2024-05-30
Notes to the current account survey CAS
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Description of the individual components
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Operating leasing, financial leasing, and use of natural resources
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Architectural, engineering, other technical, and waste treatment services
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Insurance operations (not to be reported by insurance corporations)
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Insurance operations (only to be reported by insurance corporations)
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Intangible assets arising from research and development (R&D)
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Health, education, cultural, sporting and recreational services
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Taxes, fines and penalties, aid, sponsoring and other transfers
Current account
Background to the current account statistics
The Swiss National Bank has the statutory mandate (legal basis) to draw up the balance of payments for Switzerland (including Liechtenstein). The balance of payments captures all economic transactions between institutional units domiciled in Switzerland and Liechtenstein (i.e. residents) and counterparties abroad (i.e. non-residents) during a specific time period. It comprises the current account, the financial account, and the capital account, and shows the cross-border linkages between Switzerland and Liechtenstein on the one hand, and the rest of the world on the other.
The current account captures the linkages in the real economy between residents and non-residents. This includes trade in goods and services, flows of labour income and investment income, and current transfers.
The current account statistics provide an important source of data for Swiss businesses, and the political and academic communities. As a key macroeconomic indicator, they are referred to for economic and monetary policy decisions, and also play an important role in estimating GDP.
The methodological basis of the balance of payments is internationally standardised and set out in an International Monetary Fund (IMF) manual (Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual, 6th edition, BPM6).
Further background information on the balance of payments can be found on the SNB’s data portal in the notes on international economic affairs.
Purpose of the current account survey (CAS)
Current account data are derived from several sources. The SNB’s current account survey CAS plays a key role in this regard, particularly in measuring the trade in goods and services.
In view of the pivotal importance of the current account survey, the cooperation of reporting institutions is essential to ensure the quality of the current account and for the economic and monetary policy decisions based upon it.
Legal basis
The Federal Act on the Swiss National Bank (National Bank Act, NBA) of 3 October 2003 and the Ordinance to the Federal Act on the Swiss National Bank (National Bank Ordinance, NBO) of 18 March 2004 authorise the SNB to collect the statistical data required for drawing up the balance of payments.
Reporting institutions
Pursuant to the Annex to the National Bank Ordinance, legal entities and companies are obliged to report data if the value of their foreign transactions during a given quarter exceeds CHF 100,000.
If several reporting institutions in the same group are domiciled in Switzerland or in Liechtenstein, the report should be submitted in aggregate form where possible. If it is not possible to submit an aggregated report for all group companies in Switzerland or Liechtenstein, this must be indicated in the report.
General remarks on the CAS survey
Content of the CAS survey
The current account survey CAS primarily covers trade in goods, services and intangible assets. It also includes investment income, insurance operations and miscellaneous transfers such as fines and penalties, and aid. The survey contents are broken down into different components. Detailed descriptions of the individual components can be found in the section Description of the individual components.
Only transactions between residents and non-residents are to be reported, i.e. between legal entities and companies domiciled in Switzerland or Liechtenstein and counterparties domiciled abroad (companies, governments, individuals, international organisations and non-governmental organisations). Transactions with non-resident companies which belong to the same group as the reporting institution are also to be reported. By contrast, transactions between non-resident companies and third parties are not to be reported.
A transaction involves an exchange of economic value between two entities or a transfer of economic value from one entity to another. As part of this interaction, there is a change of ownership in respect of the economic value.
The distinction between resident/non-resident is based on the counterparty’s country of domicile and not the place where the service or resource is provided. By definition, international organisations are considered non-resident even if they are domiciled in Switzerland or Liechtenstein.
The following are not to be reported in the survey:
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transactions between two residents, i.e. between two entities that are both domiciled in Switzerland or Liechtenstein;
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transactions between two non-residents, i.e. between two entities that are both domiciled abroad.
Country breakdown
All transactions are to be reported broken down by country (Definitions of countries and international organisations), i.e. they must be allocated to the country in which the counterparty is domiciled. All requirements concerning the geographical breakdown are based on EU guidelines (Eurostat).
Intragroup transactions
Transactions with non-resident companies which belong to the same group as the reporting institution are also to be reported. In most of the survey components, these are to be recorded as ‘of which’ items, in addition to the breakdown by country. Only the remuneration for the intragroup service or resource actually provided is to be reported. For instance, if payment for the intermediation of services is made on the basis of a ‘cost plus’ contract, only the amount paid for the intermediation should be reported, not the value of the services themselves. Overhead costs are to be broken down and allocated to the individual services components such as management consulting, financial services, or computer services.
Reporting period
The data reported cover one calendar quarter. Data for the second, third or fourth quarter must not be combined with data for the preceding quarters. Errors are to be rectified by submitting notification of the correction for the quarter concerned; it is not permitted to make retroactive corrective bookings for previous quarters in subsequent quarters.
Expenses and income / purchases and sales are to be reported in the period in which the economic ownership of the resource changes:
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In the case of purchases and sales of services, remuneration is to be reported in the period in which the service is provided or received.
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In the case of purchases and sales of intangible assets, remuneration is to be reported in the period in which ownership of the intangible assets changes.
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In the case of purchases and sales of goods, sales are to be reported in the period in which they took place. Goods purchases are to be reported in the period in which they were made.
For purchases and sales of goods, services or intangible assets, the decisive factor is always the time when the ownership changed.
Accounting standards
If a company applies a recognised accounting standard (e.g. IFRS, US GAAP or Swiss GAAP FER), the reported data should as a rule be based on that standard. Deviations are possible and may in certain cases be necessary (cf. Reporting period). Information about which standard is being used must be provided in the survey.
Estimates
Data estimates will be accepted as long as they made on a best efforts basis (‘best estimates’). Estimates may be necessary, for example in the following cases: breakdown of main components into sub-components, allocation of transactions to countries, distinction between quarters.
The SNB recommends using an allocation formula based on plausible assumptions. These allocation formulas can be used unchanged for several quarters, or even years, provided the underlying assumptions remain plausible. For queries and assistance relating to estimates or estimation methods, companies can contact the SNB.
General contractors
If a general contractor domiciled in Switzerland or Liechtenstein – i.e. a resident – uses a subcontractor domiciled abroad – i.e. a non-resident – to carry out (parts of) an order, the services provided by the non-resident subcontractor should be reported by the general contractor as services imports (expenses). If a resident general contractor uses a resident subcontractor to carry out (parts of) an order, the services provided by the resident subcontractor should not be reported by the general contractor. In both cases, it is irrelevant whether the general contractor has been given the order by a resident or a non-resident counterparty.
Valuation
As a rule, expenses and income / purchases and sales are to be reported in positive figures. Minus expenses and minus income may be reported as such with negative signs in the relevant components.
Values are to be reported in thousands of Swiss francs (TCHF).
Transactions in foreign currency are to be converted, at either the daily rate or the quarterly average exchange rate. The SNB publishes exchange rates on its data portal.
Transactions are to be reported at market prices (fair value).
Queries and information
For questions regarding the content of the survey, please contact current.account@snb.ch, telephone +41 58 631 35 34.
For technical issues on data entry and submission using the online reporting tool eSurvey, please contact esurvey.support@snb.ch, telephone +41 58 631 37 68.
Introduction to data reporting
Data is collected using the online reporting tool eSurvey. Further information is available here.
Questions on your company
Every time you complete the survey, you must state whether other companies in the same group are domiciled in Switzerland or Liechtenstein. If this is the case, the companies’ names, domicile and enterprise identification numbers (UID) must be entered. In addition, you must state whether the foreign transactions of these other group companies are included in the report.
Wherever possible, all CH/LI-domiciled companies in the same group which have relevant transactions with counterparties abroad should be included in the report (cf. Reporting institutions). If an aggregated report for all affiliated companies in Switzerland and Liechtenstein is not possible, this must be indicated in the report. Relevant group companies which are not included will be surveyed by the SNB separately.
