International merchandise trade statistics (IMTS) measure quantities and values of
goods that, by moving into or out of a country, add to or subtract from a nation’s material
stock of goods. IMTS are compiled from report forms or from electronic transmissions sent
by importers and exporters (or their agents) to the customs and excise agency or to the IMTS
compiler, which in many cases would be the statistical agency. Balance of payments
compilers in most countries rely on IMTS to compile the goods item in the balance of
payments and, in some countries, IMTS are used in compiling other items in balance of
payments accounts.