Aim of this survey

The Monthly Survey for Index Numbers of Export Prices collects prices for products manufactured and exported from the UK. These prices are used to compile the Export Price Indices (EPI), which are an important component of the Producer Price Index (PPI). The PPI provides an important measure of inflation, alongside other indicators such as the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) and the Services Producer Prices Index (SPPI).

What you need to know

To complete the survey, you will need to provide a price for the required product(s) exported on a monthly basis.

The price quoted should:

  • be for product(s) destined for the export market

  • be a normal export transaction price, at the time of order, that is, after discounts and excluding Value Added Tax (VAT) and agent’s commission

  • be representative of current exports

  • be comparable with the item reported in the previous month

All information you provide is strictly confidential.

Survey information

Selection criteria: UK trading businesses registered for Value Added Tax (VAT) and/or Pay As You Earn (PAYE).

Population: UK manufacturing businesses that record export activity with HM Revenue and Customs

Sample: approximately 3,550 price quotations

Frequency: monthly

Dispatch date: between 26 and 29 of each month

Return-by date: 10 of each month

Dispatch and return-by dates are a guide. They are subject to change due to national holidays and weekends.

Why you were selected

Following declarations made to HM Revenue and Customs your company has been selected to supply information to us as we believe it meets the selection criteria of the survey. That is, a UK company or group of companies registered for VAT and/or PAYE. Your response ensures that we represent your industry.

The EPI is conducted under the provisions of the Statistics of Trade Act 1947. Once selected, your business is legally obliged to comply. You cannot appeal your selection.

Why you have received this survey

We survey businesses of all sizes to ensure our statistics are representative of the UK economy. We select large businesses (those with 100 and over employees) for any relevant Office for National Statistics business surveys because their information is so significant.

We select some small and medium-sized businesses, usually for a set period of time, then replace them with other businesses from their industry. They are important to us as their trading patterns are often very different to large businesses.

How to complete this survey

Please complete and return the questionnaire following the guidelines on the front page.

Reminders are issued automatically, so you may receive one if you submit data just before or after the return date.

At the moment, this survey is not available to complete online. We are currently developing a secure online collection platform. You will receive a letter notifying you when you can complete the EPI on our new platform. We appreciate your patience.

If you need help

If your question is not answered on this page, you may be able to find the answer in the About Office for National Statistics (ONS) business surveys section.

You can call us on 0300 1234 925. Please quote the three-digit survey ID: 133

From outside the UK: +44 300 1234 925

Er mwyn gwneud cais am ffurflen Gymraeg (to speak to someone in Welsh): 0300 1234 921.

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