SBS Meth BG - European Commissionec.europa.eu/eurostat/ramon/nat_methods/SBS/SBS_Meth_BG.pdf · Reni Dimitrova Petkova – Head of division “Statistics on services” Tel: (+359

1 STRUCTURAL BUSINESS STATISTICS METHODOLOGY

BULGARIA

On the following pages, you will find information about this country's statistical system and its various national data sources used for Structural Business Statistics. You can also consult the national statistical institute at their website http://www.nsi.bg/Index_e.htm.

Contents

STATISTICAL SYSTEM (2005) 3

1.1 Institution 3

1.2 Legal basis 3

1.3 National classifications 5

1.4 Units 7

1.5 Business statistics register 8

1.6 Explanation of the main sources of data 12

NATIONAL DATA SOURCES (2005) 13

2.1 General information 13


2.2 Population coverage 15

2.3 Information collected on each unit 16

2.4 Primary data collection method 19

2.5 Production of results 19

2.6 Quality 20

2.7 Dissemination 21


SSSSTATISTICAL SYSTEM TATISTICAL SYSTEM TATISTICAL SYSTEM TATISTICAL SYSTEM (200(200(200(2005555))))

1.11.11.11.1 InstitutioInstitutioInstitutioInstitutionnnn

Name of the institution responsibleName of the institution responsibleName of the institution responsibleName of the institution responsible

The institution responsible for production and dissemination of SBS data is National Statistical

Institute (NSI). In production of SBS data sets on financial annexes of SBS Regulation other

institutional bodies are also involved - National Bank and Financial Supervision Commission.

Responsibilities for structural business statisticsResponsibilities for structural business statisticsResponsibilities for structural business statisticsResponsibilities for structural business statistics

The National Statistical Institute is responsible for SBS in terms of preparing methodological

and technical bases, carrying out the surveys and compiling, publishing and disseminating the

data.

The Bulgarian National Bank produces credit institutions statistics on structural, profit and loss

account and balance sheet variables and provides them to the National Statistical Institute.

The Insurance Supervision Commission produces more detail statistics in the field of insurance

services for the purposes of supervision.

Person responsible for structural business statisticsPerson responsible for structural business statisticsPerson responsible for structural business statisticsPerson responsible for structural business statistics

Reni Dimitrova Petkova – Head of division “Statistics on services”

Tel: (+359 2) 9704 767

Fax: (+359 2) 8734 132

E-mail: [email protected]

1.21.21.21.2 Legal basisLegal basisLegal basisLegal basis

1.2.11.2.11.2.11.2.1 Current legal basisCurrent legal basisCurrent legal basisCurrent legal basis

General statistical lawGeneral statistical lawGeneral statistical lawGeneral statistical law

The Law of Statistics enacted on 25 June 1999, subsequently amended in 2001, 2002, 2004

and 2005 provides the legal basis and general framework for “the realisation of statistical

activity by Bulgarian Bodies of Statistics, registers and information systems they maintain as

well as data exchange between them” - article 1. This Law repeals the Law on Statistics of 1991

(as amended in 1991, 1992 and 1997) and its general provisions conform well to the basic

principles and requirements of EU standards - the Council Regulation 322/97. According to the

article 2 (2) of the Law of statistics “The statistical activity is carried out in compliance with the

principles of the rule of law, impartiality, reliability, efficiency, adequacy, publicity and

confidentiality”. The application of the principle of transparency is guaranteed with the

provision of article 22 - “The Bodies of statistics are obliged to announce in appropriate

manner and to notify in writing the persons, who are subject to the statistical surveys, of their

rights and obligations, the purpose, scope and manner of carrying out the surveys, as well as

the guarantees for data confidentiality and protection of secrecy”.


Right to collect data in generalRight to collect data in generalRight to collect data in generalRight to collect data in general

According to the article 3 (1) of the Law of Statistics “The Bodies of statistics are carrying out

the statistical activity of the State by conducting periodical and ad-hoc statistical surveys,

included in the National Programme for Statistical Surveys and/or are funded by them ”. The

Program is elaborated on an annual base and is endorsed by the Council of Ministers upon a

proposal of the President of NSI. The Law of statistics provides the Bodies of statistics with the

legal right to require the mandatory participation of the respondents to all surveys listed into

the National Programme, including SBS survey.

General obligation of enterpriGeneral obligation of enterpriGeneral obligation of enterpriGeneral obligation of enterprises to replyses to replyses to replyses to reply

Article 20 of the Law of Statistics states that all legal persons and natural persons (including

farmers), who are carrying out economic activity are obliged to provide the Bodies of Statistics

with data needed in those statistical surveys for which mandatory participation is required

according to the National Programme for Statistical Surveys.

Obligation to safeguard confidential dataObligation to safeguard confidential dataObligation to safeguard confidential dataObligation to safeguard confidential data

The Law of Statistics includes provisions relating to data confidentiality and protection of

secrecy, which are in compliance with the EU legislation (Council Regulation N 322/97) and

standard European practice. Requirements, obligations and measures for data protection, as

well as fines that can be imposed, are treated in separate chapters - Chapter 6 "Protection of

secrecy" and Chapter 9 "Administrative and liability provisions”. Article 25 of the Law specifys

the criteria, according to which certain data cannot be made public or released – individual

data, data which could be indirectly identified, as well as aggregations of less than three

statistical units and/or when the relative share of one unit is more than 85% of the total volume.

The exceptional cases in which data listed in article 25 can be provided (for ex. under written

agreement of the respondent) are specified in article 26 of the Law of statistics.

