As the previous mandate for the EU Joint Transfer pricing Forum had expired, on 26 January 2015 the European Commission issued Commission Decision C (2015) 247 in respect of setting up a new EU Joint Transfer Pricing Forum expert group. The previous mandate for the Forum given through Commission Decision 2011/C/24/03 of 25 January 2011 is no longer in operation.
The Forum’s function is to assist and advise the European Commission in respect of transfer pricing issues. The Forum is to be composed of transfer pricing experts from government and non-governmental sectors. The Forum is to create a platform for business, society and tax administrations to discuss transfer pricing issues that may be an obstacle to cross-border business in the EU, advising the European Commission and assist in finding practical solutions that are consistent with the OECD transfer pricing guidelines.
The membership is to consist of one representative of the tax administration of each EU member state and representatives from 18 companies or other organizations. The Forum is empowered to set up sub-groups to look at specific issues on the basis of terms of reference given by the Forum. Experts from outside the Forum may be invited to supply their expertise on an ad hoc basis. Also, individuals or organizations may be given observer status. The rules of procedure are to follow the standard rules of procedure for expert groups.