New Procedures for Updating CIPC Customer Codes

The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) has implemented new procedures for updating customer codes, affecting individual customers and companies. Here’s what accountants need to know to assist their clients with these updates:

Individual Customer Code Update:

If your client’s customer code is linked to an outdated email or both email and cell phone numbers are outdated, the update process involves:

1. Sending an email from the new email address (to be linked with the customer code) to resetpassword@cipc.co.za.
2. Attaching the completed “Customer Update Form” which can be downloaded from the CIPC website.
3. Including a certified copy of the ID, which must not be older than 3 months

Company Customer Code Update:

For companies experiencing changes in personnel, such as a Company Secretary or relevant staff member resigning and a new appointment being made, the following documents are required:

1. Certified ID copy of the new Company Secretary or staff member.
2. Certified ID copy or resignation letter of the previous Company Secretary.
3. An affidavit from the CEO/Director/Manager confirming the resignation and asserting the company’s ownership of the customer code.
4. A certified ID copy of the CEO/Director/Manager who signed the affidavit.
5. The completed “Customer Code Update Form,” available on the CIPC website.

All these documents should be sent to resetpassword@cipc.co.za from the new email address linked to the company’s customer code.

Consolidation of Multiple Customer Codes:

If your client has multiple customer codes with balances, they can consolidate them into a single active code by:

1. Sending an email to revenue@cipc.co.za with a narrative of the issue, the preferred customer code, the customer’s name and surname, and proof of deposits made into the dormant code.
2. Including a letter on a company letterhead requesting the fund transfer and confirming which code it should be transferred to.
3. Attaching a certified identity copy of the code owner.

After receiving email confirmation of the fund transfer, send a final email to resetpassword@cipc.co.za to update the customer details. Attach a certified identity copy of the owner and the “Customer Code Update Form.”

Final Steps:

Once the email linked to the customer code is updated, verification of the customer code is required under the new “Customer Verification Process” (Notice 18 of 2024 dated 4 March 2024).