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 SPPI shows the price indices, quarterly and yearly changes in prices of services that companies provide. The figures are broken down by type of services according to the Coordinated European goods and services classification (CPA 2015 (2.1)). For some services, a further breakdown has been made on the basis of market data that differ from the CPA.
Size classes covered: Units with turnover more than 100.000 EURO.
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
List and definition of variables: the price of the service is net of discounts and exc VAT. The reference date is the middle of the quarter or the end of the quarter. We use model pricing and unit value as pricing method. Statistics Netherlands sends out questionnaires to a sample of companies in the sector.
Accounting conventions: data refers to the calendar quarter.
3.5. Statistical unit
Reporting unit: the reporting unit is the enterprise.
Observation unit(s): the enterprise and parts of enterprises (presumed to be KAUs).
3.6. Statistical population
The statistical population comprises the observation units (enterprises) that are economically active in one of the above-mentioned sectors in the period under review.
We use the structural business statistics file to take a sample. The largest companies in terms of turnover are all in the sample. The smaller companies, in terms of turnover, not. The height of the turnover depends on the sector. (The PPS method).
3.7. Reference area
Geographical area covered: the geographical area covered by the survey is the Netherlands - no regions are excluded.
3.8. Coverage - Time
Date of first use as a source: 2003 - today.
3.9. Base period
Base (reference) year: 2021.
Indices, percentage change (%).
Reference year of this report: 2024.
The periodicity of the SPPI is quarterly.
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
(EBS) Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 on 27 November 2019 and the Commission implementing Regulation 2020/1197
Commission Recommendation of 23 June 2009 on reference metadata for the European Statistical System (Text with EEA relevance)
Legal basis: Statistics Netherlands is fully independent in terms of its statistical operations with respect to methodology and publications. Independence was granted by the Royal Act of 1899 and reconfirmed by law in 1996 and 2003. The CBS Law of 2003 is available in English and Dutch. The public can find it on the CBS website. CBS | Institutional Mandate
Obligation on units to provide data: the Law of 2003 established the Central Bureau of Statistics and the Central Commission for Statistics. Section 3 states: “The task of the CBS is to carry out statistical research for the government for practice, policy and research purposes and to publish the statistics compiled on the basis of such research". For the surveys carried out under the provisions of the Law of 2003 irregularities with respect the obligation to provide information can be punished with a fine, but there have been no examples of penalties in recent years.
Planned changes in legal basis, obligation to respond and frame used: No changes in legal basis are planned.
6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing
The Law of 2003 established the Central Bureau of Statistics and the Central Commission for Statistics. Section 3 states: “The task of the CBS is to carry out statistical research for the government for practice, policy and research purposes and to publish the statistics compiled on the basis of such research". Sections 33 through 36 describe the collection of information, sections 37 and 38 describe the use of information gathering and sections 39 through 42 the dissemination of results. The most relevant clauses are the following. Section 33: “The director general is authorised to use, for statistical purposes, data from registers (..) the director general is authorised to request, for statistical purposes, data (..) from the categories of companies, independent professionals, institutions and legal persons (..).” Section 37: “The data (..) shall be used solely for statistical purposes. The data (..)shall only be published in such a way that no recognisable data can be derived from them about an individual person, household, company or institution, unless, (..) there are good reasons to assume that the company or institution concerned will not have any objections to the publication.” The CBS Law of 2003 is available in English and Dutch. The public can find it on the CBS website CBS | CBS Law
The Data are transmitted to Eurostat.
