How to request output or other files for export

You can only export data outside the secure environment using the export folder. The export will then be checked according to the guidelines.

This document covers the following points:

  1. Rules on exports;
  2. Preparing exports;
  3. Information regarding output checks

1. Rules on exports

It is not permitted to copy, photograph, or make screenshots of data in order to use this outside the CBS microdata environment. This applies to any information you may want to use outside the secure environment. Even if you have questions regarding the content of the data (such as a question about unexpectedly low percentages or implausible outcomes for certain groups), it is not permitted to copy anything from the screen even if you intend to send it to CBS by email. The same applies to syntaxes or other documentation that does not contain data.

2. Preparing exports

If you wish to remove data from the secure environment, you must always use the export folder. The export folder can be found on the F drive (home folder). It contains one subfolder: ‘1_Controle vooraf’. You can place the output here. Do this in a zip file. Do not create your own subfolders within this folder, because the output will not be transferred to the CBS environment if you do.

externe richtlijnen

If the output you wish to export is small (see criteria in annex 1), add 'LIGHT' at the start of the name of the zip file.

Always add a completed output control form to the zip file. You can find the form in the Microdata environment in the folder 'K:Utilities/Rules/Guidelines'. Without a form, we can not process the output.

The output in the export folder is automatically transferred to the CBS environment every 30 minutes. Once this has happened, the export folder will be empty. All output placed in the export folder on the same day before 12.00 (noon) will be treated as one output. The CBS output check will begin on the following working day and may take up to three working days. When you have placed your output in the export folder, please inform CBS by email (microdata@cbs.nl).

3. Output checks

You are responsible for ensuring that no data leaves the secure environment that could be traced back to individuals or reveal details regarding individuals. However, Statistics Netherlands (CBS) is also responsible for this, and we therefore check all output for possible disclosure risks. Fees are applied for these checks (see the Services Catalogue). You can read about how to make sure that you provide safe output in the Output Guidelines.

3.1. Export of syntaxes or other documentation

Syntaxes and other documentation that does not contain data can be placed in the folder ‘1_Controle vooraf’. Make sure it does not contain any identifying data or data, such as RINPERSOON or frequency counts. Checks on documentation are free of charge up to a maximum of ten files (with a total maximum of 10,000 lines). If you wish to export more than 10 syntaxes, you can choose to export in batches or pay extra for a regular output. For syntaxes and other documentation, always include a completed standard form as well. You can find this form in the CBS Microdata environment in the folder 'K:Utilities/Rules/Guidelines'.

3.2. Questions

If you have questions about the output checks, please contact CBS by email (microdata@cbs.nl) and add "@CO" in the subject line of your mail. Never include data from the CBS microdata environment in your email.

Annex 1: Requirements and procedure for output light

Requirements:

  1. No script, only tables (preferably in Excel).
  2. Maximum of 10 files, which may contain up to 10 tables and/or individual graphs. The tables may contain up to 1,000 cells in total.
  3. For graphs, the underlying figures must be supplied.

Procedure:

  1. If the researcher believes that the output meets the definition of 'light’, he or she can name the zip file 'LIGHT_'.
  2. Light output is checked on the morning of the first working day after the output is placed in the export folder. For certain types of output (such as data from healthcare records), this is not always possible because the content expert has to assess the output too. Please let us know in advance if you want to offer output light with data from healthcare files that will need to be checked the next day.
  3. The output controllers will ultimately decide whether the output is light or not (i.e. whether the output meets the requirements and can be checked within half an hour). If an output marked as light but does not meet the requirements, the researcher will be notified and asked to approve the applicable additional costs. It remains possible to cancel the request at this stage.