Consultation outcome

Trade in Goods bulk dataset releases: consultation response

Updated 17 November 2021

1. Summary

This document is the response from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to feedback received through our bulk dataset file releases consultation. It contains a brief background to the consultation, a summary of the response we received, and an outline of our intended action as a result.

2. Background

HMRC ran a consultation between 23rd July and 2nd September 2021 in which we proposed a series of options for the future of our bulk dataset file releases. The bulk dataset files hosted on www.uktradeinfo.com have been published in the current format for over 20 years, whilst other trade data releases have all been recently updated and incremented to meet demand and legislative requirement (e.g. the Overseas Trade Statistics (OTS) interactive data table function and the www.uktradeinfo.com API). We commissioned a project to evaluate the future requirement for these files, to ensure they meet customer need, whilst adhering to legal requirements regarding statistical disclosure control and protecting confidentiality.

The options listed in the consultation paper are below:

1. Combine the six existing bulk dataset files into two files. At the same time harmonising the data and variables released in the interactive data tables and API i.e., UK imports from all countries and UK exports to all countries, producing files with matching format and structure.

2. The OTS bulk dataset files are discontinued, and no longer published as part of our OTS releases on www.uktradeinfo.com; given that OTS data is already available via the interactive tables, and for large extracts via the API.

3. The OTS bulk dataset files match the composition of the interactive data tables and API, but also include certain additional data variables currently only available in bulk dataset files.

3. Responses

We received seven responses to the consultation, summarised as follows:

• There was a strong opinion throughout respondents that the bulk dataset files were useful, and that updating/streamlining of files would be a step forwards
• Respondents welcomed the prospect of taking steps to ensure our data outputs are consistent across all platforms (interactive data tables, API and bulk dataset files)
• Discontinuation of the bulk dataset files would have a considerable negative impact on customers.
• The current bulk dataset files are unnecessarily complicated and not consistent with other sources of data (interactive tables and API)
• Respondents indicated need to be kept up to date with proposed changes in order to incorporate any necessary amendments in their systems

4. Outcome

Based on this feedback:

• We have decided to continue to release bulk dataset files, but in a new structure and format
• We will publish new bulk dataset files from March 2022 (Jan 2022 OTS publication) onwards
• Updated bulk dataset files will have a streamlined structure and format, ensuring balance between user need and disclosure control requirements
• Non-response estimates, previously released in separate files, will be combined into the new updated bulk dataset files
• Customers will be invited to access test versions of the proposed new files before they are launched

If you have any queries concerning this consultation or its outcome, please contact the uktradeinfo Customer Service team.

Email: uktradeinfo@hmrc.gov.uk