7.1. Confidentiality - policy
Statistics Netherlands is fully independent in terms of its statistical operations with respect to methodology and publications. Independence was granted by the Royal Act of 1899 and reconfirmed by law in 1996 and 2003. Data provision was made compulsory by law in 1936. Confidentiality is guaranteed. Individual data are never published without consent. The Royal Act of 1899 and the Law of 1996 have been repealed by the Law of 20 November 2003. This Law on the Central Bureau of Statistics describes the independence of the director-general of Statistics Netherlands: “The director general shall determine the methods by which the studies included in the work programme and the multiannual programme will be carried out and the manner in which the results of those studies will be published”. The Law of 2003 established the Central Bureau of Statistics and the Central Commission for Statistics. Section 3 states: “The task of the CBS is to carry out statistical research for the government for practice, policy and research purposes and to publish the statistics compiled on the basis of such research". Sections 33 through 36 describe the collection of information, sections 37 and 38 describe the use of information gathering and sections 39 through 42 the dissemination of results. The most relevant clauses are the following. Section 33: “The director general is authorised to use, for statistical purposes, data from registers (..) the director general is authorised to request, for statistical purposes, data (..) from the categories of companies, independent professionals, institutions and legal persons (..).” Section 37: “The data (..) shall be used solely for statistical purposes. The data (..) shall only be published in such a way that no recognisable data can be derived from them about an individual person, household, company or institution, unless, (..) there are good reasons to assume that the company or institution concerned will not have any objections to the publication.” The CBS Law of 2003 is available in English and Dutch. The public can find it on the CBS website (CBS | CBS Law).
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
If figures are traceable to underlying companies, then they won’t published.
8.1. Release calendar
New figures are available twice per quarter. Halfway each quarter, the results of the pricing method Model pricing (around half of the branches) are published and the other branches with the Unit value method follow at the end of the quarter. This concerns the price development of the previous quarter. The Services producer price index of the total commercial services is also calculated and published at the end of each quarter.
In the second tab you will find the English version.
8.3. Release policy - user access
Simultaneous release to all interested parties: the data are released simultaneously to all interested parties by loading them into the on-line database StatLine on the CBS Website and posting a notification under “updates” on the home-page of the website.
Identification of internal government access to data before release: there is no internal government access to the data before their release to the public.
Transmission to Eurostat and further use of the statistics: data are to be transmitted to Eurostat when they are first published in the Netherlands. The transmission is done by use of eDAMIS Web Application using the SDMX coding system.
Summary description of quality criteria calculated for national purposes: the weighted response rate has to be above a certain percentage if figures are to be published.
There are different policies and procedures guarantying quality. Statical improvements are reviewed by an independent department. There is also a list of methods that have been accepted as best practice. New statistics should use these methods or only deviate with good reasons. Every quarter the results of STS statistics are validated by a independent statistician. No specific validation tools are used.
11.2. Quality management - assessment
The quality of the STS statistics are considered good. All quality aspects for STS statistics have been covered.
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
STS provide statistical information necessary to monitor the competitiveness and performance of the business community in the EU. The STS are used by different users (European Commission and ECB, national governments and central banks, economic analysts in private companies and financial institutions) and serve different purposes.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
User satisfaction is measured via download statistics of the online databank and with ad hoc user consultations.
12.3. Completeness
The index is complete. There are no gaps or missing data parts and the series are according to the requirements of Eurostat.
13.1. Accuracy - overall
Overall: the statistical errors are considered minor. Population: all companies registered with the Chamber of Commerce. In the sampling, the smallest companies are excluded by turnover (limits depending on the industry). Coverage: turnover is used for determination of weights. Turnover is also used for determination of the panel sizes, together with the variance of the price index. Response rate: the following actions are performed to speed up and increase the response rate: the missing responses are followed up twice by written reminders and then by telephone contacts. the response rate reaches 80% or higher when published at first. In most cases the response rate is higher when the final figures are published, so it is possible that the data changes after the first release. This occurs occasionally; there is no bias. Data processing: every price development beyond a specific margin (depending on the industry) will be checked by analysts and when necessary checked by our contact at the company. Model assumptions: Statistics Netherlands aims to use an A method, model prices. When this is not possible we use Unit Values.
13.2. Sampling error
Standard deviation: as a rule the standard deviation is not calculated every quarter. However the sampling sizes are chosen, such that the resulting standard deviation is below 0.5 for model prices and below 1.0 for unit prices.
13.3. Non-sampling error
Impact response rates/data availability: not available, considered minor. Analysts ensure that the large and influential companies have responded by the first publication. Impact of survey instrument: in mid-2015, SN changed from a survey on paper to a digital survey. The response rate has risen slightly as a result. Coverage errors: perhaps undercoverage as a result of small sample size and limited sample maintenance. However, over the next two years a sample maintenance routine (including yearly rotation) will be applied to all panels. This procedure will be combined with the implementation of a Probability Proportional to Size (PPS) method instead of a stratified sample. Statistics Netherlands will thereby take into account the population dynamics and the response burden will be more equally distributed over the population. Impact of specific models used in estimation: unit values may cause the effect that the index fluctuates widely for some of the companies. On the other hand, model pricing tends to result in a flat development. These effects can be seen in the standard deviation. In both cases, some of the changes do not correspond with the actual price trends, the effects however are considered minor.
