Procurement of data for the "Tariffs", "Taxes" and "Procedures and Formalities" section of Access2Markets for 2027-2030

Open EU public tender EC-TRADE/2026/OP/0021 by the European Commission DG TRADE seeks suppliers to provide and maintain structured datasets and consultancy for the Access2Markets portal covering tariffs, internal taxes, procedures and export measures for 2027–2030. The procurement is structured as three independent lots (Lot 1: tariffs/taxes/procedures estimated €11,700,000; Lot 2: export measures €400,000; Lot 3: portal updates and consultancy €300,000) with a total estimated procedure value of €12,400,000 and a maximum framework duration of 48 months. Electronic tenders must be submitted via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal (EU Login/PIC required) by 26 October 2026 at 14:00 Brussels time, with questions cut-off 16 October 2026. Award will be by best price-quality ratio with quality weighted at 70% and price at 30%, and sample datasets and compliance with Annex 7 technical XML/HTML requirements are mandatory.

Opportunity

Procurement of data for the Tariffs, Taxes and Procedures and Formalities section of Access2Markets (2027-2030) EC-TRADE/2026/OP/0021

What it funds:supply and regular updates of 3rd-country datasets and consultancy to populate the Access2Markets portal (My Trade Assistant) with Tariffs, Internal Taxes, Procedures and Formalities and export measures for third countries for the period 2027–2030.

Type of procedure:Open call for tenders leading to single framework contracts per lot. Electronic submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal (EU Login and PIC required).

1. 1Who can apply: economic operators (companies, consortia/joint bidders). Subcontracting and use of third-party capacities allowed subject to tender rules and declarations.
2. 2What is required: delivery of country datasets in prescribed XML/HTML formats (Annex 7 technical requirements), quality/control methodology, sample datasets, and capacity to respond to enquiries (72 h SLA).
3. 3Key dates: deadline for receipt of tenders 26 October 2026, 14:00 (Europe/Brussels); public opening 27 October 2026, 14:00. Questions cut-off 16 October 2026.

Estimated value and lots:Total estimated procedure value €12,400,000, split by lot ceilings. Lot 1 (Tariffs/Taxes/Procedures and Formalities datasets) €11,700,000; Lot 2 (export measures/restrictions datasets) €400,000; Lot 3 (general updating and consultancy) €300,000.

Scope and deliverables:initial country datasets (one zip per country) and regular updates (minimum update frequency specified per lot), data quality assurance methodology, product classification correlation tables, sample datasets for evaluation, and handling of information requests. Work covers at least 151 customs areas (Lot 1) and specified sets of countries for Lot 2.

Eligibility and submission:Open to registered economic operators. Tenderers must be registered in the Participant Register (PIC) and submit tenders electronically via the Funding & Tenders Portal (eSubmission). Joint bids allowed; group leader appointed and jointly liable. Detailed documents and templates (invitation, tender specifications, Annexes 2, 6, 7, draft framework contracts and forms) published on the F&T Portal.

Award & evaluation:framework agreements (single-award per lot). Award by best price-quality ratio. Quality weighting 70% and price weighting 30%. Minimum quality thresholds apply and sample datasets are mandatory for technical evaluation.

Contract specifics:framework contracts with a maximum four-year duration (2027–2030). Data must be delivered in the technical XML/HTML structure defined in Annex 7 and be available for publication on Access2Markets; contracting authority may order specific contracts under the framework without reopening competition.

How to apply:submit the technical and financial offer for the lot(s) of interest via the Funding & Tenders Portal eSubmission. Ensure sample datasets and required annexes (declaration on honour, financial form, technical annex) are included as specified in the tender documents.

Contact and contracting authority:European Commission, DG TRADE — Trade (Lead contracting authority). All procurement documentation, Q&A and submission are managed through the Funding & Tenders Portal: ec.europa.eu.

Footnotes

1. 1Full procurement documents, tender specifications (Annex I), technical requirements (Annex 7), financial model (Annex 6) and draft framework contract are published on the Funding & Tenders Portal for reference and mandatory use in tenders.

