The Chamber of Commerce is an organization that represents the interests of the business community in Pakistan. It is established under the Trade Organization Ordinance 2007, which aims to promote and protect the interests of trade, industry, and commerce in the country. The Chamber of Commerce has multiple offices in different cities of Pakistan, including Lahore, Karachi, Faisalabad, Islamabad, and others.
There are two types of registration with the Chamber of Commerce, namely Corporate Class and Associate Class.
Corporate Class: Corporate Class is designed for corporate entities like companies in the industry. They can participate in the chamber’s elections, among other benefits. The turnover of the company should be over 50 million each year to register in this class. Income tax returns and bank statements shall be submitted at the time of applying for registration.
Associate Class: Associate Class is open for all companies, wholesale traders, or partnerships with a turnover below 50 million. They can apply to be associate members of the Chamber of Commerce.
Document Requirements: The document requirements for each category are as follows:
By Company:
- Application in the name of the Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce by an authorized person on the company’s letterhead (signed by two members)
- Copy of the Incorporation Certificate
- Copy of the Memorandum of Association
- Copy of the Articles of Association
- Copy of Form – II
- Copy of all the directors of the company
- Copy of the NTN Certificate of the Company
- Copy of Sales Tax Registration (if registered)
- Copy of utility bills
- Bank Account Maintenance Certificate
By Sole Proprietor:
- Application in the name of the Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce by an authorized person on the company’s letterhead (signed by two members)
- Copy of the NTN Certificate
- Income Tax Returns
- Copy of Sales Tax Registration (if registered)
- Bank Account Maintenance Certificate
By Partnership Firm:
- Copy of the Partnership Deed
- NTN Certificate of all partners
- Income Tax Returns of all partners
- Resolution for registration with the Chamber signed by all members
After the submission of all the required documents, the certificate of membership will be issued. The certificate is issued on an annual basis.
Conclusion: The Chamber of Commerce plays a vital role in promoting and protecting the interests of the business community in Pakistan. Registration with the Chamber of Commerce is essential for businesses to access various benefits and resources. The process of registration is simple, and the required documents can be submitted easily. It is advisable for businesses to register with the Chamber of Commerce to enjoy the benefits that come along with it.
