Enforcing Single Market Rules
A framework for ensuring the even and effective enforcement of Single Market rules has been established, involving encouraging co-operation between national administrations, setting up contact points for businesses and citizens, and improving the efficiency of the Commission’s complaints procedure. In the UK, BERR’s Action Single Market - UK SOLVIT acts not only as a contact point for UK business and citizens but also as a first port of call for similar units in other Member States when Single Market problems arise.There are a number of options open to businesses when, in the course of marketing their products in another Member State, they consider that they have encountered trade barriers related to national regulations. Some exporters still experience problems because some countries continue to have health and safety concerns or because of a lack of understanding of EU regulations by national authorities.
This problem solving network seeks to enable businesses to exercise their Single Market rights and various options exist including making a confidential complaint directly to the European Commission, who may, where appropriate, take legal action against the Member State concerned (known as infraction proceedings).
Taking action through the national courts:
This is done by making a complaint to the Co-ordination centre, which can facilitate problem solving through various routes for example through bilateral discussion with its counterparts in the other Member State or through it’s extensive network of contacts across Whitehall. As mentioned above, the UK’s Co-ordination Centre is known as the "Action Single Market unit" and is based in the European and World Trade Directorate of the Department for Business Enterprise and Better Regulation.
For more information on SOLVIT or the Action Single Market unit, see the Problems Trading in Europe - Solvit pages
Contact
Response Centre
Tel: 020 7215 5000
or: 020 7215 6740 (Minicom)
Fax: 020 7215 0105
email: berr.enquiries@berr.gsi.gov.uk