Our data collections can be downloaded free of charge for non-commercial purposes, subject to any access restrictions. If charges are applicable, users will be notified during the ordering process. Access restrictions may apply to some users/usages and details can be found in the relevant online catalogue record.

For all CD orders there is a flat media fee of £7.50, a per study number handling fee of £2.50 and a flat rate postage and packing fee (£3 in the UK, £4 rest of EU, £5 rest of world). All packages are sent first class via Royal Mail.

If data are requested from a non-UK archive, the charges of the originating archive may apply. If any charges are due, users will be notified before the data are supplied.

In addition to any media, postage and packing, or other charges described above, where data are required for commercial purposes there is a per usage/project fee of £450 and a per study number fee of £50. In most cases, the ESDS has to request permission from the data owner to supply data for commercial purposes. Also see Advice for commercial users.

The Cathie Marsh Centre for Census and Survey Research operate a separate charging policy for non-academic access to Census data.

VAT (Value Added Tax)

VAT (currently 17.5 per cent) is charged according to HM Revenue and Customs guidelines. The following users and/or uses are currently exempt or zero rated:

• all students, in any country, using data for their education
• users, in any country, using the data for academic teaching purposes
• users from European Union (EU) countries who provide a VAT number
• users from outside the EU
• users from the University of Essex using the data for departmental purposes

Payment methods

Where payment is required, invoices are sent in the post or made available online.

All cheques (UK Sterling only) must be made payable to UNIVERSITY OF ESSEX and sent to:

Contact the Finance Section with payment enquiries.

Information on paying with major credit/debit cards or by bank transfer is available on the invoice.

You MUST include your invoice number or copy of your invoice with your payment for it to be properly allocated.