACE Rev.2 is used from 2008 onwards. Key data were double reported in NACE Rev.1.1 and NACE Rev.2 only for 2008. From 2002 to 2007 NACE Rev. 1.1 was used and until 2001 NACE Rev.1
The product breakdown is based on the Classification of Products by Activity (CPA) as stated in the Regulation establishing CPA 2008 and its amending Commission Regulation (EU) No 1209/2014 (from reference year 2015 onwards).
3.3. Coverage - sector
Starting reference year 2021 onwards SBS cover the economic activities of market producers within the NACE Rev. 2 Sections B to N, P to R and Divisions S95 and S96. Until 2007 the SBS coverage was limited to Sections C to K of NACE Rev.1.1 and from the reference year 2008 to 2020 data was available for Sections B to N and Division S95 of NACE Rev.2. From 2013, as the first reference year, to 2020 information is published on NACE codes K6411, K6419 and K65 and its breakdown.
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
SBS constitutes an important and integrated part of the new European Business Statistics Regulation N° 2152/2019
Enterprise: Usually corresponding to the legal unit, e.g. limited-liability corporations, sole traders, partnerships, etc.
In some cases several legal units which are run as one entity are gathered into one enterprise.
Establishment: An establishment or part of an enterprise, that is situated in a single location and produces one -- or mainly one -- sort of goods and services.
3.5.1. Treatment of complex enterprise
Data treatment
Sample frame based on enterprises
No
Surveying all legal units belonging to a complex enterprise
Yes
Surveying all legal units within the scope of SBS belonging to a complex enterprise
Yes
Surveying only representative units belonging to the complex enterprise
No
Other criteria used, please specify
-
Comment
-
3.5.2. Consolidation
Consolidation method
Consolidation carried out by the NSI
Yes
Consolidation carried out by responding enterprise/legal unit(s)
No
Other methods, please specify
-
Comment
-
3.6. Statistical population
Enterprise and establishment in the private secondary and tertiary industries.
3.7. Reference area
Denmark
3.8. Coverage - Time
1999-2023
3.9. Base period
Not applicable.
Number of enterprises and number of local units are expressed in units.
Monetary data are expressed in millions of €.
Employment variables are expressed in units.
Per head values are expressed in thousands of € per head.
Ratios are expressed in percentages.
2023
The accounts statistics for a given year t, relate to annual accounts ending in the period from 1 May of year t to 30 April of year t+1.
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
Starting with reference year 2021 two new regulations currently form the legal basis of SBS:
The Council Regulation No 58/97 has been amended three times: by Council Regulation No 410/98, Commission Regulation No 1614/2002 and European Parliament and Council Regulation No 2056/2002. As a new amendment of the basic Regulation it was decided to recast the Regulation No 58/97 in order to obtain a new "clean" legal text. In 2008 the European Parliament and Council adopted Regulation No 295/2008 and the provisions of this Regulation were applicable from the reference year 2008 to reference year 2020. Regulation No 295/2008 was amended by Commission Regulation (EU) No 446/2014.
6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing
Not applicable.
7.1. Confidentiality - policy
In the compilation of the account statistics the confidentiality policy of Statistics Denmark is followed.
If one or two of the units in a group accounts for XX% (XX is confidential) or more of the turnover, the figures for the group are not declared and are simply suppressed (primary confidentiality). The secondary confidentiality is used to reach the desired protection for risky cells, it is necessary to suppress additional non-risky cells.
The program Tau Argus is used for confidentiality. There is no expectation of either more or fewer confidential cells in the future.
7.2.1. Confidentiality processing
Data treatment
Confidentiality rules applied
Yes
Threshold of number of enterprises (Number)
3
Number of enterprises non confidential, if number of employments is confidential
Yes
Dominance criteria applied
Yes
If dominance criteria applied specify the threshold (Number)
The threshold is confidential
Secondary confidentiality applied
Yes
Comment
-
8.1. Release calendar
The publication date appears in the release calendar. The date is confirmed in the weeks before.
8.2. Release calendar access
The Release Calendar is available on Statistics Denmark's website.