Overview of the survey contents and selection of components
Before inputting data, reporting institutions can select the components that are relevant for them. All components in which your company has conducted transactions with counterparties abroad during the reporting quarter are relevant. By selecting these components, only the corresponding web tables will be displayed or, in the case of an export (CSV), only the pre-selected components will be exported.
Special note for companies that purchase or sell goods abroad
Purchases and sales of goods are to be recorded in the current account survey if a change of ownership occurs. i.e. if as part of the transaction the ownership of the goods passes from the seller to the purchaser (change of ownership principle).
In the case of purchases and sales of goods, the goods may physically remain abroad or may physically cross the Swiss or Liechtenstein border. In the case of a physical import or export, the goods are registered by the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS), irrespective of whether there was a change in the ownership of the goods (cross-border principle). Therefore, goods may cross the border without there being a direct link to a change of ownership. This is the case, for example, when goods are imported or exported for storage or further processing abroad. Such flows of goods without a change of ownership must not be included in the current account statistics.
If your company purchases goods from counterparties abroad or sells goods to counterparties abroad, please state whether the following applies before beginning to enter your data:
‘Some or all of the goods traded with counterparties abroad did not cross the Swiss or Liechtenstein border or the physical import or export of the goods was not always directly linked to a change of ownership.’
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Yes: All purchases and sales of goods from/to counterparties abroad are to be reported in the Purchases and sales of goods component, irrespective of whether individual goods crossed the Swiss or Liechtenstein border, and whether the import or export of individual goods was linked to a change of ownership.
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No: Purchases and sales of goods component need not be reported
If your company sold on goods, which were already abroad at the time of the sale, to a counterparty abroad, then the statement above applies and you should tick ‘yes’.
If your company imported/exported goods into/from Switzerland or Liechtenstein without a change in the ownership of the goods, then the statement above applies and you should tick ‘yes’.
If the statement above does not apply and you have ticked ‘no’, the purchases and sales of goods are already captured in the FOCBS statistics as required for the current account statistics and therefore do not have to be reported in the CAS survey.
Description of the individual components
Purchases and sales of goods
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
The purchase and sale of goods need only be reported if the following statement applies:
‘Some or all of the goods traded with counterparties abroad did not cross the Swiss or Liechtenstein border or the physical import or export of the goods was not always directly linked to a change of ownership.’
If the statement applies, all purchases and sales of goods from/to counterparties abroad are to be reported, irrespective of whether individual goods crossed the Swiss or Liechtenstein border and whether the import or export of individual goods was linked to a change of ownership.
General description |
This component covers transactions in goods where the ownership of the goods passes from one counterparty to the other (change of ownership). The goods can be general merchandise or goods associated with merchanting and/or production processes (raw materials, consumables, semi-finished products, finished products, etc.). Purchases of goods and sales of goods are to be reported as totals, broken down by product class and by country. The share accounted for by Merchanting, Procurement costs and Intragroup transactions are to be reported separately from the total as ‘of which’ subcomponents. |
Detailed explanation |
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Sales of goods |
Please report the sales price (sales proceeds) of goods sold to non-resident counterparties. |
Purchases of goods |
Please report the purchase price of goods bought from non-resident counterparties and expenses for raw materials and consumables using the total cost method, and not the cost of goods sold using the cost of sales method. Wherever possible, procurement costs are to be excluded from the purchases of goods and included under the corresponding services components (e.g. under ‘Transport services’). If it is not possible to separate the procurement costs from the purchase price, please give your best estimate of their share in the total price and report this under the ‘of which, procurement costs’ subcomponent. Please ensure that the procurement costs are not reported twice, i.e. that they are not reported under both the individual services components and under ‘Purchases of goods’. |
Merchanting is defined as the purchase of goods by a resident from a non-resident, such goods being located outside Switzerland/Liechtenstein, combined with the subsequent resale of the same goods to another non-resident without the goods having been present in Switzerland/Liechtenstein or transformed or processed abroad. Such transactions can occur in the case of trading companies and also companies involved in production (e.g. in the form of contract manufacturing). Cf. chart on Merchanting. If the share accounted for by ‘Merchanting’ cannot be determined exactly, please give your best estimate of the share in goods income/expenses. The following are not considered merchanting:
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Remuneration for transport, postage, packaging, insurance, etc. Wherever possible, these are to be excluded from goods expenses and reported under the corresponding services components:
If it is not possible to separate the procurement costs from the goods expenses, please give your best estimate of their share in the goods expenses and report this under the ‘of which, procurement costs’ component. Please ensure that the procurement costs are not reported twice, i.e. that they are not reported under both the individual services components and under goods expenses. |
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Goods procured in ports |
Purchases and sales of goods procured in ports are also to be reported under this component. Such goods include fuel, on-board catering, provisions, stores, ballast, and dunnage procured in (air)ports by transport operators. |
Goods income and goods expenses are to be allocated to product classes. The following classification of products is based on the CPA structure of the European Union. |
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1. |
Food, beverages and tobacco products; agricultural and forestry products (CPA 01–03, 10–12) |
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2. |
Textiles, wearing apparel, leather and related products (CPA 13–15) |
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3. |
Energy sources and mining/quarrying products (crude petroleum, natural gas, coal and lignite, metal ores, other mining/quarrying products, coke and refined petroleum products, electricity, etc.; CPA 05–09, 19, 35) |
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4. |
Chemicals and chemical products (CPA 20) |
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5. |
Pharmaceutical products and preparations (CPA 21) |
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6. |
Basic metals and metal products (except gold, coins, machinery; CPA 24–25, excluding 24.412) |
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7. |
Gold (including gold coins; CPA 24.412) |
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8. |
Computer, electronic and optical products; medical and dental instruments and supplies (CPA 26 excluding 26.52, 32.5) |
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9. |
Electrical equipment (domestic appliances, lighting equipment, wiring and wiring devices, etc.; CPA 27) |
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10. |
Machinery and equipment (CPA 28) |
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11. |
Vehicles and other transport equipment (CPA 29–30) |
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12. |
Watches and clocks (CPA 26.52) |
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13. |
Coins (except gold coins), jewellery and related articles (CPA 32.1) |
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14. |
Other product classes |
Examples |
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Exclusions |
To be included in a different component:
Not to be included in this survey:
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Special features |
If it is not possible to report the goods expenses using the total cost method, they can by way of exception also be reported using the cost of sales method. |
Production and manufacturing services on goods
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers remuneration for the manufacture or processing of goods. The manufacturing/processing is performed by a company that is not the owner of the goods to be processed and that receives remuneration from the owner for the production or manufacturing service provided. There is no change in the ownership of the goods. |
Detailed explanation |
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Manufacturing, production |
Manufacturing/production includes:
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Value to be reported |
Please report the manufacturing and production costs charged by the manufacturer/producer in the period in which the service or resource is provided or received. Materials expenses are to be reported in the component ‘Purchases and sales of goods’. If it is not possible to separate the materials expenses from the service, the amount is to be included here. |
Examples |
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Exclusions |
To be included in a different component:
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Special features |
The customer remains the owner of the goods to be processed throughout the manufacturing/production process. There is no change in the ownership of the goods. |
Trade-related services
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers remuneration for brokerage in connection with trade in goods and services and for the inspection of goods. |
Detailed explanation |
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Brokerage |
Commissions on goods and service transactions payable to merchants, commercial agents, dealers in consumer and capital goods, auctioneers, commission agents and goods inspectors. These services include, for example, the auctioneer’s fee or agent’s commission on sales of ships, aircraft and other goods. |
Examples |
Income: A Swiss-domiciled goods inspector performs certification of a goods delivery for an Italian-domiciled trading company. Expenses: A Swiss-domiciled company commissions a French-domiciled real estate agent to broker the sale of a commercial property in Switzerland. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component:
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Special features |
none |
Maintenance and repair services
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers remuneration for maintenance and repair work by companies domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein on goods owned by non-resident counterparties and vice versa (except real estate and computers). |
Detailed explanation |
