More than seventy local companies face removal from the Samoa Companies Register for failing to file returns, or simply not carrying on with business.

The companies have until 30 September 2020 to file an objection with the Registrar of Companies.

The number of pending de-registrations was announced by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour (M.C.I.L.), Pulotu Lyndon Chu Ling, in a public notice.

The notice named 71 local companies that failed to file annual returns and two companies that are no longer carrying on business. 

It also added that the companies will be removed from the Samoa Register Companies, pursuant to section 124 and 260 (a) of the Companies Act 2001 (“the Act”). 

“The following companies will be removed from the Register after 20 working days from the date of the notice,” read the notice.

The companies will be not removed from the Register unless the company satisfies the Registrar by notice in writing that it is still carrying on business or there is either reason for it to continue in existence.

“Any person, who wishes to object to the removal of these companies, must file his or her objection with the Registrar of Companies by the 30^th September 2020.

“Should any further clarification be required, please contact the Registries of Companies and Intellectual Properties Division, M.C.I.L., Level 3, ACC Building. 

According to the M.C.I.L.’s Annual Report Samoan 2016-2017 there were 32 companies de-registered in that financial year.