What is the process to apply for an operational authorisation?
When you intend to conduct an operation in the specific category, in a state other than the one you are registered, firstly you need to get an operational authorisation from the competent authority of the state you are registered. This competent authority will evaluate your risk assessment identifying if the mitigation means you propose and the safety objectives are adequate to conduct such type of operation.
Then you need to apply to the competent authority of the state of operation for a confirmation of a cross border operation, providing them evidences on how you apply the mitigations means to the location and in case how you comply with the local conditions.
Regulatory reference Article 13 of EU Regulation 2019/947
Why I cannot apply directly to the competent authority of the state of operation?
The authorisation process requires that the authority agrees with the proposal of the operator ensuring the safety of the operation. The level of verification from the authority depends on the level of risk of the operation and on the level of trust on the maturity of the operator. Therefore applying always to the same authority allows to build this trust. Moreover all authorities needs to conduct periodical oversight audits to all operators they issued an operational authorisation or a LUC or received a declaration, being responsible of their national operators is more convenient for both authorities and operators.
Regulatory reference Article 18(h) of EU Regulation 2019/947