CIPC Alert: Don’t Get Caught Doing Business with a Deregistered Company

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The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) has issued a strong warning in Customer Notice 36 following a wave of complaints about companies continuing to trade after being deregistered for failing to file annual returns.

✅Before doing business, always check a company’s status on the CIPC’s BizPortal to avoid nasty surprises.

Here’s what you need to look out for:

• Once deregistered, a company loses its legal status. That means: it can’t sue or be sued, and any business you do with it could leave you out of pocket.

• Directors/shareholders of such companies can be personally liable for any debts racked up during deregistration.

• Deregistered companies can be reinstated, but only if they prove they were still operating or owned property at the time of deregistration, and they catch up on all missed annual returns.

📢 Remember: Reinstatement applications are now automated! Companies must apply via BizPortal, e-Services, or a Self-Service Terminal. The old reinstatement email is no longer in use.