Right of access to administrative dataRight of access to administrative dataRight of access to administrative dataRight of access to administrative data

According to article 20 (6) of the Law of Statistics the Bodies of Statistics have the right under

written request to obtain free of charge from other State bodies and register keepers, data

collected by them, which are required in the statistical surveys, included in the National

Programme for Statistical Surveys. The provision of these administrative data (mostly

aggregates) is organised by formal agreements between the NSI and each of the bodies such as

Ministry of Finance, respectively the Insurance Supervision Agency, Bulgarian National Bank and

others. So far NSI does not have access to the individual records of Tax Register, which could be

particularly helpful for improving the coverage and quality of the SBS data and for reducing the

response burden.

1.2.21.2.21.2.21.2.2 Changes to legislation plannedChanges to legislation plannedChanges to legislation plannedChanges to legislation planned

As the last amendments of the Statistical Law entered into force since 4 of November 2005, no

other changes to the legal base are foreseen in short term.


1.31.31.31.3 National classificationsNational classificationsNational classificationsNational classifications

1.3.11.3.11.3.11.3.1 Activity classificationsActivity classificationsActivity classificationsActivity classifications

Name of classificationName of classificationName of classificationName of classification

National Classification of Economic Activities (NACE.BG-2003)

Date of creationDate of creationDate of creationDate of creation

National Classification of Economic Activities (NACE.BG-2003) was approved in December 2002

by an order of the President of NSI №07-242 and entered into force since 1 of January 2003.

Date of introduction for structural business statisticsDate of introduction for structural business statisticsDate of introduction for structural business statisticsDate of introduction for structural business statistics

SBS data were compiled for first time according to NACE.BG-2003 for the reference year 2002

onwards.

CompCompCompCompatibility with NACE Rev. 1atibility with NACE Rev. 1atibility with NACE Rev. 1atibility with NACE Rev. 1.1.1.1.1, existence of a 5th or 6th digit, existence of a 5th or 6th digit, existence of a 5th or 6th digit, existence of a 5th or 6th digit

National Classification of Economic Activities (NACE.BG-2003) is fully compliant with the

structure and content of NACE Rev.1.1. The lowest level of NACE.BG-2003 is class (4-digit) and

the applied 4-digit coding system is coinciding with the codes of NACE rev.1.1.

Unit responsible for classifying activitiesUnit responsible for classifying activitiesUnit responsible for classifying activitiesUnit responsible for classifying activities

In the first instance the team of division “Business registers” in NSI is responsible for classifying

activities. The survey team makes updates and corrections of enterprises’ principle economic

activity, based on the information collected by the surveys.

Variable used for identifying principal and secondary activitiesVariable used for identifying principal and secondary activitiesVariable used for identifying principal and secondary activitiesVariable used for identifying principal and secondary activities

In theory value added is recommended to be used to identify the principal and secondary

activities. In practice turnover is used for determination of the principal and secondary activities

of the statistical units.

Method used for identifying activitiesMethod used for identifying activitiesMethod used for identifying activitiesMethod used for identifying activities

Top-down approach is applied following the hierarchical principle for identification of the

principal activity, starting from most aggregated level of NACE rev. 1.1 classification (Section)

and than step by step determining the rest more detailed levels.

Stability rules appliedStability rules appliedStability rules appliedStability rules applied

The principal activity of the enterprises is updates once a year on the base of the annual SBS

survey (in particular for industrial enterprises using data on PRODCOM survey as well). In case

that during the reference year given enterprise has performed non-typical activity, in terms of

use of the fixed assets, its principal activity is kept unchanged. This rule is followed two years

even if the turnover from the non-typical activity for the reference year is higher than the

turnover from the recorded principal activity. After two years period if it is proved that the

change of production structure is a permanent tendency the original principal activity of this

enterprise is changed.


Independence of classification of unitsIndependence of classification of unitsIndependence of classification of unitsIndependence of classification of units

Units are classified independently of each other.

Existence of time series in the classifExistence of time series in the classifExistence of time series in the classifExistence of time series in the classificationicationicationication

For essential statistics time series data has been converted from the old national classification

to the new national activity classification for 1996.

1.3.21.3.21.3.21.3.2 Regional classificationRegional classificationRegional classificationRegional classification

Classification or list of levelsClassification or list of levelsClassification or list of levelsClassification or list of levels

Classification of the Territorial Units for statistical purposes entered into force on 1of January

2005 by an order of the President of NSI №07-140. It comprises the following levels:

Country (Bulgaria);

• North Bulgaria and South Bulgaria;

• 6 planning regions;

• 28 districts;

• 263 municipalities

• 534 settlements

Compatibility with NUTSCompatibility with NUTSCompatibility with NUTSCompatibility with NUTS

The links between national levels and the NUTS classification are as follows:

• NUTS 0 - country (Bulgaria)

• NUTS 1 - North Bulgaria and South Bulgaria

• NUTS 2 - planning regions

• NUTS 3 - districts

The last two national levels (municipalities and settlements) do not correspond to NUTS levels.

1.3.31.3.31.3.31.3.3 Legal forms listLegal forms listLegal forms listLegal forms list

Classification of legal forms:

• Sole proprietor;

• Simple partnership;

• Limited partnership;

• Limited partnership with share capital;

• Limited company;

• Limited liability company;

• Joint stock company;

• Holding;

• Public companies;

• Municipality-owned companies;


• Co-operatives;

• Associations;

• Foundations;

• Health insurance scheme, social security, benefit and pension funds;

• Charitable institution and mutual aid association;

• Hospital administration;

• Social security and benefit body and institute;

• Local healthcare board, local tourist board;

• Company, organization or body formed abroad;

• County council districts and municipalities;

• Branch of a foreign company.

