Cooperatives Act
2015-06-03
手機睡眠
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Chapter 1 General Principles
Article 1
This Act is established to enhance the cooperative system, support and promote cooperative enterprises to facilitate the development of national economy and improve social welfare.
For the purposes of this Act, the term “cooperative” refers to an association organized based on the principle of equality and mutual aid, and with a view to boost the economic benefits and living standards for its members by means of joint operation. The number of members and the total amount of shares of a cooperative are variable.
For the purposes of this Act, the term “cooperative” refers to an association organized based on the principle of equality and mutual aid, and with a view to boost the economic benefits and living standards for its members by means of joint operation. The number of members and the total amount of shares of a cooperative are variable.
Article 2
A cooperative is a judicial person.
Article 2-1
The competent authorities of cooperatives refer to the Ministry of the Interior at the central level, the municipal governments at the municipal level, and the county (city) governments at the county (city) level. However, the target businesses of cooperatives shall be directed and supervised by the central target business competent authorities.
Article 3
A cooperative may engage in the following business activities:
1. Production: engaging various kinds of production, processing, and manufacturing activities in whole or in part;
2. Marketing: engaging in product marketing activities;
3. Supply: providing raw materials, equipment, or supplies necessary for production;
4. Utilization: purchasing the production, manufacturing, storage, and distribution equipment for the purpose of production;
5. Labor: offering labor and technical labor or services;
6. Consumption: selling goods for daily use;
7. Public utility: establishing public services and facilities such as housing, medical care, services related to community care for elderly people and young children, etc. for public use;
8. Transportation: providing necessary services for the operation of transportation businesses;
9. Credit: engaging in banking activities;
10. Insurance: engaging in insurance activities;
11. Other business activities approved by the central competent authority together with the central target business competent authorities.
The business activities set forth in subparagraphs 9 and 10 of the preceding paragraph must not be operated along with the other business activities mentioned above.
1. Production: engaging various kinds of production, processing, and manufacturing activities in whole or in part;
2. Marketing: engaging in product marketing activities;
3. Supply: providing raw materials, equipment, or supplies necessary for production;
4. Utilization: purchasing the production, manufacturing, storage, and distribution equipment for the purpose of production;
5. Labor: offering labor and technical labor or services;
6. Consumption: selling goods for daily use;
7. Public utility: establishing public services and facilities such as housing, medical care, services related to community care for elderly people and young children, etc. for public use;
8. Transportation: providing necessary services for the operation of transportation businesses;
9. Credit: engaging in banking activities;
10. Insurance: engaging in insurance activities;
11. Other business activities approved by the central competent authority together with the central target business competent authorities.
The business activities set forth in subparagraphs 9 and 10 of the preceding paragraph must not be operated along with the other business activities mentioned above.
Article 3-1
Credit cooperatives and insurance cooperatives shall be subject to the Credit Cooperatives Act and the Insurance Act respectively. For matters not provided for in these two acts, the provisions of this Act shall apply.
Users of the business activities operated by a cooperative shall be restricted to its members. However, such activities may be offered to non-members if they are entrusted by government agencies, charitable organizations, and for the development of the cooperatives.
The following restrictions shall apply when non-members are offered the business activities of cooperatives as described in the preceding paragraph:
1. In the event that the business activities are entrusted by government agencies or charitable organizations, the approval of the competent authority shall be obtained, and the revenue generated by non-member users shall not exceed fifty percent of the turnover.
2. In the event that the business activities are offered to non-member users for the developmen of the cooperative, the revenue generated shall not exceed thirty percent of the turnover.
The revenue generated by non-member users, as specified in the preceding two paragraphs, shall be set aside as reserves and public welfare fund, and must not be allocated to members. The central competent authority shall set regulations that stipulate the business activities offered to non-members, scope of the offering, standards, quota, handling of the revenue, and other matters to be complied with.
Users of the business activities operated by a cooperative shall be restricted to its members. However, such activities may be offered to non-members if they are entrusted by government agencies, charitable organizations, and for the development of the cooperatives.
The following restrictions shall apply when non-members are offered the business activities of cooperatives as described in the preceding paragraph:
1. In the event that the business activities are entrusted by government agencies or charitable organizations, the approval of the competent authority shall be obtained, and the revenue generated by non-member users shall not exceed fifty percent of the turnover.
2. In the event that the business activities are offered to non-member users for the developmen of the cooperative, the revenue generated shall not exceed thirty percent of the turnover.
The revenue generated by non-member users, as specified in the preceding two paragraphs, shall be set aside as reserves and public welfare fund, and must not be allocated to members. The central competent authority shall set regulations that stipulate the business activities offered to non-members, scope of the offering, standards, quota, handling of the revenue, and other matters to be complied with.
Article 4
The liabilities of cooperatives are divided into the following three types:
1. Limited liability: a member shall be liable within the range of the shares he holds.
2. Guaranteed liability: a member shall be liable within the range of the shares he holds and the guarantee amounts.
3. Unlimited liability: where the properties of such a cooperative are insufficient to pay the debts, each member shall assume the joint and several liability.
1. Limited liability: a member shall be liable within the range of the shares he holds.
2. Guaranteed liability: a member shall be liable within the range of the shares he holds and the guarantee amounts.
3. Unlimited liability: where the properties of such a cooperative are insufficient to pay the debts, each member shall assume the joint and several liability.
Article 5
(Deleted)
Article 6
The name of a cooperative shall indicate its liability and principal business activities.
After being registered with the local competent authority, business activities other than those prescribed in Article 3 of this Act must not be operated in the name of a cooperative.
After being registered with the local competent authority, business activities other than those prescribed in Article 3 of this Act must not be operated in the name of a cooperative.
Article 7
Cooperatives may be exempted from income tax and business tax.
Article 7-1
In carrying out the following tasks, government agencies shall offer a variety of incentives and supportive measures on its own, or by giving grants to cooperatives, combining private resources, or employing other methods, so as to enhance and strengthen cooperative organizations:
1. Promoting the cooperative system;
2. Organizing cooperative education and training;
3. Assisting with the development of cooperatives.
The central competent authority shall set up a cooperative enterprise development fund to implement the aforementioned activities and provide grants for cooperatives. Regulations on the receipt, expenditure, custody, and utilization of the fund shall be established by the Executive Yuan.
