##  Meeting Notes 

## International Trade Statistics Conference #4

**U.S. Census Bureau, Suitland, Maryland**

**September 15-19, 2008**

**Participants:**

[Australia Bureau of Statistics (ABS)]{.underline}

Bernard Williams

[Statistics Canada (STC)]{.underline}

Craig Kuntz

Alan Torrance

Roger Therrien

Clancy Barrett

[Statistics New Zealand (SNZ)]{.underline}

Kenneth Smart

[United Kingdom HM Revenue and Customs (HMR&C)]{.underline}

Sandra Tudor

Andrew Kochen

[United States Census Bureau (USBC)]{.underline}

David Dickerson

Matthew Przybocki

### Monday, September 15

Morning Session (9:00 a.m. -- 11:30 a.m.) -- Location: La Bergerie,
Alexandria, Virginia

[**Introduction**;]{.underline}

> David Dickerson welcomed the participants to the conference. He asked
> for a moment of silence in remembrance of David Dodds, a former
> director at STC. Dave mentioned that pictures taken throughout the
> week would be made available to all in a format TBD.
>
> **[Country Updates Roundtable: Collection of Trade
> Statistics]{.underline}**: (Examination of issues involved in
> collection of trade statistics from Customs and non-Customs sources.)

### Presentation: Linking Business Data and Trade Statistics - (USBC)

> *●* USBC currently links business data (through the Business Register)
> with trade statistics.
>
> By type of industry and size

-   Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
    steering group for international standard measurements to develop
    global indicators of trade

-   Developed tables using 2003-2004 profile

> Have exporter database; attempting to include importer database
>
> Issues to research to develop importer database:

-   Lack of funding

-   International Revenue Service (IRS) approval process

-   Quality of automated system (accuracy of importer information)

-   Methodology of current linking -- seek guidance from Census Advisory

> *Note: Upcoming Business Register Conference in Paris in November.
> Funding is possible through a consortium.*

***Presentation: Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) - (USBC)***

-   Purpose is to improve quality and timeliness of data

-   Extract more often than weekly

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-   Features include:

> Editing capabilities
>
> Reference files
>
> Override function

-   All fields made available

-   Limited on-line January 2009

*Question: How would override abuses be controlled?*

*Response*: *USBC responded that it would be through monitoring*.

***Presentation: Automated Foreign Trade Zones (AFTZs) -- (USBC)***

-   E-214 paper forms and Foreign Trade Division (FTD) creates automated
    forms.

-   150 of 200 companies reporting in E-214 program; working with the
    other 50 companies.

-   Participation is not mandatory and some companies have reverted back
    to paper due to costs.

-   Working on best practices manual for FTZs.

*Question: What about coverage? USBC responded that coverage is better
especially when tracking goods moving out of the FTZs (\$30 billion per
month).*

***Presentation: Document Management System (DMS) -- (USBC)***

-   Governments Division (GOVS) created the DMS to meet their needs.

-   Early 2007, DMS team and sub teams created in FTD.

    -   Centralized final documents (repository).

    -   Live in spring 2008.

-   So far, branch business plans and activity reports posted.

-   Goal is to implement an electronic approval system.

-   Also, to post computer specifications and programs.

*Question: Is the entire Economic directorate participating in DMS?*

*USBC responded that no, not the entire directorate; however, the
Business Process Improvement Team (BPIT) is looking at the possibility
of it for knowledge management*.

*ACTION ITEM: USBC will update the other participating agencies on
status once the entire Economic Directorate has decided upon a system to
implement.*

Lunch in La Bergerie, Alexandria, Virginia

### Monday, September 15

# Afternoon Session: \-- Location: USBC, Conference Room \# 3

[**Country Updates Roundtable: Collection of Trade Statistics
(continued)**]{.underline}

## *Presentation: United Kingdom HM Revenue and Customs (HMR&C) Update*

## 

-   Trade statistics in the revenue department.

-   European Union (EU) aspect negotiation.

-   Intra-stat system; movement within EU run by HMR&C.

-   135 staff; approximately 2/3 intra-stat data collection, now merged
    and downsized.

-   New statistics legislation; independent EU.

