How to Get a Free B-BBEE Affidavit or CIPC Certificate for EMEs

How to Get a Free B-BBEE Affidavit or CIPC Certificate for EMEs 2026

If your business has an annual turnover of R10 million or less, you qualify as an Exempted Micro Enterprise (EME). This means you do not need an expensive SANAS-accredited B-BBEE verification. You can obtain official proof of your B-BBEE status completely free of charge.

A valid B-BBEE document is now required for almost every serious funding application, government tender, and larger corporate supplier database. Without it, many doors remain closed.

This guide shows you exactly how to get yours in 2026 — either through a free CIPC electronic certificate or a sworn affidavit.

What Level Do You Automatically Qualify For?

These levels are automatic under the Codes of Good Practice. You simply need to confirm your turnover and ownership percentage.

Option 1: Free CIPC B-BBEE Certificate (Recommended)

CIPC issues an official electronic B-BBEE certificate for qualifying EMEs at no cost. It is valid for 12 months and is widely accepted.

Who can use this route

• Private companies or close corporations with annual turnover of R10 million or less
• All directors/members must be South African (entities with foreign directors are usually excluded)
• Application must be made by a director or member — third parties and agents cannot apply on your behalf

How to apply

1. Log in to BizPortal or CIPC eServices using your customer profile.
2. Navigate to the B-BBEE Certificate section.
3. Select your company and complete the short application.
4. Confirm your turnover is R10 million or less and declare the Black ownership percentage accurately.
5. Submit. The certificate is generated electronically and emailed to you.

Important warnings from CIPC

• Providing false ownership information is a criminal offence.
• Once submitted, the application cannot be amended. Check every detail carefully.
• The certificate expires after 12 months — you must apply for a new one each year.
• Your annual returns and company status with CIPC must be up to date.

Official information: CIPC B-BBEE Certificates page

Option 2: Sworn Affidavit (Alternative Route)

If you cannot use the CIPC electronic certificate (for example because of foreign directors, or you prefer the affidavit), you can complete a sworn B-BBEE affidavit.

Steps

1. Download the official EME sworn affidavit template from the dtic website (thedtic.gov.za) or the CIPC website.
2. Complete it accurately — turnover, Black ownership percentage, and all required declarations.
3. Take it to a Commissioner of Oaths (available free or at nominal cost at most police stations, post offices, or legal offices).
4. The Commissioner signs and stamps the affidavit.
5. Keep both the original and clear scanned copies.

This affidavit has the same legal standing as the CIPC certificate for EMEs and qualifying 51%+ Black-owned QSEs.

Which Option Should You Choose?

• Use the CIPC electronic certificate whenever you can — it is quick, official-looking, and generated directly from the company register.
• Use the sworn affidavit if the CIPC route is unavailable to you or if you need the document urgently while waiting for CIPC processing.

Both are free and both are accepted for funding applications (including SEDFA, NYDA and NEF), tenders, and the Central Supplier Database.

Documents You Will Typically Need

• CIPC company registration documents (CoR14.3)
• Proof of current annual turnover (management accounts, financial statements, or bank statements)
• ID copies of directors/shareholders (for ownership verification)
• Valid SARS Tax Compliance Status (recommended for most applications that will use the B-BBEE document)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Declaring turnover above R10 million when you are still an EME
• Incorrect Black ownership percentage
• Letting the certificate or affidavit expire
• Paying a private company for a basic EME document — this is unnecessary
• Using an old template that no longer matches current requirements

Why This Document Matters for Funding

Almost every government and development-finance application in 2026 asks for current B-BBEE proof. SEDFA, NYDA, the NEF and most private enterprise-development funds treat it as a basic compliance requirement. Having it ready before you apply saves time and prevents unnecessary rejections.

For a clear overview of what each major funder offers, see:
→ SEDA, SEFA, NYDA & NEF Funding 2026 – What Each Offers

Next Steps

1. Confirm your turnover is R10 million or less.
2. Decide between the CIPC certificate and the sworn affidavit.
3. Obtain the document this week if you plan to apply for funding soon.
4. Store both the PDF and a printed copy safely.

Once your B-BBEE proof and tax compliance are in order, you are in a much stronger position to approach funders.

An affidavit is often required for funding and tenders. It sits alongside proper registration and tax compliance — see how to register a business and the SMME funding overview for 2026. A simple business plan for funding applications also strengthens most submissions.

Make sure customers can also find your business while you pursue funding:
→ List your business free on Small Business Directory