Opportunity summary

Title:Procurement of data for the "Tariffs", "Taxes" and "Procedures and Formalities" section of Access2Markets for 2027-2030 (Call EC-TRADE/2026/OP/0021) Type: Open public tender (framework contracts, 3 lots) Contracting authority: European Commission, Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security (DG TRADE) Objective: procure, deliver and maintain 3rd-country datasets and consultancy to populate and update the Access2Markets portal (My Trade Assistant and related sections) for the period 2027-2030 and provide services/updates for the portal web pages. Delivery model: framework contract(s) with specific contracts (orders) for yearly/periodic deliveries and updates. Submissions: electronic (eSubmission / EU Login / Funding & Tenders Portal). Deadlines: key procedural dates published; final receipt of tenders 26/10/2026 14:00 Europe/Brussels. Public opening: 27/10/2026 14:00 Europe/Brussels. Estimated total procedure value: €12,400,000 across the three lots (Lot 1 estimated €11,700,000; Lot 2 estimated €400,000; Lot 3 estimated €300,000). Maximum duration: 48 months for each lot (2027-2030). Main CPV classifications: 72319000 Data supply services; 72314000 Data collection and collation services; 71621000 Technical analysis or consultancy services; 73000000 Research & development services and related consultancy services.

Procurement structure and lots:The call is divided into three independent lots (tenders may be submitted for any combination). Lot 1: Procurement for 3rd country datasets for Tariffs, Taxes, Procedures and Formalities (framework contract ceiling €11,700,000). Lot 2: Procurement for 3rd country datasets for export measures / restrictions (framework contract ceiling €400,000). Lot 3: General updating and consultancy service for the Access2Markets portal web pages (framework contract ceiling €300,000).

What is being procured (scope and deliverables)

Overview:DG TRADE requires high-quality digital data to populate and maintain the Access2Markets portal (My Trade Assistant and supporting static pages) for at least 151 customs areas (third countries) for the period 2027-2030, plus contingency additions. The work covers three strands: tariffs, internal taxes and import procedures & formalities; export measures/restrictions; and consultancy and content updates for the site and tools.

1. 1Lot 1 — Tariffs (Lot 1a), Internal Taxes (Lot €1B), Procedures & Formalities (Lot 1c): deliver per-country datasets (XML + HTML assets) covering HS-based tariff schedules (deepest national lines), MFN and preferential rates, tariff quotas/suspensions, internal taxes (VAT, excise and other border levies), and documentation/administrative requirements (country overviews, general and specific requirements, sample forms). Deliver datasets as ZIP packages with precise naming convention (AMAT/AMIT/AMIF-CCYY-RRvNNN). Provide updates at least every 3 months for tariffs/taxes and every 4 months for procedures and formalities; ad-hoc updates within contracted SLAs when law or measures change. Provide quality assurance, source documentation and classification correlation tables. Provide handling of information requests with a 72-hour deadline for suggested answers.
2. 2Lot 2 — Export measures/restrictions: deliver datasets describing export measures of third countries affecting the EU (export controls, export taxes, prohibitions, licences), in the export nomenclature of the third country at maximum granularity and with correlation to CN/Harmonised codes where possible. Minimum coverage initially 3 countries (Belarus, Russia, China) and up to 7 additional. Provide updates within 10 working days of implementation of new measures and at least quarterly.
3. 3Lot 3 — General updating and consultancy: provide editorial and consultancy services to keep Access2Markets content current, user-friendly and accurate, including drafting and revising static pages, improving dynamic tools (ROSA, My Trade Assistant), preparing training and communication materials, and responding to ad-hoc requests. Expected capacity: up to ~60 consultancy days per year (indicative).

Technical deliverables and formats:All datasets must be delivered in the XML/HTML structure specified in Annex 7 (technical requirements). Example XSDs and sample XML/HTML are provided by DG TRADE (at.xsd, it.xsd, if.xsd, em.xsd and sample files). Contractors must follow naming conventions and provide datasets that pass automated validation in the administration system. Contractors must provide product correlation tables and indicate sources and copyright/licensing for all data. Datasets must be globally accessible via Access2Markets and remain available for at least 12 months after contract expiry for Lot 1 and Lot 2. Lot 3 deliverables are to be publicly available as integrated into the portal.

