How to do a B-BBEE affidavit
If your turnover is R10 million or less, or up to R50 million and at least 51% black-owned, you can usually prove your B-BBEE level with a sworn affidavit instead of paying a verification agency.
Last checked against official sources on 2 November 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official portal before you submit.
Who needs it
- Exempted Micro Enterprises (EMEs): annual turnover of R10 million or less
- Qualifying Small Enterprises (QSEs): turnover above R10 million up to R50 million, and at least 51% black-owned
- Above R50 million, or a QSE under 51% black-owned: you need a certificate from a SANAS-accredited verification agency instead
- Some industries have their own sector codes with different thresholds, so check yours
Before you start
Tick these off as you gather them.
Step by step
Download the correct template: the EME affidavit, or the QSE affidavit for businesses at least 51% black-owned.
Fill it in using names and numbers exactly as they appear on your CIPC documents, and your latest completed financial year.
Tick only one B-BBEE level, using the table below.
Do not sign it yet. Take it to a commissioner of oaths (for example at a police station) and sign in front of them.
Screenshot of this step coming soon: completed sample affidavit with personal details blurred
Make sure your signing date and the commissioner's date match. Electronic signatures are not accepted.
Keep a copy and attach it to your CSD profile and bids.
Fix a problem
The issues people hit most, and what to do.
It was rejected as invalid
The usual causes are an outdated or wrong template, a missing field, more than one level ticked, mismatched signing dates, or a financial year that is not your latest completed one. Start again on the current template and complete every field.
It was rejected as expired
An affidavit is generally accepted for 12 months from the day it was signed. Sign a new one using your latest figures.
They said I cannot use an affidavit
If turnover is above R50 million, or you are a QSE that is less than 51% black-owned, you need a verified certificate from a SANAS-accredited agency.
There was a problem with the commissioner of oaths
The form must be signed in front of an independent commissioner (not your employee), with a physical signature. A pre-signed form will be rejected.
The names do not match my CSD or CIPC record
Use the registered name and numbers exactly as CIPC has them, not your trading name.
What it costs
| Ownership | EME level | QSE level |
|---|---|---|
| 100% black-owned | Level 1 | Level 1 |
| 51% to 99.99% black-owned | Level 2 | Level 2 |
| Under 51% black-owned | Level 4 | Needs a verified certificate |
Levels as summarised by RSM South Africa from the B-BBEE Codes. The template itself is free; a commissioner of oaths is often free at police stations. Agents charge a fee to prepare it for you. Declaring false information on an affidavit is an offence.
How long it takes
Once your turnover and ownership figures are ready, you can complete and sign it in one visit to a commissioner of oaths.
When it expires
- Generally accepted for 12 months from the date it was signed
- Do a new one each year using your latest financial year
- Set a reminder about a month before the 12 months run out
What comes next
- Add your B-BBEE details to your CSD profile
- Keep your tax compliance PIN in Good Standing
- EMEs can also apply for a free B-BBEE certificate through CIPC when registering or on BizPortal
Sources
Get a reminder before your affidavit expires
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