CIPC Now Requires Director Approval for Contact Detail Updates
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The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) issued Notice 49 of 2025 announcing a critical update affecting all company directors: any changes to a director’s contact details must now be verified directly by the director through a new online authorisation process.
What’s Changed?
Previously, contact details could be updated via CIPC channels with limited oversight. Now, to improve data integrity and protect directors from fraud, the CIPC has introduced a 24-hour verification system.
This is an important safeguard against unauthorised or fraudulent changes to your official company records. If you receive a verification email from CIPC, it is legitimate, not a phishing attempt. Directors are urged to respond promptly to avoid delays or unprocessed changes.
How It Works
When a request to update a director’s contact information is submitted (email or phone number), CIPC will send a verification link directly to the current director's registered email or mobile number. The director has 24 hours to respond:
✅ Approve the change: The update will be processed and reflected on the CIPC system.
❌ Reject the change: The request will be blocked, even if another party authorised it.
⏳ No response: If no action is taken within 24 hours, the request will automatically lapse and no changes will be made.
What You Should Do Now
This change takes effect immediately and applies to all companies registered with the CIPC. You should:
Ensure your current contact details are correct on CIPC records so you receive verification messages.
Monitor your inbox (and spam folders) for emails from CIPC whenever a change is initiated.
Educate your team or clients who handle CIPC filings to inform the director immediately if a change is submitted.
