Definition: Statistical procedure

Category: External trade

The statistical procedure makes it possible to classify imports and exports by various categories (extra-EU trade only). The following distinctions are therefore made:
- normal imports and exports: mainly goods exported definitively and released into free circulation, either directly or via a customs warehouse;
- imports for inward processing and exports which have undergone inward processing (suspension and drawback system). Inward processing makes it possible to import goods temporarily so that they can be processed (assembly, transformation etc.) and the resulting products exported, while benefiting from an exemption of duties, levies and/or checks carried out under the trade policy normally applicable to imported goods. The "suspension" system covers non-Community goods, generally destined for re-export outside the Community's customs territory as compensating products, without the goods being subject to import duties or trade policy measures. The "drawback system" covers goods in free circulation, with a reimbursement of or rebate on import duties payable on the goods if they are exported outside the Community's customs territory as compensating products;
- exports for outward processing and imports which have undergone outward processing ("tariff" or "textiles" variant). Outward processing makes it possible to export goods temporarily for processing and to import the compensating products with a full or partial exemption from duties and levies. The "textiles" variant, introduced in 1995, concerns only certain textile products or clothing, whereas the "tariff" alternative is applicable to all other products.

The statistical procedures are coded as follows:
1 normal imports and exports
3 after outward processing
5 for inward processing, suspension system
6 for inward processing, drawback system
7 after outward processing (textiles); economic processing arrangements for textiles
4 total trade (imports or exports)

Note: Inward and outward processing procedures are independent of the nature of the transaction concerned (purchase/sale, processing under contract, etc.). In fact, part of the flow of goods for processing, in the economic sense of the term, is included under normal imports and exports.