1. Promoting the cooperative system;
2. Organizing cooperative education and training;
3. Assisting with the development of cooperatives.
The central competent authority shall set up a cooperative enterprise development fund to implement the aforementioned activities and provide grants for cooperatives. Regulations on the receipt, expenditure, custody, and utilization of the fund shall be established by the Executive Yuan.
Chapter 2 Establishment
Article 8
A cooperative may not be established without seven members or more.
Article 9
The founder of a cooperative shall call an inaugural meeting to adopt the bylaw, elect directors and supervisors, and organize a meeting of cooperative affairs. The founder shall also submit the minutes of the inaugural meeting, the bylaw, and the roster of the members within one month to the local competent authority for establishment registration.
The following particulars shall be registered:
1. Name;
2. Scope of business;
3. Liability;
4. Address;
5. Name, sex/gender, age, place of birth, position, and dwelling address of the directors and the supervisors;
6. Payment method of the share of cooperatives;
7. Shares of cooperatives subscribed and the amount already paid by each member and associate member;
8. Regulations on the membership qualifications, their entry, withdrawal, and dismissal as well as the associate membership;
9. Regulations on the operation of the cooperative affairs as well as staff appointment and removal;
10. Members of guaranteed liability cooperatives and their guarantee amounts;
11. Regulations on surplus allocation and deficit sharing;
12. Regulations on reserves and public welfare fund;
13. Causes for dissolution, if defined.
In case of alteration of the particulars set forth in the preceding paragraph except for the age, place of birth, and position listed in subparagraph 5 and the particulars listed in subparagraph 7, registration of the alteration shall be completed within one month. Prior to such registration, the altered particulars must not be used to act against any bona fides third party.
The cooperative bylaw may be amended only with the resolution of general meeting of members, and written proceedings of the meeting shall be submitted within one month of the resolutions to the competent authority for registration of the amendment.
The following particulars shall be registered:
1. Name;
2. Scope of business;
3. Liability;
4. Address;
5. Name, sex/gender, age, place of birth, position, and dwelling address of the directors and the supervisors;
6. Payment method of the share of cooperatives;
7. Shares of cooperatives subscribed and the amount already paid by each member and associate member;
8. Regulations on the membership qualifications, their entry, withdrawal, and dismissal as well as the associate membership;
9. Regulations on the operation of the cooperative affairs as well as staff appointment and removal;
10. Members of guaranteed liability cooperatives and their guarantee amounts;
11. Regulations on surplus allocation and deficit sharing;
12. Regulations on reserves and public welfare fund;
13. Causes for dissolution, if defined.
In case of alteration of the particulars set forth in the preceding paragraph except for the age, place of birth, and position listed in subparagraph 5 and the particulars listed in subparagraph 7, registration of the alteration shall be completed within one month. Prior to such registration, the altered particulars must not be used to act against any bona fides third party.
The cooperative bylaw may be amended only with the resolution of general meeting of members, and written proceedings of the meeting shall be submitted within one month of the resolutions to the competent authority for registration of the amendment.
Article 9-1
The cooperative bylaw shall include the following contents:
1. Name;
2. Liability;
3. Address;
4. Organizational area;
5. Type of business operations;
6. The total amount of shares and regulations on the payment or refund thereof;
7. Guarantee amounts for members of guaranteed liability cooperatives;
8. Rights and obligations of its members and associate members;
9. Quota, authority, and tenure of the staff;
10. Starting and terminating date of a business year;
11. Regulations on surplus allocation and deficit sharing;
12. Regulations on the reserves and public welfare fund;
13. Regulations on the qualifications of membership and associate membership, their entry, withdrawal and dismissal;
14. Regulations on implementation of cooperatives affairs as well as appointment and removal of directors and supervisors;
15. The period of existence or causes of dissolution, if defined;
16. Handling of other cooperative affairs.
1. Name;
2. Liability;
3. Address;
4. Organizational area;
5. Type of business operations;
6. The total amount of shares and regulations on the payment or refund thereof;
7. Guarantee amounts for members of guaranteed liability cooperatives;
8. Rights and obligations of its members and associate members;
9. Quota, authority, and tenure of the staff;
10. Starting and terminating date of a business year;
11. Regulations on surplus allocation and deficit sharing;
12. Regulations on the reserves and public welfare fund;
13. Regulations on the qualifications of membership and associate membership, their entry, withdrawal and dismissal;
14. Regulations on implementation of cooperatives affairs as well as appointment and removal of directors and supervisors;
15. The period of existence or causes of dissolution, if defined;
16. Handling of other cooperative affairs.
Article 10
Upon receipt of an application submitted under Article 9, the regulating authority shall determine to approve or reject it within fifteen days.
Article 10-1
After being established, a cooperative shall start its business within six months. However, in case of natural disaster or force majeure, application may be submitted to the competent authority for postponement.
Article 10-2
A cooperative may establish branches where necessary, but shall, within one month after a branch is established, report to the competent authority for future reference.
Chapter 3 Members’ Shares in a Cooperative, Surpluses, and Deficits
Article 11
Persons that meet any of the following requirements or qualifications may become members of a cooperative:
1. A person who is capable of contracting;
2. A person who is the subject to the order of commencement of assistance obtained the written consent of his/her assistant;
Persons that meet any of the following requirements or qualifications may apply to become associate members of a limited liability cooperative in accordance with the bylaws:
1. An application being filed by the legal representative in the case of a person aged six or older without capacity to contract;
2. Having obtained written consent from the legal representative in the case of a person who is limited in capacity to make juridical acts;
3. A person with capacity to contract who does not meet the qualifications for members as set forth in the cooperative bylaw.
Associate members have the same rights and obligations as members do, with the exception of the rights to elect, to be elected, to recall, and to vote.
The central competent authority shall establish regulations on the types of elections and recalls in a cooperative, registration of candidates, qualification screening process, voting, ballot counting, election results, recall methods, and other matters to be complied with.
