One Point of Single Contact for service providers
The EU Services Directive makes it easier for service providers to operate in other EU countries. They can organise everything via one Point of Single Contact.
One Point of Single Contact where service providers can organise everything
Thanks to the Services Directive, service providers can organise everything through a Point of Single Contact (PSC). Each member state has its own PSC. This means service providers have fewer administrative rules to deal with. The EU Services Directive also applies to Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. So these countries also have their own PSCs.
In the Netherlands the PSC is Business.gov.nl.
Examples of services that fall under the Services Directive
Street performers who want to play at festivals in Belgium and France. A restaurant owner who wants to expand into Spain and Italy. An architect who carries out work for a German construction company. The Services Directive applies to almost all service providers.
Services Directive not applicable to all services
The Services Directive is not applicable to all services, including:
- financial services
- telecommunications services
- transport
- employment agencies
- health care
- audiovisual services
- gambling activities
- social services (social housing)
- private security services
- civil-law notaries
-
tax-related activities, employment law and cross-border placement of workers.
Services Act
The Services Act sets out which services do and do not fall under the Services Directive. The Act has been in force since 2009.
Services Directive not applicable to all services
The Services Directive is not applicable to:
- financial services;
- electronic communications services;
- transport;
- employment agencies;
- health care;
- audiovisual services;
- gambling activities;
- social services (social housing);
- private security services;
- civil-law notaries;
- services of general interest;
- taxation-related activities, employment law and the cross-border placement of workers.
How the Services Directive benefits consumers
The Services Directive also benefits consumers. When businesses expand their activities to other countries, this creates competition. Competition reduces prices and improves the quality of the services provided.
Since the Services Act came into force, consumers have had more choice.