Sell Your Services to Europe The Services Directive and Business NAME, ORGANISATION DATE

2 The Services Directive makes it easier for business to set up and offer services in other EEA states... and in the UK as well

3 Who? Applies to approx. 2/3rds of service sectors –Does not apply to: financial, transport, healthcare, audiovisual, private security, and certain social services; temporary work agencies; gambling activities; electronic communications services; and public services of general interest e.g. public utilities. –But ancillary services to excluded areas ARE covered. All sizes of business

4 When? UK legislation must be in place which implements the Directive Comes into force at end of 2009 Guidance for business will be available Publicity campaign to raise levels of awareness in autumn and winter 09/10

5 How? 1.Easier licence applications 2.Online applications and business information (Points of Single Contact) 3.Removal of restrictions and barriers 4.Enhanced regulatory cooperation 5.Better understanding of consumer rights

6 Easier licence applications Licence and other approval schemes being examined – need to be justified No need to satisfy criteria when applying for licence in other EEA country if already meet equivalent requirements in UK Authorities must process applications within a reasonable time period Tacit authorisation could apply

7 Points of Single Contact (PSC) Online business portals in each EEA country Find all the information you need to do business Apply remotely for all licences and authorisations Common branding for identification UK business can use UK PSC to apply for licences etc here

8 Common branding of PSCs

9 UK PSC

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13 Removal of restrictions Rules discriminating against traders from other countries are being reviewed Applies to legislation and to administrative practices A small number of changes to ensure UK is compliant Let us know if you come across any barriers in other countries In 2010, EU-wide check on whether barriers have come down

14 Regulatory Cooperation Regulators inc. local authorities across Europe must cooperate in supervising service provision They will share information more commonly than at present, so less burden on business No need to supply documentation where this has already been supplied in UK Requests between regulators for information or to do checks on a business must be justified

15 Dealing with customers You must supply certain information to consumers inc. contact details, general terms & conditions, and price where pre-determined Choice of how to provide this information Other information must be supplied on request Much of this information should be available already

16 Dealing with customers (2) You must respond to complaints and try to find a solution Your general terms and conditions cannot discriminate based on nationality or place of residence, unless this can be justified Applies to service provision in the UK and when supplying in Europe – same rules across EEA Rationale is to raise consumers’ confidence to take up services

17 More information More information and FAQs on how the Directive works, who it applies to, and how it affects service providers can be found on the BIS website: Send queries to PSC will be at