The Central Supplier Database (CSD) is National Treasury's register of businesses that want to supply goods or services to government. Registration is free and done online at csd.gov.za. Once your details are verified, you get a supplier number starting with MAAA, which government departments, municipalities and public entities use to check you before they award work or pay you.
Who needs to register on the CSD
You need a CSD registration if you want to:
bid on national, provincial or municipal tenders
receive quotations (RFQs) from government departments
be paid by a government department, municipality or state entity
This applies to companies, close corporations, sole proprietors, partnerships, trusts and non-profits. Many state-owned entities and larger private companies also ask for your CSD number.
What the CSD verifies automatically
The CSD is linked to other government systems, so it checks your information directly at the source:
CIPC: your business registration and ownership (directors and members)
SARS: your tax compliance status
Department of Home Affairs: the ID numbers of owners and directors
Banks: that the bank account is yours and in the business's name
Government records: whether any owner or director is a government employee, and whether the business is on National Treasury's list of restricted suppliers
Because of this, government entities can rely on your CSD record instead of asking for paper copies of your registration certificate and tax clearance.
What you need before you start
Your company registration number (or ID number for a sole proprietor)
ID numbers of all directors, members or owners
Your SARS income tax number and a working eFiling login
A business bank account in the business's exact registered name
Contact details and physical and postal addresses
Your B-BBEE status: a B-BBEE certificate or a sworn affidavit for small businesses. We can prepare your B-BBEE affidavit.
The commodities (types of goods and services) you want to supply
How to register, step by step
Go to csd.gov.za and choose to register as a new supplier.
Create your login with an email address and cellphone number you'll keep access to.
Enter your business identification details. These must match your CIPC and SARS records exactly.
Add the directors or owners, including ID numbers.
Add your bank account details.
Add your tax information so the CSD can verify your tax compliance with SARS.
Select your commodities and the areas you can deliver to.
Submit. You'll receive your MAAA supplier number and a unique security code.
Prefer not to deal with it? Smartbook can handle your CSD registration for you.
Why CSD registrations get stuck
Tax non-compliance. Outstanding returns or debt with SARS means your tax status won't verify. Sort out your tax compliance status first.
Name mismatches. The bank account name, CIPC name and SARS name must all match.
Company not "In business" at CIPC. A company in deregistration won't verify. File outstanding annual returns or apply for reinstatement first.
Director details out of date. If directors have changed but CIPC hasn't been updated, ownership won't verify. Update them with a change of directors.
Bank verification failing. Use an account in the business's exact registered name.
Keep your CSD record up to date
Your registration isn't once-off. Your tax status is checked in real time, so a missed SARS return can make your profile non-compliant overnight. Suppliers must also confirm at least once a year that their details are still current. Update your CSD profile whenever your bank details, directors, address or B-BBEE level change.
You'll also need a company profile
Most tenders ask for a company profile alongside your CSD number: a short document showing who you are, what you do and the work you've done. See how to put one together in company profile in South Africa, or let us write your company profile.
Frequently asked questions
How much does CSD registration cost? Nothing. Registration on the Central Supplier Database is free. Be wary of anyone who charges a "registration fee" on behalf of government.
What is a MAAA number? It's your unique CSD supplier number. Government entities use it to look up your verified registration.
How long does CSD registration take? You can complete the online registration in one sitting if your details are ready. Verification with CIPC, SARS, Home Affairs and your bank usually follows automatically.
Do I need a tax clearance certificate for CSD? SARS no longer issues paper tax clearance certificates. The CSD checks your tax compliance status directly with SARS, so your tax affairs must be up to date.
Can a sole proprietor register on the CSD? Yes. Sole proprietors register using their ID number instead of a company registration number.