Lõppkasutuse

Lõppkasutuse is an Estonian term meaning end-use or final use. It is used in economics, statistics, and regulatory contexts to describe the way goods or services are ultimately utilized by the final consumer or end user, as opposed to intermediate or processing uses.

In national accounts and economic statistics, lõppkasutus refers to final consumption expenditures. These are the goods and services purchased for direct use by households, government, and non-profit institutions serving households, aimed at satisfying needs rather than for resale or further production. This category excludes intermediate consumption by producers, as well as investments or capital formation. The concept helps distinguish what is consumed or consumed as services from what is used to produce other goods or to invest in capital.

In regulatory and trade contexts, end-use (lõppkasutus) describes the intended final application of goods, often relevant for export controls and licensing. Authorities may require end-use statements to ensure that controlled items are used for permitted purposes and not diverted to prohibited activities or destinations. The assessment of end-use can influence compliance obligations, licensing decisions, and monitoring during the distribution chain.

Etymology reflects its meaning: lõpp means final or end, and kasutus means use. The term thus encapsulates how a product or service is ultimately employed by the end user, distinguishing it from intermediate or production-oriented uses. This distinction is central in economic accounting as well as in regulatory practices governing trade and supply chains.