UK seller struck off or dissolved: what can I do?
Check the exact seller's Companies House record and Gazette notice. Before dissolution, consider an evidenced objection; afterwards, seek advice about court restoration. Ask your payment provider about recovery options promptly. Factory progress can be checked by Cambridge China Bridge.
Check the company and the notice
Match the company number on your accepted order and invoice to Companies House. Save the current status, filing history, strike-off notice and any dissolution entry. Read the relevant Gazette notice and record its publication date and proposed strike-off date. Check whether you are looking at a proposal or a completed dissolution.
Confirm that this company sold you the goods using our guide to seller or agent roles. If the record instead shows administration or liquidation, follow the unfinished-order insolvency guide to identify the case handler.
Object while the company is still registered
You can only object after the strike-off notice has been published in The Gazette, and must act before the company is struck off. If the seller owes you money or you have a legal claim, check the objection grounds promptly. Companies House requires supporting evidence, such as invoices showing the debt.
Use our claim preparation guide to organise the underlying file. Add a clear account of the undelivered goods, payments and unresolved refund request. Check the online service's current document requirements before uploading. If you object by email or post, it must arrive at least 2 weeks before strike-off.
Use the objection period to pursue recovery
Companies House will tell you whether your objection succeeds. A successful objection prevents strike-off for another 6 months. Save that confirmation and diarise the deadline. Treat this as time to pursue the outstanding issue, rather than a promise of repayment.
If you need an extension, Companies House asks for proof of progress towards resolving the issue. Keep correspondence and evidence of action taken, and contact Companies House before the deadline. Ask a solicitor which recovery steps are proportionate to the debt, dispute and available assets.
Get restoration advice after dissolution
Once the company has been struck off, an objection is no longer the route: GOV.UK directs creditors to court restoration in eligible circumstances. Administrative restoration is for former directors or members, subject to conditions. Send a solicitor the company record, notices and claim file, and ask about eligibility, the application deadline and the procedure for the company's place of registration.
Ask for an estimate covering restoration and the subsequent recovery work. Assess likely assets and prospects before committing to proceedings. Restoration should be assessed alongside the plan for recovering your money; do not budget on restoration alone producing a refund.
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Check payment routes alongside company action
If you paid by card, ask the issuer promptly whether a chargeback is available for your transaction. GOV.UK describes chargeback as reversal of a credit or debit card transaction. Give the issuer the promised delivery date, payment record, correspondence and company notice. Ask it to confirm eligibility, evidence and deadlines for your business card and purchase.
For a bank transfer, ask the bank whether recall or another recovery route remains available. If you used a payment platform or have relevant insurance, ask about its claim process and exclusions. Record refunds against the outstanding balance. For goods still in China, ask Cambridge China Bridge's own China staff to help establish production facts before considering a replacement arrangement.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if my UK seller has dissolved?
Match the company number to Companies House. Read the status, filing history and Gazette notices. Save the proposal and any dissolution entry so your adviser can establish the stage reached.
Can I object to my supplier being struck off?
Check the grounds if it owes you money or you have a legal claim. You can only object after the Gazette notice is published and before strike-off. Supply evidence and check the submission requirements.
Can I restore a dissolved company to claim a refund?
Ask a solicitor about court restoration, eligibility and deadlines. Have them assess the recovery steps and likely assets as well as restoration costs before you commit.
Can I get my payment back without restoring the seller?
Ask your card issuer, bank, payment platform or insurer promptly about the route available for your transaction. Request written confirmation of eligibility, evidence and deadlines; do not assume recovery.