Participating in Statistics Netherlands (CBS) surveys
Statistics Netherlands (CBS) collects and publishes statistical information related to the economy, population and society at national, regional and local levels. In order to get this information, CBS may ask businesses to fill in a questionnaire. For this, businesses will be selected randomly.
If you run a business in the Netherlands, you may receive a request to participate in such a survey. CBS will indicate whether you are legally obliged to do so. If you want the questionnaire to be filled in by your accountant, CBS will send you an authorisation form.
Participation is mandatory
If you run a business in the Netherlands, you may receive a request to participate in such a survey. Note that participation is mandatory within the requested time, as per the law on Statistics Netherlands. If you do not participate, you may be fined.
What to expect
The information that Statistics Netherlands asks you for may include:
- The legal structure of your company
- The number and size of your establishments
- Your economic activities
- Your costs, such as purchase costs, wages, social charges and taxes
- Your inventory
- Sick leaves and sick reports
- Production, collection and processing of waste
- Your energy savings
Confidentiality of data
Statistics Netherlands must facilitate the participation in the survey and is only entitled to use the collected data for making statistics. Your data will not be shared with others and will be made unrecognisable.