(2)Taking into account that the objective of Article 4(3a) of Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 is to facilitate access to clearing for clients that have a limited volume of activity in the OTC derivatives market and face difficulties in accessing central clearing, and given the importance of accessing central clearing for counterparties subject to the clearing obligation, this Regulation should apply to the provision of clearing services in relation to OTC derivative contracts that are subject to the clearing obligation pursuant to Article 4(1) of Regulation (EU) No 648/2012. To ensure a level playing field and that clients in the Union benefit from FRANDT commercial terms, this Regulation should apply where those clearing services are provided in the Union.