Services Directive

The EU Services Directive aims to break down barriers to cross-border trade in services between countries in the EU. It will make it easier for service providers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, to offer their services to customers in other EU countries, whether establishing elsewhere in the EU or providing services remotely from the UK.

EU Member states were required to implement the Directive by 28 December 2009. BIS has led on implementation in the UK and we have been working closely with other government departments, the devolved administrations, local authorities, regulators and others in tasks such as screening legislation for compliance with the Directive and establishing an online ‘Point of Single Contact’ for service providers to find out about doing business in the UK.

More information can be found on the BIS website. Direct links to parts of the BIS website are available under the headings in the left menu.

What to do if your work affects service businesses

Guidance on the Provision of Services Regulations 2009 'What to do if your work affects service businesses' explains how departments and any organisations or bodies which fall within their departmental remit can ensure that policies and rules comply with the Regulations. The 'What to do if your work affects service businesses' document has been published on the BIS Website.

Last updated: 15 Apr 2011, 15:25