1. A person who is capable of contracting;
2. A person who is the subject to the order of commencement of assistance obtained the written consent of his/her assistant;
Persons that meet any of the following requirements or qualifications may apply to become associate members of a limited liability cooperative in accordance with the bylaws:
1. An application being filed by the legal representative in the case of a person aged six or older without capacity to contract;
2. Having obtained written consent from the legal representative in the case of a person who is limited in capacity to make juridical acts;
3. A person with capacity to contract who does not meet the qualifications for members as set forth in the cooperative bylaw.
Associate members have the same rights and obligations as members do, with the exception of the rights to elect, to be elected, to recall, and to vote.
The central competent authority shall establish regulations on the types of elections and recalls in a cooperative, registration of candidates, qualification screening process, voting, ballot counting, election results, recall methods, and other matters to be complied with.
Article 12
A judicial person may only be a member of a cooperative of limited liability or guaranteed liability, and such judicial person shall be a non-profit one.
A member of a cooperative of unlimited liability may not be a member of another cooperative of unlimited liability.
A member of a cooperative of unlimited liability may not be a member of another cooperative of unlimited liability.
Article 13
(Deleted)
Article 14
After a cooperative is established, references provided by at least two members or a written request shall be submitted for joining the cooperative voluntarily. A decision shall be made pursuant to the following provisions:
1. Joining a limited liability or guaranteed liability cooperative requires the consent of the board of directors, and shall be reported to the general meeting of members.
2. Joining an unlimited liability cooperative shall be proposed by the cooperative affairs meeting and requires the consent of not less than three fourths of the attendees of general meeting.
A cooperative shall submit a report on its new members or associate members within one month of approval of joining to the competent authority for future reference.
1. Joining a limited liability or guaranteed liability cooperative requires the consent of the board of directors, and shall be reported to the general meeting of members.
2. Joining an unlimited liability cooperative shall be proposed by the cooperative affairs meeting and requires the consent of not less than three fourths of the attendees of general meeting.
A cooperative shall submit a report on its new members or associate members within one month of approval of joining to the competent authority for future reference.
Article 15
New members shall burden the same liability as old members do for the debts burdened before they join in cooperative.
Article 16
The par value of each share of a cooperative shall be not less than NT$6 and not more than NT$150, and must be unified in a same cooperative.
Article 17
The proportion of shares subscribed by a member shall be not less than one share and not more than twenty percent of the total shares. And the first payment may not be less than one fourth of the amount of the shares subscribed.
Article 18
The shares that a member has subscribed but has not paid may not be charged off by the member’s claim of creditor’s rights against the cooperative or other members, and the shares that have been paid may not be used to set off the debts owed by the member to the cooperative or other members.
Article 19
Cooperatives may capitalize the earned dividend and surplus of a member to make up for the shares that the member has not paid for yet.
Article 20
Without the consent of the cooperative, a member may not transfer the shares he holds to someone else or use it as the guarantee of debts. However, this rule does not apply to the shares which are held by a member and subject to compulsory enforcement or administrative execution according to law, included in bankruptcy estate, or subject to the commencement of a liquidation proceedings as ruled by laws.
The transferee or heritor of the shares of a cooperative shall succeed to the rights and obligations of the transferor or the decedent. If the transferee or heritor is not a member, he/she shall join in the cooperative in accordance with the provisions of Articles 11 and 14; otherwise the amount of his/her shares shall be refunded.
The transferee or heritor of the shares of a cooperative shall succeed to the rights and obligations of the transferor or the decedent. If the transferee or heritor is not a member, he/she shall join in the cooperative in accordance with the provisions of Articles 11 and 14; otherwise the amount of his/her shares shall be refunded.
Article 21
If a cooperative of limited liability reduces the par value of each share, or a cooperative of guaranteed liability reduces the par value of each share or the guarantee amounts, it shall be resolved in the general meeting of members; and notices shall be given to the creditors or a public announcement shall be made to inform the creditors about the reduction, and a time limit of not less than one month shall be set for the creditors to file an opposition against the reduction.
If a creditor files an opposition within the time limit set forth in the above paragraph, the cooperative may not reduce the par value of each share or the guarantee amounts unless it pays off the debts owed to the creditor or provides an equivalent guarantee.
If a creditor files an opposition within the time limit set forth in the above paragraph, the cooperative may not reduce the par value of each share or the guarantee amounts unless it pays off the debts owed to the creditor or provides an equivalent guarantee.
Article 22
The annual interest of the shares of a cooperative shall not exceed ten percent. In the case of no surplus, no interest shall be distributed to members.
Article 23
A cooperative shall use its surplus to offset accumulated deficits and pay the interest. Moreover, it shall set aside no less than ten percent of the surplus as the reserves, no less than five percent as the public welfare fund, and no more than ten percent as the compensation for its directors, supervisors, clerks, and technicians.
Where the reserves as referred to in the above paragraph is more than two times of the total shares, the cooperative itself may determine the percentage of surplus that should be allocated into the reserves every year.
In case that the reserves referred to in the preceding paragraph is more than twice the total amount of the shares, the cooperative itself may determine the percentage that shall be set aside every year.
Members must not request to allocate the reserves.
The public welfare fund set forth in Paragraph 1 is accounted as a liability in the balance sheet, as specified in Paragraph 1 of Article 36, and shall only be used for the educational and promotional purposes of social welfare enterprises, charitable enterprises, and cooperative enterprises. No other purposes are allowed. The same rule also applies after the cooperative is dissolved.
Where the reserves as referred to in the above paragraph is more than two times of the total shares, the cooperative itself may determine the percentage of surplus that should be allocated into the reserves every year.
In case that the reserves referred to in the preceding paragraph is more than twice the total amount of the shares, the cooperative itself may determine the percentage that shall be set aside every year.
Members must not request to allocate the reserves.
The public welfare fund set forth in Paragraph 1 is accounted as a liability in the balance sheet, as specified in Paragraph 1 of Article 36, and shall only be used for the educational and promotional purposes of social welfare enterprises, charitable enterprises, and cooperative enterprises. No other purposes are allowed. The same rule also applies after the cooperative is dissolved.
Article 24
After the surplus is allocated in accordance with the provision of the above article, the residuals shall be distributed according to the proportion of transaction amount of the members.
If it is resolved in the general meeting of members that the residuals as referred to in the above paragraph should not be distributed, it may be deposited as shares subscribed by the members or allocated into the reserves.