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Maintenance and repair services |
This component covers both minor repairs that maintain the good in working order, such as vehicle breakdown services, and major repairs that extend the efficiency or capacity of the good or extend its life. Maintenance and repairs of ships, aircraft and other transport equipment are also included in this component. |
Place where work is performed |
The maintenance and repair work may be performed at the site of the repairer or elsewhere. The decisive factor in determining whether a transaction is reportable is not the place where the work is performed, but rather the fact that it is with a non-resident, i.e. a counterparty not domiciled in Switzerland or Liechtenstein. |
Value to be reported |
Please report the amount charged for maintenance and repairs covering both the value of the work done and any parts or materials supplied by the repairer, rather than the difference in the gross value of the goods before and after repairs. Parts and materials charged separately are to be included under ‘Purchases and sales of goods’. |
Examples |
Income: A Swiss-domiciled engineering company performs maintenance work on a turbine in the Middle East for a Turkish-domiciled company. The turbine is owned by the Turkish-domiciled company. Expenses: A Swiss-domiciled airline pays remuneration to a German-domiciled company for repairing an aircraft. The aircraft is owned by the Swiss-domiciled airline. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component:
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Special features |
none |
Transport services
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers remuneration for services associated with the carriage of goods and people as well as related supporting and auxiliary services. Postal and courier services are also included. |
Detailed explanation |
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Freight transport covers the transport of goods, including the leasing of transport equipment with crew. Please report the following:
It is irrelevant where the service is provided: the goods may be transported within Switzerland/Liechtenstein, within or between other countries, or between Switzerland/Liechtenstein and other countries. |
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Passenger transport covers the transport of people, including the leasing of transport equipment with crew. Please report the following:
Not to be reported:
The value to be reported comprises fares and other expenditure related to the carriage of passengers, e.g. taxes, charges for excess baggage, vehicles, or other personal accompanying effects and food, drink, or other items purchased on board carriers. Also included are rentals, charters, and leases of vessels, aircraft, coaches, or other commercial vehicles with crews, provided these are not financial leases. |
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Supporting and auxiliary transport services are other services that are not directly provided for the carriage of goods and persons. This includes cargo handling charges billed separately from freight, storage and warehousing, packing, towing, pilotage and navigational aid for carriers, air traffic control, cleaning performed in ports and airports on transport equipment, salvage operations, and agents’ fees associated with passenger and freight transport. |
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Postal and courier services cover the pick-up, transport, and delivery of packages, letters, newspapers, periodicals, brochures and other printed matter, as well as post office counter services such as the sale of stamps and mailbox rental services. |
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Mode of transport |
Freight and passenger transport as well as related supporting and auxiliary services are to be broken down by mode of transport:
If the modes of transport cannot be broken down, please give your best estimate of their share. |
This component covers all transport services provided by air. |
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This component covers transport by train. |
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This component covers freight transport by lorry and truck and passenger transport by bus and car (including taxi services). |
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This component covers transport by sea. |
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This component covers transport on rivers, canals and lakes. This includes waterways that are internal to one country and those that are shared among two or more countries. |
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This component only covers remuneration for the movement or transfer of electric energy at high voltage over the high-voltage grid. The generation, distribution over the low-voltage grid, and the value of the electricity are excluded. |
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This component covers the transport in pipelines of gas, petroleum and other goods. The provision and distribution as well as the value of the goods transported are excluded. |
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This component covers the transport of freight and passengers in space. Also included are satellite launches undertaken by commercial enterprises for the owners of the satellites (such as telecommunication enterprises) and other operations performed by operators of space equipment, such as transport of goods and people for scientific experiments. |
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Examples |
Freight transport (expenses): A Swiss-domiciled company pays a Belgian-domiciled shipping company for the transport of freight from Rotterdam to New York. Passenger transport (income): A Swiss-domiciled airline transports a UK-domiciled citizen from Zurich to Delhi. Supporting and auxiliary transport services (expenses): A Swiss-domiciled railway operator pays fees to a German-domiciled railway operator for use of the rail network in Germany. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component:
Not to be included in this survey:
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Special features |
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Operating leasing, financial leasing, and use of natural resources
Operating leasing
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers remuneration for leasing (rental) and charters of produced assets where the bulk of the risks and rewards of ownership are not transferred to the lessee. The transaction has rental characteristics, and the investment risk as well as the legal and economic ownership rights are held by the lessor. |
Detailed explanation |
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Leased assets |
This component covers the leasing (rental) and charters of the following:
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Examples |
Income: A Swiss-domiciled cargo company leases containers for a freight consignment to a German-domiciled merchandise trader. Expenses: A Swiss-domiciled airline charters an aircraft without crew on a one-off basis from a US-domiciled airline. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component:
Not to be included in this survey:
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Special features |
Operating leasing and financial leasing are to be reported separately from one another. The criteria for distinguishing between the two forms of leasing can be found in the table Distinction between operating leasing and financial leasing. |
Financial leasing
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers remuneration for leasing (rental) and charters of produced assets where the bulk of the risks and rewards of ownership are transferred to the lessee. The transaction has characteristics of a loan, and the investment risk and economic ownership rights (but not the legal ownership rights) are held by the lessee. The interest payments associated with the financial leasing are to be included, as is the value of the right-of-use asset at the time the lease contract is concluded. |
Detailed explanation |
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The regular interest payments paid for the use of the leased asset are to be reported. |
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The value of the right-of-use asset is to be included once in the survey as at the start of the lease relationship between the lessor and lessee. |
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Examples |
Income: A Swiss-domiciled leasing company leases capital goods to a Spanish-domiciled manufacturing company and receives interest for the financial leasing. Both the interest payments and the value of the newly leased assets in the reporting period are to be reported. Expenses: A Swiss-domiciled company pays interest to a French-domiciled leasing company for the lease of a fleet of vehicles. If the leasing contract was concluded in a reporting period in the past, only the interest payment is to be reported and not the value of the leased asset. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component:
Not to be included in this survey:
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Special features |
Operating leasing and financial leasing are to be reported separately from one another. The criteria for distinguishing between the two forms of leasing can be found in the following table Distinction between operating leasing and financial leasing. |
Table: Distinction between operating leasing and financial leasing
Criterion |
Operating leasing: rental characteristics |
Financial leasing: loan characteristics |
Term of lease |
short-term |
long-term, covering the major part of the economic life of the right-to-use asset |
Purchase option/transfer of ownership at the end of the lease term |
no |
yes |
Lessor has an interest in recovering the right-to-use asset |
yes |
no |
Cancellable |
yes |
usually not |
Legal ownership |
lessor |
lessor |
Economic ownership |
lessor |
lessee |
Investment risk |
lessor |
lessee |
Capitalised in the balance sheet |
lessor |
lessee |
Remuneration for measures taken to maintain value (maintenance and repairs, insurance) |
lessor |
lessee |
Use of natural resources
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers charges for licences and other remuneration for the use of land, mines, oil fields, forestry rights, water and fishing rights, and rights to air space. |
Detailed explanation |
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– |
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Examples |
Income: A Swiss-domiciled company owns an oil well in another country and grants the right to use it to a UK-domiciled company. Expenses: A Swiss-domiciled mining company pays fees to a German-domiciled company for the use of a coal mine. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component: Not to be included in this survey:
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Special features |
none |
Construction services (construction less than one year)
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers remuneration for the construction of and construction work on structures of all kinds, including management and other services related to construction projects (e.g. remuneration for construction workers) where construction is not scheduled to take more than one year. |
Detailed explanation |
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Construction work |
Construction work on structures includes the following:
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Duration of construction |
