Goods usually comprise the largest category of transactions that for the most part, involve changes of ownership between resident and non- residents. Goods comprise:
- general merchandise;
- goods for processing;
- repairs on goods;
- goods procured in ports by carriers;
- non-monetary gold.
In accordance with general balance of payments principles, change of ownership is the principle determining the coverage and time of recording of international transaction in goods. Certain exceptions are applied to the principle. Exports and imports of goods are recorded at market values at points of uniform valuation, that is, the custom frontiers of exporting economies