If it is resolved in the general meeting of members that the residuals as referred to in the above paragraph should not be distributed, it may be deposited as shares subscribed by the members or allocated into the reserves.
Article 25
The reserves shall be deposited in credit cooperatives or other reliable banks with the resolution of the general meeting of members.
Where the reserves is more than fifty percent of the total shares, the excessive proportion may be used to operate the cooperative with the resolutions of the general meeting of members.
Where the reserves is more than fifty percent of the total shares, the excessive proportion may be used to operate the cooperative with the resolutions of the general meeting of members.
Article 26
In any of the following occasions, a member shall be withdrawn:
1. Death
2. Application for withdrawal on one’s own initiative
3. Dismissed.
1. Death
2. Application for withdrawal on one’s own initiative
3. Dismissed.
Article 27
A member may withdrew from the cooperative at the end of a business year, but shall submit a letter of application three months before.
The term prescribed in the above paragraph may be prolonged to six months in the bylaw; if the member is a judicial person, the term may be prolonged to one year.
The term prescribed in the above paragraph may be prolonged to six months in the bylaw; if the member is a judicial person, the term may be prolonged to one year.
Article 28
Dismissal of a member requires the consent of not less than three fourths of the directors and supervisors who attend the cooperatives affairs meeting and shall be reported to the general meeting of members, and a written notice shall be sent to the dismissed member.
Causes for dismissal shall be prescribed in the bylaw.
Causes for dismissal shall be prescribed in the bylaw.
Article 29
A withdrawn member may apply for entry again pursuant to Article 14.
Article 30
A withdrawn member may request the cooperative to refund all or a part of the shares that he/she holds according to the provision of the bylaws. The shares shall be calculated according to the properties at the end of the business year. However, if it is otherwise prescribed in the bylaws, such prescription shall apply.
Article 31
A withdrawn member of a cooperative of unlimited liability or guaranteed liability may, after he has been withdrawn for two years, be relieved from the liability that has come into existence before he is withdrawn.
If the cooperative referred to in the above paragraph is dissolved within six months after a member is withdrawn, the member shall be regarded as not withdrawn.
If the cooperative referred to in the above paragraph is dissolved within six months after a member is withdrawn, the member shall be regarded as not withdrawn.
Chapter 4 Directors, Supervisors and Other Personnel
Article 32
There shall be at least three directors and three supervisors in a cooperative, and they shall be elected in the general meeting of members from the members.
Members who are subject to adjudication of bankruptcy or the commencement of a liquidation proceeding as convicted in accordance with the Consumers Debt Clearance Statute and whose rights and privileges have not been reinstated, must not serve as directors or supervisors of a cooperative.
Members who are subject to adjudication of bankruptcy or the commencement of a liquidation proceeding as convicted in accordance with the Consumers Debt Clearance Statute and whose rights and privileges have not been reinstated, must not serve as directors or supervisors of a cooperative.
Article 33
Directors and supervisors shall hold office for no more than three years, and shall be eligible for re-election unless the law or the bylaw provides otherwise.
Article 34
Directors shall implement tasks according to the provisions of this Act and the cooperative bylaw as well as resolutions of the general meeting of members, and shall elect one or several of them to represent the cooperative toward the outside.
Where a director infringes the provision of the above paragraph, thus resulting in damage to the cooperative, the director shall be liable to compensate the cooperative.
Where a director infringes the provision of the above paragraph, thus resulting in damage to the cooperative, the director shall be liable to compensate the cooperative.
Article 35
The board of directors shall place the cooperative bylaw, a roll list of members, proceedings of the general meeting of members, and other books that should be prepared according to law in the cooperative. The roll list of members shall include the following contents:
1. Name, sex/gender, age, native place, occupation, and address of the members
2. Date of the member’s subscribing shares as well as the quantity of shares and serial number of the shares.
3. The money already paid by each member and the date of payment
4. The guarantee amounts paid by each member of guaranteed liability cooperatives
1. Name, sex/gender, age, native place, occupation, and address of the members
2. Date of the member’s subscribing shares as well as the quantity of shares and serial number of the shares.
3. The money already paid by each member and the date of payment
4. The guarantee amounts paid by each member of guaranteed liability cooperatives
Article 36
At the end of a business year, the board of directors shall prepare a business report, a balance sheet, a statement of surpluses and deficits, a property inventory, and a surplus allocation or deficit sharing scheme. The said documents shall be submitted to the general meeting of members after having been examined by the board of supervisors at least ten days before the general meeting of members is held. However, this is not applicable when an extraordinary meeting of the general meeting of members is convened.
The central competent authority shall establish regulations on the content of the financial statements set forth in the preceding paragraph, scope of accounting affairs, financial management, payment of expenditures, and other matters to be complied with.
A cooperative shall, within one month after the documents specified in Paragraph 1 are approved by the general meeting of members, send a written report to the competent authority for future reference. The competent authority may assign its staff to conduct an on-site inspection, or conduct a joint inspection with relevant agencies if necessary, and the cooperative must not evade, hinder, or refuse such an inspection.
The central competent authority shall establish regulations on the types, methods, and procedures of the said inspection, supervision by the competent authority, and other matters to be complied with.
The central competent authority shall establish regulations on the content of the financial statements set forth in the preceding paragraph, scope of accounting affairs, financial management, payment of expenditures, and other matters to be complied with.
A cooperative shall, within one month after the documents specified in Paragraph 1 are approved by the general meeting of members, send a written report to the competent authority for future reference. The competent authority may assign its staff to conduct an on-site inspection, or conduct a joint inspection with relevant agencies if necessary, and the cooperative must not evade, hinder, or refuse such an inspection.
The central competent authority shall establish regulations on the types, methods, and procedures of the said inspection, supervision by the competent authority, and other matters to be complied with.
Article 37
All the members and creditors of a cooperative have the right to look over the documents as referred to in the above two articles.
Article 38
(Deleted)
Article 39
The supervisors have the following authorities:
1. To supervise and inspect the properties of the cooperatives;
2. To supervise and inspect a director’s performance of business activities;
3. To examine the documents set forth in Article 35 and Article 36;
4. To act on behalf of the cooperative when it signs a contract with or is in a lawsuit against its director(s);
For the purpose of performing the duties in the preceding paragraph, a supervisor may convene an extraordinary meeting of the general meeting of members if it is deemed necessary.
