Central Supplier Database (CSD) Registration in South Africa (2026)
OurPower - Last verified 2026-05-03
What the CSD is
The Central Supplier Database (CSD) is the National Treasury-managed database of all suppliers eligible to do business with the South African government. Every government department, public entity, and most municipalities check the CSD before awarding any contract.
Registration is free, fully online at https://secure.csd.gov.za, and managed by the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer.
Prerequisites
- An active CIPC registration (Pty / CC / NPC) or registered sole proprietor identity.
- SARS tax compliance status (a TCS PIN in 'Good Standing').
- An open business bank account (CSD verifies your bank details against the bank).
- Beneficial Ownership filed at CIPC (CSD now cross-checks).
- If applicable: BBBEE affidavit or verification certificate.
- If applicable: industry-specific registrations (CIDB, PSIRA, NHBRC).
How long it takes
If your CIPC, SARS, and bank are all aligned, CSD registration takes 1-2 weeks. The most common reason for delay is bank-account verification - CSD calls the bank's API and any address mismatch flags it for manual review.
What CSD doesn't get you
Being on the CSD makes you eligible to bid. It doesn't get you contracts. You still have to actively look at tender bulletins (TenderBulletin.co.za, eTender Publication Portal at https://etenders.gov.za, gov.za RFQs) and submit competitive bids.
Frequently asked questions
Does CSD cost money?
No - it's free, and any 'CSD registration service' charging you R500-R3,000 is selling form-filling, not a CSD product.
Do I need to be on CSD to sell to a private company?
No - CSD only matters for government and public-entity clients.
How often do I update CSD?
Annually, plus whenever your tax compliance status changes (CSD revokes you if your TCS PIN goes to 'Non-Compliant').
Tools to help
Related guides
General guidance for South African company registration. Not legal or tax advice. CIPC fees and SARS rules change - figures verified 2026-05-03. Sources: CIPC, SARS, BizPortal.