Aim of this survey
The Monthly Survey for Index Numbers of Import Prices collects prices for goods and raw materials imported into the UK by UK manufacturers. These prices are used to compile Import Price Indices (IPI) which are a key component of the Producer Price Index (PPI). The PPI provides a key measure of inflation, alongside other indicators such as the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) and 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) imported into the UK on a monthly basis.
The price quoted should:
be a normal import transaction price, at the time of order, after discounts and excluding Value Added Tax (VAT) and agent's commission
reflect orders placed in that month
be comparable with the item reported in the previous month
be representative of current imports
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 import 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, it is a UK company or group of companies registered for VAT and/or PAYE. Your response ensures we represent your industry.
The IPI 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 IPI 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: 156.
From outside the UK: +44 300 1234 925.
Er mwyn gwneud cais am ffurflen Gymraeg (to speak to someone in Welsh): 0300 1234 921.