Statutory Instruments
1990 No. 593 (N.I. 5)
The Companies (Northern Ireland) Order 1990
14th March 1990
PART IN.I.INTRODUCTORY
Title and commencementN.I.
1.—(1) This Order may be cited as the Companies (Northern Ireland) Order 1990 and shall come into operation on such day or days as the Head of the Department may by order appointF1.
(2) An order under paragraph (1) may—
(a)contain such transitional provisions and savings as appear to the Head of the Department to be necessary or expedient;
(b)amend any statutory provision which refers to the coming into operation of a provision brought into operation by the order so as to substitute a reference to the actual date on which it comes into operation.
F1partly exercised by SRs 1990/246; 1991/267, 499; 1993/63; 1994/47
InterpretationN.I.
2.—(1) Subject to Articles 44(1) and 51(4) and (5), the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954F2 shall apply to Article 1 and the following provisions of this Order as it applies to a Measure of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
(2) In this Order—
“the Department” means the Department of Economic Development;
“the 1986 Order” means the Companies (Northern Ireland) Order 1986F3;
“statutory provision” has the meaning assigned to it by section 1(f) of the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954.
PART IIN.I.COMPANY ACCOUNTS
IntroductionN.I.
IntroductionN.I.
3. F4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F4Art. 3 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12)
Provisions applying to companies generallyN.I.
Accounting recordsN.I.
4. F5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F5Art. 4 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12)
A company's financial year and accounting reference periodsN.I.
5. F6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F6Art. 5 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12)
Individual company accountsN.I.
6. F7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F7Art. 6 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12)
Group accountsN.I.
7. F8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F8Art. 7 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12)
Additional disclosure required in notes to accountsN.I.
8. F9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F9Art. 8 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12)
Approval and signing of accountsN.I.
9. F10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F10Art. 9 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12)
Directors' reportN.I.
10. F11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F11Art. 10 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12)
Auditors' reportN.I.
11. F12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F12Art. 11 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12)
Publication of accounts and reportsN.I.
12. F13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F13Art. 12 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12)
Laying and delivering of accounts and reportsN.I.
13. F14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F14Art. 13 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12)
Remedies for failure to comply with accounting requirementsN.I.
14. F15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F15Art. 14 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12)
Exemptions and special provisionsN.I.
Small and medium‐sized companies and groupsN.I.
15. F16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F16Art. 15 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12)
Dormant companiesN.I.
16. F17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F17Art. 16 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12)
Public listed companies: provision of summary financial statementN.I.
17. F18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F18Art. 17 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12)
Private companies: election to dispense with laying of accounts and reports before general meetingN.I.
18. F19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F19Art. 18 repealed (1.10.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/2194, arts. 1(3)(a), 8, Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with art. 12)
Unlimited companies: exemption from requirement to deliver accounts and reportsN.I.
19. F20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F20Art. 19 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12)
Banking and insurance companies and groups: special provisionsN.I.
20. F21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F21Art. 20 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12)
Supplementary provisionsN.I.
Accounting standardsN.I.
21. F22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F22Art. 21 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12)
Power to alter accounting requirementsN.I.
22. F23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F23Art. 22 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12)
Parent and subsidiary undertakingsN.I.
23. F24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F24Art. 23 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12)
Other interpretation provisionsN.I.
24. F25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F25Art. 24 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12)
Article 25—Amendments
Article 26—Repeals
PART III F26N.I.ELIGIBILITY FOR APPOINTMENT AS COMPANY AUDITOR
F26mod. by SI 2005/18
IntroductionN.I.
IntroductionN.I.
27. F27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F27Art. 27 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12)
Eligibility for appointmentN.I.
Eligibility for appointmentN.I.
28. F28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F28Art. 28 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12, Sch. 4 para. 37(2))
Effect of appointment of partnershipN.I.
29. F29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F29Art. 29 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12, Sch. 4 para. 37(2))
Ineligibility on ground of lack of independenceN.I.
30. F30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F30Art. 30 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12, Sch. 4 para. 37(2))
Effect of ineligibilityN.I.
