Amended B-BBEE Certificate process for Small Businesses
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From 6 June 2025, the CIPC (the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission) is upgrading how B-BBEE certificates are processed—especially for small businesses.
Here’s what’s new:
Sector-Specific Oversight
CIPC is now including Sector Charter Councils in the B-BBEE process. These councils:
Set and monitor sector-specific empowerment rules.
Expect businesses to submit their B-BBEE certificates, affidavits, or reports to them.
Track how well transformation is progressing in their industries.
Why it matters: Businesses must know which sector they fall into and what rules apply.
SIC Codes Now Required
Your business's SIC code (a code that describes what type of business you run) will now determine which B-BBEE rules apply to you.
Why it matters: Different industries have different B-BBEE requirements. Using the wrong code can mess up your compliance.
More Accurate Classification
CIPC will now distinguish between:
South African Black citizens and
Permanent residents who are Black.
Why it matters: This affects how ownership is calculated in your B-BBEE score.
Co-ops Get Certificates Too
Co-operatives can now also apply for B-BBEE certificates via CIPC.
Certificates for EMEs Only
CIPC only gives out official B-BBEE certificates to Exempted Micro Enterprises (EMEs)—businesses making R10 million or less.
If your EME has a foreign director or member, you can’t apply online—you must:
Fill out a B-BBEE EME affidavit.
Get it stamped by a commissioner of oaths.
Use that stamped affidavit as your certificate.
Big Warning
Lying or giving incorrect info on your B-BBEE affidavit is a criminal offence. The BEE Commission can take legal action.
Read more in the CIPC Notice 25 of 2025.