8.3. Release policy - user access
Statistics are always published at 8:00 a.m. at the day announced in the release calendar. No one outside of Statistics Denmark can access the statistics before they are published. Theme publications etc. may be published at other times of the day. The National Statistician can decide that such publications may be released before their official publication time, e.g. to the media and other stakeholders.
The survey data are organized in annual files comprising a complete set of accounting items for every single business enterprise and its component units (establishments). The survey files can easily yield alternative breakdowns and tabulations, in addition to those published. There are also files containing aggregations for activities, kinds of ownership, size groups and regions. Rules concerning external users’ access to microdata.
10.5. Dissemination format - other
The survey data are organized in annual files comprising a complete set of accounting items for every single business enterprise and its component units (establishments). The survey files can easily yield alternative breakdowns and tabulations, in addition to those published.
Statistics Denmark follows the principles in the Code of Practice for European Statistics (CoP) and uses the Quality Assurance Framework of the European Statistical System (QAF) for the implementation of the principles. This involves continuous decentralized and central control of products and processes based on documentation following international standards. The central quality assurance function reports to the Working Group on Quality. Reports include suggestions for improvement that are assessed, decided and subsequently implemented.
11.2. Quality management - assessment
As with all questionnaire and administrative surveys, statistical uncertainty must be taken into account. However, the quality of the statistics is generally considered to be high.
The statistics are more uncertain at workplace level than at enterprise level, as the distribution method rests on assumptions. Despite the uncertainty, however, it is assessed that the information is reliable at the main sector and regional level.
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
Users: Public authorities, Eurostat, employers' and employees' federations, private firms, politicians, scientists, economists, journalists, students.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
The statistics have many users and are widely used. Users are particularly pleased to use the statistics as it is the most basic source of information for industry's general structural development.
There is no user satisfaction survey.
12.3. Completeness
For some industries no detailed figures are published due to confidentiality.
13.1. Accuracy - overall
Some items of the statistical questionnaire go beyond the level of disclosure prescribed by the annual accounts legislation. A case in point is the question concerning expenditure on fuel and energy. In those cases it is more difficult or more trouble for the firms to provide the requested information, and it is likely that some underreporting occurs.
Investment is another subject which is not itemized in the annual accounts, but information on the subject can be deduced from a separate table in the notes to the accounts where acquisitions and disposals of fixed assets are specified. Thus investment too could be underreported to some extent by those respondents who fill in and return the questionnaires. 2005 is the first year where investment information is available for the firms from SKAT, which means that the total investment estimates is assumed to be more reliable from this year.
13.2. Sampling error
The information contained in account statistics is from a combination of sample and administrative data obtained from the TAX Authority and the Danish Business Authority. We have information on number of active enterprises number of employees and self-employed individuals for all enterprises in Denmark, which means sampling error irrelevant for these metrics. Other key information such as net turnover and value added are collected for many enterprises in Denmark, although a significant portion of this data is missing. To address these gaps, we utilize the Ratio Imputation method to impute missing data.
Coefficient of variation (CV) is the measure to assess the precision of the figures. It is a measure of variability when the standard deviation is proportional to the mean. In most cases, the lower the coefficient of variation the better because it means the spread of data values is low relative to the mean. This special combination of a sample and additional information from the TAX-authority and the Danish Business Authority means that one can not use standard calculations and formulas when the spread is calculated. When you have information from several sources, it is not possible to calculate the exact spread - but only approximate. The method chosen to calculate approximate values for the spread is to take samples in the sample (Jackknife method) and utilizing SAS software for analysis.
13.3. Non-sampling error
Population is defined by the industry in which the enterprises are registered in the Business Register. Inactive enterprises and enterprises with very limited activity are not included in the statistics. Uncertainty as a result of lapses has been sought to be minimised, i.e. in the event of repeated withdrawals in the event of non-reporting. For the financial year 2022, accounting data was received from 96 per cent of the enterprises that were withdrawn in the sample. Incorrect data reported and misunderstandings are minimized by checking the reported figures. In the year 2022, the sample was 9,000 legal units, corresponding to 3 percent of the population. The sample coverage rate in terms of number of employees is 65 per cent.
