The Central Supplier Database (CSD) is mandatory for all government tenders in South Africa. Without CSD registration, you cannot bid for any national, provincial, or municipal government contract. This guide walks you through the complete registration process with troubleshooting tips for common issues.
Who This Is For
- New businesses wanting to tender for government work
- Existing businesses not yet registered on CSD
- Businesses needing to update or renew CSD registration
- Accountants registering clients
What You'll Learn
- Documents needed before you start
- Step-by-step registration process
- How to select the right commodity codes
- Bank verification troubleshooting
- Tax compliance integration
- Common rejection reasons and fixes
Prerequisites
Before you start, ensure you have:
- Registered company (CIPC)
- Business bank account (active)
- SARS registration (income tax)
- Valid Tax Clearance PIN (TCS-PIN) - recommended
- ID documents for directors
Section 1: Before You Register
1.1 Required Documents Checklist
| Document | Source | Why Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Company Registration (COR14.1) | CIPC | Verify legal status |
| Tax Clearance PIN | SARS | Tax compliance |
| Bank Confirmation Letter | Your bank | Verify banking details |
| Director ID Copies | — | Identity verification |
| B-BBEE Certificate/Affidavit | CIPC or verification agency | Preference points |
| Proof of Address | — | Physical location |
1.2 Bank Letter Requirements
Your bank letter must include:
- Company name (exactly as registered)
- Account number
- Branch code
- Account type
- Date (within 3 months)
- Bank stamp or digital verification
Warning: Account name mismatch is the #1 rejection reason. Ensure the name on your bank account matches your CIPC registration exactly.
Section 2: Step-by-Step Registration
2.1 Create User Account
Step 1
Access CSD Portal
- Go to secure.csd.gov.za
- Click "Register"
- Enter your email address
- Create a strong password
- Complete email verification (OTP)
2.2 Start Supplier Registration
Step 2
Begin Registration
- Log in with your new account
- Click "Register as Supplier"
- Select supplier type:
- Company/CC
- Sole Proprietor
- NPO
- Trust
- System assigns temporary reference number
2.3 Complete Core Profiles
Profile 1
Supplier Identification
- Legal name (exactly as on CIPC)
- Trading name (if different)
- Registration number
- Company type
- Industry sector
Profile 2
Addresses & Contacts
- Physical address (required)
- Postal address
- Primary contact person
- Email and phone
Profile 3
Directors/Members
For each director:
- Full name
- ID/Passport number
- Nationality
- Role (Director, Member, Trustee)
2.4 Tax Registration
Step 3
Link SARS Information
- Enter SARS income tax number
- Enter TCS PIN if available
- System auto-verifies with SARS
Pro Tip: Get your TCS PIN before starting CSD registration – it speeds up verification significantly.
2.5 Banking Details
Step 4
Add Bank Account
- Account holder name
- Bank name
- Branch code
- Account number
- Account type
System sends verification request to your bank via Bankserv.
2.6 Commodity Codes (UNSPSC)
Select codes that match your services/products:
| Code Range | Category |
|---|---|
| 70000000 | Farming, Fishing, Forestry |
| 72000000 | Building & Construction |
| 73000000 | Industrial Production |
| 76000000 | Industrial Cleaning |
| 78000000 | Transportation & Logistics |
| 80000000 | Management & Business Services |
| 81000000 | Engineering & Research |
| 82000000 | Editorial & Design |
| 84000000 | Financial & Insurance |
| 85000000 | Healthcare |
| 86000000 | Education & Training |
Pro Tip: Select specific codes, not entire categories. Buyers filter by specific codes when searching for suppliers.
2.7 B-BBEE Information
Step 5
Add B-BBEE Details
- Certificate number (if applicable)
- Level (1-8)
- Expiry date
- OR Affidavit details (EME/QSE)
2.8 Submit and Validate
Step 6
Final Submission
- Click "Validate" on each section
- Fix any errors flagged
- Submit for verification
- Note your CSD supplier number
Section 3: Troubleshooting Common Issues
3.1 Bank Verification Fails
Causes:
- Account name doesn't match CSD exactly
- Account is dormant or restricted
- Bank letter older than 3 months
- Wrong branch code
Fixes:
- Check exact account name with your bank
- Request new bank confirmation letter
- Verify account is active
- Re-enter details carefully
3.2 Tax Validation Error
Causes:
- SARS number incorrect
- TCS PIN expired
- Tax affairs not in order
Fixes:
- Log into SARS eFiling
- Verify your tax number
- Request new TCS PIN
- Resolve any outstanding returns
3.3 Director Mismatch
Causes:
- CIPC records not updated
- Typo in ID number
- Name spelling differs from ID
Fixes:
- Update CIPC records first
- Verify ID numbers character by character
- Use exact name spelling from ID document
Section 4: After Registration
4.1 Verification Timeline
| Status | Meaning | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Pending | Submitted, awaiting verification | 24-72 hours |
| Verified | All details confirmed | — |
| Active | Ready to tender | — |
| Suspended | Issue detected | Varies |
4.2 Maintaining Your Registration
- Update whenever details change
- Re-verify annually
- Keep documents current
- Monitor for tender alerts
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CSD registration free?
Yes, completely free. Beware of third parties charging fees.
How long does verification take?
Usually 24-72 hours if all documents are correct.
Can I tender while verification is pending?
No, you must be "Active" status to submit bids.
Do I need CSD for private sector tenders?
No, CSD is for government only. Private sector may have own databases.
Can I register multiple commodity codes?
Yes, select all codes relevant to your business offerings.
Next Steps
- Gather all required documents
- Complete CSD registration
- Set up tender alerts in your commodity areas
- Read our Tender Response Guide
Need Help With CSD Registration?
Get quotes from verified tender consultants, bid writers, and compliance specialists who can help you complete your CSD registration and prepare for tendering.
- Experienced tender writers
- Bid document preparation
- CSD registration assistance
- B-BBEE compliance support