1.3.41.3.41.3.41.3.4 Other classificationsOther classificationsOther classificationsOther classifications

Subject of other classificationsSubject of other classificationsSubject of other classificationsSubject of other classifications

National Product Classification by Activities (CPA.BG-2003) and National Classification of

Industrial Production (PRODCOM.BG-2003) are indirectly used for the purposes of SBS data

compilation.

ClassificationClassificationClassificationClassification

National Product Classification by Activities (CPA.BG-2003), which is direct application of CPA,

was approved in December 2002 by an order of the President of NSI №07-242 and entered into

force since 1 of January 2003.

National Classification of Industrial Production (PRODCOM.BG-2003) - direct application of

PRODCOM, was approved in January 2003 by an order of the President of NSI №07-22 and

entered into force since 1 of January 2003.

1.41.41.41.4 UnitsUnitsUnitsUnits

List of existing unitsList of existing unitsList of existing unitsList of existing units

There are two types of statistical units in the Business register – enterprise and local unit (the

latest is available only for some economic activities).

Statistical unit, which is used in SBS survey, is enterprise.

Definitions of each unitDefinitions of each unitDefinitions of each unitDefinitions of each unit

Definition of enterprise is partly compliant to that in Regulation 696/93. The difference refers

to that part of the definition states that more than one legal unit could be responsible for one

enterprise. In Bulgarian statistical practice one legal unit is responsible only for one enterprise.

Definition of local unit is in compliance with this in Regulation 696/93.

Summary of useSummary of useSummary of useSummary of use

There are two types of units recorded in the Business register - enterprise and local unit (the

latest is available only for some economic activities).


The reporting unit in SBS survey is the enterprise.

The observation unit in SBS survey is the enterprise.

1.51.51.51.5 Business statistics registerBusiness statistics registerBusiness statistics registerBusiness statistics register

1.5.11.5.11.5.11.5.1 General informaGeneral informaGeneral informaGeneral informationtiontiontion

Name of registerName of registerName of registerName of register

Register of statistical units EKPOU 96.

Institution responsible for the registerInstitution responsible for the registerInstitution responsible for the registerInstitution responsible for the register

National Statistical Institute, division “Business register".

Person responsiblePerson responsiblePerson responsiblePerson responsible

Elka Hristova – head of division “Business register".

Tel: (+359 2) 9842 720


Purpose of the registerPurpose of the registerPurpose of the registerPurpose of the register

The main purpose of Register of statistical units EKPOU 96 is to serve as a sampling frame for

the statistical surveys and for the extrapolation of their results. The use of business register for

these purposes is under certain convention due to underreporting about non-active enterprises

and existence of some falsely active units.

Legal basisLegal basisLegal basisLegal basis

The Law of Statistics (article 30) provides the legal basis for establishment and maintaining of

Register of statistical units. The Law on Statistics entered into force on 25 June 1999 and

subsequently was amended in 2001, 2002, 2004 and 2005. This Law repealed the Law on

Statistics of 1991, as amended in 1991, 1992 and 1997.

Obligation to register for births and deathsObligation to register for births and deathsObligation to register for births and deathsObligation to register for births and deaths

The main source of information for birds and deaths of legal units that is used for updating the

Register of statistical units, is the administrative register called “BULSTAT”, which is also

maintained by NSI. According to the legislation all economic entities are obliged to record in

Register “BULSTAT” in order legitimately to carry out economic activity. This guarantees the

availability of all newly registered units into the Register of statistical units. As concerns death

legal units, nevertheless their legal obligations to inform the Register “BULSTAT” (and

consequently the Register of statistical units) about their cessation due to underreporting still

there are some falsely active units.

Date of creationDate of creationDate of creationDate of creation and major changes and major changes and major changes and major changes

Work on creation of the Register of statistical units started in 1993 on the basis of the Unified

classificator of enterprises, organizations and departments (EKPOU), which has been

established in 1974.


Date first used for structural buDate first used for structural buDate first used for structural buDate first used for structural business statisticssiness statisticssiness statisticssiness statistics

The Register of statistical units EKPOU 96 was used for the compilation of SBS statistics for first

time for the reference year 1996.

Limits of legal right of accessLimits of legal right of accessLimits of legal right of accessLimits of legal right of access

The rules for access to the Register of statistical units EKPOU 96 inside NSI are laid dawn in an

inner regulation, according to which keeping the confidentiality rules is safeguarded. Other

institutions have no access to the register.

Exceptions concerning common classificationsExceptions concerning common classificationsExceptions concerning common classificationsExceptions concerning common classifications

Alternative classifications to these listed above are not used.

1.5.21.5.21.5.21.5.2 Population coveragePopulation coveragePopulation coveragePopulation coverage

Activities coveredActivities coveredActivities coveredActivities covered

The Register of statistical units EKPOU 96 covers all economic activities, according to NACE

rev.1. 1.

Geographical area coveredGeographical area coveredGeographical area coveredGeographical area covered

The Register of statistical units EKPOU 96 covers all regions on the territory of the country.

Size classes coveredSize classes coveredSize classes coveredSize classes covered

All units irrespective of their size in terms of number of employees, turnover or other variable

are included in the Register of statistical units EKPOU 96.