It is assumed that the legal units for which information has been received from SKAT or the Danish Business Authority, in the same industries and with the same form of ownership, are comparable to legal units in the sample, which is why missing items in the tax accounts or annual accounts can be calculated from the main items, based on those in the sample reported legal units.
14.1. Timeliness
The statistics are scheduled to appear as preliminary on enterprise level 6 months after the end of the reference year (April 30th), and as final data 14 months after the end of the reference year (April 30th). On establishments the statistics appears along with the final data dissemination.
14.2. Punctuality
The statistics are usually published without delay in relation to the scheduled date.
SBS data have been transmitted to Eurostat within the deadlines.
15.1. Comparability - geographical
Every year figures are submitted to the statistical office of EU, Eurostat. This includes special industry aggregates, not published nationally. Data for all EU countries can be found in the Eurostat database. The statistics are produced following the principles of an EU regulation, so the results are comparable.
15.2. Comparability - over time
Temporal Coverage
The accounting statistics at the company level are available in a comparable form back to 1994 for construction and civil engineering as well as retail trade, to 1995 for industry, to 1998 for wholesale trade, and to 1999 for other business services. At the workplace level, data are available from 1995 for construction and civil engineering, retail trade, and industry, from 1998 for wholesale trade, and from 1999 for other business services. The statistics are published annually at the company level and, from 1995 onwards, annually at the workplace level.
Changes in Legislation and Accounting Practices
A new Annual Accounts Act came into force in 2002. The most important changes were that intangible and financial assets as well as financially leased assets must be recognized on the balance sheet at market value to a greater extent than before. Additionally, work in progress for third parties was moved from inventory to receivables. From 1986, it became mandatory for businesses to report standardized accounting information to the Danish Tax Agency (SKAT), which replaced previous statistics production based on questionnaires. This system has since been reduced in scope and detail.
15.2.1. Time series
Time series
First reference year available (calendar year)
1999
Calendar year(s) of break in time series
2002, 2008 and 2021
Reason(s) for the break(s)
Transition from NACE rev 1, NACE rev 1.1, NACE rev 2 and a new definition of active enterprises
Length of comparable time series (from calendar year to calendar year)
1999 to 2001, 2002 to 2008, 2008 to 2020 and 2021 to 2023
Comment
-
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
There is coherence between SBS, IFATS, Business Demography, Business register, National Accounts and Labor Statistics.
There is consistency between SBS and IFATS. There is consistency between SBS and Business Demography. There is consistency between SBS and Business register for the population and the variables that are obtained from Business register. SBS is a significant input to the National Accounts. SBS is used as a backbone in the National Accounts. The labor statistics are used to calculate employment variables that are not found in the Business register.
15.4. Coherence - internal
The SBS statistics are internally consistent with the main sub-aggregates (e.g. the total for different size classes, NACE, NUTS, CPA etc.).
The response burden imposed on business enterprises in reporting data for the accounts statistics was estimated at 3.8 mio. DKK.
17.1. Data revision - policy
Statistics Denmark revises published figures in accordance with the Revision Policy for Statistics Denmark. The common procedures and principles of the Revision Policy are for some statistics supplemented by a specific revision practice.
17.2. Data revision - practice
For larger method shifts or detection of errors, the figures may be revised.
18.1. Source data
Data sources are:
Questionnaires
Danish Business Authority
The Central Customs and Tax Administration (SKAT)
The business register
The Danish Medicines Agency (pharmacy accounts)
The questionnaires are obtained via online reporting of a questionnaire that complies as far as possible with the Danish Financial Statements Act. Most enterprises have a fiscal year following the calendar year. Some enterprises have skewed accounting periods, so that accounts closed throughout the period May 1 of the reference year (t) through April 30 of the following year (year t + 1).