-   Some key areas noted in assessment.

    -   Lessen burden on reporters.

    -   Streamline flow.

-   Control systems; secure, trusted trades receive preferential
    treatment (i.e., report in any member state).

-   Only a few currently; reports to UK separately.

-   Estimates of fraud; to avoid paying duties.

-   UK makes adjustment (only for EU) for balance of payments (BOP) and
    trade for fraud.

-   Money laundering -- working with Department of Homeland Security
    (DHS) and approached by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

-   Dedicated website for trade statistics -- may be merged on one
    business site.

-   Electronic submission \~63%.

-   Mainframe needs update.

*Question: What about imports into the EU? HMR&C answered that the
import/export VAT loss, getting harder to identify fraud/loss of taxes.*

***Presentation: Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) Mandatory Automated
Export***

> ***System (AES) -- (USBC)***

-   USBC is writing and updating regulations.

-   Communicating with other government agencies.

-   95% compliance rate.

-   1.4 million records per month.

*Question: What prompted legislation in 2002?*

*USBC responded 9/11 -- not intended to be enforcement, but useful.*

***Presentation: Currency of Invoicing - (HMR&C)***

-   EU Commission for non-EU trade.

-   2010 and in even years.

-   Exports not required; must be collected by survey or other method.

*Questions: Is this a common problem? What recommendations or
suggestions?*

### Presentation: Statistics Canada (STC) Update

-   Migration from mainframe to server is a 5-year plan.

-   Imports are completed.

-   How has security impacted migration?

-   Board requires risk assessment.

-   Issue with November 2004 data.

-   Less person dependent processes.

    -   Changed regulations -- require pre-departure information.

    -   Carrier MOU -- special privileges.

    -   Computer SED.

    -   Monetary values.

-   New Chief Statistician, will see a new press release.

**[Tuesday, September 16]{.underline}**

# Morning Session: \-- Location: USBC, Conference Room \# 3

**[Country Updates Roundtable (Continued): Collection of Trade
Statistics]{.underline}**

***Presentation: Statistics New Zealand (SNZ) Country Update***

1\) High level organizational wide issues.

-   New Government Statistician -- Geoff Bascand

    -   Old advisory committee gone new board instituted and chaired by
        Geoff.

2\) Major project from the last minister was **MIFA** (Making
Information Freely Available).

-   Work on 'domain plans'.

    -   Identification of key statistical information needs, the current
        supply, and priority actions to address shortcomings and gaps --
        several already complete, several underway.

    -   Upgrading industrial classification to ANZSIC06.

3\) Common Issues:

-   Resource Constraints.

-   Dissemination

    -   Write to two specific audiences (public and professional).

    -   Unsure of audience in media releases and hot off the press's.

-   Generic Product Suite Project - Helps to identify the media releases
    audiences, needs, and build products to meet their needs.

-   The "willing" supply of information.

    -   Board has recently signed the "Respondent Load Strategy".

        -   Demonstrates the value of statistics to respondents.

        -   Reduces compliance cost.

        -   Improves the collection of data from largest enterprises.

        -   Increases use of administrative data.

4\) Trade specific topics:

-   The Trade team (not including Balance of Payments BOP) has 10
    people.

-   Minor but Crucial tasks:

    -   Full review/update of published tables.

    -   Review of seasonally adjusted time series.

    -   Addition of data by SITC (REV4) to monthly publications.

    -   Continued Automation of process.

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-   Major Projects over the past two years:

    -   Creation of "trade by level of processing classification".

    -   Introduction of selective editing.

    -   Matching of trade data to our business frame -- 6% failure/error
        rate.

***Presentation: Australia Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Current Issues***

1\) Customs initiated program -- "The Creditor Client Program".

-   Allows users to submit minimum information at time of entry and
    remaining information later.

-   Receive total information and quantity level instead of segregated
    data.

-   Costly due to numerous issues that are out of their control.

-   Program on hold due to issues concerning it.

    -   Delayed payments vs. payments made up front.

2\) Standardized data set containing international trade data.

-   In 2004 Customs lead a program to deliver a standardized data set
    containing all information on Int'l trade data.

-   Data set will be held by one government agency but used by various
    government agencies.

