Information for Competent Authorities

For the purpose of the Services Directive, a competent authority is a body that regulates specific activities related to service provision, or which is responsible for authorisations and/or other formalities (registers, licences, permits) with which a business must comply in order to establish and carry out business in the UK (whether it is a large business, a small or medium sized enterprise or a sole trader). Thus Government Departments, all local authorities and a range of other regulatory or self regulatory professional bodies are competent authorities for the purpose of the Services Directive.

The guide below sets out the implications of the Directive for competent authorities and explains how they can comply with its requirements.

European Services Directive - Guide for Competent Authorities

Further information can be accessed at the BIS Services Directive implementation website by clicking the following link: BIS