How to register on the CSD

Who needs it

• Any company, close corporation, sole proprietor or individual who wants to sell to national, provincial or local government, or to state entities
• Not required for private clients only

Before you start

Tick these off as you gather them.

• Company registration number from CIPC (or your SA ID number if you are a sole proprietor)
• Income tax reference number, and VAT number if you are VAT registered
• An active SARS tax compliance status PIN of the type Good Standing
• A bank confirmation letter in the exact registered business name, less than 3 months old
• Each director's or member's ID number, contact details, shareholding percentage and suburb
• Physical address, a working email address and cellphone number
• Your annual turnover band and financial year-end
• The goods or services (commodities) you supply, and where you can deliver
• Your B-BBEE affidavit or certificate details

Step by step

1. Open the CSD portal and create a user account with your email address. Click the link in the verification email.

   Screenshot of this step coming soon: CSD sign-up page

2. Choose Add supplier and pick your supplier type, for example a CIPC-registered company. Enter the registration number, turnover band and financial year-end.

   Screenshot of this step coming soon: supplier identification screen

3. Add your industry classification and physical address.

4. Add your bank account and verify it with the one-time PIN (OTP) the portal sends you.

   Screenshot of this step coming soon: bank verification with OTP

5. Add your tax number, and your VAT number if registered. Enter your tax compliance status PIN where asked.

6. Add every director or member with their contact details, shareholding and suburb.

7. Select the commodities you supply and whether you deliver province-wide or nationally.

8. Add your B-BBEE details.

9. Submit and write down your reference. Your supplier number starts with MAA. Check your email (and spam folder) for the verification result.

   Screenshot of this step coming soon: submitted profile with supplier number

Open the official portal: csd.gov.za

Fix a problem

The issues people hit most, and what to do.

What it costs

Getting your tax affairs in order first (missing returns, debt) can cost more than the registration itself.

How long it takes

The form takes about 30 to 45 minutes once you have everything ready. Verification then takes a few working days: published estimates range from 3 to 10 working days, and SARS checks are often the slow part. Plan for up to two weeks before a tender deadline.

When it expires

• Your registration does not expire on a fixed date, but you must keep your details current and confirm them at least once a year
• Your tax status is rechecked with SARS, so a lapsed PIN or new tax debt can flag your profile at any time
• Update the profile whenever your bank, directors, address or tax details change

What comes next

• Keep your tax compliance PIN in Good Standing
• Get your B-BBEE affidavit ready for bids
• Many tenders also ask for a COIDA letter of good standing

Sources

1. National Treasury Central Supplier Database
2. City of Cape Town: Central Supplier Database registration guide (PDF)
3. National Treasury CSD overview for government suppliers (PDF, via Department of Health)