-   Put on hold in 2006 but was picked back up.

-   Program received significant funding to make changes to the Customs
    system and project was put together and implemented in 2005/2006.

-   Large backlash from trade industry and criticism due to system
    failures, which stopped cargo from being cleared.

-   Finger pointing between State and Federal government agencies for
    failures.

-   Program was shut down again and put back on hold.

3\) Moving of mainframe and infrastructure.

-   ABS successfully moved mainframe to a new common ABS infrastructure
    in 2006.

    -   Used import data warehouses and generic systems to extract data.

    -   Used generic interrogation tools like Discover and Blaze.

-   Issues with generic systems not translating well with the larger
    complex trade data sets.

4\) Major issues in the last couple of years for ABS:

-   Pricing challenges, which represent the new complexity of trade.

-   Finding the right information from the right people: brokers,
    exporters, contacts that could explain details of the trade
    transactions including companies involved.

    -   Began getting information on trade data from other sources such
        as the Capital Expenditure Survey and Quarterly Company Profit
        and Sales Survey.

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-   The standardized data set by itself does not offer that many
    benefits to businesses but efforts can be expensive to implement.

-   Issues with commodity prices and valuation of goods.

Lunch in Census Cafeteria

**[Tuesday, September 16]{.underline}**

# Afternoon Session: \-- Location: USBC, Conference Room \# 3

**[International Merchandise Trade Statistics (IMTS) Concepts and
Definitions Revision 3]{.underline}**

***Presentation: Using Non-Customs Data in Compiling U.S. Trade Data -
(USBC)***

1\) Non-Customs data sources

-   Stats Canada and the US/Canada data exchange.

-   Data related to data exchange.

    -   Electricity flows

    -   Natural gas imports

    -   Railcars imports

2\) Problems leading to the US/Canada data exchange data.

-   Undercount of each countries export data.

-   Negotiations of NAFTA were plagued by data discrepancies.

-   US and Canadian data were supposed to be a mirror image but were
    not.

3\) Solutions for discrepancies in data.

-   1987 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the exchange of Import
    data.

-   US data measured southbound trade and Canadian measured Northbound.

-   Alignments:

    -   Import data expanded to satisfy partner export needs

    -   Commodity classifications aligned.

    -   Data release dates and times were aligned.

4\) Benefits:

-   Disputes concerning data disappear.

-   Exporters relieved of data submission burden.

-   Customs and statistical agencies able to reallocate resources.

5\) Electricity Flow issues.

-   Electricity historically included in US national accounts, as a
    service was included in merchandise trade data by Canada.

    -   US agreed to include electricity in merchandise trade data.

    -   US began using data supplied by Canada.

    -   In 2007 electricity transactions to and from Canada totaled
        \$3.7 Billion.

-   Note: We have no agreement with Mexico to collect their electricity
    data in the same way as we do with Canada. Electricity flows from
    Mexico continue to be included as a service in US trade data.

6\) Natural Gas Imports issues.

-   Natural Gas imports from Canada are incomplete per Customs reports.

-   US import figures of Canadian gas imports are significantly
    understated when compared with independent Canadian exports. US did
    not monitor pipelines.

    -   In 1990 US Census began using Canadian export data for natural
        gas as US import data.

    -   Natural gas imports from Canada totaled \$22.4 billion in 2007.

7\) Canadian Railcars issues.

-   Changes in US legislation allows entry of railcars without
    documentation

-   Reported imports of railcars from Canada dropped sharply.

-   Canada establishes survey of manufactures to address under coverage
    in its export figures.

    -   As an interim solution US proposes to use Canadian survey data.

    -   Imports of railcars from Canada estimated at over \$500 million
        in 2007.

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-   Note: A similar problem may exist with Mexico but imports are
    minimal.

8\) Additional issues with US data for which non-customs data are used.

-   Estimates of low valued transactions (Exemption levels are \$2000
    for imports and \$2500 for exports).

    -   Approx \$20 billion for imports and \$25 billion for exports.

    -   Makes up about 2 to 2 ½ %.

-   Estimates for small parcel shipments.

-   Foreign Military Sales.

