External sector statistics

Note concerning the compilation of transaction reports (forms Z1 and Z4):
There are no plans to raise the reporting threshold to €50,000.

Reports relating to external sector statistics comprise reports on external transactions (payments made and received), on stocks of claims and liabilities of non-banks vis-à-vis non-residents (Z 5, Z 5a) and on direct investment stocks (K 3, K 4).

When reporting transactions respondents - individuals, enterprises, financial institutions and public authorities - can use reporting forms Z 1, Z 4 und Z 10, as the case may be. Additionally reporting forms Z 11 to Z 15 apply specifically to financial institutions. Notwithstanding the general reporting regulations, maritime shipping companies have to use form Z 8 if transactions are in connection with the shipping business.

The following general information is intended to help respondents identifying the relevant type of reporting obligation.

The notice "External transactions - general overview" provides a list of the most important reporting regulations for individuals and enterprises which participate only occasionally in external transactions.

A synoptic table on external flows and stocks subject to reporting requirements may be found in the notice "External transactions - forms, reporting deadlines, exemptions, legal basis".

Reporting system-Hotline

• 0800-1234 111 (freephone).

Reporting system-Newsletter

• Register here for the Newsletter of the external sector statistics (only available in German).

Selected articles which are concerned with general principles and current methodological changes in balance of payments and other external sector statistics may be found on "Balance of Payments/Methodological notes".

A summary of the extensive legal provisions and the implications of reporting for external sector statistics is given under "Legal basis" and "Financial sanctions".