Explanatory note

On 30^th May 1997 the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (“UNCITRAL”) adopted the text of a model law on cross-border insolvency, which was approved by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly on 15^th December 1997. These Regulations give effect to the model law in Northern Ireland.

Regulation 3 of the Regulations provides that the UNCITRAL model law shall have the force of law in Northern Ireland in the form set out in Schedule 1 to the Regulations (the Model Law) and provides that in interpreting the Model Law the courts can have regard to other documents including the Guide to Enactment of the Model Law published by UNCITRAL (ISBN 92-1-133608-2). The model law and Guide may be accessed at http://www.uncitral.org/uncitral/en/uncitral_texts/insolvency/1997Model.html.

Chapter 1 of the Model Law contains General Provisions (articles 1 to 8). Article 1 sets out the scope of application of the Model Law, which may apply in a number of cross-border situations, and also lists certain bodies to which the Model Law does not apply. Article 3 of the Model Law clarifies that Council Regulation (EC) No. 1346/2000 of 29^th May 2000 on Insolvency Proceedings prevails over the Model Law.

Chapter II (articles 9 to 14) relates to the access of foreign representatives and creditors to courts in Northern Ireland and their rights to participate in an insolvency proceeding in Northern Ireland.

Chapter III of the Model Law deals with recognition of foreign proceedings and relief. Articles 15 to 17 set out criteria for determining whether a foreign proceeding is to be recognised and, if so whether as a foreign main proceeding or as a foreign non-main proceeding (see articles 16, 17 and definitions in article 2).

Articles 19 to 21 set out the effects of recognition and the relief available to a foreign representative. The relief accorded upon recognition of a foreign main proceeding is listed in article 20(1). Article 21 of the Model Law provides for the court to grant discretionary relief for the benefit of any recognised foreign proceeding, whether main or non-main. Urgently needed relief may be granted by the court on an interim basis pending a decision on recognition (article 19).

Chapter IV of the Model Law provides for the Northern Ireland courts and Northern Ireland insolvency officeholders to cooperate with foreign courts or foreign representatives in the areas covered by the Model Law (articles 25 to 27).

Chapter V of the Model Law (articles 28 to 32) provides for the coordination of a Northern Ireland insolvency proceeding and a foreign proceeding concerning the same debtor and facilities coordination between two or more foreign proceedings concerning the same debtor.

Schedule 2 to the Regulations sets out procedural matters in relation to proceedings under the Model Law in Northern Ireland. Parts 2 to 5 of the Schedule contain details of the form and content of specified applications under the Model Law and Part 6 sets out more detailed procedural requirements in respect of those applications. Part 7 of Schedule 2 provides for the registration of court orders under the Regulations with the Registry of Deeds, and for applications to be made in appropriate cases to the Registrar of Titles at the Land Registry. Part 8 provides for a summary remedy against foreign representatives guilty of misfeasance. Parts 9 to 12 contain general provision as to court procedure and practice and appeals in connection with proceedings under the Regulations, costs and other general matters.

Schedule 3 makes provision in relation to notices delivered to the registrar of companies under the Regulations.

Schedule 4 contains forms prescribed for use in connection with proceedings under the Regulations.

A full regulatory impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as it has a negligible impact on the costs of business.