What is the Central Supplier Database?
The CSD is a single online database of suppliers for national and provincial departments, municipalities and many public entities. Government buyers must use suppliers registered on the CSD, so registration is the first step to winning government work, including small quotations.
Who needs to register on CSD?
Any business that wants to sell to government needs a CSD registration. That includes cleaning, construction, catering, security, transport, IT, consulting and almost every other kind of supplier. Being on the CSD does not guarantee work, but without it you cannot be appointed.
What do I need to register on CSD?
Have these ready before you start:
- Business registration details (CIPC registration number for a company)
- Tax number and a compliant SARS tax status
- ID numbers and contact details of directors or members
- Business address and contact details
- Bank account details in the business's name (the CSD verifies the account with your bank)
- Your industry classification and the goods or services you supply
- B-BBEE information (optional, but used in many bids)
How do I register on CSD?
You register yourself online. The process takes about an hour if your documents are ready; verification by the other systems can take a few days.
- Go to secure.csd.gov.za and create a user account
- Choose your supplier type and enter your business details
- Add directors, address, contact and banking information
- Add the commodities (goods and services) you supply and the areas you serve
- Submit, then check your verification results
- Fix anything that fails verification and resubmit
What does "verification failed" mean on CSD?
The CSD checks your details against other government and bank systems. When something does not match, the check fails.
| Failed check | Usual reason | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Tax status | Outstanding returns or debt at SARS | Get a compliant status (see tax clearance) |
| CIPC | Company details or directors differ from CIPC | Update CIPC or correct the CSD entry |
| Bank account | Account not in the business's exact name | Use the business account and confirm details with your bank |
| Identity | ID number typed wrong | Correct the ID number |
How do I keep my CSD registration active?
Update your CSD profile whenever your directors, address, bank account or B-BBEE level change. Keep your tax status compliant, because CSD keeps checking it. An out-of-date profile is a common reason suppliers miss out on quotations.
How do I find government work after registering?
Registration puts you in the database; you still need to find and respond to opportunities. Watch the National Treasury eTenders portal and the procurement pages of your municipality, province and nearby public entities, and introduce your business to supply chain offices. See how to get government tenders.
Step by step
- Prepare your information. Gather registration, tax, director, address and business bank details.
- Create a CSD account. Register as a user on secure.csd.gov.za and verify your email and cellphone.
- Capture supplier details. Enter business, director, contact, address and banking information.
- Add commodities and areas. Select the goods and services you supply and where you can deliver them.
- Submit and check verification. Submit the profile and review the CIPC, SARS, Home Affairs and bank verification results.
- Fix and keep updated. Correct failed checks and update the profile whenever your details change.