The application of the IMI (Internal Market Information) system covers numerous areas and allows for exchange of information to take place in several ways: exchanges with a single interlocutor, exchanges with several interlocutors and repositories.

Exchanges with a single interlocutor can take place by means of a request for information or a request for measures: two administrations in different countries exchange information by using pre-translated questions and answers ("series of questions").

If, on the other hand, a public administration sends information to several recipients, it may do so by means of a system of notifications of the national legislation in force in a given sector or by means of an alert mechanism for services likely to cause serious damage to the health or safety of persons or to the environment, or by means of a system of notifications of the national legislation in force in a given sector.

Lastly, repositories enable an administration to enter information into an IMI database so that it can be accessible to all IMI users or to a specific group of users.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Three modules are operational:

• Exchange of information: to verify the validity of qualifications of professionals intending to exercise their business in another EEA country.
• Notification system: to notify new diplomas for professions such as pharmacists, dentists, nurses, doctors, midwives, veterinary surgeons and architects.
• Directory of registers (Repository): to find a national register of professions (architects, accountants, engineers, etc.) 
  Regulatory references: Directive 2005/36/EC as amended by Directive 2013/55/EU

SERVICES

Four modules are operational:

• Exchange of information: to verify information on a foreign company or person intending to provide a service in another EEA country.
• Notification system: to inform the Commission and the Member States of amendments to existing legislation on the provision of services, in accordance with Article 15(7) and Article 39(5) of the Services Directive.
• Alert mechanism: to signal the activity of a service provider with possible repercussions on health, safety or the environment.
• Repository: to find a national register of service providers (e.g., business or trade registers) in any EEA country.
  Regulatory references: Directive 2006/123/EEC, Decision 2009/739/EC

POSTING OF WORKERS

A module is operational:

• Exchange of information: to verify the contractual conditions of workers posted to another Member State.
  Regulatory references: Directive 96/71/EEC, Directive 2014/67

TRANSPORT OF EURO CASH

A module is operational:

• Repository: to check the details of the cross-border cash transport licences.
  Regulatory references: Regulation (EU) No. 1214/2011

TRAIN DRIVING LICENCES

Two modules are operational:

• Exchange of information: to verify the validity of a train driving licence, request for inspection or suspension of a licence.
• Notification system: to inform other Member States and the Commission of a request for inspection or suspension of a licence.
  Regulatory references: Implementing Decision 2014/89/EU

PATIENTS' RIGHTS

Two modules are operational:

• Exchange of information: to verify whether a healthcare professional is entitled to exercise his/her profession and for the application of patients' rights in cross-border healthcare. In other words, a patient who wishes to be treated in another EU country can request the competent public authority to check, through IMI, whether a specific healthcare professional is entitled to practice his/her profession.
• Repository: to find a national register of healthcare professions (general practitioners, specialists, etc.).
  Regulatory references: Directive 2011/24/EU

E-COMMERCE

Two modules are operational:

• Requests for action: to request another country to take specific action against online service providers – e.g., when their websites fail to meet the general information requirements under Article 3 of the E-Commerce Directive.
• Notification system: to notify measures intended to be taken against online service providers from another country, in accordance with Article
  3(4) to (5) of the E-Commerce Directive.
  Regulatory references: Directive 2000/31/EEC

PUBLIC PROCUREMENT

A module is operational:

• Exchange of information: to verify information and documentation provided by contractors from other EU countries.
  Regulatory references: Directives 2014/24/EU and 2014/25/EU