In this issue we answer a question about Certificates of Good Standing.
Q. I have sold some aluminium coils to a company in the United States. I have supplied all the documents as requested but the importer has now asked me to provide him with evidence that we are a company of good standing. Is there such a certificate and if there is, where can I obtain one?
A. It is possible to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing, which is issued by Companies House to limited companies only.
The certificate states that the company has been in continuous and unbroken existence since the date of its incorporation and explains that as far as the Registrar is aware the company is not subject to any administration order or is in liquidation. It also states that no receivers or managers of the company's property have been appointed. It also confirms there are no overdue accounts or returns outstanding.
In addition, and at no extra charge, the directors' names and addresses, shareholders' names and addresses and company secretary's name and address can be added to the certificate.
The certificate costs £15.00, takes between four and six working days to produce and is then sent out by first class mail. A same-day service is available, if required, at a cost of £50.00. For this service, the cut off time for ordering is 2pm and documents are usually ready for collection by 4pm.
For further information, contact the Companies House London Information Centre on:
Tel: 0870 33 33 636; Fax: 020 7637 6210; or www.companieshouse.gov.uk/contact/londoninfo.shtml (Link to an external site - Disclaimer 
).
If you need help with a trade procedures query, call the Helpdesk on
020 7215 8150 or email info@sitpro.org.uk 
.
Return to SITPRO News: Issue 62, Autumn 2007