New study shows how Once-Only can reduce administrative burden for EU SMEs and self-employed workers
Discover valuable insights from interviews with SMEs and self-employed across 18 EU countries
30 September 2024 | 8 minutes read
Today, the European Commission is excited to announce the publication of a 2024 study, revealing how the Once-Only Technical System (OOTS) and other Single Digital Gateway initiatives will simplify cross-border expansion for EU businesses by reducing administrative burden. This study examined the experiences of 43 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and self-employed workers in 18 EU countries, comparing the current procedure of expanding abroad without the OOTS to a future scenario where the OOTS is fully operational.
The OOTS enhances efficiency and reduces costs for businesses
Nowadays, businesses frequently need to complete a mix of online, offline, automated, and manual steps when conducting cross-border procedures to expand their business activities abroad. This results in substantial monetary and time costs, since individuals may need to take time to understand the requirements of the procedure, as well as needing to travel to public authorities, obtain physical copies of documents, and scan them before sending them to another authority.
However, through the OOTS, users will be able to quickly identify the required documents and initiate the sharing of data between competent authorities. For example, starting from the Your Europe portal, users will connect to the relevant procedure portal and will no longer need to search, retrieve, or manually upload documents.
Very nice to move documents across borders like this, this would be very convenient.
– German SME
The OOTS can cut costs for SMEs and self-employed workers in half
The preparation and gathering of documents, such as proof of registration or extracts from tax registers, and professional advisory costs to understand the requirements of the procedure, are especially costly. SMEs and self-employed workers expect major cost savings once the OOTS is fully implemented.
SMEs, which currently estimate spending an average of €10 000 on the entire administrative procedure, could reduce their expenditures by 53%. In addition, self-employed workers, who currently estimate spending around €2 500, could lower their costs by 59%.
It’s excellent, would be so practical if I can use this: would save weeks of time and four to five thousand euros for my company!
– French self-employed worker
The OOTS can give time back to SMEs and self-employed workers
In addition to cost savings, SMEs and self-employed workers expect substantial time savings from using the OOTS. By reducing time spent on gathering, translating, and authenticating documents, often requiring travelling in person, the entire administrative procedure will become much more efficient.
SMEs, who currently spend an average of 14.4 weeks on the entire procedure, could reduce time spent by 6.4 weeks, representing a 44% reduction. Similarly, self-employed workers, who average 10.2 weeks to complete the administrative procedures, could save 5.4 weeks, a 53% reduction.
No need for physical visits to show original documents or prove my identity will save me valuable time.
– French SME
The OOTS makes cross-border procedures efficient and easy
In addition to significant cost and time savings, SMEs and self-employed report that the OOTS could improve the overall efficiency and user-friendliness of the administrative procedure when expanding their business activities into another EU country. Over 91% of the businesses interviewed report that they find expanding their business to another EU country substantially easier thanks to the OOTS.
It is very nice and smooth, it totally fits and is extremely fast, connection between platforms is amazing that you do not have to download anything.
– Portuguese self-employed worker
