1. Sub-Regional Workshop on International Merchandise Trade Statistics Compilation and Export and Import Unit Value Indices 21 – 25 November Guam Reef & Olive Spa Resort, Tamuning, Guam LEGAL FRAMEWORK Presentation by Nilima Lal Economic Statistician, Pacific Community

2. Importance of the legal framework
What it includes
legal agreements
relevant laws and regulations that govern data-provision relations
all other aspects of data compilation and dissemination in a country
What it does
mandates and enables the national agency responsible for the overall compilation and dissemination of IMTS to collect, compile, and disseminate high-quality trade statistics
safeguards the confidentiality of the individual data

3. Types of legal acts
Legal acts relevant for trade statistics exist at three different levels:
Legal acts governing the declaration of customs documentation:
WCO
WTO UN
Revenue collection
Legal acts regulating the collection, processing and dissemination of trade statistics and the working relations of the concerned agencies
Legal acts regulating non-customs data sources
Effective institutional arrangements
Legal acts protecting the confidentiality of information.
should be reported in aggregate form so that the confidential aspects of operations are not identified

4. Recommendation for PICTs
Statistics Acts
Memorandum of Understanding
To ensure:
Availability of, and access to, the necessary data sources such as customs records and non-customs sources
Establishment of effective institutional arrangements
Protection of confidentiality