CIPC Warns Non-Compliant Companies – Final Deregistrations Underway
The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) is actively deregistering companies and close corporations that have failed to submit their Annual Returns and Beneficial Ownership Declarations. This is part of South Africa’s effort to strengthen compliance and exit FATF’s greylisting. Following on various previous communication entities must note the following:
Bulk deregistrations took place between 2 and 23 December 2024, with final deregistrations occurring in February 2025.
Affected businesses were notified via SMS, email, and legal notices (CoR40.4) in November 2024.
Companies in the Annual Return Deregistration Process must act urgently to avoid being fully deregistered.
Consequences of Deregistration
Directors may become personally liable for the company’s debts.
Bank accounts can be frozen, preventing financial transactions.
Suppliers and creditors may refuse to do business with deregistered companies.
How to Avoid Deregistration
Check your company’s status on BizPortal or e-Services.
Submit all outstanding Annual Returns and Beneficial Ownership Declarations immediately.
Ensure CIPC has your correct email and phone number (not just those of service providers) to receive compliance reminders. Legal Notices issued by CIPC can be accessed during the annual return deregistration process. Refer to Notice 60 of 2024.
Reinstatement is Complicated
Businesses can apply for reinstatement, but only if they prove economic activity at the time of deregistration.
The process requires supporting documents and payment of all outstanding fees.
Due to high volumes, delays in reinstatement processing are expected.
For more detail, refer to CIPC Notice 09 of 2025.
