References
Standard International Trade Classification, Revision 3,, (ST/ESA/STAT/SER.M/34/Rev.3, E.86.XVII.12

Language availability: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish

Purpose
For compiling international trade statistics on all merchandise entering international trade, and to promote international comparability of international trade statistics. The commodity groupings of SITC reflect (a) the materials used in production, (b) the processing stage, (c) market practices and uses of the products, (d) the importance of the commodities in terms of world trade, and (e) technological changes.

Custodian
UNSD
International Trade Statistics Branch
Fax: 212 963 9851
Email: comtrade@un.org

Revision Status
Year of last revision: 1986
Years between revisions: 10
Revision number: 3
Revision status remarks: No further revision planned

Available indexes
Alphabetical index: Yes
Numeric index: Yes

Relationship with international classifications: Correspondences with Classification by Broad Economic Categories (BEC), The Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS), Central Product Classification (CPC) and the Interntional Standard Industrial Classification of All Economica Activities (ISIC)
Other correspondences/links:
Correlation between revisions: Correspondence between SITC Rev. 2 and SITC Rev. 3 is published in ST/ESA/STAT/SER. M/34/Rev.3
Remarks: Based on Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS), and provides correspondences with SITC, Rev.2, CPC, and BEC

Classification Unit: All merchandise entering international trade

Classification Structure
Structure Level 1: Sections (N:one-digit code)
Structure Level 2: Divisions (N:2-digit codes)
Structure Level 3: Groups (N:3-digit codes)
Structure Level 4: Subgroups (N:4-digit codes)
Structure Level 5: Items (N:5-digit codes)
Remarks: Hierarchical structure consisting of 'Sections' (10), 'Divisions' (67), 'Groups' (261), 'Subgroups' (1,033) and
'Items' (3,121)

Availability in machine readable form: WordPerfect