From SKAT, accounting information is obtained from tax accounts that are not as detailed as the schedule information, but contain a number of main items from the accounts. From the Business Register in Statistics Denmark, basic information about the enterprises is obtained, such as industry, form of business, VAT turnover and employment. The Danish Medicines Agency provides full accounts for all pharmacies in Denmark. This accounting information differs in certain items from the breakdown on the Statistics Denmark questionnaire, but is adjusted to this discretion. The Danish Business Authority receives official financial statements in XBRL format, which are used for both the preliminary and final figures, as well as for troubleshooting the other sources.
Employment data are obtained from the Business Register, which contains information on all active businesses in Denmark. The employment data is merged on to the Business Register from the workplace and job register, which contains information of all active workplaces that has a job registred.
18.1.1. Data sources overview
Data sources overview
Survey data
Yes
VAT data
Yes
Tax data
Yes
Financial statements
Yes
Other sources, please specify
Business Register
Business services statistics
Energy statistics
Working time statistics
Data from the Danish Medicines Agency
Data from the Financial Supervisory Authority
Comment
-
18.2. Frequency of data collection
Annual data collection.
The accounts statistics for a given year t, relate to annual accounts ending in the period from 1 May of year t to 30 April of year t+1.
18.3. Data collection
Information is obtained directly from a sample of enterprises using online reporting to Statistics Denmark (or information is extracted from specified accounts that the companies submit). The questionnaire follows the Danish Financial Statements Act as much as possible.
Online form and instructions can be found on the information page.
18.4. Data validation
The scope and methods of data validation depend on the source:
Information from Statistics Denmark is obtained directly from the enterprises by means of online reporting from the enterprises included in the sample. The questionnaire follows as closely as possible the Danish Financial Statements Act, and the information obtained undergoes a systematic troubleshooting in Statistics Denmark. In the process of troubleshooting the information, an automatic debugging system has been set up to report errors if the internal consistency that must be in an accounting is not met. In addition, the debugging system notifies you if there is any information that seems unlikely when compared with any previously submitted information or information from other enterprises in the same stratum (ownership type / industry / size group). This error or unlikely information is checked and corrected, possibly by contacting the enterprise. For these enterprises, the accounting information must be considered very reliable, and this group accounted for 75 per cent in 2023 of total revenue and 31 per cent. of the total liabilities (including the enterprises in B below).
All Danish pharmacies submit accounting information to the Danish Medicines Agency, which sends Statistics Denmark copies thereof. This data is debugged very little.
The accounting information provided by SKAT is not as detailed as on the questionnaires. Initially, the accounting items from SKAT are considered reliable as they are used in connection with the tax assessment. The data is debugged overall, for example compared to other sources and previous years, accounts that are considered unlikely are omitted from the statistics. The enterprises covered in the statistics by the information from SKAT in 2023 accounted for 11 per cent of total revenue and 2 per cent. of total liabilities.
The accounting information provided by the Danish Business Agency in XBRL format is also not as detailed as on the questionnaires. In principle, the accounting records of the Danish Business Authority are considered reliable, as they are used in connection with reporting annual accounts to the Danish Business Agency. The data is debugged overall, for example compared to other sources and previous years, accounts that are considered unlikely are omitted from the statistics. In 2023, the enterprises covered by the statistics from the Danish Business Authority accounted for 9 per cent. of total revenue and 47 per cent. of total liabilities.
In connection with the publication of the preliminary figures, a limited data validation is carried out, focusing in particular on the largest and most significant entities. This publication is therefore based on the incoming material for those in the sample, which we have managed to troubleshoot approx. 14 days before the publication of the preliminary accounting statistics. As well as the accounting material received from SKAT and the electronic accounts submitted by enterprises to the Danish Business Authority in XBRL format.
18.5. Data compilation
The goal of the data processing is to generate accounting figures corresponding to the level of detail in the questionnaire for each individual company in the population.