The duration of construction is the decisive factor. This survey includes only construction services for construction projects where construction is not scheduled to take more than one year. Projects lasting one year or longer have the characteristics of an investment and are therefore not to be reported as services. Preparation work carried out before construction begins is not to be included in the duration of construction. |
Purchases and sales of goods related to construction projects |
Remuneration for construction materials, equipment, expendables, etc. Wherever possible, these expenses and income are to be excluded from the construction services and included under Purchases and sales of goods. If purchases and sales of goods related to construction projects cannot reasonably be separated from the construction services, please give your best estimate for the share they account for in construction services and report this under ‘Purchases and sales of goods related to construction projects’. Please ensure that purchases and sales of goods related to construction projects are not reported twice, i.e. that they are not reported under both trade in goods and construction services. |
Income: Remuneration for construction services (with construction taking less than one year) performed by a CH/LI-domiciled construction company for a non-CH/LI-domiciled client on a construction site not in Switzerland/Liechtenstein. Expenses: Remuneration for construction services (with construction taking less than one year) performed by a non-CH/LI-domiciled construction company for a CH/LI-domiciled client on a construction site not in Switzerland/Liechtenstein. |
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Income: Remuneration for construction services (with construction taking less than one year) performed by a CH/LI-domiciled construction company for a non-CH/LI-domiciled client on a construction site in Switzerland/Liechtenstein. Expenses: Remuneration for construction services (with construction taking less than one year) performed by a non-CH/LI-domiciled construction company for a CH/LI-domiciled client on a construction site in Switzerland/Liechtenstein. |
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Examples |
Construction services for construction sites abroad (income): A Swiss-domiciled construction company builds a section of motorway in Italy for an Italian-domiciled client (with construction taking less than one year). Construction services for construction sites abroad (expenses): A Liechtenstein-domiciled construction company subcontracts part of an order for the construction of an office complex in Munich to a German-domiciled company (with construction taking less than one year). Construction services for construction sites in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (income): A Swiss-domiciled construction company renovates a building in Berne for a Belgian-domiciled client (with construction taking less than one year). Construction services for construction sites in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (expenses): A Swiss-domiciled client commissions a French-domiciled construction company to demolish a bridge in Switzerland (with construction taking less than one year). |
Exclusions |
Not to be included in this survey:
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Special features |
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Architectural, engineering, other technical, and waste treatment services
Architectural services
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers remuneration for services generally provided by architecture companies, such as, for example, the architectural design of urban development projects and other construction projects. |
Detailed explanation |
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– |
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Examples |
Income: A Swiss-domiciled architecture firm is commissioned by an Italian-domiciled company to draw up architectural designs for the construction of a museum in Milan. Expenses: A Swiss-domiciled company commissions a German-domiciled architecture firm to design an office complex. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component:
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Special features |
none |
Engineering services
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers remuneration for the design and development of machinery and equipment, materials, instruments, structures, processes and systems; provision of designs, plans and studies related to engineering projects. |
Detailed explanation |
|
– |
|
Examples |
Income: A Swiss-domiciled engineering firm develops a production process for the manufacture of plastics for a French-domiciled company. Expenses: A Swiss-domiciled construction company obtains technical advice from an Austrian-domiciled engineering company in connection with a tunnelling project. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component:
|
Special features |
none |
Other technical services
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers remuneration for agricultural and mining services, for technical studies and inspections, and for the testing and certification of products. |
Detailed explanation |
|
Agricultural services |
These include, for example, the provision of agricultural machinery with crew, harvesting and treatment of crops, pest control, animal boarding, animal care and breeding services (including veterinary services), as well as services in hunting, trapping, forestry and logging, and fishing. |
Mining services |
These include services rendered at oil and gas fields, such as drilling, derrick building, repair and dismantling services, and the cementing of oil and gas well casings. Also included are services incidental to mineral prospecting and exploration, mining engineering, and geological surveying. |
Examples |
Income: A Swiss-domiciled land surveying company is commissioned by an Italian-domiciled client to gather geodata in the high Alpine region. Expenses: A Swiss-domiciled company commissions a French-domiciled firm to perform certification of a production process. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component:
|
Special features |
none |
Waste treatment and depollution services
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers remuneration for waste collection and disposal, remediation, sanitation, and other environmental protection services. They also include environmental services, such as production of carbon offsets or carbon sequestration. |
Detailed explanation |
|
– |
|
Examples |
Income: A Swiss-domiciled recycling firm recycles used PET bottles for an Austrian-domiciled company. Expenses: A Swiss-domiciled company pays a German-domiciled firm to dispose of hazardous waste. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component:
|
Special features |
none |
Management consulting, marketing, advertising, legal services, accounting services, and corporate functions
Management consulting and public relations
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers remuneration for the provision of advice, guidance, or operational assistance to businesses and management for business policy and strategy and the overall planning, structuring and control of an organisation. |
Detailed explanation |
|
Management consulting and public relations |
These advisory and support services include:
|
Examples |
Income: A Swiss-domiciled consultancy firm provides PR advice to a Swedish-domiciled group. Expenses: A Swiss-domiciled company commissions a UK-domiciled consultancy firm to provide support in the development and implementation of a new business strategy. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component:
|
Special features |
none |
Marketing, advertising and market research
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers remuneration for services in marketing, advertising, market research and public opinion polling. |
Detailed explanation |
|
Marketing, advertising and market research |
These services include:
|
Examples |
Income: A Swiss-domiciled advertising agency is commissioned by a French-domiciled manufacturing company to promote its products. Expenses: A Liechtenstein-domiciled market research institute commissions a German-domiciled call centre to conduct opinion polls. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component:
|
Special features |
none |
Legal services
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers remuneration for:
|
Detailed explanation |
|
– |
|
Examples |
Income: A Liechtenstein-domiciled law firm represents a UK-domiciled group in a legal dispute in Switzerland. Expenses: A Swiss-domiciled company commissions a US-domiciled law firm to negotiate contracts with third parties. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component:
|
Special features |
none |
Accounting and tax consulting services
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers remuneration for services in accounting, auditing, bookkeeping and tax consulting. |
Detailed explanation |
|
Accounting and tax consulting services |
These services include:
|
Examples |
Income: A Liechtenstein-domiciled firm of auditors audits the accounts of an Austrian-domiciled company. Expenses: A Swiss-domiciled company pays a UK-domiciled consultancy firm for tax advice. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component:
|
Special features |
none |
Corporate functions
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers fees for services to/from group-affiliated companies that facilitate and support core business processes at companies and which cannot be allocated to another component. |
Detailed explanation |
|
Overhead expenses |
Overheads of group-affiliated companies, provided they cannot be allocated to any other component. |
Others |
Services between group-affiliated companies that cannot be allocated to any other component include:
|
Examples |
Income: A Swiss-domiciled parent company receives remuneration from a French-domiciled subsidiary for administration and planning services provided. Expenses: A Liechtenstein-domiciled subsidiary pays overheads to its Luxembourg-domiciled parent company. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component if they can be separated: |
Special features |
none |
Financial services (not to be reported by banks)
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers remuneration for financial intermediation services and associated auxiliary services. Such services can be provided by banks, stock exchanges, factoring companies, credit card companies, and other companies. |
Detailed explanation |
|
Financial service activities |
Please report commissions, brokerage fees and charges, particularly related to:
|
Examples |
Income: A Swiss-domiciled holding company brokers a credit for a French-domiciled subsidiary. The holding company receives a credit brokerage fee from the subsidiary. Expenses: A Swiss-domiciled company pays remuneration to a US-domiciled bank for securities settlement services. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component:
Not to be included in this survey:
|
Special features |
Some companies have the sole or predominant function of holding and managing financial assets on behalf of their owners (such as mutual funds, holding companies, trusts and special purpose entities). In the process of managing those assets, these companies incur administrative expenses, such as payments to fund managers, custodians, banks, accountants, lawyers, or their own staff. The expenses can be charged for explicitly as a fee, or implicitly by being paid out of investment income received or out of the assets of the company. The expenses implicitly paid for should, if possible, also be reported under financial services. |
Banking operations (only to be reported by banks)
Financial services of companies that do not have a banking licence but are included in the reports of a reporting bank are also to be included in the ‘Banking operations’ components.