The central competent authority shall establish regulations on the supervision and inspection, of the methods, procedures, and scope for a supervisor to exercise his/her authorities, as well as other matters to be complied with.
1. To supervise and inspect the properties of the cooperatives;
2. To supervise and inspect a director’s performance of business activities;
3. To examine the documents set forth in Article 35 and Article 36;
4. To act on behalf of the cooperative when it signs a contract with or is in a lawsuit against its director(s);
For the purpose of performing the duties in the preceding paragraph, a supervisor may convene an extraordinary meeting of the general meeting of members if it is deemed necessary.
The central competent authority shall establish regulations on the supervision and inspection, of the methods, procedures, and scope for a supervisor to exercise his/her authorities, as well as other matters to be complied with.
Article 40
A supervisor shall not act concurrently as a director, clerk, or technician.
A member who was once a director shall not be elected as supervisor before being relieved of his/her responsibilities.
A director or supervisor shall not act concurrently as a director or supervisor in another cooperatives at the same level and with the same business scope, or simultaneously hold office in an association or enterprise that competes with the cooperative.
The central competent authority shall establish regulations on organizational systems, staffing, and staff management in cooperatives and other matters to be complied with.
A member who was once a director shall not be elected as supervisor before being relieved of his/her responsibilities.
A director or supervisor shall not act concurrently as a director or supervisor in another cooperatives at the same level and with the same business scope, or simultaneously hold office in an association or enterprise that competes with the cooperative.
The central competent authority shall establish regulations on organizational systems, staffing, and staff management in cooperatives and other matters to be complied with.
Article 40-1
The members who hold a position in the competent authorities and burden the administrative responsibility to supervise the cooperatives under jurisdiction may be elected supervisors, but may not be elected directors.
Article 41
(Deleted)
Article 42
In case of infringement of law or the cooperative bylaw, a director or supervisor may be recalled by the general meeting of members with the consent of more than a half of the members; the same for breach of duty.
Article 43
Where a director or supervisor infringes law or commits any misconduct that is likely to damage the cooperative, the competent authority may compel him to quit the job where necessary.
Article 44
Cooperatives may set positions of clerk and technician for the necessity of business, and they shall be appointed and recalled by the board of directors.
Chapter 5 Meetings
Article 45
The meetings of a cooperative shall be convened pursuant to the following provisions:
1. General meeting of members shall be convened at least once every year;
2. Meeting of the cooperative affairs shall be convened at least once every six months;
3. Meeting of the board of directors shall be convened at least once every three months;
4. Meeting of the board of supervisors shall be convened at least once every three months.
1. General meeting of members shall be convened at least once every year;
2. Meeting of the cooperative affairs shall be convened at least once every six months;
3. Meeting of the board of directors shall be convened at least once every three months;
4. Meeting of the board of supervisors shall be convened at least once every three months.
Article 46
The general meeting of members shall be convened by the board of directors.
A written notice indicating the causes for convening the meeting and the proposed topics shall be sent to the members seven days before the meeting is held.
A written notice indicating the causes for convening the meeting and the proposed topics shall be sent to the members seven days before the meeting is held.
Article 47
Where necessary, the board of directors may call extraordinary meetings of the general meeting of members. With the consent of more than one fourth of the members, a written application marked with the proposed topics and the causes may be submitted to request the board of directors to call an extraordinary temporary meeting of the general meeting of members.
If the board of directors doesn’t give a notice for calling the extraordinary meeting within ten days after the application as referred to in the above paragraph has been submitted, the members may call the meeting by themselves after having reported to the competent authority.
If the board of directors doesn’t give a notice for calling the extraordinary meeting within ten days after the application as referred to in the above paragraph has been submitted, the members may call the meeting by themselves after having reported to the competent authority.
Article 48
The general meeting of members may be opened only with the attendance of more than a half of the members, and the resolutions requires the consent of more than a half of the present members.
Article 49
In a general meeting of members, each member can take only one vote. However, if a member is a judicial person, its right to vote shall be executed by the representatives and each representative shall take one vote. The number of the representatives shall be determined according to the bylaw, and shall be not more than five.
Article 49-1
Where the procedure of calling a general meeting of members or the resolution method infringes law or the bylaw, the members may, within one month after a resolution is made, request in writing the competent authority to cancel the resolution. However, this is not applicable where the present members don’t express opposition on the spot against the procedure or the resolution method.
Article 50
Where a member cannot attend the general meeting of members, he/she may entrust in writing another member to represent him. A representative may not act as the agent of more than one member.
Article 51
Where a meeting of the general meeting of members fails twice, the board of directors may prepare the matters to be discussed in written form, and request all the members to take a vote by correspondence within a certain time limit, and the time limit shall be not less than ten days.
Article 52
The cooperative affairs meeting shall be convened by the board of directors; and the chairperson shall be elected by and from the directors and supervisors.
A cooperative affairs meeting may be opened only with the attendance of two thirds of all the directors and supervisors, and a resolution requires the consent of more than a half of the present directors and supervisors. The clerks and technicians may attend the meeting as non-voting delegates to present their opinions.
A cooperative affairs meeting may be opened only with the attendance of two thirds of all the directors and supervisors, and a resolution requires the consent of more than a half of the present directors and supervisors. The clerks and technicians may attend the meeting as non-voting delegates to present their opinions.
Article 53
A meeting of the board of directors shall be convened by the chairperson.
A meeting of the board of directors may be opened only with the attendance of more than a half of all the directors, and a resolution requires the consent of more than a half of the present directors and supervisors.
The chairperson of the board of directors shall be elected by and from the directors.
A meeting of the board of directors may be opened only with the attendance of more than a half of all the directors, and a resolution requires the consent of more than a half of the present directors and supervisors.
The chairperson of the board of directors shall be elected by and from the directors.
Article 54
The provision of the above article is also applicable to meeting of the board of supervisors.
Chapter 6 Supervision, Disincorporation, and Liquidation
Article 54-1
The competent authority shall supervise and give guidance to the operational and financial affairs of a cooperative.
