General public services

Tender description

BEIS will award a contract to chartered Trading Standards Institute to continue delivery of the ECCS from July 2019 to December 2020. The ECCS runs a website and phone helpline providing information and advice to UK consumers looking to access a service or services from a trader based in another Member State. Consumer advisors, with wide knowledge of consumer rights legislation, provide advice and information to consumers on cross-border issues, by phone and email. It is provided in accordance with the Services Directive 2006/123/EC. The contract covers the cost of running the service only. The ECCS provides: general information on the requirements applicable in other Member States in relation to accessing or exercising service activities, in particular those relating to consumer protection; general information on the means of redress available in the event of a dispute between service provider and recipient; and contact details of organisations from which assistance can be sought. Delivery of the ECCS until the end of December 2020.