From 2019, the statistics are calculated on economic units. The definition of an economic unit is the smallest possible combination of legal entities (CVR numbers) under the same ownership, which is assessed to function as a unified entity. In cases where economic entities consisting of several legal entities, internal trade between the legal entities is eliminated and their accounts are consolidated into one. This means that the turnover for the economic units is slightly lower than the turnover in the individual legal entities, but also more accurate for the real turnover. Does an economic unit consist of legal entities located in different industries, e.g. one in industry and one in wholesale trade, then the economic unit will be placed in one of the branches. Before 2002, they were only a few economic units. If the economic unit consists of only one legal entity, the legal entity functions as the economic unit.
Based on the reported information from the sample, various distribution and ratio figures are generated for each stratum. These are used to calculate missing accounting items for the companies where accounting information from either the Danish Business Authority or the Danish Tax Authority is used. The accounting items obtained from either the Danish Business Authority or the Danish Tax Authority are incorporated, and the remaining missing accounting items from the questionnaire are calculated based on the calculated distribution and ratio figures from the sample. Subsequently, accounting figures per full-time equivalent are calculated for all accounting items in the questionnaire for each stratum.
In addition to the companies required to report, as well as companies that is covered by information from the Danish Business Authority and the Danish Tax Authority, the statistics also include a residual group of companies where only industry code, ownership form, full-time equivalents, VAT turnover, and payroll tax are known. Here, the calculated accounting figures per full-time equivalent for each stratum are used to calculate the accounting items.
All companies will have one or more workplaces registered in the Danish Business Registry. It is therefore possible to estimate the distribution of all companies' accounting figures across workplaces. A company may have workplaces across different industries, and in this statistics, only workplaces within the statistical industry's delimitation are included. In addition to an industry code, a workplace also has a geographical location, including an address. This makes it possible to compile accounting figures for both industries and geographical areas. A company is classified as either non-combined or combined, depending on whether all its workplaces operate within the same industry or across different industries. The distribution of accounting figures at the workplace level is based on standardised estimates—specifically, accounting figures per full-time equivalent—for each industry and ownership group. Each group is defined by a combination of a DB07 industry code and an ownership category. Two ownership categories are used: (1) joint-stock companies, limited liability companies, and cooperative societies.
Standard figures for each group are calculated using accounting and full-time equivalent data from all non-combined companies that operate within the relevant DB07 industry and have the relevant form of ownership. The calculation at the workplace level then depends on the specific context. Below are several examples that illustrate how this works
For companies with one workplace, the company's figures are used directly.
For companies with multiple workplaces in the same industry, the company's figures are distributed across its workplaces in proportion to the workplaces' full-time equivalents.
For companies with workplaces in different industries, there are two different scenarios:
1. If all workplaces' industries are within the statistical industry's delimitation, each workplace is first assigned standard figures based on industry and full-time equivalents. The standard figures are then adjusted proportionally so that they sum up to the company's total figures or to the industry level in cases where the company has reported figures at this level.
2. If at least one of the company's workplaces has an industry outside the statistical industry's delimitation, standard figures are assigned to the workplaces within the statistical industry's delimitation. The standard figures are only adjusted if they together exceed the company's total figures or if they do not sum up to the industry level in cases where the company has reported figures at this level.
The calculated figures at the workplace level should be considered estimates. For combined companies, the method assumes that the individual workplaces, as a starting point, have accounting figures per full-time equivalent that correspond to the average for all non-combined companies in the same ownership form and industry. Only if all workplaces in a combined company have industries within the sectors for which standard figures are available, is it possible to adjust so that the finally assigned figures at the workplace level sum up to the company's total figures.
18.6. Adjustment
Not relevant for this statistic.
No further comments
Structural business statistics (SBS) describes the structure, conduct and performance of economic activities, down to the most detailed activity level (several hundred economic sectors). SBS covers all activities of the business economy with the exception of agricultural activities, public administration and (largely) non-market services such as education and health. Main characteristics (variables) of the SBS data category:
Business demographic variables (e.g. Number of active enterprises)
"Output related" variables (e.g. Net turnover, Value added)
"Input related" variables: labour input (e.g. Number of employees and self-employed persons, Hours worked by employees); goods and services input (e.g. Purchases of goods and services); capital input (e.g. Gross investments)
Business services statistics (BS) collection contains harmonised statistics on business services. From 2008 onwards BS become part of the regular mandatory annual data collection of SBS. The BS’s data requirement includes variable “Turnover” broken down by products and by type of residence of client.
