Methods - Definitions
The technical terms of foreign trade statistics are explained here.
Trade flows
The trade flows are importation, exportation and transit.
Period
The month is the shortest evaluation period in the foreign trade statistics.
Products/goods
In each customs declaration, the products imported and exported are given an eight-digit code number, the so-called tariff number. This coding is based on the international classification (nomenclature) set out in the Harmonized System (HS). At the same time, the about 9,000 applicable tariff numbers form the building blocks for preparing the foreign trade statistics, e.g. by type of goods and product group.
Value
All values shown in the foreign trade statistics refer to the invoiced price of the goods in Swiss francs carriage paid to the Swiss border (= statistical value). This includes transport and insurance costs as well as other expenditure up to the Swiss border in accordance with CIF (cost, insurance and freight), in the case of importation, or FOB (free on board) in the case of exportation. However, reductions, discounts, all customs duties, taxes (e.g. value added tax) and other charges are not included in the statistical value. If the invoice is in a foreign currency, the invoiced amounts are converted using the previous day's exchange selling rate.
Quantity
The foreign trade statistics show the net mass of an item in kg (i.e. the actual weight of the item without packaging, padding or supports).
For certain goods, there is also information on additional amounts such as number of units, litres, metres, pairs.
Country
For the foreign trade statistics, the country of origin has been used in the case of imports since January 1st, 2012 (previously: country of production). The country of origin is the country where the item was wholly obtained or predominantly manufactured.
The country of destination is relevant for exports; the country of destination is the country to which the item is exported or where the item was processed (refined).
Canton and region
The allocation to a given canton is based on the address of the exporter, importer or holder of the traded goods. Using the unique business identification number (UID), foreign trade data is cross-referenced with the data from the Business and Enterprise Register (BER) of the Federal Statistical Office, which includes the address of the location and the number of jobs. The actual breakdown between the different cantons is thus carried out either by taking the canton according to this address (when the exporter is located in only one canton), or by allocating to each canton a share proportional to the exporter's number of jobs in the canton in question (when the exporter is located in several cantons). The cantons are also grouped into seven large regions according to the definition of the Federal Statistical Office (see note on methodology).
Border-crossing territory/zone
The Swiss customs area is divided into five border-crossing territories (German, French, Italian and Austrian borders and inland customs offices). Each border-crossing territory consists of several border-crossing zones. These in turn have one or more customs offices. In terms of foreign trade statistics, the customs office that duly accepted the customs declaration is relevant.
Means of transport
The foreign trade statistics also give information on the means of transport used to bring goods across the border. A distinction is made between rail, road, waterway, air, post (recorded up to the end of 2012), pipeline and self-propulsion. The mean of transport used at the time of crossing the border is decisive.
For transit, the mode of transport with which the longest distance has been covered within Switzerland is provided. The transit journey can be made by rail, road or pipeline. Transit by waterway or air is not included.
Customs revenue
The foreign trade statistics also contain the customs revenue associated with the import duties levied. The Swiss system applies the weight duty principle, i.e. the rate of duty refers to the goods' gross weight (weight of the goods plus all packaging) or unit of measure (litre, etc.), and is determined in Swiss francs per 100 kg. This is in contrast with the ad valorem duty approach, whereby the rate is based on a set percentage of the value of the goods.
Business cycle total (total 1) and general total (total 2)
The foreign trade statistics results are published by business cycle total (total 1) and general total (total 2). The difference between the totals lies in the fact that total 2 includes precious metals, precious stones and gems, works of art and antiques, while total 1 does not.
Total 1 is used primarily for economic consideration, whereas the general total (total 2) is preferred for comparisons with other countries.
R-25 Foreign trade statistics
The legal bases, explanations of terms, information relating to foreign trade statistics, procedures, and controls are provided here.
FAQ foreign trade statistics
This page answers frequently asked questions about Swiss foreign trade statistics, including definitions, data availability, and delivery methods. It also explains the difference between trade totals and their components.
Contact - foreign trade statistics
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