Quality, update and QA requirements:The tender specifications (Annex 7) define mandatory dataset structure, detailed XML elements, allowed HTML subset, update frequencies and explicit QA rules (including change-tracking in an <updates> element, product inclusions/exclusions, structured tariff formulas, tariff quota modeling, source referencing and transparency on product classification correlations). Tenderers must submit sample datasets (ZIP with required files) for evaluation (Lot 1: three different complete sample datasets per sub-lot; Lot 2: one sample dataset; Lot 3: narrative examples and working methods).

Who can apply and eligibility

General eligibility:This is an open procedure published on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Economic operators established in the EU/EEA, contracting parties to the GPA where applicable, or third countries covered by procurement rules as indicated in the contract notice can participate subject to the exclusion rules. Registration in the Participant Register (PIC) and EU Login account are required for eSubmission. The contracting authority applies standard exclusion and selection checks (declaration on honour, supporting evidence on economic & financial capacity, technical capacity and experience).

Eligible applicant types:Open to legal persons and groups: SMEs, large enterprises, data providers, specialised information vendors, consultancies, research institutes, universities, NGOs, nonprofit bodies and consortia including public-private groups. Joint tenders and subcontracting are allowed (detailed rules apply). Entities subject to EU restrictive measures cannot participate.

Selection, exclusion and minimum requirements

Exclusion:standard Financial Regulation exclusions (bankruptcy, tax/social security breaches, grave professional misconduct, fraud, corruption, money laundering, terrorist offences, serious deficiencies in contract implementation, etc.). Tenderers must provide the Declaration on Honour (Annex 2) and supporting evidence on request. Selection: economic and financial capacity and technical and professional capacity are assessed (minimum yearly turnover thresholds and track record).

1. 1Economic/financial thresholds: Lot 1: average yearly turnover of the last two financial years > €2,000,000. Lot 2 & Lot 3: average yearly turnover of the last two financial years > €100,000 (each). Evidence: profit & loss and balance sheets or bank statements (last two closed years).
2. 2Technical capacity (examples): Lot 1 must demonstrate experience in HS classification, customs/tariff systems, active data collection in third countries, and provide a core team (project manager + experts in trade law, trade in goods, XML, software engineering and editorial/text review). Proof: minimum project references (Lot 1: at least two similar projects in last 5 years, each >= €500,000). Lot 2: at least one similar project >= €100,000. Lot 3: at least two similar projects >= €60,000 each. CVs of proposed team members must be submitted.
3. 3Professional conflicts: tenderers must declare no professional conflicting interests and provide commitment letters for subcontractors or entities on whose capacity they rely.

Award and evaluation

Award method:Best price-quality ratio. Evaluation involves compliance checks, exclusion and selection verification, technical evaluation of quality (weight 70%) and price (weight 30%). Quality evaluation is multi-criterion (e.g. dataset sample quality, data collection methodology and source quality, QA methodology, update approach, response approach to information requests). Minimum thresholds apply (overall minimum 65% and per-criterion minimum 50% depending on lot).

Evaluation process and scoring:Tenders are ranked using the formula: ScoreX = (CheapestPrice / PriceX) *100 * PriceWeight + QualityScoreX * QualityWeight. Detailed qualitative criteria per lot are defined in the tender specifications and Annex 7; sample datasets are scored for compliance and quality. The contracting authority may request clarifications and missing evidence during evaluation. Detection of abnormally low tenders rules apply.

Funding type, financials and payment

Funding type:procurement — payments for services under a framework contract. No grant or subsidy. Estimated procedure value: €12,400,000 across the lots (framework ceilings: Lot €1 11,700,000; Lot €2 400,000; Lot €3 300,000). Payments: invoices in EUR (or other currency if specified), payable by the contracting authority within 60 days of receipt and approval; interest on late payments applies. Price revision: not during the first year; procedures for revision specified if indexation is allowed. Payment schedule: interim payments (example: possible interim at 30% per specific contract) and final balance invoicing; invoices must be accompanied by required deliverables and evidence (including list of pre-existing rights). Contractors are responsible for all costs to produce the datasets and for any licences required to re-use source data. Financial offer forms and protected financial worksheets are provided in Annex 6 (Excel).