Other inclusions or exclusionsOther inclusions or exclusionsOther inclusions or exclusionsOther inclusions or exclusions

Self-insurance persons, farmers and freelancers are recorded in a separate file with the same

structure as this of the Register of statistical units EKPOU 96.

Coverage rateCoverage rateCoverage rateCoverage rate

In accordance with legal requirements the coverage rate is close to 100 %.

Registered unitsRegistered unitsRegistered unitsRegistered units

There are two types of statistical units recorded in the Register of statistical units EKPOU 96:

enterprise and local unit (the latest is available for some economic activities).

1.5.31.5.31.5.31.5.3 Record contentsRecord contentsRecord contentsRecord contents

Level of activity classifiedLevel of activity classifiedLevel of activity classifiedLevel of activity classified

All units are classified according to their principal activity at class level (4-digit) in accordance

to National classification of economic activities NACE.BG-2003, which is fully compliant with

NACE rev.1.1. Secondary activities are not recoded in the register.


Level of geographicalLevel of geographicalLevel of geographicalLevel of geographical location recorded location recorded location recorded location recorded

For each unit included in the register the concrete address is recorded, including the postcode.

For negligible number of unites, located in small villages, the address is not recorded and the

registration is carried out at the lowest national level - settlement.

Method of size registrationMethod of size registrationMethod of size registrationMethod of size registration

The variable used for measurement of the size of the units, listed in the register is the number

of persons employed and a single value is recorded for each unit. Number of employees and

turnover are as well available for each unit.

Registration or not of legal formRegistration or not of legal formRegistration or not of legal formRegistration or not of legal form

The legal form is recorded for each unit in the Register of statistical units.

Registration or not of foreign ownershipRegistration or not of foreign ownershipRegistration or not of foreign ownershipRegistration or not of foreign ownership

The foreign ownership is recorded for each unit on the basis of the information received from

Register “BULSTAT” and updated by statistical survey on FDI.

Registration or not of public ownershipRegistration or not of public ownershipRegistration or not of public ownershipRegistration or not of public ownership

Public ownership is recorded.

Registration or not of inter unit linksRegistration or not of inter unit linksRegistration or not of inter unit linksRegistration or not of inter unit links

Information about links among different types of units is available in the Register of statistical

units.

Distinction between market oriented and nonDistinction between market oriented and nonDistinction between market oriented and nonDistinction between market oriented and non----market units market units market units market units

The criteria used for making distinction between market oriented enterprises and non-market

oriented units are legal form, source of funding, NACE activity, institutional sector.

List of economic variables registeredList of economic variables registeredList of economic variables registeredList of economic variables registered

The following variables are recorded in the Register of statistical units:

• Employer or not

• Employees

• Turnover

• Fix assets

Other characteristics registeredOther characteristics registeredOther characteristics registeredOther characteristics registered

• Unified identity code

• Name of the unit

• Location code (by National Classification of the Territorial Units), address and postcode

• Communications – telephone, fax etc.

• Source of funding

• Form of ownership


• Headquarter

• Principle economic activity code – 4-digits

• Institutional sector

• Foreign investment

• Predecessor

• State of activity

• Form of accounting – single-entry or double-entry

• Type of statistical unit

• Date of recording into the Register

• Date of cessation

• Identity code in Tax register

1.5.41.5.41.5.41.5.4 UpdatingUpdatingUpdatingUpdating

List of main sources of informatiList of main sources of informatiList of main sources of informatiList of main sources of information for updatingon for updatingon for updatingon for updating

The Register of statistical units is updated on the basis of the information obtained from two

sources: Administrative register “BULSTAT” and SBS statistical survey.

Frequency of receipt of updates by the register teamFrequency of receipt of updates by the register teamFrequency of receipt of updates by the register teamFrequency of receipt of updates by the register team

The updates from the register “BULSTAT” are received monthly and from SBS survey - annually.

Frequency with which the raw data in the administrative sources are updated (if known)Frequency with which the raw data in the administrative sources are updated (if known)Frequency with which the raw data in the administrative sources are updated (if known)Frequency with which the raw data in the administrative sources are updated (if known)

The information in the register “BULSTAT” is updated daily.

Lead time between the update the adLead time between the update the adLead time between the update the adLead time between the update the administrative data source and the receipt by the register ministrative data source and the receipt by the register ministrative data source and the receipt by the register ministrative data source and the receipt by the register

team.team.team.team.

Around one month.

1.5.51.5.51.5.51.5.5 DisseminationDisseminationDisseminationDissemination

Existence of standard dissemination and possibility of special tabulationsExistence of standard dissemination and possibility of special tabulationsExistence of standard dissemination and possibility of special tabulationsExistence of standard dissemination and possibility of special tabulations

There is no standard dissemination of statistics compiled from the Register of statistical units.

Non-standard data requests of the users are treated.

Name and type of dissemination usedName and type of dissemination usedName and type of dissemination usedName and type of dissemination used

There is no standard data dissemination.

Description of standard tables producedDescription of standard tables producedDescription of standard tables producedDescription of standard tables produced

Standard tables are not produced.

Delay within which data is dissemiDelay within which data is dissemiDelay within which data is dissemiDelay within which data is disseminated from the end of a given reference yearnated from the end of a given reference yearnated from the end of a given reference yearnated from the end of a given reference year

Specific publications are not released.


1.5.61.5.61.5.61.5.6 Changes to the register's legal basis, coverage, contents, updating and Changes to the register's legal basis, coverage, contents, updating and Changes to the register's legal basis, coverage, contents, updating and Changes to the register's legal basis, coverage, contents, updating and

disseminationdisseminationdisseminationdissemination

Currently a project in the framework of the National PHARE Program is carried out on

developing a new Register of statistical units (RSU) on the basis of contemporary information

technologies, which will replace the existing register EKPOU'96.