Article 54-2
The target business competent authority shall supervise and give guidance to the operational and financial affairs of a cooperative.
When carrying out the practices set forth in the preceding paragraph, the central target business competent authorities may, if it deems necessary, establish regulations on the guidance for, the management of, and the incentives to business operations of a cooperative and other matters to be complied with.
When carrying out the practices set forth in the preceding paragraph, the central target business competent authorities may, if it deems necessary, establish regulations on the guidance for, the management of, and the incentives to business operations of a cooperative and other matters to be complied with.
Article 54-3
The competent authority shall carry out inspections, appraisals, and incentive measures on cooperatives, and may do so together with the target business competent authorities if necessary.
A cooperative must not evade, hinder, or refuse the said inspections and appraisals, and shall provide necessary assistance.
The inspections and appraisals set forth in Paragraph 1 may be entrusted to an agency, an institution, a school, or an organization.
The central competent authority shall establish regulations on the methods, categories, periods, targets, measures and procedures of guidance and management, ratings, categories and methods of incentives of the inspections and appraisals set forth in Paragraph 1, as well as other matters to be complied with.
A cooperative must not evade, hinder, or refuse the said inspections and appraisals, and shall provide necessary assistance.
The inspections and appraisals set forth in Paragraph 1 may be entrusted to an agency, an institution, a school, or an organization.
The central competent authority shall establish regulations on the methods, categories, periods, targets, measures and procedures of guidance and management, ratings, categories and methods of incentives of the inspections and appraisals set forth in Paragraph 1, as well as other matters to be complied with.
Article 55
A cooperative may be dissolved in any of the following occasions:
1. A cause for dissolution set forth in the bylaw occurs.
2. The general meeting of members determines a resolution of dissolution.
3. There are less than seven members.
4. The cooperative is merged with another.
5. Bankrupted.
6. Order of dissolution.
The resolution referred to in subparagraphs 2 and 4 requires the attendance of more than three fourths of all the members and the consent of more than two thirds of the present members.
1. A cause for dissolution set forth in the bylaw occurs.
2. The general meeting of members determines a resolution of dissolution.
3. There are less than seven members.
4. The cooperative is merged with another.
5. Bankrupted.
6. Order of dissolution.
The resolution referred to in subparagraphs 2 and 4 requires the attendance of more than three fourths of all the members and the consent of more than two thirds of the present members.
Article 55-1
The competent authority may issue an order to dissolve a cooperative if any of the following conditions occurs:
1. The information stated in the establishment registration application or the submitted documents has been found to be false, and its registration has been cancelled by the competent authority.
2. The competent authority has made an announcement on the abolition of its registration in accordance with Paragraph 2 of Article 57.
3. The majority of its members did not express their opinions when being requested to cast a vote by correspondence within a specified time limit pursuant to the provisions of Article 51.
4. The cooperative failed to convene the annual general meeting of members for two consecutive years, and still failed to do so within a specified time limit after the competent authority sent a written notice, issued a notice by publication, or made an announcement.
5. The cooperative violated the provisions of Article 10-1 or subparagraph 2 of Article 58 and was subject to more than three consecutive punishments pursuant to the provisions of subparagraph 1 of Article 73-1, without any improvements within a given time limit.
6. The cooperative violated the provisions of Article 56 and was subject to over three consecutive punishments pursuant to the provisions of subparagraph 4 of Article 74, without any improvements within a given time limit.
7. The occasion set forth in subparagraph 1 or 3, Paragraph 1 of Article 55 has occurred, but the cooperative failed to register its dissolution with the competent authority within a month.
8. The cooperative violated the provisions of Paragraph 2 of Article 54-3 and was subject to more than three consecutive punishments pursuant to subparagraph 5 of Article 74-1, without any improvements within a given time limit.
9. The cooperative violated the provisions of Paragraph 3 or 4 of Article 3-1 regarding handling of the revenue and the regulations established by the central competent authority regarding the business activities offered by a cooperative to non-members, scope of the offering, standards, quota, handling of the revenue, and other matters to be complied with, and was subject to more than three consecutive punishments pursuant to the provisions of subparagraph 1 of Article 74-1, without any improvements within a given time limit.
The competent authority shall make an announcement on the abolition of the registration when issuing an order to dissolve a cooperative in accordance with the preceding paragraph except for subparagraphs 1 and 2, and shall request the cooperative to carry out liquidation pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Act
1. The information stated in the establishment registration application or the submitted documents has been found to be false, and its registration has been cancelled by the competent authority.
2. The competent authority has made an announcement on the abolition of its registration in accordance with Paragraph 2 of Article 57.
3. The majority of its members did not express their opinions when being requested to cast a vote by correspondence within a specified time limit pursuant to the provisions of Article 51.
4. The cooperative failed to convene the annual general meeting of members for two consecutive years, and still failed to do so within a specified time limit after the competent authority sent a written notice, issued a notice by publication, or made an announcement.
5. The cooperative violated the provisions of Article 10-1 or subparagraph 2 of Article 58 and was subject to more than three consecutive punishments pursuant to the provisions of subparagraph 1 of Article 73-1, without any improvements within a given time limit.
6. The cooperative violated the provisions of Article 56 and was subject to over three consecutive punishments pursuant to the provisions of subparagraph 4 of Article 74, without any improvements within a given time limit.
7. The occasion set forth in subparagraph 1 or 3, Paragraph 1 of Article 55 has occurred, but the cooperative failed to register its dissolution with the competent authority within a month.
8. The cooperative violated the provisions of Paragraph 2 of Article 54-3 and was subject to more than three consecutive punishments pursuant to subparagraph 5 of Article 74-1, without any improvements within a given time limit.
9. The cooperative violated the provisions of Paragraph 3 or 4 of Article 3-1 regarding handling of the revenue and the regulations established by the central competent authority regarding the business activities offered by a cooperative to non-members, scope of the offering, standards, quota, handling of the revenue, and other matters to be complied with, and was subject to more than three consecutive punishments pursuant to the provisions of subparagraph 1 of Article 74-1, without any improvements within a given time limit.
