1. Why is my company, as a commercial agent, required to register with the Council of Commercial Agents?
Answer:
It is required because the profession is regulated by Law 76/1986. Therefore, anyone practising as a commercial agent must, according to this legislation, register in the Council’s registry and obtain the relevant licence to practise the profession.
2. If a company is an official representative of trade exhibitions abroad, does it need a commercial agent licence?
Answer:
The type of services provided by such a company does not fall under the Commercial Agents Law and it is not necessary for the company to register with the Council of Commercial Agents to obtain a licence.
3. If someone represents an intangible “product” such as Software (computer programmes), do they need a commercial agent licence?
Answer:
A commercial agent is someone who negotiates on behalf of another person the sale or purchase of goods, i.e. tangible products. Therefore, an agent representing intangible goods is not required to obtain a licence from the Council of Commercial Agents.
4. Which Ministry does the Council of Commercial Agents fall under?
Answer:
The Council of Commercial Agents falls under the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry. One of the members of the Board of Directors is a representative of the Ministry.
5. How is the Board of Directors formed?
Answer:
The Board of Directors consists of 7 members, two of whom are government representatives:
- One representative from the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry
- The Registrar of Companies or their representative
- Five commercial agents elected at the General Assembly of all licensed registered commercial agents
6. How can a general or limited partnership obtain a commercial agent licence and practise the profession?
Answer:
A general or limited partnership can obtain a commercial agent licence when one of the general partners obtains the licence from the Council of Commercial Agents.
7. How can someone obtain a licence from the Council of Commercial Agents?
Answer:
- Submission of an application (FORM A) and an annual licence application (FORM E)
- The applications are available on the Council’s website: www.cca.org.cy
- Payment of a total fee of €155:
- €20 for application submission
- €75 for registration fee
- €60 for the licence fee
8. What certificates must accompany the application for registration in the Registry of Commercial Agents?
Answer:
- Certificate of Criminal Record from the Police, certifying that over the last ten years, the applicant has not been convicted of an offence involving dishonesty, moral turpitude, or a violation of the relevant laws.
- Certificate from the Registrar of Companies and Official Receiver, confirming that the applicant has not been declared bankrupt.
- School Leaving Certificate from a recognised Secondary Education School, or an equivalent document, or a sworn affidavit certified by a person authorised to administer oaths in the Republic, confirming that the applicant has graduated from a recognised secondary school.