Instructions for the Uljas statistical database

CN classification (the Combined Nomenclature)

The CN is a goods classification used in the customs administration and the international trade statistics of the EU. At the 8-digit level, which is the most precise one, the CN has about 10 000 commodity subheadings. The CN classification is useful for monitoring the international trade of a single, clearly defined commodity. The 6-digit level of the CN is equivalent to the HS classification (Harmonised System), which is widely used for customs statistics also outside the EU.

The SITC classification (Standard International Trade Classification)

The SITC is a classification issued by the UN. With the SITC, it is easier to get an overall picture of the trade e.g. when comparing trade relations between countries or other larger entities. The SITC extends to the 5-digit level, with more than 3 000 subheadings.

CPA classification (Classification of Products by Activities)

The CPA is a classification system applied by the EU, where the goods are classified according to the product category where the goods are typically produced. The CPA is useful in monitoring the development of the international trade of goods in different product categories. The CPA extends to the 6-digit level, with about 1 400 subheadings.

BEC classification (Classification by Broad Economic Categories)

BEC is a goods classification of international trade statistics maintained by the UN. The classification divides the goods according to macroeconomic classes (capital goods, intermediate products, consumer goods).

NACE/TOL classification (Nomenclature générale des Activités économiques dans les Communautés européennes)

The NACE classification is based on the EU standard industrial classification. Finland’s national version of the classification is called TOL. NACE/TOL classification is an industrial classification of units that carry out economic activities. The industrial classification differs from the goods classification in that a company can belong under only one industry, whereas the goods of the company can belong under several goods categories in the goods classifications. The industry of a company is determined based on the main line of business reported by the company. NACE/TOL is useful in monitoring the development of companies dealing in international trade in different industries. In the ULJAS database, there are about 270 TOL classifications at the three-digit level, which is the most precise level.