Commission business and services (only to be reported by banks)
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers remuneration for financial intermediation services as well as associated auxiliary services in securities trading and investment activities, lending activities and other services. |
Detailed explanation |
|
Commission income and expenses |
Please report commissions, brokerage fees and charges, particularly related to:
|
Commission expenses incurred abroad and charged to customers domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein |
Commission expenses incurred abroad and charged to customers domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein are (additionally) to be reported as an ‘of which’ component of overall commission expenses. |
Examples |
Income: A Swiss-domiciled bank receives commissions for asset management and securities settlement services performed for a German-domiciled client. Expenses: A Swiss-domiciled bank pays fees to its French-domiciled subsidiary for financial intermediation services. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component:
|
Special features |
none |
Income from banks’ trading operations for non-resident customers (only to be reported by banks)
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
Income earned by a bank acting as a broker on behalf of non-resident bank customers and which is not remunerated as commissions is to be reported. Such trading operations relate, in particular, to trading in securities, foreign exchange, commodities and precious metals. |
Detailed explanation |
|
Calculation |
The income can be calculated using a reference rate, which is defined as the mean price between the purchase and sale prices: Spread between the reference rate and the purchase price The spread between the reference rate and the purchase price corresponds to the bank’s income on the purchaser’s side. The spread between the reference rate and the sale price corresponds to the bank’s income on the seller’s side. |
Estimation methods |
In the event that estimates are made, the following method is recommended: Income = (average trading margin) x (trading volume) |
Example |
A Liechtenstein-domiciled bank acts as a broker for a German-domiciled client trading in securities. The income earned is not reported by the bank as commission business. |
Exclusions |
Not to be included in this survey:
|
Special features |
none |
Interest operations (only to be reported by banks)
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
Insurance operations (not to be reported by insurance corporations)
Premiums and claims (not to be reported by insurance corporations)
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers expenses and income relating to premium payments and claims between companies domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein, i.e. residents, and insurance corporations domiciled abroad, i.e. non-residents. |
Detailed explanation |
|
Premium payments |
Premium payments by policyholders domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein to insurance corporations domiciled abroad (expenses). |
Claims |
Claims paid by non-resident insurance corporations to resident policyholders (income). |
Examples |
Premium payments (expenses): A Swiss-domiciled company pays a French-domiciled insurance corporation premiums for transport insurance. Claims (income): A Swiss-domiciled credit card issuer receives claim payments from a Danish-domiciled non-life insurance corporation. |
Exclusions |
Not to be included in this component:
|
Special features |
none |
Auxiliary insurance services (not to be reported by insurance corporations)
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers remuneration for services related to insurance and pension fund operations. |
Detailed explanation |
|
Auxiliary insurance services |
These services include above all:
|
Examples |
Income: A Swiss-domiciled insurance specialist is paid a fee to provide actuarial advisory services for an Indian-domiciled insurance corporation. Expenses: A Swiss-domiciled company pays a fee to a Belgian-domiciled insurance corporation for insurance consultancy services. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component:
|
Special features |
none |
Insurance operations (only to be reported by insurance corporations)
Data from companies that are not insurance corporations but are included in the reports of a reporting insurance corporation are also to be reported here.
Premium payments (only to be reported by insurance corporations)
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers income and expenses from the premium business of private insurance corporations:
Premium payments are to be allocated to a specific line of insurance (reinsurance, life, non-life). |
Detailed explanation |
|
Premiums from non-residents (income) |
Premiums earned from direct insurance and/or reinsurance operations with non-residents (premiums written adjusted for prepayments of premiums). |
Premium payments to non-residents (expenses) |
Premiums paid to non-resident insurance corporations (adjusted for prepayments of premiums). These mostly take the form of retrocessions in connection with reinsurance operations. |
Examples |
Income: A Swiss-domiciled reinsurance company receives premiums for the reinsurance of insurance contracts abroad. Expenses: A Swiss-domiciled pension fund pays premiums for reinsurance contracts to a reinsurer abroad. |
Exclusions |
Not to be included in this survey:
|
Special features |
none |
Claims (only to be reported by insurance corporations)
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers income and expenses from claims paid by private insurance corporations:
Claims are to be allocated to a specific line of insurance (reinsurance, life, non-life). |
Detailed explanation |
|
Claims payments from non-residents |
Claims paid by non-resident reinsurers to resident insurance corporations resulting from reinsurance ceded (including changes in the claims reserves and in the actuarial reserves). |
Claims paid to non-residents |
Claims paid to non-resident counterparties resulting from direct insurance and from reinsurance (including changes in the claims and equalisation reserves). |
Examples |
Income: A Swiss-domiciled insurance corporation receives claim payments from a reinsurance corporation domiciled abroad. Expenses: A Swiss-domiciled reinsurance corporation increases its claims reserves due to an earthquake in the US. |
Exclusions |
Not to be included in this survey:
|
Special features |
|
Auxiliary insurance services (only to be reported by insurance corporations)
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers remuneration for services related to insurance and pension fund operations. Auxiliary insurance services are to be allocated to a specific line of insurance (reinsurance, life, non-life). |
Detailed explanation |
|
Auxiliary insurance services |
These services include above all:
|
Examples |
Income: A Swiss-domiciled insurance corporation advises an Austrian-domiciled corporation. Expenses: A Swiss-domiciled insurance corporation pays a UK-domiciled company for client referrals. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component:
Not to be included in this survey:
|
Special features |
none |
Commissions (only to be reported by insurance corporations)
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers fees for the brokering of clients, insurance contracts, etc. Commissions are to be allocated to a specific line of insurance (reinsurance, life, non-life). |
Detailed explanation |
|
Commissions from non-residents |
Resident direct insurers’ (ceding company) income from non-resident reinsurers. |
Commissions paid to non-residents |
Resident reinsurers’ expenses paid to non-resident direct insurers (ceding companies). |
Examples |
Income: A French-domiciled reinsurer indemnifies a Swiss-domiciled direct insurance corporation for brokering insurance contracts. Expenses: A Swiss-domiciled reinsurer compensates a Slovenian-domiciled insurance corporation for brokering insurance contracts. |
Exclusions |
Not to be included in this survey:
|
Special features |
none |
Investment income earned on premiums from abroad (only to be reported by insurance corporations)
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers Swiss and foreign investment income earned on premiums from non-residents. Investment income earned on premiums from abroad is to be allocated to a specific line of insurance (reinsurance, life, non-life). |
Detailed explanation |
|
Premiums from non-residents |
Only investment income earned on premiums from policyholders domiciled abroad is to be reported. It is irrelevant whether the premiums are invested in Switzerland/Liechtenstein or abroad. |
Investments |
Income on investments covers interest and dividends on securities or rent, etc. |
Example |
Income: A reinsurer invests premiums from the US in apartments in Switzerland, generating rental income. |
Exclusions |
Not to be included in this survey:
|
Special features |
|
Telecommunications and information services
Telecommunications services
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers remuneration for the broadcast or transmission of information via telecommunications technology and related services. The value of the information transmitted is not to be included. |
Detailed explanation |
|
Information transmission |
Information can be transmitted in the form of data, text, sound, images, video, etc. |
Telecommunications technology |
Various technologies can be used for the transmission, such as internet, telephone, facsimile, telegram, cable or satellite radio/TV, email, teleconferencing, etc. |
Related services |
These comprise mobile telecommunication services, internet backbone services and online access services, including the provision of access to the internet. |
Examples |
Income: A Swiss-domiciled telecommunications company receives payments for roaming charges from a UK-domiciled telecommunications company. Expenses: A Swiss-domiciled company pays a fee for the use of a US-domiciled company’s satellite transmission services. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component:
|
Special features |
none |
Information services
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
Information services cover remuneration for:
A distinction is made between two sub-components: ‘News agency services’ and ‘Other information provision services’. |
