How to Register as a Supplier in South Africa (CSD Step by Step)
Central Supplier Database registration is the gateway to government contracts. Here is exactly what you need and the order to do it in.
Register the company first
You need an active CIPC registration and a business bank account in the registered company name. The bank details on the CSD must match the CIPC records exactly, or verification fails.
Get your SARS tax compliance status
Register the company for income tax and obtain a tax compliance status PIN through SARS eFiling. Government verifies compliance electronically at award stage, so a lapsed status can cost you a contract you have already won.
Complete the CSD registration
Register on the National Treasury Central Supplier Database, capture company particulars, directors, banking details, tax number and B-BBEE status, then submit. On success you receive a unique supplier number that appears on every bid you submit.
Add the commodity codes that describe what you actually supply. Buyers filter by these codes when sourcing quotes below the formal tender threshold.
Keep it current
Directors, banking details and B-BBEE certificates change. Review your CSD profile quarterly, because outdated details are a routine disqualification.
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