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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 UK SOLVIT 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. The UK Centre is based in the European and International Trade Directorate of the Department for Business Innovation and Skills.
For more information on SOLVIT, 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: enquiries@bis.gsi.gov.uk