    -   Amounts to approx 3/4ths of a trillion dollars annually in US
        statistics.

9\) *Misc. Discussions and questions*

-   *Bruce Walter wanted to know how other countries are using
    non-customs data.*

-   *Stats Canada use to give explanations about differences in
    US/Canadian data but got away from it.*

-   *Explanation of how the revision process between Stats Canada and
    the US differ.*

-   *Reconciliation table to translate US statistics to Canadian
    Statistics. The further you move away from the statistical month,
    the more different the data will be.*

-   *Major issues in regards to the quality of data due to the origin of
    shipment/destination, country of origin, and currency exchange
    rates.*

-   *Diane Oberg stated that we do not do a lot of editing on state data
    due to lack of resources.*

**Group Discussions: Responses to UN Proposed Revisions to IMTS Concepts
and Definitions.**

Issue 1\-- Coverage:

-   Australia commented that although saying they understood the points,
    clarification would be beneficial to ensure:

1\) That the type of lease arrangements currently entered into for
aircraft are addressed.

2\) That goods entered for processing are treated consistently and
correctly.

Issue 2\-- Use of Change in Ownership:

-   UK mentioned categories such as: Ships, Aircraft, Satellites, Sea
    Products, Gas and Electricity.

-   United States mentioned that this might resolve issues around large
    items imported or exported for, or following refit.

Issue 3\-- Packaged software:

-   UK wanted consistency with the definitions used for Balance of
    Payments to avoid double-counting between trades in goods and trade
    in services, and that guidelines should be extended to cover books,
    music, films, etc. where the same principles could be applied.

-   Canada noted that the distinction between \'Customized\' and
    non-customized software is become more difficult to determine and
    requires further clarification and elaboration, whilst, it should be
    noted that the IMF has recently been presented with a proposal to
    modify the current draft of the BPM 6. This proposal recommends the
    total exclusion of all software from Goods.

-   US discussed some fairly major concerns about software valuation and
    any attempt to distinguish software based on the form of licensing.

-   Australia also noted the importance of consistency with BPM6 for
    software treatment and a desire for treatment examples.

-   The US raised some concerns around any copyrighted material.

Issue 4\-- Goods for processing:

-   Again, general comments that the treatment here and in BPM6 should
    be exclusive and consistent.

Issue 5\-- Transactions between parent and affiliated branches

-   Generally, there seemed to be agreement that the information would
    be useful.

However, concern whether the benefits outweigh the respondent burden.

-   It may be difficult to get a common use/understanding of the terms
    involved, e.g. Canada and US have different definitions of
    affiliates.

Issue 6\-- Downloadable or otherwise electronically delivered computer
software and audiovisual products.

-   Many of the same points made as for Question 3 (packaged software).

-   We disagreed on theoretical grounds (downloading as a different mode
    of transport).

-   We acknowledged there's a strong case to exclude them for practical
    reasons of measurement. Although it may be a moot point depending on
    decisions surrounding services/merchandise, it may be beneficial (if
    the recommendation is to exclude them) to state it is being done for
    practical reasons.

Issue 7\-- Asymmetric inclusions and exclusions:

-   Although agreeing to the general guideline, UK stated that there
    need to be exceptions, specifically, the IMTS concept has an
    inherent asymmetry in the CIF/FOB specification, and in some cases
    asymmetric recording more closely follows the movement of goods,
    such as airline fuel.

-   The States raised practical concerns over the impracticality of some
    of the implications for data collection, while we commented that it
    would be an artificial constraint to recommend symmetry due to the
    number of instances where differences in treatment of imports and
    exports are legitimate.

Issue 8\-- Adding mode of transportation:

-   The majority of the comments didn't suggest expanding the
    recommendations was bad. However the practical considerations and
    difficulties seemed to be foremost in all of our minds when
    considering things such as 'predominant mode of transport'.

Issue 9\-- Adding imports on an FOB-type basis:

-   Real mixture of opinions, with some of us already collecting it.

Issue 10\-- Strengthening country of consignment for imports:

-   Again, mostly practical concerns, in terms of how to collect it and
    the reliability of the data collected.