Detailed explanation |
|
News agency services include the provision of information to the media, e.g. in the form of news, articles, stock market data, photographs, feature articles, documentary reports, etc. |
|
This component includes:
|
|
Examples |
|
News agency services |
Income: A Swiss-domiciled company which operates an economic database provides data to a German-domiciled media organisation for analysis purposes. Expenses: A Swiss-domiciled media company pays fees to a UK-domiciled company for the regular provision of stock market data. |
Other information provision services |
Income: A Liechtenstein-domiciled company produces a documenting and archiving concept for customer data for an Austrian-domiciled company. Expenses: A Swiss-domiciled university pays a fee to an Italian-domiciled company for access to academic publications. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component:
|
Special features |
none |
Computer services and software
Computer services
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
Computer services cover remuneration for consultancy, development, maintenance and documentation of customised hardware and software solutions as well as websites. |
Detailed explanation |
|
Consultancy |
Hardware and software consultancy, development and implementation, including subcontracting (management of computer services provided on behalf of third parties) |
Installation |
Hardware and software installation |
Maintenance |
Maintenance and repairs of computers, peripheral equipment and systems, as well as other support services including backup and data recovery |
Hosting services |
Data and web page hosting services (e.g. provision of server space on the internet to host clients’ web pages) |
Data processing |
Data processing services |
Web pages |
Analysis, design and programming of systems ready to use (including web page development and design) |
Training |
Training on customised software |
Examples |
Income: A Swiss-domiciled parent company carries out software maintenance for a Singapore-domiciled subsidiary. Expenses: A Swiss-domiciled company commissions a German-domiciled company to develop a corporate application. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component:
|
Special features |
If there are delineation problems, charges for licences to use software and purchases and sales of ownership rights to software can also be included in ‘Computer services’. |
Charges for licences to use software
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers charges for licences and other fees for the use of computer software and applications. |
Detailed explanation |
|
– |
|
Examples |
Income: A Liechtenstein-domiciled company has developed photo editing software and receives a fee from a non-resident company for its use. Expenses: A Swiss-domiciled company purchases a licence from a Norwegian-domiciled software supplier. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component: |
Special features |
If there are delineation problems, charges for licences for the use of software can also be included in ‘Computer services’. |
Purchases and sales of ownership rights to software
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers the purchase and sale of ownership rights to computer software and applications. There is a change in the ownership of the rights. |
Detailed explanation |
|
– |
|
Examples |
Sale: A Liechtenstein-domiciled software developer sells an app it has developed (including ownership rights) to a German-domiciled company. Purchase: A Liechtenstein-domiciled company purchases software from a French-domiciled IT startup (including ownership rights). |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component: Not to be included in this survey:
|
Special features |
If there are delineation problems, purchases and sales of ownership rights to software can also be included in Computer services. |
Charges for licences to reproduce and/or distribute software
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers charges for licences and other fees for the rights to reproduce and/or distribute computer software. |
Detailed explanation |
|
– |
|
Examples |
Income: A Swiss-domiciled company receives licence fees from a Polish-domiciled company which markets its software. Expenses: A Swiss-domiciled subsidiary pays its US-domiciled parent company for the right to market its software to companies in Europe. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component: |
Special features |
none |
Audiovisual services and content
Audiovisual services
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers:
|
Detailed explanation |
|
Fees |
Fees for artists/performers in the fields of art, literature, music, design, theatre, film, etc. |
Examples |
Income: A band from Switzerland receives a concert fee from a UK-domiciled concert promoter. Expenses: A Swiss-domiciled concert promoter pays an appearance fee to a musical ensemble from the US. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component:
|
Special features |
If there are delineation problems, charges for licences to use audiovisual content and purchases and sales of ownership rights to audiovisual content can also be included in ‘Audiovisual services’. |
Charges for licences to use audiovisual content
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers charges for licences and other fees for the use of audiovisual content (e.g. literary works, sound recordings, stock photos, films, access to television programmes). |
Detailed explanation |
|
– |
|
Examples |
Income: A Swiss-domiciled publishing house receives a fee from a school in Germany for the use of its online textbooks. Expenses: A Swiss-domiciled company pays a fee to a UK-domiciled music owner for the right to use its music for the company’s commercial. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component: |
Special features |
If there are delineation problems, charges for licences to use audiovisual content can also be included in Audiovisual services. |
Purchases and sales of ownership rights to audiovisual content
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers purchases and sales of ownership rights to audiovisual originals or prototypes (e.g. copyrights to literary works, sound recordings, films and television programmes). There is a change in the ownership of the rights. |
Detailed explanation |
|
– |
|
Examples |
Sale: A Liechtenstein-domiciled band sells the rights to its music to a German-domiciled record company. Purchase: A Swiss-domiciled publishing house purchases the rights to the literary work of a writer resident in Italy. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component:
Not to be included in this survey:
|
Special features |
If there are delineation problems, purchases and sales of audiovisual content can also be included in Audiovisual services. |
Charges for licences to reproduce and/or distribute audiovisual content
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers charges for licences and other fees for the reproduction and/or distribution of audiovisual originals or prototypes (e.g. literary works, films, TV and sound recordings as well as live events). |
Detailed explanation |
|
– |
|
Examples |
Income: A French-domiciled TV company broadcasts a film of a Swiss-domiciled production company, and the latter receives remuneration in return. Expenses: A Liechtenstein-domiciled radio company pays a fee for broadcasting music to the Dutch-domiciled owners of the music rights. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component: |
Special features |
none |
Research and development services (R&D)
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers remuneration for basic research, applied research and experimental research, as well as development of new products and processes. |
Detailed explanation |
|
R&D services |
This component covers both systematic research and development activities in the physical sciences, social sciences, and humanities, as well as commercial research. |
Examples |
Income: A Swiss-domiciled pharmaceutical company is commissioned by a German-domiciled company to carry out applied research. Expenses: A Swiss-domiciled biotech company commissions a Spanish-domiciled company to develop a new product. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component:
|
Special features |
none |
Intangible assets arising from research and development (R&D)
Charges for licences to use intangible assets arising from R&D
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers remuneration in the form of licence, franchise or commission fees (e.g. royalties) for the use of intangible assets or intellectual property rights arising from research and development activities (R&D). The user does not own the rights. As a rule, the licence to use is limited to a fixed period. There is no change in the ownership of the rights. |
Detailed explanation |
|
Use of intangible assets arising from R&D |
Charges for licences to use:
|
Examples |
Income: A Swiss-domiciled chemicals company receives a fee for the use of a patent (no sale of the patent) by a US-domiciled subsidiary. Expenses: A Swiss-domiciled company pays licence fees to a Japanese-domiciled company for the use of a patent for manufacturing a new medication. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component:
Not to be included in this survey:
|
Special features |
The CAS survey distinguishes between six licence fee components:
Licence fees, franchise fees and commission fees (e.g. royalties) for the use of intangible assets that cannot be clearly allocated to one of components listed should be allocated to the most appropriate component. |
Purchases and sales of intangible assets arising from R&D
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers trade in intangible assets or intellectual property rights arising from R&D activities. There is a change in the ownership of the rights. |
Detailed explanation |
|
Intangible assets arising from R&D |
|
Value to be reported |
In the case of purchases and sales of intangible assets arising from R&D, the purchase/sale price is to be reported and not the book, acquisition or production value. Any milestone payments made downstream are only to be reported when the respective milestones are reached. |
Examples |
