Statistical methods and Balance of Payments Manual

The 6th edition of the Balance of Payments Manual (BPM6) of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), published in 2009, provides a conceptual framework for the compilation of balance of payments (BOP) and international investment position (IIP) statistics by IMF member states. It lays down uniform definitions and classifications to establish a common basis for the collection and compilation of data on external developments and to facilitate the comparability of data across countries.

At the European level, the requirements to be met by balance of payments statistics are laid down in Regulation (EC) No. 555/2012 amending Regulation (EC) No. 184/2005 on Community statistics concerning balance of payments, international trade in services and foreign direct investment.

For details on the statistical methods used for the compilation of the Austrian balance of payments statistics, please refer to the document “European Union Balance of Payments/International Investment Position Statistical Methods” below.

While the ECB coordinates this publication, the individual Member States provide the content.