Do I Need a B-BBEE Certificate? A Simple Guide
Not every business needs a B-BBEE certificate. But if you want to do business with government, large corporates, or access certain funding, you will need one. Here is when you need it and how to get it.
Key Takeaways
- You need a BEE certificate to supply to government or large corporates
- Businesses under R10m turnover qualify for an Affidavit instead of a certificate
- Affidavits are free and can be done at a police station
- Full BEE certificates require a SANAS-accredited verification agency
- BEE certificates must be renewed annually
When do you need a BEE certificate?
You need a B-BBEE certificate when tendering for government contracts, supplying to large corporates who require it, applying for certain government incentives or funding, or when your clients require it as part of their own BEE compliance.
- Government tenders: always required
- Large corporate supply chains: usually required
- Government funding and incentives: often required
- Private sector: depends on client requirements
- Not required for direct consumer sales
Affidavit vs full certificate
Businesses with annual turnover under R10 million can use a sworn affidavit instead of a full BEE certificate. The affidavit is free and can be done at any police station or commissioner of oaths. It is valid for 12 months.
- Under R10m turnover: affidavit is sufficient
- Affidavit is free (police station or commissioner of oaths)
- Valid for 12 months
- Must state your ownership structure and turnover
- Full certificate required for turnover over R10m
How to get a full BEE certificate
For businesses over R10m turnover, you need a full verification by a SANAS-accredited BEE verification agency. The process takes 4-8 weeks and costs R5,000-R20,000 depending on the size and complexity of your business.
- Use a SANAS-accredited verification agency
- Process takes 4-8 weeks
- Cost: R5,000-R20,000 depending on business size
- Valid for 12 months
- Prepare all financial and HR documents in advance
Ready to see your own numbers?
Use the BEE Scorecard Estimator