Framework contract model and ordering:Result: single framework contract per lot (one contractor per lot). Specific contracts (orders) will be issued under the framework contract. The contracting authority may award specific contracts by direct call to the framework contractor (single FWC) or by re-opening competition if multiple framework contractors exist. Specific contracts include the detailed scope, volumes and timing for ordered countries/activities. Quantities in Annex 6 are indicative only and not binding.

Application and submission

Submission method:electronic only via the Funding & Tenders Portal eSubmission. EU Login and Participant Register PIC are required. Tender documents available in English only. Required attachments (examples): Invitation to tender, Tender specifications (Annex 1), Annex 7 Technical requirements (XML XSDs and samples), Annex 6 Financial offer form (protected worksheets), Annex 2 Declaration on honour, draft framework contract (lots 1–3), draft specific contract template. Q&A published via the Portal (contracting authority will not reply to questions after the date indicated in the contract notice).

Application type and stages:Procedure type: Open procedure -> one-stage tender submission and evaluation. Tenderers may be required to provide additional evidence after evaluation (administrative/selection checks) before award. Public opening is held online and tenderers may attend the virtual opening (max two representatives).

Award timetable and deadlines

Key dates (as published):TED publication date: 05/08/2026. Deadline for receipt of tenders: 26/10/2026 14:00 Europe/Brussels. Date and time of public opening: 27/10/2026 14:00 Europe/Brussels. Contract duration: maximum 48 months (specific start earliest 01/01/2027). Contracting authority may not reply to Q&A after 16/10/2026 23:59 Europe/Brussels. Electronic submissions only — ensure compliance with eSubmission system requirements and late-submission rules.

Key tender & contractual documents

1. 1Invitation to tender (EN) — mandatory reading (includes procedural rules).
2. 2Tender specifications (Annex I) — contains scope, lots, selection/exclusion criteria, awarding rules, deliverables and contractual clauses.
3. 3Annex 7 Technical Requirements — XML/HTML data structure, sample XSDs and examples (mandatory for dataset formatting).
4. 4Annex 6 Financial offer form (Excel, protected worksheets for Lot 1/2/3 pricing) — must be completed and uploaded.
5. 5Annex 2 Declaration on Honour (exclusion and selection) — mandatory.
6. 6Draft framework contract and draft specific contract templates (Annex II / Annex III) — review before tendering.
7. 7Public Q&A history and clarifications published on the Portal — check for updates.

Application forms and templates (how the application looks)

Tenders are uploaded via eSubmission. Required content per lot:technical tender (free format but must include methodology, sample datasets per Annex 7, company and team CVs, project references, QA and update procedures, articulation of data sources/licences, and handling of user information requests), completed financial tender (Annex 6 Excel), signed Declaration on Honour (Annex 2), list of subcontractors (Annex 4) and commitment letters (Annex 5.1/5.2) where applicable. Joint tenders must include Agreement/Power of Attorney (Annex 3). Sample datasets required: Lot 1: for each sub-lot three complete sample datasets (ZIP) demonstrating compliance with technical requirements; Lot 2: one sample dataset (ZIP); Lot 3: narrative examples and ready-to-publish content samples. All attachments must follow naming and size rules of eSubmission (attachments < 50 MB each; maximum 200 attachments). Financial worksheets are protected and auto-populated by contracting authority with estimated quantities — tenderers must complete yellow cells and print signed originals to retain as paper evidence.