The annual regional statistics collection includes three characteristics due by NUTS-2 country region and detailed on NACE Rev 2 division level (2-digits).
26 August 2025
SBS constitutes an important and integrated part of the new European Business Statistics Regulation N° 2152/2019
Enterprise: Usually corresponding to the legal unit, e.g. limited-liability corporations, sole traders, partnerships, etc.
In some cases several legal units which are run as one entity are gathered into one enterprise.
Establishment: An establishment or part of an enterprise, that is situated in a single location and produces one -- or mainly one -- sort of goods and services.
Enterprise and establishment in the private secondary and tertiary industries.
Denmark
2023
The accounts statistics for a given year t, relate to annual accounts ending in the period from 1 May of year t to 30 April of year t+1.
Some items of the statistical questionnaire go beyond the level of disclosure prescribed by the annual accounts legislation. A case in point is the question concerning expenditure on fuel and energy. In those cases it is more difficult or more trouble for the firms to provide the requested information, and it is likely that some underreporting occurs.
Investment is another subject which is not itemized in the annual accounts, but information on the subject can be deduced from a separate table in the notes to the accounts where acquisitions and disposals of fixed assets are specified. Thus investment too could be underreported to some extent by those respondents who fill in and return the questionnaires. 2005 is the first year where investment information is available for the firms from SKAT, which means that the total investment estimates is assumed to be more reliable from this year.
Number of enterprises and number of local units are expressed in units.
Monetary data are expressed in millions of €.
Employment variables are expressed in units.
Per head values are expressed in thousands of € per head.
Ratios are expressed in percentages.
The goal of the data processing is to generate accounting figures corresponding to the level of detail in the questionnaire for each individual company in the population.
From 2019, the statistics are calculated on economic units. The definition of an economic unit is the smallest possible combination of legal entities (CVR numbers) under the same ownership, which is assessed to function as a unified entity. In cases where economic entities consisting of several legal entities, internal trade between the legal entities is eliminated and their accounts are consolidated into one. This means that the turnover for the economic units is slightly lower than the turnover in the individual legal entities, but also more accurate for the real turnover. Does an economic unit consist of legal entities located in different industries, e.g. one in industry and one in wholesale trade, then the economic unit will be placed in one of the branches. Before 2002, they were only a few economic units. If the economic unit consists of only one legal entity, the legal entity functions as the economic unit.
Based on the reported information from the sample, various distribution and ratio figures are generated for each stratum. These are used to calculate missing accounting items for the companies where accounting information from either the Danish Business Authority or the Danish Tax Authority is used. The accounting items obtained from either the Danish Business Authority or the Danish Tax Authority are incorporated, and the remaining missing accounting items from the questionnaire are calculated based on the calculated distribution and ratio figures from the sample. Subsequently, accounting figures per full-time equivalent are calculated for all accounting items in the questionnaire for each stratum.
In addition to the companies required to report, as well as companies that is covered by information from the Danish Business Authority and the Danish Tax Authority, the statistics also include a residual group of companies where only industry code, ownership form, full-time equivalents, VAT turnover, and payroll tax are known. Here, the calculated accounting figures per full-time equivalent for each stratum are used to calculate the accounting items.
All companies will have one or more workplaces registered in the Danish Business Registry. It is therefore possible to estimate the distribution of all companies' accounting figures across workplaces. A company may have workplaces across different industries, and in this statistics, only workplaces within the statistical industry's delimitation are included. In addition to an industry code, a workplace also has a geographical location, including an address. This makes it possible to compile accounting figures for both industries and geographical areas. A company is classified as either non-combined or combined, depending on whether all its workplaces operate within the same industry or across different industries. The distribution of accounting figures at the workplace level is based on standardised estimates—specifically, accounting figures per full-time equivalent—for each industry and ownership group. Each group is defined by a combination of a DB07 industry code and an ownership category. Two ownership categories are used: (1) joint-stock companies, limited liability companies, and cooperative societies.
