The European Union Joint Transfer Pricing Forum (JTPF) has issued descriptions of the transfer pricing systems of European Union (EU) member states in a standardized form, giving relevant information on aspects of the transfer pricing rules and tax authority references and contact details. This may prove useful for taxpayers in a member state who need to find information on another member state where they are operating. The JTPF aims to provide practical help on transfer pricing issues and therefore intends to make the information provided as useful as possible to taxpayers operating in the EU.

The transfer pricing profiles contain a summary of the provisions in each member state including the definition of related parties; guidance on the application of the arm’s length principle; and the various permitted transfer pricing methods in each country. There is also information on documentation requirements, transfer pricing audit procedures, penalties and dispute resolution procedures, including a description of the mutual agreement procedure. Details of the procedure laid down for negotiating advance pricing agreements is included where this is available in a particular country. Other information such as the form in which an application for an APA must be made and the address of the responsible unit within the tax administration are also included where possible.

The JTPF was set up in 2002 as the European Commission’s (EC) expert group to assist the European Commission on matters relating to transfer pricing governance and has issued a number of reports including codes of conduct in respect of transfer pricing documentation and the EU Arbitration Convention.