Templates and structural guidance for applicants:Required templates (provided in the call documents): Annex 2 Declaration on Honour (exclusion & selection); Annex 3 Agreement/Power of Attorney (joint tender); Annex 4 list of identified subcontractors; Annex 5.1 commitment letter by identified subcontractor; Annex 5.2 commitment letter by an entity on whose capacities is relied; Annex 6 Financial offer form (official price list worksheets Lot 1/2/3); Annex 7 Technical Annex (detailed XML/HTML schema, naming conventions, sample files). Tenderers must follow Annex 7 exactly for dataset structure, element names, and HTML subset. Sample datasets must be packaged as ZIP files named according to the AA SS CC YY RR v999 convention and must include the XML file with the correct filename and valid XSD compliance. Tenderers must prepare CVs, project references with start/end dates, scope and invoiced amounts, and client contact details for verification.

Selection and scoring details (award criteria per lot — summary)

1. 1Price: 30% (total tender price used for evaluation).
2. 2Quality: 70% distributed across sub-criteria per lot (examples below).

Quality criteria (indicative summary per lot):Lot 1: dataset sample compliance and technical conformance (15%); data collection methodology and access to local sources (25%); QA methodology and analytical methods (30%); update approach and trigger conditions (20%); approach to handling information requests (10%). Lot 2: dataset compliance (15%); data collection in 3rd countries (25%); QA methodology (25%); update approach and trigger conditions (20%); handling information requests (15%). Lot 3: quality of narrative examples (15%); understanding and approach to project management and planning (25%); QA methodology (25%); update approach and trigger conditions (25%); understanding of the Access2Markets portal and prioritized update proposals (10%). Minimum thresholds apply (overall pass and per-criterion minima as detailed in tender specifications).

Risk, intellectual property and data rights

IP and licensing:The framework contract contains detailed IP provisions. For many datasets DG TRADE acquires broad rights on the delivered content. The tender documents state that, in principle, the Union acquires ownership of results (copyright and related rights) created for the contract. For third-party source material that is protected by IP, contractors must secure all necessary licences and provide proof. Contractors must list and evidence all pre-existing rights (Annex IV) and deliver a declaration or licence evidence at the latest with the balance invoice. Where special arrangements apply (e.g. data vendors retaining ownership but licensing to the Union), the contract states the expected licensing model and disclosure obligations. Contractors must ensure datasets can be freely accessible worldwide (Lot 1 and Lot 2) as required and must secure appropriate rights to allow this. Confidential data and personal data processing must comply with Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 and the contract data-protection clauses. Datasets may be used by the Commission for operational and internal use and may be processed by Commission systems and AI models for internal purposes in accordance with contract clauses.

Data protection and security obligations:Contractors must comply with EU data protection legislation (Regulation (EU) 2018/1725), implement technical and organisational measures for security, keep personal data in EU/EEA data centres unless prior authorisation is granted and notify the Commission of any legally binding third-country disclosure requests. The tender contains Appendix 2 with Security Requirements for Commission’s Contractors and obligations for personnel confidentiality and security checks.

Practical notes, risks and recommendations for bidders

Practical observations:1) Carefully follow Annex 7 XML/HTML schemas and naming rules — sample datasets are mandatory evaluation items. 2) Use Annex 6 financial worksheets as the required pricing format — complete protected cells and ensure consistency between uploaded financial worksheet and eSubmission total price field. 3) Prepare evidence to support turnover and project reference thresholds — these will be requested and verified. 4) Prepare signed original worksheets (financial) and any signed templates that require hand or QES signatures. 5) Provide a robust methodology for active sourcing of official third-country data (ministries, chambers, customs administrations) and for QA and updates. 6) Ensure licences for any third-party copyrighted source material; provide clear source lists and licensing terms. 7) Respond to information requests within the required 72-hour SLA. 8) Check the public Q&A on the Funding & Tenders Portal and subscribe to call updates.

1. 1Deliver sample datasets per lot as required — ZIP files validated against the provided XSDs.
2. 2Ensure the proposed team meets language and experience requirements (project manager C2 English; experts minimum C1).
3. 3Complete Annex 6 pricing worksheets and upload them as required, sign originals for your records.
4. 4Ensure you have a valid PIC and EU Login account to submit electronically.

