Central Supplier Database
CSD registration for government suppliers
We help you register on National Treasury's Central Supplier Database so government departments, municipalities and public entities can buy from you.
- Compliance Focused
- Clear Process
- POPIA Conscious
- Professional Support
CSD Registration Assistance
Afri-Cafe service fee
R695
Once-off
Government fee
- No fee · National Treasury
What the Central Supplier Database is
The Central Supplier Database (CSD) is National Treasury's register of businesses that can supply government. Organs of state check a supplier's CSD record before they quote, contract or pay.
When you register, the CSD checks your details against SARS, CIPC and your bank. Registration only succeeds when those checks pass — which is why most CSD problems are really tax-compliance, bank or company-detail problems.
Who needs it
- Businesses that want to quote for or supply national, provincial or local government
- Businesses responding to requests for quotation (RFQs) from public entities
- Contractors who need CSD registration before applying for CIDB grading
Requirements and documents
Who can apply
- A registered business (or registered sole proprietor)
- A compliant tax status with SARS
- A business bank account that can be verified
Documents and information we'll need
- Company registration documents and directors' IDs
- SARS tax reference number (CSD checks your tax status with SARS automatically, so you don't need to buy a tax clearance service first)
- Bank confirmation letter for the business account
- B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit, if you are claiming B-BBEE status
- The goods and services (commodities) you want to supply
What we handle — and what the authority handles
Afri-Cafe is an independent administration partner. We are not National Treasury and cannot make decisions on its behalf.
Afri-Cafe handles
- Checking your tax, bank and CIPC details before submitting
- Capturing your supplier profile and selecting relevant commodities
- Recording your B-BBEE information correctly
- Resolving verification failures and resubmitting
- Keeping your profile current when your details change
National Treasury handles
- Operating the Central Supplier Database
- Automatically verifying details with SARS, CIPC and banks
- Activating your supplier record and supplier number
Fees
Our service fee and the government fee are shown separately, so you always know what goes to the authority.
| Fee | Amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Afri-Cafe service fee | R695 Once-off | Afri-Cafe |
| Central Supplier Database registrationNational Treasury does not charge suppliers to register on the CSD. | No fee | National Treasury |
Government fees are set by the authority and can change. We confirm the applicable amount with you before anything is paid.
How it works
The process, step by step
- STEP 01
Prerequisite check
We check tax compliance, bank details and company records first.
- STEP 02
Profile capture
We capture your supplier profile, contacts and commodities.
- STEP 03
Submission
Your registration is submitted to the CSD.
- STEP 04
Automatic verification
The CSD verifies your details with SARS, CIPC and your bank. We fix anything that fails.
- STEP 05
Supplier number
Once verified, your supplier record is active and you receive your supplier number.
Verification is performed by National Treasury's systems together with SARS, CIPC and the banks, and is outside Afri-Cafe's control. CSD registration makes you eligible to be considered as a supplier — it does not guarantee any quotation or tender award.
Common problems we help you avoid
Tax status not compliant
Outstanding returns or debt at SARS will cause the tax verification to fail.
Bank verification fails
The account holder name must match the business exactly.
Director details don't match CIPC
Changes at CIPC that weren't updated cause mismatches.
Profile not kept current
An outdated profile — expired B-BBEE affidavit, old bank details — can block payment later.
Where to go from here
Related services
- Tender services
Tender readiness checks, bid preparation and tender desks.
- CIDB registration
Construction contractors need CSD before CIDB grading.
- COIDA registration
A Letter of Good Standing is often requested alongside CSD.
- Starting a new company?
Our qualifying registration packages include CSD registration assistance free.
- Compare supplier and tender packages
CSD registration combined with the compliance documents tenders ask for.
CSD Registration Assistance: frequently asked questions
Does National Treasury charge for CSD registration?
No. CSD registration is free. The R695 is Afri-Cafe's service fee for preparing, submitting and resolving your registration.
Why does CSD registration fail?
Usually because one of the automatic checks fails — most often tax compliance, bank details or director information that doesn't match CIPC.
Does CSD registration mean I'll get government work?
No. It makes you eligible to be considered. Awards depend on each buyer's procurement process.
Do I need a B-BBEE certificate for CSD?
You need B-BBEE evidence if you want your B-BBEE status recorded. Many small businesses use a sworn affidavit rather than a verification certificate.
Start my CSD registration
Send us a few details and we'll confirm what's needed, the applicable government fee and the next steps.