1.61.61.61.6 Explanation of the main sources of dataExplanation of the main sources of dataExplanation of the main sources of dataExplanation of the main sources of data The main sources for the compilation of SBS data are: SBS survey and the Register of statistical

units EKPOU 96.


NNNNATIONAL ATIONAL ATIONAL ATIONAL DDDDATA ATA ATA ATA SSSSOURCESOURCESOURCESOURCES (200(200(200(2005555))))

2.12.12.12.1 General informationGeneral informationGeneral informationGeneral information

2.1.12.1.12.1.12.1.1 PracticalPracticalPracticalPractical information information information information

Type of sourceType of sourceType of sourceType of source

The only source for the compilation of the SBS data is annual mandatory statistical surveys.

Name of sourceName of sourceName of sourceName of source

SBS data are compiled on the basis of the results from the following surveys:

For non-financial annexes of SBS Regulation:

1. Annual report of non-financial enterprises

2. Annual report of the enterprises that do not compile balance sheet (with single-entry book

keeping)

For financial annexes of SBS Regulation:

1. Annual report on financial intermediation and financial auxiliaries.

2. Annual report on insurance enterprises.

3. Annual report on pension companies and funds

4. Annual report on specialized investment enterprises

5. Annual report on health insurance companies

Institution responsible for the sourceInstitution responsible for the sourceInstitution responsible for the sourceInstitution responsible for the source

The institution responsible for production and dissemination of SBS data is the National

Statistical Institute (NSI). In production of SBS data sets on financial annexes of SBS Regulation

other institutional bodies are also involved - National Bank and Financial Supervision

Commission.

Person responsiblePerson responsiblePerson responsiblePerson responsible


Reni Petkova – Head of division “Statistics on services”

Tel: (+359 2) 97 04 767



Vska Spassova – Head of sector in “Statistics of budget, financial institutions and PNO” division

Tel: (+359 2) 9857 439



Legal basisLegal basisLegal basisLegal basis

The legal basis for conducting SBS survey is provided by the Law of statistics.

Obligation on units to provide data

SBS survey is included into the National Programme for Statistical Surveys and according to

article 20 of the Law on Statistics all units (legal persons and natural persons), carrying out

economic activity are obliged to participate mandatory in it and to provide the Bodies of

Statistics with data required.

The Law of statistics includes provisions relating to fines, which can be imposed for refusals,

nonresponses and delays. They are laid down in specific Chapter 9 "Administrative and liability

provisions” in article 52.

Date of first use as a souDate of first use as a souDate of first use as a souDate of first use as a sourcercercerce

SBS data as required by the non-financial annexes of SBS Regulation were compiled for first

time for the reference year 1996.

An independent survey of insurance enterprises, with questionnaires containing specific

indicators for the insurance services, was carried out in 2000 for the reference year 1999.

The first year in which the survey on credit institutions was carried out was 1998 after the

establishment of Monetary Council.

Reference year of this reportReference year of this reportReference year of this reportReference year of this report

The reference year of this report is 2005.

Register on which the source is basedRegister on which the source is basedRegister on which the source is basedRegister on which the source is based

The Register that is used for carrying out SBS survey is called “Register of statistical units

EKPOU 96”.

Expected changes in legal basis, obligation to respond and register usedExpected changes in legal basis, obligation to respond and register usedExpected changes in legal basis, obligation to respond and register usedExpected changes in legal basis, obligation to respond and register used

In the framework of the project of the National PHARE Program development of a new Register

of statistical units (RSU) on the basis of contemporary information technologies is foreseen for

2006.

2.1.22.1.22.1.22.1.2 Use of administrative informationUse of administrative informationUse of administrative informationUse of administrative information

Enumeration and description of the administrative data soEnumeration and description of the administrative data soEnumeration and description of the administrative data soEnumeration and description of the administrative data sources usedurces usedurces usedurces used

Data from administrative sources are not used for the compilation of SBS data series.

Identification of units in the administrative source with those in the business register (linkage).Identification of units in the administrative source with those in the business register (linkage).Identification of units in the administrative source with those in the business register (linkage).Identification of units in the administrative source with those in the business register (linkage).

Not relevant

Definition of the administrative information rDefinition of the administrative information rDefinition of the administrative information rDefinition of the administrative information respective to the statistical variables used.espective to the statistical variables used.espective to the statistical variables used.espective to the statistical variables used.

Not relevant

Definition of the administrative units respective to the statistical units in the SBS.Definition of the administrative units respective to the statistical units in the SBS.Definition of the administrative units respective to the statistical units in the SBS.Definition of the administrative units respective to the statistical units in the SBS.

Not relevant


2.1.32.1.32.1.32.1.3 Summary of questionnairesSummary of questionnairesSummary of questionnairesSummary of questionnaires

Summary of different national questionnaires used in the surveySummary of different national questionnaires used in the surveySummary of different national questionnaires used in the surveySummary of different national questionnaires used in the survey

The following types of questionnaires are used for the purposes of SBS data compilation:


1. Annual report of non-financial enterprises, which comprises a set of accounting and

statistical report/questionnaires, provided by the enterprises with double-entry book keeping:

Balance sheet.

Report on enterprise revenues and expenditures.

Report on employed, wages and salaries.

Report on expenditure on acquisition of tangible fixed assets.

