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CSD Registration Checklist: Get on the Central Supplier Database

If you want to sell to government, you will almost certainly need to be registered on the Central Supplier Database (CSD). Many private corporates also ask for it. Registration is free, but the process stalls when documents don't match. Prepare first and it goes smoothly.

What the CSD is

The CSD is National Treasury's single register of suppliers to the South African government. Government buyers use it to find suppliers and to confirm their details — registration, tax status, banking — without asking every bidder for the same documents each time. Once registered, you receive a supplier number (commonly referred to as a MAAA number) that buyers may ask for.

Before you start: the checklist

Business identity

  • ☐ Company or entity registered with CIPC (or ID details for a sole proprietor)
  • ☐ Registration number, registered name and address exactly as on your CIPC documents
  • ☐ Details and South African ID numbers of all directors / members / owners (these are checked with Home Affairs)

Tax

  • ☐ Tax number registered with SARS
  • ☐ Tax compliance in good standing — the CSD checks it against SARS. See our guide to the Tax Compliance Status PIN
  • ☐ VAT number, if you are VAT-registered

Banking

  • ☐ A business bank account in the same name as your registered entity
  • ☐ A recent bank confirmation letter, or details ready for bank verification

B-BBEE

Contact details

  • ☐ A working email address and cellphone number that you check regularly (verification messages go here)

Registration is done online at secure.csd.gov.za. The CSD checks your details automatically against SARS (tax status), CIPC (company registration), Home Affairs (ID numbers) and your bank, which is why every detail must match.

Common reasons registration is delayed or fails

  1. Name mismatches. The name on CIPC, SARS and the bank account must agree. A "(Pty) Ltd" typed differently can trigger a mismatch.
  2. Tax non-compliance. Outstanding returns or debts at SARS will show up.
  3. Bank details that don't verify. Wrong account type or account in another name.
  4. Outdated CIPC information, such as director changes not yet filed.
  5. An email address you can't access, so verification links are never opened.

After registration

  • Log in and check your profile every few months — expired tax status or B-BBEE documents can change how buyers see you.
  • Update details whenever anything changes (address, directors, banking).
  • Give your supplier number to buyers when asked, and keep a printed or saved summary of your CSD report for tender packs.

Registered is not the same as ready

CSD registration gets your name on the list. Winning still depends on your documents, your capacity and your references. A short self-check before each tender saves you from last-minute surprises.

Check your tender readiness free in 20 minutes →

General information only. Procedures and requirements change; follow the instructions on the official CSD site.