The competent authority shall make an announcement on the abolition of the registration when issuing an order to dissolve a cooperative in accordance with the preceding paragraph except for subparagraphs 1 and 2, and shall request the cooperative to carry out liquidation pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Act
Article 56
Where a cooperative of limited liability or guaranteed liability cannot pay off the debts, the court may announce the bankruptcy at the request of the board of directors, the board of supervisors, or the creditors.
Article 57
Resolution of dissolution cooperatives shall be reported to the competent authority within one month for registration; where it is dissolved according to the provision of subparagraphs 1~4, Paragraph 1, Article 55, the causes for dissolution shall be explained; if it is dissolved according to the provision of Subparagraph 2 or 4, the proceedings of the general meeting of members shall be submitted.
Where the dissolution is not registered within the time limit set forth in the above paragraph, the competent authority may directly issue a public announcement to abolish the registration.
Where the dissolution is not registered within the time limit set forth in the above paragraph, the competent authority may directly issue a public announcement to abolish the registration.
Article 58
Upon merger of cooperatives, application shall be submitted to the competent authority within one month for registration according to the following provisions:
1. Change registration shall be made for the cooperatives continued due to merger.
2. Registration of dissolution shall be made for the cooperatives eliminated due to merger.
3. Registration of establishment shall be made for the cooperatives newly established due to merger.
1. Change registration shall be made for the cooperatives continued due to merger.
2. Registration of dissolution shall be made for the cooperatives eliminated due to merger.
3. Registration of establishment shall be made for the cooperatives newly established due to merger.
Article 59
In case of dissolution or merger of a cooperative, notices shall be separately given to the creditors within one month, and public announcement shall be issued. And a time limit of not less than one month shall be set for the creditors to file opposition.
Where the cooperative doesn’t issue the notice or announcement set forth in the above paragraph, or doesn’t pay off the debts owed to the creditors who have filed an opposition within the time limit or provide an equivalent guarantee, it may not act against the creditors by name of dissolution or merger.
Where the cooperative doesn’t issue the notice or announcement set forth in the above paragraph, or doesn’t pay off the debts owed to the creditors who have filed an opposition within the time limit or provide an equivalent guarantee, it may not act against the creditors by name of dissolution or merger.
Article 60
In case of dissolution of a cooperative, a director shall be appointed as liquidator unless otherwise provided for in the bylaw of the cooperative or elected by the general meeting of members.
If a liquidator cannot be appointed in accordance with the preceding paragraph, the court may appoint a liquidator at the request of the competent authority, a prosecutor, or a stakeholder, or ex officio.
In the event that the competent authority issues an order to dissolve a cooperative due to causes attributable to any of its directors, the court may reappoint a liquidator at the request of the competent authority, a prosecutor, or a stakeholder, or ex officio.
The liquidator shall, within fifteen days of the accession, report his/her name, residence or domicile, and the date of accession to the competent authority for future reference. If the liquidator is appointed by the court, a report shall also be sent to the court for future reference.
If a liquidator cannot be appointed in accordance with the preceding paragraph, the court may appoint a liquidator at the request of the competent authority, a prosecutor, or a stakeholder, or ex officio.
In the event that the competent authority issues an order to dissolve a cooperative due to causes attributable to any of its directors, the court may reappoint a liquidator at the request of the competent authority, a prosecutor, or a stakeholder, or ex officio.
The liquidator shall, within fifteen days of the accession, report his/her name, residence or domicile, and the date of accession to the competent authority for future reference. If the liquidator is appointed by the court, a report shall also be sent to the court for future reference.
Article 61
The duties of a liquidator are as follows:
1. To deal with the current affairs.
2. To claim the creditor’s rights and pay off the debts.
3. To allocate the residual properties.
In order to implement the duties set forth in the above paragraph, a liquidator has the right to take any action on behalf of the cooperative.
1. To deal with the current affairs.
2. To claim the creditor’s rights and pay off the debts.
3. To allocate the residual properties.
In order to implement the duties set forth in the above paragraph, a liquidator has the right to take any action on behalf of the cooperative.
Article 62
Where there are several liquidators, the implementation of liquidation affairs shall be resolved with the consent of more than a half of all the liquidators. However, each liquidator has the right to act in the name of the cooperative over a third party.
Article 63
After accession, a liquidator shall immediately examine the status of the cooperative, and compile a statement of assets and liabilities and an inventory of properties, and submit them to the general meeting of members for confirmation. In case of abortion of the general meeting of members, the liquidator may submit the documents to the competent authority for recording.
Upon being inquired, the liquidator shall provide answers about the liquidation immediately.
Upon being inquired, the liquidator shall provide answers about the liquidation immediately.
Article 63-1
The competent authorities may order liquidators to report the implementation of liquidation or send personnel to examine the liquidation affairs at any time, and a liquidator may not evade, encumber or refuse the authorities to do so.
Article 64
A liquidator shall, within fifteen days after accession, issue a public announcement to hasten the creditors to declare their rights within a time limit, and shall separately notify the known creditors.
The time limit as referred to in the above paragraph shall be not less than fifteen days.
The time limit as referred to in the above paragraph shall be not less than fifteen days.
Article 65
After liquidation is finished, the liquidator shall, within twenty days, compile a report and submit it to the competent authority and separately send duplicated copies to the members.
Where the liquidator is appointed by the court, the report shall also be submitted to the court.
Where the liquidator is appointed by the court, the report shall also be submitted to the court.
Chapter 7 Cooperatives Union
Article 66
Two or more cooperatives or cooperatives unions may establish a cooperatives union according to the relation in geography or business.
Article 67
A cooperatives union is a judicial person.
Article 68
Entry, withdrawal, of cooperatives requires the resolution of the general meeting of members of the cooperatives.
Entry, withdrawal, of a cooperatives union requires the resolution of the general meeting of the representatives of the union.
Entry, withdrawal, of a cooperatives union requires the resolution of the general meeting of the representatives of the union.
Article 68-1
The par value of each share of a cooperatives union may not exceed NT$150.
Article 69
The general meeting of the representatives of a cooperatives union shall be composed of the representatives of the cooperatives or unions.
