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Factoryless goods producers

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Description of the issue
Factoryless goods producers (FGPs) are producers that outsource the manufacturing transformation activities but own the underlying intellectual property products (IPPs) and control the outcome of the production process. This type of arrangement is become more and more widespread and it raises the issues of: (a) the delineation and classification of factoryless goods producers; and (b) the correct recording of transactions between those producers and contractors. These issues were raised by the Task Force on Global Production - established in 2011 by the Conference of European Statisticians - as part of the preparation of the “Guide to measuring global production".

These issues were discussed by the AEG at its 9th meeting, the IMF Committee on Balance of Payments Statistics, and the Expert Group on International Statistical Classifications in order to ensure a wide range of consultations with experts.

The AEG recommended that more evidence and practical experience be collected from countries on the transactions of factoryless goods producers in order to further develop guidance on their classification and treatment.

For more information see paragraphs 22 to 24 of the conclusions of the 9th AEG meeting.