Summary
U.S. companies interested in entering or expanding business in the European Union may find the use of commercial agents an attractive way to access the market. However, companies should be aware of EU regulations and policies that may affect relationships between principals and their commercial agents. This report reviews the provisions outlined by “Council Directive 86/653/EEC on the coordination of the laws of the Member States relating to self-employed commercial agents,” and how its application by the European Union Member States has implications for U.S. businesses in the European Union.