On-line Course on International Merchandise Trade Statistics (IMTS)
13 March – 5 May, 2026
Objectives
The global objective of the e-learning course is to provide more easily accessible and rather complete training material for those involved in the collection, compilation, analysis and dissemination of International Merchandise Trade Statistics
The main goals are to enhance statisticians’ ability to apply the most recent internationally agreed recommendations on IMTS, define best possible data sources, set up adequate (or enforce existing) collection systems, and enhance statistics compilation processes. Furthermore, the course would communicate the importance of quality, metadata, timely dissemination, and links to economic analysis and national policy objectives. The project would guide trainees on how to better use the internationally available guidance, especially the IMTS Concepts and Definitions 2010 and the related Compilers Manual.
Programme outline
Each module includes interactive assessments and links to communication tools for online interaction. Every module will consist of a participant’s manual with a video summarizing it, a forum and tests. Participants are expected to spend between 4 to 6 hours per week studying the material and participate in the forums.
The 6 distance learning modules are:
- Conceptual Framework
- Institutional Arrangements
- Production and Compilation
- Metadata and Quality
- Dissemination and Analysis
- New Areas of Work
- IMTS 2026 update
The course will be conducted through TrainForTrade’s distance training platform. In this platform participants will have access to manuals, multimedia presentations, module exams, opinion surveys and forums created for each module for discussions with the instructor and other participants.
Follow-up webinars will be organized in the last, seventh week following the e-learning course for a duration of 90 minutes to cover topics related to the course. These topics will be determined during the e-learning course.
Technical requirements
To be able to participate in the course participants need:
- A computer (tablet or smartphone) with headphones or loudspeakers, a browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari) and Acrobat Reader.
- Internet access
- A valid email address
Target population
Primary target are trade data compilers from (depends on countries):
- National Statistical Office (NSO)
- Central Bank
- Ministry of Trade
- Customs Administration
Secondary target trade practitioners include:
- Trade negotiators
- Trade statisticians
- Trade analysts / Economist (reporting indicators)
These practitioners may come from:
- Ministries of Foreign affairs, Agriculture, Transport, Energy,
- Chamber of Commerce, Industry
- NGOs
- Academics
Registration
Interested individuals should self-register to the course before 15 March 2026 by following these steps:
For the English course:
- Go to https://tft-reg.unctad.org/en
- Select International Merchandise Trade Statistics 2026 (IMTS)
- Use the access code «
2026.IMTS«
For the French course:
- Go to https://tft-reg.unctad.org/fr
- Select Statistiques du commerce international des marchandises 2026 (SCIM)
- Use the access code «
2026.SCIM«
Please note that if you do not have an account on the registration platform yet, please create it first by clicking the following link https://tft-reg.unctad.org/en/register, providing your details and following instructions on the screen.