Issue 11\-- Optional or recommended country of consignment for exports:

-   There was some acknowledgement of the potential value of the
    information, but also practical concerns. For example, NZ raised the
    point that due to the timing of our merchandise trade statistics
    publication compared to the reference period they relate to, it is
    unlikely any additional useful information will be provided - that
    country of consignment will almost always be the same as the country
    of last know destination.

Issue 12\-- Use of non-customs source and data compilation strategies:

-   UK suggested that the use of other data sources is recognized in the
    NCDP questionnaire, since different answers apply to different data
    sources.

-   US preferred that efforts be made first to improve the quality and
    coverage of customs data before alternative methods are explored and
    used to collect the trade data, and recommendations made to use
    non-customs sources.

-   Australia agreed that advice on practical implementation would be
    beneficial.

Issue 13\-- Maintaining institution arrangements:

-   There was general agreement that MOUs regarding specific statistical
    requirements can be very useful.

-   The US suggested that some of the language in the current
    Compiler\'s Manual be added in IMTS Rev. 3.

-   Australia wanted it made clear that any recommendations were ideas
    on facilitating cooperation rather than a mandatory approach.

Issue 14\-- Recommendations on quality of international merchandise
trade statistics:

-   Only negative here was from Australia, and their point was that it
    should provide guidelines rather than recommendations.

Issue 15\-- Providing reommendations on the compilations and
dissemination of metadata:

-   There was mutual agreement.

Issue 16\-- Compilation of external indices:

-   UK would encourage compilers to produce this information but do not
    believe it should be part of IMTS.

-   NZ agreed and suggested a separate document with recommendations on
    both price and volume indexes.

-   The US commented that the new IMF manual on export and import price
    indices covers an extensive list of topics on producing external
    trade price indices and that making use of this comprehensive manual
    to offer additional recommendations in the IMTS would be greatly
    beneficial.

Issue 17\-- Compilation of seasonally adjusted data:

-   Real mixture of responses here with some saying there wouldn't be a
    demand, specifically because BOP data is seasonally adjusted and
    there's no need for merchandise data to be adjusted as well.

-   Any recommendation would clearly have to take demand, alternative
    sources of seasonally adjusted data and the appropriateness of
    seasonally adjusting into account.

Evening: Baseball - Washington Nationals vs. NY Mets

### Wednesday, September 17

# Morning Session: \-- Location: USBC, Conference Room \# 3

# 

# [Process Improvements]{.underline}

***Presentation: Mainframe Migration and Changes to Revision Schedule -
(STC)***

-   (STC) has cost recovery in place for queries, which results in some
    limiting of the number of data revisions identified from outside
    data users.

    -   Implemented with Department of Agriculture.

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    -   Not implemented across the board however, because would result
        in corrections and review of data only for those who had the
        money.

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    -   Automated process so 4 years of data are "open" on the server.

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    -   (SNZ) policy is 4 months of data open for revision. Will do
        later on a case-by-case basis is deemed large enough. What are
        others policies?

    -   (STC) No aggregate corrections; only individual records.

    -   (ABS) 6 months of data open for revisions. Any older on
        case-by-case basis. Policy left over from mainframe days because
        that is how much could be held on mainframe. Can tell data users
        what revisions are awaiting implementation in data.

    -   (HMR&C) Data is closed for revisions August of the following
        year. After August can do case-by-case revision but only with
        notes.

***Presentation: Processing Enhancements to Allow More Corrections to
Data - (USBC)***

-   How handle carryover.

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-   USBC uses late reported data from previous month as proxy estimate
    for late reported data for current month.

-   STC uses

    -   Imports: 3 month moving average at aggregate level to estimate.

    -   Exports: a more complicated method. This can give the incorrect
        impression that the estimate is more precise that actually is.

    -   STC recommends a simple method of estimation for carry-over with
        new revisions.

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    -   Effect on Seasonals.

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    -   There will be a cut-off point in the data with the new
        corrections procedure, as won't have previous year\'s revisions.

    -   STC requests a contact in Dec. of 2009 before implementation of
        the new procedure for exports to allow for discussion of how
        this will affect the data exchange.

***Presentation: Selective Editing - (SNZ)***

-   (STC) Uses clipping (i.e. imputing the mean)

    -   When moved to clipping editors saw more detail and were miffed.

