Apply for approval as a provider of consumer information services (VID) by the Market Transparency Unit (MTS) for fuels (MTS-K)

Do you want to inform consumers about current fuel prices at filling stations? Then you can use real-time data from the Market Transparency Unit for Fuels under certain conditions.

If you want to use real-time data on fuel prices at filling stations for consumer information, you must apply for approval as a provider of consumer information services (VID) from the Market Transparency Unit for Fuels.

The Market Transparency Unit for Fuels collects real-time price data for the following fuels at public filling stations in Germany:

• E5,
• E10 and
• diesel.

As an authorized provider of VID, you can use the data for the purpose of consumer information.

To be approved, you must meet certain requirements and provide credible evidence.

You can submit your application for approval as a VID provider to the Market Transparency Unit for Fuels online or informally, preferably in writing (by post, fax or e-mail).

As an authorized supplier of VID, you must inform the Market Transparency Unit for Fuels if

• your business data changes. For example, if you have a new address or a different contact person is responsible.
• you give up your business activities as a VID.

If you fail to comply with the legal requirements, the Market Transparency Unit for Fuels may - depending on the circumstances of the individual case - refrain from passing on the data or withdraw your authorization.

You must provide the MTS-K with the following information and documents as part of the application process:

• A brief introduction of yourself or your company for which you are applying for approval as a VID;
• a detailed description of your (planned) VID. Questions may include:

• • What is the medium or media of publication?
  • What form will the presentation take?
  • What is the mode of operation?
  • How does the consumer retrieve the data?
  • What information can consumers receive?

• Explanation,

• • which target group your offer is intended to reach,
  • whether and, if so, how your target group differs from the general public and
  • under what conditions the service is also accessible to other target groups.

• Presentation,

• • when you will start providing consumer information and
  • how you guarantee that your offer will be permanently available from this date.

• Presentation of the geographical availability of your offer under the following aspects:

• • Your offer includes all service stations nationwide.
  • Your offer can be accessed nationwide.

• Presentation of how frequently you will update price data and how you will guarantee the necessary technical performance.
• Presentation of your business model or the financing of your offer.

Note:
Include supporting documents, if available. You will need a power of attorney if you are submitting the application on behalf of another person or organization.

• Forms: no
• Online procedure possible: yes
• Written form required: no
• Personal appearance: no

The following may apply for admission:

• Persons and
• companies.

You provide credible evidence that

• you use the data provided by the Market Transparency Unit for Fuels to inform consumers about current fuel prices nationwide, and
• the consumer information
  • is designed to be permanent,
  • is published by means of a nationally available information service and
  • is not limited to a specific target group.

• objection
• Administrative court action
  

You can apply for approval as a VID provider using the online procedure or informally, preferably in writing (by post, fax or e-mail).

Online procedure:

• Call up the online application on the federal portal (verwaltung.bund.de). This will guide you step by step through the necessary information, which you can enter electronically.
• Upload the required documents as a file (in the file formats PDF, DOC, JPEG, PNG, maximum 10 megabytes per file) and submit the application.

Note: You will need an electronic ID document for the online application, for example the online function of your ID card.

• The Market Transparency Unit for Fuels will contact you if there are any queries or missing documents.
• The Market Transparency Unit for Fuels will send you
  • a notification of approval as a VID provider or
  • a notice of rejection.

Other application:

• Compile the documents and information required to substantiate the admission requirements.
• Include the following information in your informal application:
  • Name of the applicant
  • postal address
  • e-mail address
  • Name of your VID
  • Name of a contact person and
    • their telephone number
  • if available:
    • Fax number
    • Name of the legal representative or the person responsible in accordance with the Telemedia Act or the Interstate Broadcasting Treaty and
      • his or her address and
      • telephone number and
      • fax number and
      • e-mail address.

Note: On the website of the Market Transparency Unit for Fuels you will find help on how to draft your application.

• Please send your application preferably in writing (by post, fax or e-mail) to the Bundeskartellamt, Market Transparency Unit for Fuels.
• The Market Transparency Unit for Fuels will contact you if there are any queries or missing documents or information.
• The Market Transparency Unit for Fuels will send you
  • a notice of approval as a supplier of VID or
  • a notice of refusal.

You do not have to observe any deadlines.

For processing the application: usually 6 to 12 months

There are no costs for you.