14.1. Timeliness
Timeliness: questionnaires are sent to the reporting units halfway through the quarter for the model prices and at the end of the quarter for the unit value method. Replies are requested within one month after the questionnaire is received. Data collection is normally closed 2 weeks before publication.
Timetable of data collection: see above.
14.2. Punctuality
All releases are published according to the internal release calendar.
15.1. Comparability - geographical
Comparability - geographical: the EBS Regulations and the EBS methodological guidelines are applied by the countries transmitting STS data. This ensures a good comparability between national data and good-quality European aggregates. However, the data are not 100% comparable with other countries. Each country may apply different collection methods (surveys, use of administrative sources) and different calculation procedures for the data. Within the Netherlands, no seperate geographical data is compiled. However, we assume that the data of the different regions are comparable.
15.2. Comparability - over time
Comparability - over time: Time series from 2003 onwards are comparable over time.
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
Dissemination of information that support statistical cross-checks and provide assurance of reasonableness: cross-checking is facilitated by using the same frame in different statistics (Business register) and by using the NACE classification system.
Confrontation with other data sets: the results are confronted with the results of other data sources. All price statistics are confronted with the system National Accounts.
15.4. Coherence - internal
Services producer price statistics are integrated in the system of National Accounts. Furthermore price indices are used to deflate values of production and turnover.
The persons hour per year for SN is about 4000 hours. The respondents burden is estimated at 6000 hours per year.
17.1. Data revision - policy
Data revision - policy: The data of the last period is provisional. After adding the next period, they become final.
For the Eurostat publications the same revision policy is carried out.
17.2. Data revision - practice
Provision of information about revision and advance notice of major changes in methodology: the public is informed in advance of major changes in methodology by means of a press release.
18.1. Source data
Type of source: mostly statistical survey.
Frame on which the source is based: the General Business Register (Algemeen Bedrijfsregister - ABR).
Sample or census: Statistical survey, Each branch is surveyed using a stratified sample, where sampling is based on Turnover and using a PPS (Probability Proportional to Size) method.
Criteria for stratification: characteristics used for stratification of the sample are the main activity in terms of (sub)groups and size classes of employment.
Threshold values and percentages: units with an annual turnover of at least EUR 100,000. The sampling rates are as based on share of turnover.
Frequency of updating the sample: for the future we want to refresh about 20% of the sample every year. Moreover there is a quarterly refreshment for enterprise deaths.
18.2. Frequency of data collection
Quarterly.
18.3. Data collection
Questionnaires used in the survey: there is no standard questionnaire. Each firm to be surveyed has it own unique questionnaire.
Questionnaires used in the survey: no changes in national questionnaires are planned.
Data collection media: most of the data collection is done by online Questionnaires.
18.4. Data validation
Data validation is performed as a final step before releasing/disseminating the data.
The validity of the results is done by examing the tables and graphs by an independant statistician.
18.5. Data compilation
Estimates for non-response: non-response is low. The price specialist (statistician) normally contacts the reporting unit and endeavours to establish the price (development). If no price can be obtained then mean aggregate prices are imputed. The services producer price index measures the average price development of services within a submarket and sector. The price indices are calculated as chained price indices by using weighting-factors based on turnover.
Non-response is treated using imputation technique. The estimation is done by using growth rates of the known average of a given sample-cell (stratum) multiplied with the(estimated average) value of the previous period.
Estimates for grossing-up to population levels: we don't do this.
Type of index: the indices are Laspeyres whose base year is renewed every 5 years.
Method of weighting and chaining: we use turnover for weighting the enterprises and the strata. The reference year is 2021. The information comes from the STS statistics on turnover and in some situations from NA.
On the level of enterprise we have a chain index that is price-updated every year. On the high levels we have a chain index with base year 2021 = 100.
Planned changes in production methods: not applicable.
18.6. Adjustment
There are no corrections for variations in the number of working days or seasonal variations.
Not available.
