Companies must obtain new certificates for lockdown extension

The Department of Trade and Industry has announced that companies which supplied essential goods during the 21 days nationwide lockdown are required to obtain new certificates for the duration of the extended lockdown.

In a statement the department says companies which are registered through the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission’s (CIPC) BizPortal to perform essential services will be required to have a new certificate from the BizPortal website for the extended period which begins on April 17.

The new certificate will clearly state that it is for the extended period and the South African Police Service (SAPS) will be informed which certificate to look for.

“Certificates issued before the April 17 will no longer be valid and must be disposed of. To provide time for businesses to adjust to the new requirements, the new certificates will be available to be displayed from start of business on Monday April 20,” said Department’s spokesperson Sidwell Medupe.

The department has also provided clarity that the registration portal is for companies registered in terms of the Companies Act.

“Other essential providers like healthcare professionals registered with Health Professions Council of South Africa, sole proprietors who provide essential goods and services (like small business owners and spaza shops) and small scale farmers will not register through the bizportal.”