Quality is viewed as a multi-faceted concept. The quality characteristics of most importance depend on user perspectives, needs and priorities, which vary across groups of users. Thus quality is viewed in terms of seven dimensions, with reference to four criteria:
1. Relevance: an inquiry is relevant if it meets users' needs. The identification of users and their expectations is therefore necessary. In the European context, domains for which statistics are available should reflect the needs and priorities expressed by the users of the European Statistical System (completeness).
2. Accuracy: accuracy is defined as the closeness between the estimated value and the (unknown) true value.
3. Timeliness and punctuality in disseminating results: most users want up-to-date figures which are published frequently and on time at pre-established dates.
4. Accessibility and clarity of the information: statistical data have most value when they are easily accessible by users, are available in the forms users desire and are adequately documented.