The SPPI shows the price indices, quarterly and yearly changes in prices of services that companies provide. The figures are broken down by type of services according to the Coordinated European goods and services classification (CPA 2015 (2.1)). For some services, a further breakdown has been made on the basis of market data that differ from the CPA.
25 February 2025
List and definition of variables: the price of the service is net of discounts and exc VAT. The reference date is the middle of the quarter or the end of the quarter. We use model pricing and unit value as pricing method. Statistics Netherlands sends out questionnaires to a sample of companies in the sector.
Accounting conventions: data refers to the calendar quarter.
Reporting unit: the reporting unit is the enterprise.
Observation unit(s): the enterprise and parts of enterprises (presumed to be KAUs).
The statistical population comprises the observation units (enterprises) that are economically active in one of the above-mentioned sectors in the period under review.
We use the structural business statistics file to take a sample. The largest companies in terms of turnover are all in the sample. The smaller companies, in terms of turnover, not. The height of the turnover depends on the sector. (The PPS method).
Geographical area covered: the geographical area covered by the survey is the Netherlands - no regions are excluded.
Reference year of this report: 2024.
The periodicity of the SPPI is quarterly.
Overall: the statistical errors are considered minor. Population: all companies registered with the Chamber of Commerce. In the sampling, the smallest companies are excluded by turnover (limits depending on the industry). Coverage: turnover is used for determination of weights. Turnover is also used for determination of the panel sizes, together with the variance of the price index. Response rate: the following actions are performed to speed up and increase the response rate: the missing responses are followed up twice by written reminders and then by telephone contacts. the response rate reaches 80% or higher when published at first. In most cases the response rate is higher when the final figures are published, so it is possible that the data changes after the first release. This occurs occasionally; there is no bias. Data processing: every price development beyond a specific margin (depending on the industry) will be checked by analysts and when necessary checked by our contact at the company. Model assumptions: Statistics Netherlands aims to use an A method, model prices. When this is not possible we use Unit Values.
Indices, percentage change (%).
Estimates for non-response: non-response is low. The price specialist (statistician) normally contacts the reporting unit and endeavours to establish the price (development). If no price can be obtained then mean aggregate prices are imputed. The services producer price index measures the average price development of services within a submarket and sector. The price indices are calculated as chained price indices by using weighting-factors based on turnover.
Non-response is treated using imputation technique. The estimation is done by using growth rates of the known average of a given sample-cell (stratum) multiplied with the(estimated average) value of the previous period.
Estimates for grossing-up to population levels: we don't do this.
Type of index: the indices are Laspeyres whose base year is renewed every 5 years.
Method of weighting and chaining: we use turnover for weighting the enterprises and the strata. The reference year is 2021. The information comes from the STS statistics on turnover and in some situations from NA.
On the level of enterprise we have a chain index that is price-updated every year. On the high levels we have a chain index with base year 2021 = 100.
Planned changes in production methods: not applicable.
Type of source: mostly statistical survey.
Frame on which the source is based: the General Business Register (Algemeen Bedrijfsregister - ABR).
Sample or census: Statistical survey, Each branch is surveyed using a stratified sample, where sampling is based on Turnover and using a PPS (Probability Proportional to Size) method.
Criteria for stratification: characteristics used for stratification of the sample are the main activity in terms of (sub)groups and size classes of employment.
Threshold values and percentages: units with an annual turnover of at least EUR 100,000. The sampling rates are as based on share of turnover.
Frequency of updating the sample: for the future we want to refresh about 20% of the sample every year. Moreover there is a quarterly refreshment for enterprise deaths.
Quarterly.
Timeliness: questionnaires are sent to the reporting units halfway through the quarter for the model prices and at the end of the quarter for the unit value method. Replies are requested within one month after the questionnaire is received. Data collection is normally closed 2 weeks before publication.
Timetable of data collection: see above.
Comparability - geographical: the EBS Regulations and the EBS methodological guidelines are applied by the countries transmitting STS data. This ensures a good comparability between national data and good-quality European aggregates. However, the data are not 100% comparable with other countries. Each country may apply different collection methods (surveys, use of administrative sources) and different calculation procedures for the data. Within the Netherlands, no seperate geographical data is compiled. However, we assume that the data of the different regions are comparable.
Comparability - over time: Time series from 2003 onwards are comparable over time.