Report on turnover from trading activities

Report on Research and Development activity

2. Annual report of the enterprises that do not compile balance sheet (with single-entry

bookkeeping)


1. Annual report on financial intermediation and financial auxiliaries.

2. Annual report on insurance enterprises.

3. Annual report on pension companies and funds

4. Annual report on specialized investment enterprises

5. Annual report on health insurance companies

Expected changes in national questionnairExpected changes in national questionnairExpected changes in national questionnairExpected changes in national questionnaireseseses

The content of the questionnaires for SBS survey is reviewed annually. Further changes are

expected in line with forthcoming amendments of the SBS Regulation (in particular concerning

the new annex on business services).

2.22.22.22.2 Population coveragePopulation coveragePopulation coveragePopulation coverage

ActivitActivitActivitActivities coveredies coveredies coveredies covered

SBS survey covers all economic activities according to the requirements of SBS Regulation

58/97/EC.

Geographical area coveredGeographical area coveredGeographical area coveredGeographical area covered

SBS survey covers all regions on the territory of the country.

Size classes coveredSize classes coveredSize classes coveredSize classes covered

SBS survey covers all units irrespective of their size. There is not any threshold in terms of

number of employees, turnover or other variable for inclusion/exclusion of the units into the

SBS survey.


Other inclusions or exclusionsOther inclusions or exclusionsOther inclusions or exclusionsOther inclusions or exclusions

There aren’t any exclusions from the scope of the SBS survey.

Reporting unitReporting unitReporting unitReporting unit

The reporting unit in SBS survey is the enterprise.

Observation unit(s)Observation unit(s)Observation unit(s)Observation unit(s)

The observation unit is the enterprise.

Expected changes in the population surveyedExpected changes in the population surveyedExpected changes in the population surveyedExpected changes in the population surveyed

The population surveyed will be widening with new NACE activities in accordance with

forthcoming amendments of SBS Regulation.

2.32.32.32.3 Information collected on each unitInformation collected on each unitInformation collected on each unitInformation collected on each unit

2.3.12.3.12.3.12.3.1 Summary list of variablesSummary list of variablesSummary list of variablesSummary list of variables

The following main variable groups are collected through the annual questionnaires used in SBS

survey:

• Income and expenditures

• Balance sheets

• Employment

• Personal costs

• Investment

• Research and Development expenditure and personnel

2.3.22.3.22.3.22.3.2 Variables from Annex 1 of the SBS RegulationVariables from Annex 1 of the SBS RegulationVariables from Annex 1 of the SBS RegulationVariables from Annex 1 of the SBS Regulation

Number of enterprises (11Number of enterprises (11Number of enterprises (11Number of enterprises (11 11111111 0)0)0)0)

This variable is available and is calculated on the basis of SBS survey and the Register of

statistical units. Its definition of this variable is in line with the requirements of the Commission

Regulation № 2700/98 - the number of enterprises comprises all units that have been carried

out economic activity at least a part of the reference period.

Number of local units (11Number of local units (11Number of local units (11Number of local units (11 21212121 0)0)0)0)

This is a missing variable.

Turnover (12Turnover (12Turnover (12Turnover (12 11111111 0)0)0)0)

This variable is derived from the SBS survey - Report on enterprise revenues and expenditures.

The turnover comprises all market sales of goods and services of the observation units,

including all duties and taxes (with the exception of VAT and other similar deductible taxes)

and excluded sales of fixed assets – in accordance with the definition in Commission Regulation

№ 2700/98. For insurance enterprises this variable is equivalent for gross premiums written.


Production value (12Production value (12Production value (12Production value (12 12121212 0)0)0)0)

This variable is calculated from the variables collected in the SBS survey in accordance with the

definition in Commission Regulation № 2700/98. Production value is compiled from turnover,

plus or minus stock changes of finished products, work in progress and goods and services

purchased for resale, minus the purchases of goods and services for resale, plus capitalized

production plus other operating income.

Value added at factor costs (12Value added at factor costs (12Value added at factor costs (12Value added at factor costs (12 15151515 0)0)0)0)

This variable is calculated from variables collected in the SBS survey and it is calculated in

accordance with the Commission Regulation № 2700/98. It is calculated from a production

value plus subsidies on production minus intermediate consumption.

Total purchases of goods and services (13Total purchases of goods and services (13Total purchases of goods and services (13Total purchases of goods and services (13 11111111 0)0)0)0)

This variable is calculated from variables collected in the SBS survey. Total purchases of goods

and services include all purchases of goods and services for resale in the same condition as

received or used in the production process, e.g. raw materials, intermediary products, energy

products, expenditures on repair and maintenance and other expenditures such as postal and

telephone costs, advertising costs, bank charges and all other business services provided by

third parties.

According to the national Accountancy law, enterprises in their annual SBS questionnaire report

expenditures, not purchases. Variable ‘purchases’ is estimated as expenditures corrected with

changes in stocks of raw materials and consumables and changes in stocks of goods and

services for resale in the same conditions as received.

Purchases of goods and services for resale in the same condition as received (13Purchases of goods and services for resale in the same condition as received (13Purchases of goods and services for resale in the same condition as received (13Purchases of goods and services for resale in the same condition as received (13 12121212 0)0)0)0)

This variable is calculated from variables collected in the SBS survey. Purchases for resale are

purchases of goods and services for resale to third parties without further processing.

According to the national Accountancy law enterprises in their annual SBS questionnaire report

expenditures, not purchases. Variable ‘purchases of goods and services for resale in the same

conditions as received’ is estimated as value of goods and services bought for resale in the

same condition as received corrected with changes in stocks of goods and services for resale in

the same conditions as received.