The quota of the representatives referred to in the above paragraph shall be determined using any of the following methods:
1. Determined according to the number of members of each cooperative or cooperatives unions.
2. Determined according to the total shares of each cooperative or cooperatives union.
3. Determined according to the proportion of capital invested by each cooperative or cooperative union into the union.
The quota of the representatives referred to in the above paragraph shall be determined using any of the following methods:
1. Determined according to the number of members of each cooperative or cooperatives unions.
2. Determined according to the total shares of each cooperative or cooperatives union.
3. Determined according to the proportion of capital invested by each cooperative or cooperative union into the union.
Article 70
The liabilities of cooperatives unions are limited to the following two types:
1. Limited liability.
2. Guaranteed liability.
The guaranteed liability of each cooperative or cooperatives union affiliated into a cooperatives union of guaranteed liability shall be determined according to the total amount of shares invested by the cooperative or cooperative union.
1. Limited liability.
2. Guaranteed liability.
The guaranteed liability of each cooperative or cooperatives union affiliated into a cooperatives union of guaranteed liability shall be determined according to the total amount of shares invested by the cooperative or cooperative union.
Article 71
The directors and supervisors of a cooperatives union shall be elected by the general meeting of the union from the representatives of the affiliated cooperatives or cooperatives unions.
Article 72
The provisions set forth in this Act on cooperatives shall be applicable to cooperative unions unless otherwise prescribed in this Chapter or other laws and regulations.
Chapter 8 Penal Provisions
Article 73
A director or liquidator of a cooperative who commits any of the following acts shall be subject to a fine of not less than NT$2,000 and not more than NT$10,000:
1. Violating the provisions of Paragraph 2 of Article 47, which govern the time limit of notices;
2. Violating the provisions of Article 51 or 64, which govern the time limit of notices or announcements;
3. Violating the provisions of Paragraph 4 of Article 60.
In case of the act specified in subparagraph 2 or 3 of the preceding paragraph, a fine will be imposed, and a time limit will be set for the director or liquidator to correct the misconduct. If correction is not made within the time limit, consecutive punishments will be imposed.
1. Violating the provisions of Paragraph 2 of Article 47, which govern the time limit of notices;
2. Violating the provisions of Article 51 or 64, which govern the time limit of notices or announcements;
3. Violating the provisions of Paragraph 4 of Article 60.
In case of the act specified in subparagraph 2 or 3 of the preceding paragraph, a fine will be imposed, and a time limit will be set for the director or liquidator to correct the misconduct. If correction is not made within the time limit, consecutive punishments will be imposed.
Article 73-1
A cooperative that commits any of the following acts shall be subject to a fine of not less than NT$2,000 and not more than NT$10,000, and shall be required to correct the misconduct within a specified time limit; if correction is not made within the time limit, consecutive punishments will be imposed:
1. Violating the provisions of Paragraphs 1 and 3 of Article 9, Article 10-1, Article 10-2, Paragraph 3 of Article 36, Paragraph 1 of Article 57, or Article 58, which govern the time limit for registration, commencement of operation, and reporting for future reference or approval;
2. Violating the provisions of Paragraph 1 of Article 21 or Paragraph 1 of Article 59, which govern the time limit of notices or announcements.
1. Violating the provisions of Paragraphs 1 and 3 of Article 9, Article 10-1, Article 10-2, Paragraph 3 of Article 36, Paragraph 1 of Article 57, or Article 58, which govern the time limit for registration, commencement of operation, and reporting for future reference or approval;
2. Violating the provisions of Paragraph 1 of Article 21 or Paragraph 1 of Article 59, which govern the time limit of notices or announcements.
Article 74
A director, supervisor, or liquidator of a cooperative who commits any of the following acts shall be subject to a fine of not less than NT$4,000 and not more than NT$20,000, and shall be required to correct the misconduct within a specified time limit; if correction is not made within the time limit, consecutive punishments will be imposed:
1. Failing to prepare, produce, compile, file, present, or submit the related registers and documents pursuant to the provisions of Article 35, Paragraph 1 of Article 36, Paragraph 1 of Article 63, or Article 65, or making false records;
2. Evading, hindering, or refusing a member or creditor of the cooperative looking over the documents pursuant to the provisions of Article 37;
3. Violating the provisions of Article 40-1 or Article 63-1;
4. Failing to apply for an announcement of bankruptcy in the circumstances specified in Article 56.
1. Failing to prepare, produce, compile, file, present, or submit the related registers and documents pursuant to the provisions of Article 35, Paragraph 1 of Article 36, Paragraph 1 of Article 63, or Article 65, or making false records;
2. Evading, hindering, or refusing a member or creditor of the cooperative looking over the documents pursuant to the provisions of Article 37;
3. Violating the provisions of Article 40-1 or Article 63-1;
4. Failing to apply for an announcement of bankruptcy in the circumstances specified in Article 56.
Article 74-1
A cooperative that commits any of the following acts shall be subject to a fine of not less than NT$4,000 and not more than NT$50,000, and shall be required to correct the misconduct within a specified time limit; if correction is not made within the time limit, consecutive punishments will be imposed:
1. Violating the provisions of Paragraph 3 or 4 of Article 3-1 regarding handling of the revenue and the regulations established by the central competent authority regarding the business activities offered by the cooperative to non-members, scope of the offering, standards, quota, handling of the revenue, and other matters to be complied with;
2. Violating the provisions of Paragraph 1 of Article 6;
3. Violating the provisions of Article 22 or Paragraphs 1 and 4 of Article 23;
4. Violating the provisions of Article 40;
5. Violating the provisions of Paragraph 2 of Article 54-3.
1. Violating the provisions of Paragraph 3 or 4 of Article 3-1 regarding handling of the revenue and the regulations established by the central competent authority regarding the business activities offered by the cooperative to non-members, scope of the offering, standards, quota, handling of the revenue, and other matters to be complied with;
2. Violating the provisions of Paragraph 1 of Article 6;
3. Violating the provisions of Article 22 or Paragraphs 1 and 4 of Article 23;
4. Violating the provisions of Article 40;
5. Violating the provisions of Paragraph 2 of Article 54-3.
Chapter 9 Supplementary Provisions
Article 75
The business of all kinds of cooperatives shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions of this Act, and other laws may be stipulated where necessary.
Article 75-1
(Deleted)
Article 76
Enforcement rules for this Act shall be prescribed by the Ministry of the Interior.
Article 77
This Act shall become effective as of the date of promulgation.