Application portal and guidance:Apply and submit tenders via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal eSubmission application (EU Login / Participant Register PIC required). System technical guidance, accepted file types and naming rules are available via the eSubmission Quick Guide and system requirements; check them early. For procurement-specific eSubmission guidance consult the eSubmission Helpdesk if technical problems arise. For the submission and procedural rules, refer to the Invitation to Tender and Tender Specifications. Funding & Tenders Portal — call page eSubmission Quick Guide Technical requirements and annexes info Tender documents zip (Annex 7 and samples) ¹

Full list of countries explicitly referenced in the tender documents (indicative)

The Tender Specifications include an explicit list of the 151 countries currently in Access2Markets that must be covered for Lot 1 (tariffs, taxes, formalities); the published sample list in the tender specification includes (alphabetical excerpt): AFGHANISTAN, ALBANIA, ALGERIA, ANDORRA, ANGOLA, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA, ARGENTINA, ARMENIA, AUSTRALIA, AZERBAIJAN, BAHAMAS, BAHRAIN, BANGLADESH, BARBADOS, BELARUS, BELIZE, BENIN, BERMUDA, BHUTAN, BOLIVIA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA, BOTSWANA, BRAZIL, BRUNEI, BURUNDI, CAMEROON, CAMBODIA, CANADA, CHILE, CHINA, COLOMBIA, COMOROS, CONGO (Democratic Republic of), CONGO (Republic of), COSTA RICA, CÔTE D’IVOIRE, CUBA, DOMINICA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, ECUADOR, EGYPT, EL SALVADOR, ESWATINI, ETHIOPIA, FAROE ISLANDS, FIJI, GABON, GEORGIA, GHANA, GIBRALTAR, GREENLAND, GRENADA, GUATEMALA, GUINEA, GUYANA, HAITI, HONDURAS, HONG KONG, ICELAND, INDIA, INDONESIA, IRAN, IRAQ, ISRAEL, JAMAICA, JAPAN, JORDAN, KAZAKHSTAN, KENYA, KOSOVO, KUWAIT, KYRGYZSTAN, LAOS, LEBANON, LESOTHO, LIBERIA, LIBYA, MADAGASCAR, MALAWI, MALAYSIA, MALI, MAURITANIA, MAURITIUS, MEXICO, MOLDOVA, MONGOLIA, MONTENEGRO, MOROCCO, MOZAMBIQUE, MYANMAR, NAMIBIA, NEPAL, NEW CALEDONIA, NEW ZEALAND, NICARAGUA, NIGERIA, NIUE, NORTH MACEDONIA, NORWAY, OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY, OMAN, PAKISTAN, PANAMA, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, PARAGUAY, PERU, PHILIPPINES, QATAR, RUSSIAN FEDERATION, RWANDA, SAINT LUCIA, SAMOA, SALOMON ISLANDS, SAUDI ARABIA, SENEGAL, SERBIA, SEYCHELLES, SINGAPORE, SOUTH AFRICA, SOUTH KOREA, SRI LANKA, ST KITTS AND NEVIS, ST VINCENT, SUDAN, SURINAME, SWITZERLAND, SYRIA, TAIWAN, TAJIKISTAN, TANZANIA, THAILAND, TIMOR L’ESTE, TOGO, TONGA, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, TUNISIA, TURKIYE, TURKMENISTAN, TUVALU, UGANDA, UKRAINE, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, UNITED KINGDOM, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, URUGUAY, UZBEKISTAN, VENEZUELA, VIETNAM, YEMEN, ZAMBIA, ZIMBABWE. Lot 2 explicit initial export-measures country set: BELARUS, RUSSIA, CHINA (and up to 7 additional countries to be defined).

