How to Get a B-BBEE Certificate Through CIPC (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Johan De Wet
- Oct 24
- 4 min read
If you’ve just registered a company in South Africa, one of the first compliance documents you’ll need is your B-BBEE certificate (or affidavit).
The good news?
You can now get your B-BBEE certificate directly through the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) — quickly, easily, and for free if you qualify as an Exempted Micro Enterprise (EME).
In this Smartbook guide, we’ll show you how to get your B-BBEE certificate through CIPC step-by-step, what documents you need, and how Smartbook can help you file it correctly.
What Is a B-BBEE Certificate?
A B-BBEE (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment) certificate is an official document confirming your company’s level of compliance with South Africa’s B-BBEE Act.
It helps you access:
Government contracts and tenders
Supplier opportunities with corporates
Funding and enterprise development programs
Your B-BBEE level depends on your business size and black ownership percentage.
Who Can Get a Free B-BBEE Certificate Through CIPC?
Only Exempted Micro Enterprises (EMEs) — businesses with annual turnover of R10 million or less — can get their certificate directly from CIPC.
Business Type | Turnover Range | What You Get |
Exempted Micro Enterprise (EME) | R0 – R10 million | Free B-BBEE Affidavit (via CIPC) |
Qualifying Small Enterprise (QSE) | R10 – R50 million | Verification via SANAS-accredited agency |
Large Enterprise | Above R50 million | Full B-BBEE verification audit |
Smartbook Tip: If your turnover is under R10 million, you don’t need an expensive B-BBEE audit — your CIPC certificate or affidavit is all you need.
What You’ll Need Before Applying
Before generating your B-BBEE certificate through CIPC, make sure:
Your company is registered and compliant with CIPC
Your annual returns are up to date
You know your turnover range (to confirm you qualify as an EME)
You have your CIPC registration number handy
How to Get a B-BBEE Certificate Through CIPC (Step-by-Step):
Step 1: Go to the CIPC B-BBEE Portal
Visit https://bizportal.gov.za — this is CIPC’s online platform for company compliance.
Click on “B-BBEE Certificate” on the homepage or under “Services.”
Step 2: Log in with Your CIPC Customer Code
Enter your CIPC customer code and password.
If you registered your company through Smartbook or BizPortal, this will be the same login used for registration.
Step 3: Enter Your Company Registration Number
Type your company number (e.g. 2023/123456/07) and confirm your details.
The system will automatically pull your company data from the CIPC register.
Step 4: Confirm Your Business Turnover and Ownership
The portal will ask you to confirm:
Whether your annual turnover is R10 million or less
Whether your company is 100% black-owned, more than 51%, or less than 51% black-owned
This determines your B-BBEE level automatically:
Ownership | Level | Recognition % |
100% Black-Owned | Level 1 | 135% |
>51% Black-Owned | Level 2 | 125% |
<51% Black-Owned | Level 4 | 100% |
Step 5: Generate Your B-BBEE Certificate
Once confirmed, click “Generate Certificate.”
Your official B-BBEE certificate (affidavit) will download instantly as a PDF, including:
Your company name and registration number
Your B-BBEE level
Date of issue and expiry (valid for 12 months)
Official CIPC and DTI logos
Save it to your files — you’ll need it for tenders, CSD registration, or client verification.
Step 6: Renew Annually
Your CIPC B-BBEE certificate is valid for one year.
You’ll need to renew it annually when your company details or turnover change.
What If You Don’t Qualify for a Free CIPC B-BBEE Certificate?
If your turnover exceeds R10 million, you’ll need to do a formal verification through a SANAS-accredited B-BBEE verification agency.
Smartbook can connect you with verified partners and help you prepare the required financials, ownership structures, and supporting documents.
How Smartbook Can Help You
Smartbook can help you get your B-BBEE certificate quickly and correctly by:
Checking if you qualify for a free CIPC B-BBEE certificate
Handling your BizPortal login and setup
Filing any outstanding CIPC annual returns
Generating and sending you your official certificate
Just send your company registration number and we’ll verify your eligibility and generate your certificate within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who qualifies for a CIPC B-BBEE certificate?
Companies with annual turnover of R10 million or less (Exempted Micro Enterprises) qualify.
2. Is the CIPC B-BBEE certificate free?
Yes — it’s free for qualifying EMEs that generate under R10 million per year.
3. How long is the CIPC B-BBEE certificate valid for?
It’s valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
4. What’s the difference between a B-BBEE affidavit and a certificate?
They’re the same for EMEs — the CIPC document is a valid affidavit and serves as your official certificate.
5. Can Smartbook get my B-BBEE certificate for me?
Absolutely. Smartbook can generate your official CIPC certificate or assist with a full verification if your turnover exceeds R10 million.
Final Thoughts
Your CIPC B-BBEE certificate is one of the easiest compliance documents to get — and it can open doors to bigger contracts, funding, and opportunities.
If your turnover is under R10 million, you can generate it instantly and for free — or simply let Smartbook do it for you.
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