Sale: A Swiss-domiciled chemicals company sells the intellectual property rights to a pesticide to its Czech-domiciled subsidiary. Purchase: A Swiss-domiciled pharmaceuticals company purchases the ownership rights to a patented production process for the manufacture of a medication from a US-domiciled company. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component:
Not to be included in this survey:
|
Special features |
|
Marketing assets
Charges for licences to use marketing assets
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers remuneration in the form of licence, franchise or commission fees (e.g. royalties) for the use of marketing assets (intangible assets). The user does not own the rights. As a rule, the licence to use is limited to a fixed period. There is no change in the ownership of the rights. |
Detailed explanation |
|
Use of marketing assets |
Licence fees and other fees for the use of:
|
Examples |
Income: A Swiss-domiciled sporting goods manufacture is paid a fee by its German-domiciled parent company for the use of the logo belonging to the Swiss-domiciled company. Expenses: A Liechtenstein-domiciled licence holder pays franchise fees to a US-domiciled coffee shop chain for the use of the brand name. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component:
Not to be included in this survey:
|
Special features |
The CAS survey distinguishes between six licence fee components:
Licence fees, franchise fees and commission fees (e.g. royalties) for the use of intangible assets that cannot be clearly allocated to one of components listed should be allocated to the most appropriate component. |
Purchases and sales of marketing assets
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers trade in intangible assets in the form of trademarks and other intellectual property rights arising from marketing activities. There is a change in the ownership of the rights. |
Detailed explanation |
|
Marketing assets |
|
Value to be reported |
|
Examples |
Sale: A Swiss-domiciled sporting goods manufacturer sells the right to the logo of a sporting good to its UK-domiciled parent company. Purchase: A Swiss-domiciled food group purchases trademarks to baby food products from a German-domiciled company. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component:
Not to be included in this survey:
|
Special features |
|
Table: Overview of reporting of the use and the purchases and sales of intangible assets
Type of asset |
Use |
Purchases and sales |
|
Marketing assets |
|||
Results of R&D |
Charges for licences to use intangible assets arising from R&D |
||
Audiovisual content |
Charges for licences to reproduce and/or distribute audiovisual content |
Purchases and sales of ownership rights to audiovisual content |
|
Software |
Charges for licences to reproduce and/or distribute software |
Health, education, cultural, sporting and recreational services
Health services
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers remuneration for human medicine services that medical institutions and professionals domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein provide for non-residents, as well as services provided by medical institutions and professionals domiciled abroad for residents. |
Detailed explanation |
|
Health services |
The services can be provided by hospitals, doctors, nurses, laboratory or similar personnel remotely or directly on-site (provided this does not correspond to the domicile of the service provider). Diagnosis procedures (e.g. telemedicine), pharmaceutical and radiology services as well as rehabilitation services. The on-site treatment of non-residents who are in Switzerland/Liechtenstein is not to be included. The on-site treatment abroad of residents is also not to be included. |
Examples |
Income: A Liechtenstein-domiciled private clinic supplies a French-domiciled hospital with telediagnoses on the basis of data provided. Expenses: A Swiss-domiciled specialised clinic obtains laboratory services from a Slovakian-domiciled laboratory. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component:
Not to be included in this survey:
|
Special features |
none |
Education services
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers remuneration for services at all levels of education, delivered by correspondence course, online or by teachers directly on-site in the country concerned. |
Detailed explanation |
|
– |
|
Examples |
Income: A university in Switzerland offers MBA distance-learning courses for non-residents. Expenses: A Swiss-domiciled biotech company flies specialists in from abroad to train specialised staff in Switzerland. |
Exclusions |
Not to be included in this survey:
|
Special features |
none |
Cultural, sporting and recreational services
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers remuneration for cultural and sporting activities and events as well as services associated with museums, libraries, archives and other recreational offerings and activities. |
Detailed explanation |
|
Cultural, sporting and recreational services |
This component also includes:
|
Examples |
Income: A French-domiciled art dealer pays fees to an auction house in Switzerland for the auction of paintings. Expenses: An international sports federation domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein pays a non-resident member a fee for the hosting of a sports competition. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component:
Not to be included in this survey:
|
Special features |
none |
Other services
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers remuneration for services which cannot be allocated to any other component. |
Detailed explanation |
|
Other services |
Other services include:
|
Examples |
Income: A Swiss-domiciled company recruits specialised staff for an Austrian-domiciled company (placement of personnel). Expenses: A Swiss-domiciled company obtains translation services from a Finnish-domiciled translation agency. |
Exclusions |
– |
Special features |
none |
Taxes, fines and penalties, aid, sponsoring and other transfers
Taxes
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
Taxes on
|
Detailed explanation |
|
– |
|
Example |
Expenses: A Swiss-domiciled company pays taxes to a non-resident authority on the issuance of securities. |
Exclusions |
Not to be included in this survey:
|
Special features |
none |
Fines, penalties and payments of compensation
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers fines and penalties imposed on companies by courts of law or other government bodies abroad. Also included are payments of compensation (awarded by court or settled out of court) for the non-fulfilment of contracts, injuries to persons, damages to property, or other losses that are not covered by insurance policies, with the exception of extensive damages such as oil spillages. |
Detailed explanation |
|
– |
|
Example |
Income: A Swiss-domiciled company receives a payment of compensation from a non-resident company for the non-fulfilment of a contract. Expenses: A Swiss-domiciled company pays a fine to a non-resident authority for breach of anti-trust legislation. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component:
|
Special features |
Fines, penalties and payments of compensation are transfers, i.e. payments without a corresponding item of economic value being directly received in return. They are thus distinct from trade in goods and services. |
Aid
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers transfers in the form of money, goods or services without receiving a corresponding item of economic value in return, such as in the event of famine, natural disasters or war, as well as contributions to international organisations. |
Detailed explanation |
|
– |
|
Examples |
Income: Donations from abroad to a Swiss-domiciled aid organisation. Expenses: Free delivery of medication and medical care by a Swiss-domiciled company in the event of a natural disaster abroad. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component:
|
Special features |
International organisations are considered extraterritorial areas and are therefore defined as non-residents. Aid is a transfer, i.e. a payment without a corresponding item of economic value being directly received in return. It is thus distinct from trade in goods and services. |
Sponsoring
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers payments for the promotion of individuals, a group of people, organisations or events. Payments are made by an individual, an organisation or a commercially oriented company in the form of cash payments, payments in kind or as a service, with the expectation of receiving in return services/resources that support their own communications and marketing objectives. |
Detailed explanation |
|
– |
|
Examples |
Income: A German-domiciled bank supports a Liechtenstein-domiciled concert organiser by making payments towards a large-scale event. Expenses: A Swiss-domiciled company supports a UK-domiciled football club. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component:
|
Special features |
none |
Guarantees, player transfers, debt forgiveness, inheritances (legacies) and payments of compensation for extensive damages
Transactions between entities domiciled in Switzerland/Liechtenstein (residents) and counterparties abroad (non-residents)
General description |
This component covers guarantees, player transfers, debt forgiveness, inheritances (legacies) and major payments of compensation for extensive damages (e.g. explosions, oil spillages or side effects of pharmaceutical products) not covered by insurance policies |
Detailed explanation |
|
Player transfers |
Transfer fees paid by one sporting club to another for the transfer of a player. |
Examples |
Income: A private individual from Germany leaves part of their estate to a Swiss-domiciled aid organisation. Expenses: A Swiss-domiciled company pays compensation to a foreign state for oil spillage caused by a ship accident under a court arbitration ruling. |
Exclusions |
To be included in a different component:
Not to be included in this survey:
|
Special features |
none |
Definitions of countries and international organisations
All requirements concerning the geographical breakdown are based on EU guidelines (Eurostat).
The full country list is available in the data entry tables. For certain countries, the following more precise definitions regarding regional allocation should be noted.
