Accuracy and reliability

Overall accuracy

It should be expected that the parts of the accounts that are closely linked to the primary statistics are more precise than the other parts. Data, which results from estimations and assumptions should therefore be used with caution.

No estimations of the magnitude of the uncertainties have been made. In general it can be assumed that there are less uncertainties associated with data for extraction of resources, output from industries, imports and exports, energy use, air emissions from industries and and households, and generation of waste from industries and households.

More uncertainties are on intermediate consumption in specific industries, private and government consumption, and other uses except exports. For some uses, especially for very small and uncharacteristic material quantities, it can be expected that the uncertainties are extraordinary high.

The balancing item, which is represented in the accounts, is to some extent a result of inaccuracies related to other items in the accounts. However, it cannot directly be used as a measure of the uncertainties, since it may also reflect other special relations.

Sampling error

Not relevant for these accounts.

Non-sampling error

Has not been estimated.

Quality management

Statistics Denmark follows the recommendations on organisation and management of quality given in the Code of Practice for European Statistics (CoP) and the implementation guidelines given in the Quality Assurance Framework of the European Statistical System (QAF). A Working Group on Quality and a central quality assurance function have been established to continuously carry through control of products and processes.

Quality assurance

Statistics Denmark follows the principles in the Code of Practice for European Statistics (CoP) and uses the Quality Assurance Framework of the European Statistical System (QAF) for the implementation of the principles. This involves continuous decentralized and central control of products and processes based on documentation following international standards. The central quality assurance function reports to the Working Group on Quality. Reports include suggestions for improvement that are assessed, decided and subsequently implemented.

Quality assessment

The detailed material flow accounts present a coherent exposition of, in principle, all physical flows of natural resources, goods and residuals including an allocation by industries and other supply and use categories. Generally, the primary data used in the accounts may be seen as the best that are available, while data obtained by estimations and assumptions should be used with caution.

It cannot be excluded that for specific areas other more reliable data are available than the data, which have been estimated for the accounts based on modelling and assumptions. Statistics Denmark intends on a current basis and to the extent possible, to include such specific data in future versions of the accounts.

It is an advantage that the accounts have a full coverage of all material types and all industries, etc. in the Danish economy. In addition, an internal consistency is ensured, which means that data are not in contradiction with each other. There is also a high degree of coherence with the national accounts since many of the same classifications and definitions are used.

Data revision - policy

Statistics Denmark revises published figures in accordance with the Revision Policy for Statistics Denmark. The common procedures and principles of the Revision Policy are for some statistics supplemented by a specific revision practice.

Data revision practice

No revisions are planned for published accounts, but new data sources and estimation methods may be introduced in relation to accounts for subsequent years.