    -   Allowed for identification of filers with ongoing errors. For
        example, paper filers reporting in ones instead of thousands.

-   To get editors on board with changes, talk with editors to establish
    editing philosophy and how to handle workloads. (i.e. since there
    are more edits than can be looked at set priorities)

    -   (SNZ) look at only HS chapter to identify impact.

    -   Might implement cost recovery if get outside calls about
        specific 10 digit HS.

-   (SNZ) Do you do any specific training to implement selective
    editing?

    -   (HMR&C) recommends talking to managers and editors editing that
        the change is good for trade statistics.

    -   (STC) did not have formal training but lots of one-on-one
        discussions. Also has training for new employees within first 30
        days called "Trade 101" which serves as a guide to HS.

### Wednesday, September 17

# Afternoon Session: \-- Location: USBC, Conference Room \# 3

**[Process Improvements (continued]{.underline})**

***Presentation: Recent Process Improvements - (ABS)***

-   Future

    -   Target input editing through selective editing.

    -   Examine under coverage and possible ways to fill in gaps.

    -   Will use staggered implementation to promote buy-in and a more
        gradual adjustment so able to get used to it bit-by-bit.

***Presentation: Recent Process Improvements - (HMR&C)***

-   How to measure quality?

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-   Under coverage studies

-   Reconciliation studies

-   Timely corrections

-   Communication with traders to get feedback on accuracy (assurance
    not a measure)

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-   Improving reporting can affect trend. Shows as growth in trade, but
    really just a measuring more of the data.

    -   Publish the fraudulent estimate separately so it can be removed
        by the user.

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    -   Measure data by category (HS, country) so a change in trend is
        ok.

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-   Compare edited and non-edited records (maybe also go back to the
    trade to compare) and measure goodness of editing.

-   (STC) wanted a measure of how accurate codes were.

    -   Examined who decided which was the correct code; how to measure
        codes shifting (in/out); and how codes were chosen and created.

-   (ABS) Used the tax office sample descriptions and recoded based on
    these descriptions, then measured how often records were coded the
    same way.

### Thursday, September 18

# Morning Session: \-- Location: USBC, Conference Room \# 3

**[Data Analysis]{.underline}**

***Presentation: Introduction to International Trade Division (ITD)
Course Outline -***

***(STC)***

-   Information flows -- Exports

    -   World Customs Organization (WCO)-\> Canada Border Services
        Agency (CBSA) -\> ITD (produces HS08 codes)

-   Imports

    -   WCO -\> CBSA -\> Finance -\> ITD -\> CBSA (publishes tariff)

-   Problems with Flows -- Internal

    -   Different schedules/versions

    -   Last minute changes

    -   Import changes can occur any month

    -   Staff training required; overtime needed

    -   Communication

*Notes and questions: How are invalid codes handled? USBC has a recode
system. Time stamp and monitor clusters. Legislation required at tariff
level; not at state level.*

***Presentation: Imports Harmonized System (HS) Reduction Proposal -
(STC)***

-   Difficult to maintain and ensure quality.

-   Low-use codes eliminated.

-   Created time series at statistical level.

-   Project phases:

    -   Identify possible codes for deletion; value threshold?

    -   Communication with stakeholders; USBC.

    -   Resource identification; funding issue.

    -   Implementation

-   Considerations:

    -   Data exchange.

    -   WCO requests (e.g., ozone, chemical, weapons, drugs).

    -   Previous data user requests.

    -   Current data user purchases; fee for export codes to monitor
        codes.

    -   Criteria? Low value, obsolesce.

-   Stakeholders:

    -   CBSA; Finance; Data users; USBC; Importers; Brokers; Import
        associations; Other government departments.

-   Resources

    -   SMO resources.

    -   Metadata staff (liaisons).

-   Implementation

    -   By 2012?