Region/country
Europe |
||
DE |
incl. Helgoland; excl. Büsingen |
|
ES |
incl. Ceuta, Melilla, Balearic Islands and Canary Islands |
|
FI |
incl. Åland Islands |
|
FR |
incl. Monaco, French Guyana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion, Saint Barthélémy, Saint Martin, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Mayotte |
|
GB |
England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland |
|
IT |
incl. Livigno |
|
MT |
incl. Gozo and Comino |
|
NO |
incl. Svalbard and Jan Mayen |
|
PT |
incl. Açores and Madeira |
|
Africa |
||
AO |
incl. Cabinda |
|
CD |
Former Zaire |
|
IO |
Chagos Archipelago |
|
KM |
Grande Comore, Anjouan and Mohéli |
|
MA |
incl. Occidental Sahara |
|
MU |
incl. Rodrigues Island, Agalega Islands and Cargados Carajos Shoals (St Brandon Islands) |
|
SC |
Mahé, Praslin, La Digue, Frégate and Silhouette; Amirantes (incl. Desroches, Alphonse, Plate and Coëtivy); Farquhar (incl. Providence); Aldabra and Cosmoledo Islands |
|
TZ |
Tanganyika, Zanzibar Island and Pemba |
|
America |
||
North American countries |
||
US |
incl. Puerto Rico and Navassa |
|
Central American countries |
||
GD |
incl. Southern Grenadines Islands |
|
HN |
incl. Swan Islands |
|
NI |
incl. Corn Islands |
|
PA |
incl. former Canal zone |
|
SX |
Dutch part |
|
VC |
incl. Northern Grenadines Islands |
|
South American countries |
||
EC |
incl. Galapagos Islands |
|
Asia |
||
Near and Middle East countries |
||
AE |
Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al Qaiwain, Ras al Khaimah and Fujairah |
|
OM |
incl. Kuria Muria Islands |
|
PS |
West Bank (incl. East Jerusalem) and Gaza Strip |
|
YE |
Former North Yemen and South Yemen; incl. Kamaran, Perim and Socotra |
|
Other Asian countries |
||
IN |
incl. Laccadive Island, Minicoy Island, Amindivi Island, Andaman Islands and Nicobar Islands |
|
MY |
Peninsular Malaysia and Eastern Malaysia (Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan) |
|
TL |
incl. exclave of Oecussi |
|
TW |
Separate customs territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu; former Formosa |
|
Oceania and Polar Regions |
||
FM |
incl. Caroline Islands (except Palau), Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae |
|
MP |
Mariana Islands except Guam |
|
NC |
incl. Loyalty Islands (Maré, Lifou and Ouvéa) |
|
NZ |
incl. Chatham Islands, Kermadec Islands and the Three Kings, Auckland, Campbell, Antipodes Islands, Bounty and Snares Islands. Excl. Ross Dependency (Antarctica) |
|
PF |
incl. Marquesas Islands, Society Islands (incl. Tahiti), Tuamotu Islands, Gambier Islands and Austral Islands. Also Clipperton Island. |
|
PG |
Eastern part of New Guinea, Bismarck Archipelago (incl. New Britain, New Ireland, New Hannover and Admiralty Islands); Northern Solomon Islands (Bougainville and Buka); Trobriand Islands, Woodlark Islands, d’Entrecasteaux Islands and Louisiade Archipelago |
|
PN |
incl. Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands |
|
SB |
incl. Southern Solomon Islands, primarily Guadalcanal, Malaita, San Cristobal, Santa Isabel, Choiseul |
|
TF |
incl. Kerguélen, Amsterdam and Saint Paul Islands, Crozet Archipelago, Adélie Land and the Scattered Islands |
|
UM |
incl. Baker, Howland, and Jarvis Islands, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Palmyra Atoll and Wake Island |
|
WF |
incl. Alofi Island |
International organisations
By definition, international organisations are considered non-resident even if they are domiciled in Switzerland or Liechtenstein.
United Nations organisations
FAO |
Food and Agriculture Organization |
|
IAEA |
International Atomic Energy Agency |
|
IBRD |
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development |
|
ICSID |
International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes |
|
IDA |
International Development Association |
|
IFAD |
International Fund for Agricultural Development |
|
IFC |
International Finance Corporation |
|
ILO |
International Labour Organization |
|
IMF |
International Monetary Fund |
|
ITU |
International Telecommunication Union |
|
MIGA |
Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency |
|
UNECE |
United Nations Economic Commission for Europe |
|
UNESCO |
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization |
|
UNFCCC |
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change |
|
UNHCR |
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees |
|
UNICEF |
United Nations Children’s Fund |
|
UNRWA |
United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East |
|
UPU |
Universal Postal Union |
|
WHO |
World Health Organization |
|
WTO |
World Trade Organization |
|
Other UN organisations n.i.e |
European Union institutions and bodies
CJEU |
Court of Justice of the European Union |
|
CoR |
European Committee of the Regions |
|
Council of the European Union |
||
EBA |
European Banking Authority |
|
EC |
European Commission |
|
ECA |
European Court of Auditors |
|
ECB |
European Central Bank |
|
ECSC |
European Coal and Steel Community |
|
EDF |
European Development Fund |
|
EESC |
European Economic and Social Committee |
|
EFSF |
European Financial Stability Facility |
|
EIB |
European Investment Bank |
|
EIF |
European Investment Fund |
|
EIOPA |
European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority |
|
EMS |
European Monetary System |
|
ESM |
European Stability Mechanism |
|
ESMA |
European Securities and Markets Authority |
|
EU-AITF |
EU-Africa Infrastructure Trust Fund |
|
EURATOM |
European Atomic Energy Community |
|
European Council |
||
European Parliament |
||
FEMIP |
Facility for Euro-Mediterranean Investment and Partnership |
|
NIF |
Neighbourhood Investment Facility |
|
SRB |
Single Resolution Board |
|
Other small European Union institutions (Ombudsman, Data Protection Supervisor etc.) |
Other international organisations (financial institutions)
ADB |
Asian Development Bank |
|
ADF |
African Development Fund |
|
ADF |
Asian Development Fund |
|
AfDB |
African Development Bank |
|
AFREXIMBANK |
African Export-Import Bank |
|
AIIB |
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank |
|
AMF |
Arab Monetary Fund |
|
BADEA |
Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa |
|
BCEAO |
Central Bank of West African States |
|
BDEAC |
Development Bank of Central African States |
|
BEAC |
Bank of Central African States |
|
BIS |
Bank for International Settlements |
|
BLADEX |
Foreign Trade Bank of Latin America |
|
BSTDB |
Black Sea Trade and Development Bank |
|
CABEI |
Central American Bank for Economic Integration |
|
CAF |
Development Bank of Latin America |
|
CDB |
Caribbean Development Bank |
|
CEB |
Council of Europe Development Bank |
|
EBRD |
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development |
|
ECCB |
Eastern Caribbean Central Bank |
|
EDB |
Eurasian Development Bank |
|
EUROFIMA |
European Company for the Financing of Railroad Rolling Stock |
|
FLAR |
Fondo Latinoamericano de Reservas |
|
Fonds Belgo-Congolais d’Amortissement et de Gestion |
||
IADB |
Inter-American Development Bank |
|
IBEC |
International Bank for Economic Co-operation |
|
IIB |
International Investment Bank |
|
IIC |
Inter-American Investment Corporation, now IDB Invest (Inter-American Development Bank, IDB Group) |
|
International Union of Credit & Investment Insurers (Berne Union) |
||
IsDB |
Islamic Development Bank |
|
NIB |
Nordic Investment Bank |
|
Paris Club creditor institutions |
||
UEMOA |
West African Economic and Monetary Union |
|
Other international financial institutions |
Other international organisations (non-financial institutions)
CERN |
European Organization for Nuclear Research |
|
CoE |
Council of Europe |
|
EBU |
European Broadcasting Union |
|
ECMWF |
European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts |
|
EMBL |
European Molecular Biology Laboratory |
|
EPO |
European Patent Office |
|
ESA |
European Space Agency |
|
ESO |
European Southern Observatory |
|
EUMETSAT |
European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites |
|
EUROCONTROL |
European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation |
|
EUTELSAT IGO |
European Telecommunications Satellite Organization |
|
ICES |
International Council for the Exploration of the Sea |
|
ICRC |
International Committee of the Red Cross |
|
IEA |
International Energy Agency |
|
IOM |
International Organization for Migration |
|
ITSO |
International Telecommunications Satellite Organization |
|
NATO |
North Atlantic Treaty Organization |
|
OECD |
Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development |
|
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria |
||
Other international non-financial institutions |