Summary: What is this opportunity about and recommended next steps

This procurement seeks one or more qualified data/content providers and consultancy suppliers to create, deliver and maintain structured machine-readable datasets and editorial content for the European Commission’s Access2Markets portal for the 2027–2030 period. The work is split into three lots: comprehensive tariff/tax/procedures datasets for at least 151 export markets (Lot 1), export measures datasets for a small set of sensitive markets with export controls (Lot 2), and general updating/consultancy for the portal pages and tools (Lot 3). This is a formal open tender procedure with a significant technical component: follow the tender specifications (Annex I), implement Annex 7 technical requirements exactly (XML/HTML schemas and naming conventions), provide the mandatory sample datasets, and use the financial template (Annex 6). Ensure legal coverage for third-party data licensing and prepare robust QA, classification correlation documentation, and a rapid update workflow. Submit electronically via the Funding & Tenders Portal before the closing date and monitor the Portal for Q&As and any corrigenda. For technical submission guidance consult the eSubmission Quick Guide and the Portal help resources. EU Funding & Tenders Portal ¹

Footnotes

1. 1Use the EU Funding & Tenders Portal call page to download tender documents, subscribe to updates and submit your tender: ec.europa.eu

This is an open EU procurement by the European Commission, DG TRADE, for datasets and related services that support Access2Markets, the Commission portal that helps firms trade beyond the EU's borders [1][8]. The official call is EC-TRADE/2026/OP/0021 [1].

What the contract is about

The contract seeks procurement of data to populate and update the Tariffs, Internal Taxes, Procedures and Formalities sections of Access2Markets for the period 2027 to 2030, for EU goods exported to at least 151 customs areas. It is structured as a services framework contract and is not a grant, so there is no funding rate in the usual EU grant sense.

• Lot 1 covers third country datasets for Tariffs, Taxes, Procedures and Formalities and carries the largest estimated value.
• Lot 2 covers third country datasets for export measures and restrictions.
• Lot 3 covers general updating and consultancy services for the Access2Markets portal web pages.

The framework is set for a maximum duration of 48 months, with a framework agreement without reopening of competition. The tender documents also indicate that additional custom areas may be ordered during implementation depending on the contracting authority's yearly needs, and that some quantities are estimates only.

Who can apply

The procedure is open, so interested economic operators can submit tenders if they meet the exclusion and selection criteria in the tender specifications. The declaration on honour shows that sole tenderers, members of a joint tender, subcontractors, and entities whose capacity is relied on may be involved, subject to the rules in the procurement documents.

• Applicants must comply with the exclusion rules, including tax and social security compliance, integrity requirements, and the restrictions on conflicts of interest and EU restrictive measures.
• Tenderers must submit the declaration on honour and the evidence requested by the contracting authority.
• The offer must be submitted electronically through the EU Funding and Tenders Portal.
• The procurement documents indicate a 6 month tender validity period for the lots.

The procedure is marked as not SME suitable in the eForms data, which suggests that it may be more appropriate for larger data providers, research firms, trade information specialists, or consortia with strong operational capacity.

Financial overview

Award is based on the best price-quality ratio. The eForms data indicates a weighting of 70 percent quality and 30 percent price, so technical merit is the dominant factor.

Deadlines and submission rules

1. 1Questions deadline: 16 October 2026 at 23:59 Brussels time.
2. 2Tender submission deadline: 26 October 2026 at 14:00 Brussels time.
3. 3Public opening: 27 October 2026 at 14:00 Brussels time.
4. 4Submission method: electronic only.
5. 5EU Login is required to access submission and related portal functions.

The tender is published as open for submission, and the documents were published on 5 August 2026. The portal documentation also indicates that the procedure is governed through the Funding and Tenders electronic submission system.

Technical and documentary requirements applicants should note

The technical annex defines the structure of the datasets, file naming rules, and the XML and HTML requirements. The samples provided in the documents are not real data, and the Q and A clarifications indicate that tenderers must provide complete sample datasets in their offer package for the relevant lot or lots.

The financial offer form must be completed carefully, because the tender documents state that listing additional costs can render the tender inadmissible. The pricing model also allows the contracting authority to order services in an order or frequency different from the indicative pattern, with pro rata pricing for services added during the year.

Practical assessment for applicants

This opportunity is best suited to organisations with strong trade data coverage, data validation capability, multilingual or structured content production capacity, and experience with public sector information delivery. Applicants should prepare to demonstrate exclusion compliance, selection capacity, and the ability to produce and maintain reliable datasets at scale over a four year framework period.