    -   Considerations

        1.  Current CBSA/Finance ongoing updates.

        2.  WCO 2012 changes.

*Notes: Importers may know country of destination better than exporters.
ABS is looking at advanced cargo reporting, feasible if aligning with
U.S. approach. Australian Customs served, enhanced trade solutions 2015
case study. Feeling pressure from Customs/traders to align import and
export classifications. Are there any thoughts on data sharing from
other countries? Questions\-- impact on confidentiality. EU may include
clause or revise legislation for purposes of data sharing.*

***Presentation: Data Reconciliations -- Lessons Learned and Benefits -
(USBC)***

-   When to do reconciliation? When there are significant differences.

-   Measurable value differences agreed upon.

-   Common sources

    -   Valuation of goods.

    -   Definition of goods traded.

    -   Through 3^rd^ country.

    -   Geographic coverage.

    -   Classification issues.

    -   Under counting or reporting.

-   Takes more resources, time, and patience than anticipated.

-   But it is worth doing.

-   Plus side: may point out some deficiencies; better policy making.

-   Minus side: won't explain all differences.

-   Lessons learned:

    -   Experience counts.

    -   May be too much reliance on past work.

    -   Not many actual mistakes.

    -   Must cooperate; have same goals.

    -   Never strictly technical exercise.

Afternoon - U.S. Census Bureau Economic Directorate Picnic

### 

### Friday, September 19

# Morning Session: \-- Location: USBC, Conference Room \# 3

# 

**[Dissemination (continued)]{.underline}**

***Presentation: Data Security, Transfers, and Access - (HMR&C)***

-   Office of National Security (ONS) has data lab and can work and
    access individual records in data lab and take away at aggregate
    level.

-   Conflict of interests exists between the tax side who wants no
    disclosure and the statistics side that encourages data sharing.

-   (STC) how have you merged customs with statistics regarding their
    different mandates?

    -   (HMR&C) have always been combined. Questions about where the
        line is between customs data and statistics data? Clean data vs.
        original data.

    -   (STC) "Massage" data so not admissible in court.

    -   (HMR&C) drawn up principles dividing queries into customs and
        statistics domain.

        -   Also question of is EU data tax data or kind of like survey
            data collected by stats.

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-   (STC) and (HMR&C) "pre-release" data to other government agencies.
    Need a justifiable reason.

    -   (HMR&C) example: regional agencies to publish regional data at
        the same time.

    -   (ABS) disks available to other agencies earlier on publish day,
        and government ministers if going to be asked questions by
        media.

        -   Lock-up in room for ½ an hour or so before release for
            questions and not allowed out until data is published.

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    -   (SNZ) has a similar lock down policy and no other pre-release.

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-   (SNZ) Would DARTTS study help methods of reconciliation studies?

    -   The data from DARTTS is more detailed.

***Presentation: New Commodity Classification System for Data Users -
(SNZ)***

-   (HMR&C) Question: Did you back cast?

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-   (SNZ) back to 2002, but limited because uses SITC. Could go back
    further if interest is there.

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-   (HMR&C) Question: Main uses?

    -   NZ viewed only as a primary exporter (meat, dairy, timber) and
        there is political interest in letting the country know
        manufacturing also exists.

-   (SNZ) Will not supersede HS products. Is more of a time series data
    to identify manufacturing vs. primary export over time

    -   Measure if adding value to exports or mainly exporting raw
        materials

    -   First 3 levels give sense of what export structure

    -   Only meant to replace ad-hoc stuff

    -   (SNZ) Prior to this did not publish SITC v.3, but was available
        by request. Now SITC v.4 is available but demand is minimal.

**[Meeting Summary and Conclusions:]{.underline}**

**Direction/Mandate of Group and Future Plans**

-   Incorporate the host country into the extra-hours informal social
    interactions.

-   Consider a more formal recognition in OECD

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-   Pluses could increase role and become a player through group effort.

-   Minuses might interfere with less formal structure of current group.

-   Could come up with ideas to bring before OECD by correspondence and
    then finalize at these meetings.

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-   Interest in adding new members, but want to be sure to maintain the
    conversational size and less strict agenda of current format.
    (Interpreters, etc could detract from that)

-   Provide annual updates

    -   Have initiates discussed in group been implemented and what
        challenges or results are part of that outcome

    -   Pull ideas through larger body; e.g. revisions all have to
        implement

    -   IMTS user group

-   Next meeting in 2 years in the UK.