Intrastat

Intrastat is a statistical system used by the European Union to collect data on the movement of goods between member states. It provides timely statistics on intra-EU trade and supports the functioning of the EU internal market.

The system covers physical movements of goods between EU member states, reported as dispatches (goods sent from a country) and arrivals (goods received in a country). Data are usually provided by businesses that reach specified thresholds and by their representatives. Core variables include the commodity code from the Combined Nomenclature (CN), statistical value, quantity, and the partner member state; additional fields may include net weight and mode of transport.

Data collection and transmission: Declarations are submitted to national statistical authorities, typically on a monthly basis. Thresholds vary by country, and exemptions may apply to small traders. National authorities aggregate the data and transmit it to Eurostat, which compiles, analyzes, and publishes Intrastat statistics for Europe and disseminates them to users.

Purpose and uses: Intrastat data underpin estimates of intra-EU trade, support economic analysis and policy making, and inform VAT and customs policy as well as regional planning. They are used by EU institutions, national authorities, researchers, and business planners.

Legal framework and data quality: The Intrastat system is governed by EU law and harmonized guidelines. Data are subject to confidentiality protections, and quality checks ensure comparability across countries. The use of standardized codes such as CN and consistent partner-country classifications supports data integration and international comparability.