Personnel costs (13Personnel costs (13Personnel costs (13Personnel costs (13 31313131 0)0)0)0)

This variable is collected in the SBS survey. This aggregate is made up of two parts: gross

wages and salaries and social security contributions. Personnel costs are defined as the total

remuneration, payable by an employer to an employee, counted to the payroll in return for work

done by the contract during the reference period. Personnel costs include taxes and employers'

social security contributions illness, pension, accident, unemployment insurance.

Wages and salaries (13Wages and salaries (13Wages and salaries (13Wages and salaries (13 32323232 0)0)0)0)

This variable is collected in the SBS survey. Wages and salaries are defined as the total

remuneration, payable by an employer to an employee in return for work done by the contract

during the reference period.


Gross investment in tangible goods (15Gross investment in tangible goods (15Gross investment in tangible goods (15Gross investment in tangible goods (15 11111111 0)0)0)0)

This variable is collected in the SBS survey. The gross investment in tangible goods include all

expenditure on acquisition of tangible fixed assets with construction activity and purchase –

new and existing tangible capital goods. Purchased goods are valued at purchase price, which

include transport and installation charges, fees and other costs of ownership. Alternation,

improvements and renovations, which prolong the service life or increase the productive

capacity of capital goods, are also included.

Gross investment in tangible goods is based on gross investment in land, in existing buildings

and structures, in construction and alteration of buildings, in machinery and equipment.

Expenditure on acquisition of tangible fixed assets in fruitful permanent crops (till they reach

maturity) as well as productive and draught animals are included in gross investment in

tangible goods. Current maintenance costs are excluded, as is the value and current

expenditure on capital goods used under rental and lease contracts. Investment in intangible

and financial assets arealso excluded.

Number of persons employed (16Number of persons employed (16Number of persons employed (16Number of persons employed (16 11111111 0)0)0)0)

This variable is calculated from the variables collected in the SBS survey and by using additional

administrative source (Register of social security) for estimation of non-respondents . Its

definition is in accordance with Commission Regulation № 2700/98. Military personnel and

voluntary workers aren’t included under this heading.

Number of employees (16Number of employees (16Number of employees (16Number of employees (16 13131313 0)0)0)0)

This variable is collected in the SBS survey. The definition of employees is much closed to this

given in Commission Regulation № 2700/98. Apprentices and homeworkers aren’t observed

separately from the other employees under labour contract. Workers from a temporary

employment agency are considered to be employees of the unit in which they work and have a

contract.

Other variables collected but not specified in Annex 1 of the SBS RegulationOther variables collected but not specified in Annex 1 of the SBS RegulationOther variables collected but not specified in Annex 1 of the SBS RegulationOther variables collected but not specified in Annex 1 of the SBS Regulation

A number of additional accounting items are collected on the Balance sheet and Report on

enterprise revenues and expenditures. Detailed information on investment is gather by the

Report on expenditure on acquisition of tangible fixed assets etc. These data are used for the

production of the SBS variables from specific annexes of the Regulation 58/97/EC.

2.3.32.3.32.3.32.3.3 Time span covered by dataTime span covered by dataTime span covered by dataTime span covered by data

The period covered is a calendar year. The calendar year is equal to the financial year. The

annual SBS questionnaires of the enterprises are requested for the 31st of December of the

reference year.

2.3.42.3.42.3.42.3.4 Expected changes in information collectedExpected changes in information collectedExpected changes in information collectedExpected changes in information collected

The content of the questionnaires for SBS survey is reviewed annually. Further changes are

expected in line with forthcoming amendments of the SBS Regulation (in particular concerning

the new annex on business cervices).


2.42.42.42.4 Primary data collection methodPrimary data collection methodPrimary data collection methodPrimary data collection method

MediaMediaMediaMedia

The data are collected using both postal paper questionnaires and electronic questionnaires.

Timetable of data collectionTimetable of data collectionTimetable of data collectionTimetable of data collection

All questionnaires are sent out to the enterprises at the end of reference year. The deadline for

receiving the filled questionnaires back in the Regional Statistical Offices is 31 of March (T+3)

after the reference year. Micro data processing at Regional Statistical Offices is finished in T + 8

months. Preliminary results of 2003 SBS survey are compiled in T + 10 months. The surveys are

closed around 11 months after the end of the reference year.

Sample or censusSample or censusSample or censusSample or census

SBS survey is conducted exhaustively.

Criteria for stratificationCriteria for stratificationCriteria for stratificationCriteria for stratification

Not relevant.

Threshold values and sample percentagesThreshold values and sample percentagesThreshold values and sample percentagesThreshold values and sample percentages

Not relevant.

Response rateResponse rateResponse rateResponse rate

The final overall response rate is 5,1 % in terms of number of enterprises and 0,6 % in terms of

turnover (for the reference year 2003)It varies significantly depending on the principle activity

and size of the enterprises.

Actions to speed up or increase the rate of responseActions to speed up or increase the rate of responseActions to speed up or increase the rate of responseActions to speed up or increase the rate of response

Measures undertaken by the regional staff of NSI in order to reduce the initial non-response

rate start with reminder letters, further followed by telephone calls and finally (if it is needed)

by direct visits to some of large and medium sized non-respondent enterprises.

Frequency of data collection or list of recent reference yearsFrequency of data collection or list of recent reference yearsFrequency of data collection or list of recent reference yearsFrequency of data collection or list of recent reference years

SBS survey is carried out annually.

