Guide to the
2002 Economic Census
HOW THE DATA ARE COLLECTED
The 2002 Economic Census measures activity during calendar year 2002. Census forms
will be mailed to more than 5 million companies in December 2002, with a due date
of February 12, 2003. There are over 600 versions of the census form, each customized
to particular industries. Some very small companies will not receive a census
form.
The Economic Census is mandated by law under Title 13 of the United States Code
(sections 131, 191, and 224). The law requires firms to respond and specifies penalties
for firms that fail to report.
The law also requires the Census Bureau to maintain confidentiality. Individual
responses may be seen only by persons sworn to uphold Title 13. No data are published
that could reveal the identity or activity of any individual or business.
Methodology
Sample forms
History of the Economic Census
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