Standard figures for each group are calculated using accounting and full-time equivalent data from all non-combined companies that operate within the relevant DB07 industry and have the relevant form of ownership. The calculation at the workplace level then depends on the specific context. Below are several examples that illustrate how this works
For companies with one workplace, the company's figures are used directly.
For companies with multiple workplaces in the same industry, the company's figures are distributed across its workplaces in proportion to the workplaces' full-time equivalents.
For companies with workplaces in different industries, there are two different scenarios:
1. If all workplaces' industries are within the statistical industry's delimitation, each workplace is first assigned standard figures based on industry and full-time equivalents. The standard figures are then adjusted proportionally so that they sum up to the company's total figures or to the industry level in cases where the company has reported figures at this level.
2. If at least one of the company's workplaces has an industry outside the statistical industry's delimitation, standard figures are assigned to the workplaces within the statistical industry's delimitation. The standard figures are only adjusted if they together exceed the company's total figures or if they do not sum up to the industry level in cases where the company has reported figures at this level.
The calculated figures at the workplace level should be considered estimates. For combined companies, the method assumes that the individual workplaces, as a starting point, have accounting figures per full-time equivalent that correspond to the average for all non-combined companies in the same ownership form and industry. Only if all workplaces in a combined company have industries within the sectors for which standard figures are available, is it possible to adjust so that the finally assigned figures at the workplace level sum up to the company's total figures.
Data sources are:
Questionnaires
Danish Business Authority
The Central Customs and Tax Administration (SKAT)
The business register
The Danish Medicines Agency (pharmacy accounts)
The questionnaires are obtained via online reporting of a questionnaire that complies as far as possible with the Danish Financial Statements Act. Most enterprises have a fiscal year following the calendar year. Some enterprises have skewed accounting periods, so that accounts closed throughout the period May 1 of the reference year (t) through April 30 of the following year (year t + 1).
From SKAT, accounting information is obtained from tax accounts that are not as detailed as the schedule information, but contain a number of main items from the accounts. From the Business Register in Statistics Denmark, basic information about the enterprises is obtained, such as industry, form of business, VAT turnover and employment. The Danish Medicines Agency provides full accounts for all pharmacies in Denmark. This accounting information differs in certain items from the breakdown on the Statistics Denmark questionnaire, but is adjusted to this discretion. The Danish Business Authority receives official financial statements in XBRL format, which are used for both the preliminary and final figures, as well as for troubleshooting the other sources.
Employment data are obtained from the Business Register, which contains information on all active businesses in Denmark. The employment data is merged on to the Business Register from the workplace and job register, which contains information of all active workplaces that has a job registred.
Annual.
The statistics are scheduled to appear as preliminary on enterprise level 6 months after the end of the reference year (April 30th), and as final data 14 months after the end of the reference year (April 30th). On establishments the statistics appears along with the final data dissemination.
Every year figures are submitted to the statistical office of EU, Eurostat. This includes special industry aggregates, not published nationally. Data for all EU countries can be found in the Eurostat database. The statistics are produced following the principles of an EU regulation, so the results are comparable.
Temporal Coverage
The accounting statistics at the company level are available in a comparable form back to 1994 for construction and civil engineering as well as retail trade, to 1995 for industry, to 1998 for wholesale trade, and to 1999 for other business services. At the workplace level, data are available from 1995 for construction and civil engineering, retail trade, and industry, from 1998 for wholesale trade, and from 1999 for other business services. The statistics are published annually at the company level and, from 1995 onwards, annually at the workplace level.
Changes in Legislation and Accounting Practices
A new Annual Accounts Act came into force in 2002. The most important changes were that intangible and financial assets as well as financially leased assets must be recognized on the balance sheet at market value to a greater extent than before. Additionally, work in progress for third parties was moved from inventory to receivables. From 1986, it became mandatory for businesses to report standardized accounting information to the Danish Tax Agency (SKAT), which replaced previous statistics production based on questionnaires. This system has since been reduced in scope and detail.
