Central Supplier Database (CSD) Registration: Complete Guide

What You Need Before Registering on the CSD

Before starting your CSD registration, gather the following documents and information: your company's CIPC registration number and a certified copy of the company registration certificate (CoR14.3 for companies, or founding statement for close corporations); ID numbers and contact details of all company directors or members; a valid SARS tax reference number for the company; a South African bank account in the company's name with a bank-stamped letter or official bank statement (not older than three months) confirming account details; and a company email address and contact telephone number. If the company has employees, your UIF reference number and Good Standing confirmation from the Department of Employment and Labour are also required for full CSD verification.

The CSD does not charge a registration fee — registration is completely free of charge. The process is completed entirely online at csd.gov.za without needing to visit any government offices. Once your CSD profile is submitted with all required information and supporting documents, the CSD system automatically verifies your CIPC status and SARS compliance status. Manual verification by CSD administrators is required for banking detail confirmation and takes approximately 5–10 business days after submission. You will receive an SMS and email notification when your CSD status changes to Active and Verified.

• CIPC registration number and certified CoR14.3 (company) or CK1/CK2 (CC)
• Director/member ID numbers and contact details
• SARS company tax reference number
• Company bank account: bank-stamped letter or official bank statement
• Company email address and telephone number
• UIF reference number and Good Standing letter (if applicable)
• Registration is free — no fees required
• Allow 5–10 business days for full verification

Step-by-Step CSD Registration Process

Step 1 — Create a CSD Account: Navigate to csd.gov.za and click 'Register'. Create a personal user account using your ID number or passport number and a valid email address. You will receive an email verification link — click it to activate your user account. Step 2 — Create a Supplier Profile: Log in and select 'Add Supplier Profile'. Choose the correct entity type (company/Pty Ltd, close corporation, sole proprietor, trust, partnership, NPO, or co-operative). Enter your entity's CIPC registration number and the system will pull basic registration details automatically. Step 3 — Complete All Profile Sections: Fill in all mandatory sections including entity information, tax information (SARS tax number), bank account details, contact details, commodities (goods and services you supply), and upload supporting documents. Step 4 — Submit and Await Verification: Submit your completed profile. The CSD system automatically checks CIPC and SARS status. Banking details are verified manually. Monitor your email for status updates. Your profile must show Active and Verified before you can use your CSD supplier number in bid submissions.

Step 5 — Maintain Your CSD Profile: CSD registration is not a once-off exercise. Your profile must be actively maintained. Update banking details immediately if your bank account changes. Ensure your CIPC annual returns are filed on time, as a lapsed CIPC status will cause your CSD profile to revert to unverified. Renew your B-BBEE certificate before it expires and update the certificate details on CSD. Check your CSD profile status at least once per month and before any bid submission. An inactive CSD profile is the single most common cause of bid disqualification in South African government procurement.

• Step 1: Create user account at csd.gov.za with ID and email
• Step 2: Add supplier profile — select correct entity type
• Step 3: Complete all sections — entity, tax, banking, commodities, documents
• Step 4: Submit and await Active and Verified status (5–10 business days)
• Step 5: Maintain profile actively — update banking, CIPC, B-BBEE regularly
• Check CSD status before every bid submission
• Inactive CSD = automatic bid disqualification

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Guides

• eTenders Portal Registration Guide
• SARS Registration for Government Suppliers
• CIPC Company Registration for Tendering
• Eskom Tenders