This section covers all of the contact details you will need for legal and regulatory bodies necessary to start up a business in Ireland

Company Registration

• As a food company you may trade as a Limited Company, a Sole Trader or a Partnership. Most food companies opt to become a Limited Company due to the limited liability status. To set up a limited company, seek the advice of an accountant and/or solicitor. You will have to register your company with the Companies Registration Office (CRO) and file annual accounts

Accountant

• You will need an accountant to seek advice on which business status is most suitable for you i.e. Limited Company, Sole Trader or Partnership. Accountants will also assist you with forming a company, maintaining accounts and filing accounts with the CRO if a Limited Company, tax returns and general financial advice. For an independent list of Accountants in Ireland see the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland (ICAI)

Solicitor

• You will need a solicitor to assist you with forming a company, manufacturing agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) and any legal issues that arise in the course of setting up and running your business. For an independent list of Solicitors in Ireland see the Law Society 

Citizens Information

• For public service information provided by the Public Information Board on Starting a Business in Ireland visit the Citizens Information website or visit your local Citizens Information Centre.

For Tax Issues

• Revenue Commissioners (Revenue guide to starting a business).  You will need to:
  – Register for VAT
  – Apply for tax clearance certificates
  – Register for PAYE/PRSI
  – Register for corporation tax
  

For Insurance

• As a food company, you will need some or all of the following insurance policies:
  – employers liability insurance
  – public liability
  – product liability
  – famers markets stall insurance
  – contingent liability insurance (if you sub-contract manufacturing)
  – motor insurance
  – buildings insurance
  For an independent list of insurance brokers in Ireland see the Professional Insurance Brokers Association of Ireland (PIBA) www.piba.ie
• Also visit Irish Organisation of Market and Street Traders (I.O.M.S.T) www.irishfarmersmarkets.ie

For Employment issues

• Department of Enterprise Trade and Innovation (DETI)
  The DETI keeps an up to date list of employment rights on their website.
  Small Firms Association (SFA) provides advice and training on Human Resources and Employment Law

For Quality Standards

• Health Service Executive (HSE) for contact details of your local Environmental Health Officer (EHO), necessary for start-up food companies. 
• Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) for up to date information on labeling requirements, making health claims, an updated list of allergens, new EU regulations etc. (See the <Step-by-step guide to starting a food business> for further information)
• European Food Safety Authority is the EU Food Safety Authority. Monitor this website for changes in legislation to be introduced to the EU or new legislation which you need to prepare your business for.
• National Standards Association of Ireland (NSAI) contains Information on National Standards and Certification including the optional ISO qualification for food companies.
  

For the search and registration of Trademarks

• The Irish and European Patent Offices – You will need to run a search for your brand name and get advice on registering it in Ireland and/or the EU with both the Irish Patent Office for Ireland only Trademarks and the European Trademark Office for Community Trademarks (CTMs) which cover all 27 EU countries including Ireland.

For Licensing Barcodes

• GS1 for licensing, costs and formatting of barcodes - essential for the retail market