The Registry of Companies and Business Names Division (ROCBN) under the Ministry of Finance and Economy would like to inform companies registered under the Companies Act (Chapter 39) that it will be implementing the INACTIVE COMPANIES STRIKE-OFF INITIATIVE. The main objective of the initiative is to strike off inactive companies from the Register under section 287A of the Companies Act (Chapter 39).
Pursuant to section 111 of the Companies Act (Chapter 39), all registered companies are required to hold an Annual General Meeting. Sections 107 and 108 of the same Act also requires registered companies to file their Annual Returns with the Registry. Failure to comply is a statutory offence. As the companies have not been filing their Annual Returns, the Registry has reasonable cause to believe that such companies are not carrying on business or not in operation. Consequently, under Section 287A(1) of the Companies Act (Chapter 39), the Registrar has the power to strike off the companies from the register.
The initiative will be implemented starting from the 1st of November 2025 in which ROCBN will be issuing individual enquiry letters to all inactive companies to provide opportunities for them to respond. In accordance with section 287A(1) of the Companies Act (Chapter 39), if an answer showing cause to the contrary is not received within 30 days from the date of the first letter of enquiry, a notice shall be published in the Government Gazette with a view to striking the name of the company off the register. Companies that wish to maintain registered are advised to reply formally. A guide for compliance will be attached in the enquiry letters from ROCBN.
Companies are reminded on the importance of maintaining their compliance to the legal and regulatory requirements under the Companies Act (Chapter 39).
For any further inquiries, please contact ROCBN, MOFE, via email at enforcement.rocbn@mofe.gov.bn or by telephone at +673 2380505 / +673 2380662 / +673 7471433.
The Registry of Companies and Business Names
Ministry of Finance and Economy
Brunei Darussalam.
Date: 1st October 2025