How to register on the CSD, step by step
Every government department, municipality and state entity checks the Central Supplier Database (CSD) before it does business with anyone. If you want to supply government or bid for a tender, you have to be on it. Registering is free at csd.gov.za. Here is exactly how it works, and the three checks that catch most people out.
What the CSD is
The Central Supplier Database is National Treasury's single register of everyone who wants to do business with the state. Every organ of state, from a national department to your local municipality, must check it before awarding work or paying a supplier. One registration covers all of them, nationwide, and it is free. Think of it as the government's approved-supplier list: if you are not on it, a buyer cannot transact with you.
Who needs to be on it
Anyone who wants to supply government or compete for a tender:
- Companies and close corporations chasing tenders or government work
- Sole proprietors and individuals quoting for state contracts
- Any business that wants a government purchase order or to be paid by a state entity
If you are going after tenders, requests for quotation or a government order, the CSD number is the first box every buyer ticks. No number, no award.
What you need before you start
- Your company's CIPC registration details (or your ID number if you trade as an individual)
- Your SARS tax number, with your tax status compliant (the CSD checks it live)
- A business bank account in the exact name of the business (the CSD verifies it with your bank)
- The ID numbers of all directors or owners
- Your B-BBEE status: a sworn affidavit for a small business, or a certificate
- The commodity codes for what you actually supply
How to register, free at csd.gov.za
- Create a self-service account at csd.gov.za using your email and cellphone number.
- Capture your business details: CIPC registration number, directors, addresses and contact details.
- Add your business bank account. The CSD sends it to your bank to verify, so the account name must match the registered business name exactly.
- Add your tax number. The CSD checks your compliance status with SARS automatically.
- Add your commodities (what you sell) and your B-BBEE status.
- Submit. Once the checks clear, the CSD issues your unique supplier number, which starts with the letters MAAA, and a registration report you attach to bids.
The three things that trip people up
Registering is free, but a registration that will not verify is worthless. Three checks fail most often:
- Bank account mismatch. If the account name does not match the registered business name, the bank verification fails and buyers see a red flag next to your name.
- Tax non-compliance. If SARS shows an outstanding return or an unpaid balance, your CSD status reflects it and many buyers will not transact. Sort your tax status out first.
- Wrong commodity codes. Pick the codes that match what you really supply. Get them wrong and the tenders you actually want never reach your inbox.
Your MAAA number, and keeping it current
Once everything verifies you get a unique MAAA supplier number and a registration report. That number is what a buyer searches for and what you attach to every quote and bid. Keep your tax status green and your details up to date: the CSD re-checks in the background, and one expired detail can quietly drop you out of a buyer's search at the worst possible moment.
Frequently asked questions
Is CSD registration free?
Yes. Registering on the Central Supplier Database at csd.gov.za costs nothing. Be careful of anyone charging a "government fee", because there isn't one. What you can pay for is help registering correctly so the bank and tax verifications clear the first time.
Do I need to be on the CSD to tender?
Yes. Virtually every government tender and request for quotation requires a CSD supplier number, and the buyer checks the database before awarding. Registering on the CSD is the first step to supplying government.
Why does my CSD registration show as non-compliant?
Usually one of two things: your SARS tax status shows an outstanding return or balance, or your bank account has not verified because the account name does not match the registered business name. Fix the underlying issue and the CSD re-checks and updates.
Can a brand-new company register on the CSD?
Yes, from day one. You still need a registered company or a valid ID, a business bank account and a tax number. Bigger tenders may test track record, but smaller quotations and RFQs are a realistic starting point while your record builds.
Want us to register you correctly?
We prepare your CSD registration, get the bank and tax verifications to clear, and hand you your MAAA supplier number. Fixed R490. The database itself stays free.
Get on the CSD