Expected changes in data collection methoExpected changes in data collection methoExpected changes in data collection methoExpected changes in data collection methodologydologydologydology

The expected changes concern the implementation of forthcoming amendments of the SBS

Regulation (in particular the new annex on business cervices).

2.52.52.52.5 Production of resultsProduction of resultsProduction of resultsProduction of results

Estimates for nonEstimates for nonEstimates for nonEstimates for non----responseresponseresponseresponse

Values of final non-response enterprises are imputed in the Head Office of NSI. Depending on

the type of the non-response enterprise (NACE activity, size class group, availability of

information from secondary sources) several imputation methods are applied: Imputation based

on other survey sources (STS, PRODCOM); Imputation based on the previous year's results of


the non-response enterprise (in case that such data exist and the enterprise is not newly

established or “permanently” non-response); Class Mean Imputation (the most widely used

method especially for small enterprises); Donor imputation (more rarely used method).

Estimates for grossingEstimates for grossingEstimates for grossingEstimates for grossing----upupupup

Not relevant as the SBS survey is census.

Confrontation with other data setsConfrontation with other data setsConfrontation with other data setsConfrontation with other data sets

Comparisons are made between SBS results and STS data and PRODCOM data (for industry

enterprises).

Other calculations madeOther calculations madeOther calculations madeOther calculations made

Various ratios variables are calculated (for quality checks and for national publication).

Criteria for the identification of confidential dataCriteria for the identification of confidential dataCriteria for the identification of confidential dataCriteria for the identification of confidential data

Primary confidential data are identified by the application of two criteria (national confidentiality

rules), specified in the Law of statistics, according to which statistics cannot be made public or

released when: 1/ Data summarized information for less than three statistical units (Criteria A)

and 2/ The relative dominance of the data of one unit is more than 85% of the total volume of

aggregated data (Criteria B).

Expected changes in production methodsExpected changes in production methodsExpected changes in production methodsExpected changes in production methods

Non at that stage.

2.62.62.62.6 QualityQualityQualityQuality

Description of the calculation procedure of the coefficients of variationDescription of the calculation procedure of the coefficients of variationDescription of the calculation procedure of the coefficients of variationDescription of the calculation procedure of the coefficients of variation

The coefficients of variation are equal to 0 due to the fact that SBS survey is census and the

three component errors that have to be taken into account in their calculation don’t have any or

have very negligible impact: Sampling error = 0; Misclassification error = 0 because it is

observed and updated through SBS survey itself; non-response rate is very small (5,1 % in terms

of number of enterprises and 0,6 % in terms of turnover) and it doesn’t affect large and medium

sized enterprises, because they are fully responded.

Summary description of quality criteria calculated for national purposesSummary description of quality criteria calculated for national purposesSummary description of quality criteria calculated for national purposesSummary description of quality criteria calculated for national purposes

Analysis of produced information is made: First data analysis is done at the enterprise level.

Internal coherency of the indicators within the questionnaire is checked by ratios between

variables. The coherency of results with previous years' results is also checked. Second the

results are checked with data from other surveys performed by NSI (PRODCOM Survey, Short-

term Surveys and International Trade). Information on these measures is not published yet.

Expected changes in quality evaluationExpected changes in quality evaluationExpected changes in quality evaluationExpected changes in quality evaluation

Non at that stage.


2.72.72.72.7 DisseminationDisseminationDisseminationDissemination

2.7.12.7.12.7.12.7.1 National disseminationNational disseminationNational disseminationNational dissemination

Name and media of national dissemination usedName and media of national dissemination usedName and media of national dissemination usedName and media of national dissemination used

Regular specific publication on SBS is not issued. The final results of the SBS surveys - the main

indicators are published in "Statistical Yearbook of the Republic of Bulgaria". Preliminary results

on some principal indicators are published in "Statistical Reference Book". All the other detailed

statistical information on SBS is available on electronic form and is distributed upon the user

request.

Description of standard tables producedDescription of standard tables producedDescription of standard tables producedDescription of standard tables produced

All indicators are published at section at and subsection level of NACE Rev. 1. The value of

production for some important industrial activities is published at 3-digit level of NACE Rev. 1.

Regional data is published by subsection of NACE Rev.1 at NUTS 2.

Delay within which data is disseminated from the end of a given reference yearDelay within which data is disseminated from the end of a given reference yearDelay within which data is disseminated from the end of a given reference yearDelay within which data is disseminated from the end of a given reference year

Preliminary results are provided 10 months from the end of the reference year. The date of

release of all detailed final data series (as required by the Regulation 58/97/EC) is 18 months

from the end of the reference year.

Treatment of confidential dataTreatment of confidential dataTreatment of confidential dataTreatment of confidential data

All primary and secondary confidentiality SBS data at all hierarchical levels of NACE Rev. 1.1 are

suppressed.

Expected changes in national dissemination methodsExpected changes in national dissemination methodsExpected changes in national dissemination methodsExpected changes in national dissemination methods

Not at that stage.

2.7.22.7.22.7.22.7.2 Transmission to Eurostat and other organisationsTransmission to Eurostat and other organisationsTransmission to Eurostat and other organisationsTransmission to Eurostat and other organisations

Data was transmitted to Eurostat via STADIUM in required technical format according to

Commission Regulation 2702/98.

Some variables are also provided to the UN, the OECD and various institutes and ministries.

Documents

SBS Meth BG - European Commissionec.europa.eu/eurostat/ramon/nat_methods/SBS/SBS_Meth_BG.pdf · Reni Dimitrova Petkova – Head of division “Statistics on services” Tel: (+359