31. F31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F31Art. 31 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12, Sch. 4 para. 37(2))
Power of Department to require second auditN.I.
32. F32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F32Art. 32 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12, Sch. 4 para. 41(2))
Recognition of supervisory bodies and professional qualificationsN.I.
Supervisory bodiesN.I.
33. F33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F33Art. 33 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12, Sch. 4 para. 38(2))
Meaning of “appropriate qualification”N.I.
34. F34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F34Art. 34 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12, Sch. 4 para. 38(2))
Qualifying bodies and recognised professional qualificationsN.I.
35. F35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F35Art. 35 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12, Sch. 4 para. 38(2))
Approval of overseas qualificationsN.I.
36. F36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F36Art. 36 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12, Sch. 4 para. 38(2))
Duties of recognised bodiesN.I.
The register of auditorsN.I.
37. F37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F37Art. 37 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12)
Information about firms to be available to publicN.I.
38. F38. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F38Art. 38 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12)
Matters to be notified to the DepartmentN.I.
39. F39. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F39Art. 39 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12, Sch. 4 para. 39)
Power to call for informationN.I.
40. F40. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F40Art. 40 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12, Sch. 4 para. 39)
Compliance ordersN.I.
41. F41. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F41Art. 41 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12)
Directions to comply with international obligationsN.I.
42. F42. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F42Art. 42 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12, Sch. 4 para. 41(2))
OffencesN.I.
False and misleading statementsN.I.
43. F43. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F43Art. 43 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12, Sch. 4 para. 41(2))
Offences by bodies corporate, partnerships and unincorporated associationsN.I.
44. F44. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F44Art. 44 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12, Sch. 4 para. 41(2))
Time limits for prosecution of offencesN.I.
45. F45. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F45Art. 45 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12, Sch. 4 para. 41(2))
Jurisdiction and procedure in respect of offencesN.I.
46. F46. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F46Art. 46 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12, Sch. 4 para. 41(2))
Supplementary provisionsN.I.
FeesN.I.
47. F47. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F47Art. 47 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12, Sch. 4 para. 41(2))
Delegation of functions of DepartmentN.I.
48. F48. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F48Art. 48 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12, Sch. 4 para. 42(2))
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .N.I.
F49Art. 48A repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12, Sch. 4 para. 42(2))
Art. 49 rep. by 2004 c. 27
Exemption from liability for damagesN.I.
50. F50. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F50Art. 50 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12, Sch. 4 para. 38(2))
Service of noticesN.I.
51. F51. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F51Art. 51 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12, Sch. 4 para. 41(2))
Power to make consequential amendmentsN.I.
52. F52. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F52Art. 52 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12) (with saving by Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments etc) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/948, art. 10)
Power to make provision in consequence of changes affecting accountancy bodiesN.I.
53. F53. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F53Art. 53 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12)
Meaning of “associate”N.I.
54. F54. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F54Art. 54 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12, Sch. 4 para. 41(3))
Minor definitionsN.I.
55. F55. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F55Art. 55 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12, Sch. 4 para. 41(3))
Index of defined expressionsN.I.
56. F56. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F56Art. 56 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12, Sch. 4 para. 41(3))
Article 57—Repeals
SCHEDULES
N.I.
Schedule 1—Amendments
N.I.
Schedule 2—Amendments
N.I.
Schedule 3—Amendments
N.I.
Schedule 4—Amendments
N.I.
Schedule 5—Amendments
N.I.
Schedule 6—Amendments
N.I.
Schedule 7—Amendments
N.I.
Schedule 8—Amendments
N.I.
Schedule 9—Amendments
N.I.
Schedule 10—Amendments
F57F57SCHEDULE 11N.I.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F57Sch. 11 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12, Sch. 4 para. 38(2))
F77F77SCHEDULE 12N.I.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F77Sch. 12 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12, Sch. 4 para. 38(2))
F87F87SCHEDULE 13N.I.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F87Sch. 13 repealed (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1295, 1300, Sch. 16; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 8(a), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 (with arts. 7, 12, Sch. 4 para. 42(2))
N.I.
Schedule 14 rep. by 2004 c. 27
N.I.
Schedule 15—Repeals