Quality reporting

In the European Statistical System (ESS), the quality of statistical processes and outputs is assessed and reported based on three aspects:

• standardised rules
• reporting structures
• using a common technical environment called the ESS Metadata Handler.

The ESS quality reporting standard is the Single Integrated Metadata Structure (SIMS).

Tools and standards

• ESS handbook for quality and metadata reports (re-edition 2021)
• Single Integrated Metadata Structure Guidelines v2.0 (2019)
• ESS Quality and Performance Indicators (2014)
• Single Integrated Metadata Structure v 2.0 – ESMS 2.0 and ESQRS 2.0  (2015)
• ESS Quality Glossary (part of CODED - Eurostat Concepts and Definitions Database)
• Checklist for Survey Managers (DESAP)
• Checklist for Survey Managers (DESAP) condensed version
• Electronic DESAP-E checklist
• Electronic DESAP user guide

Quality legislation

• Commission Recommendation 2023/397 on reference metadata and quality reports for the European Statistical System
• Inventory of regulations in the field of statistics containing provisions on quality and quality reporting (2021)