The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) has announced its plans to enhance the correctness and reliability of information submitted to them, particularly concerning the physical address of a company. This move aims to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of registered company details and reduce the likelihood of fraudulent activities.

As part of its efforts, the CIPC will be requesting directors of companies to provide confirmation or evidence of the physical address information when applying for specific services through CIPC’s electronic platforms. The services that will require this verification process include:

Company Name Change (Form CoR15.2)
Authorised Share Changes (Form CoR15.2)
Change in Company Address (Form CoR21.1)
Company Registration (Short Standard Private Form and Short Standard NPC)
According to Section 23(3) of the Companies Act, 2008, every company or external company operating in the Republic of South Africa is mandated to maintain at least one office within the country and register the address of its office or principal office if multiple registered addresses exist, with the CIPC.

Companies Regulation 168 of 2011 grants the CIPC the authority to request reasonable evidence related to a filing. If the evidence provided is unsatisfactory or not provided at all, the CIPC retains the right to reject the filing. It’s essential for company directors to understand the significance of adhering to this verification process, as submitting incorrect information to the CIPC constitutes a criminal offense.

Directors who receive requests for confirmation or evidence will be notified via email from the address ComplianceCompaniesNameChange@cipc.co.za. It is essential to note that emails sent from this address are not scams; rather, they are valid requests in accordance with the Companies Act, 2008, and Companies Regulations.

To comply with the request, directors must follow the steps outlined in the email and submit all necessary documents through the designated ticketing system, as specified in the email. Timeous compliance is of utmost importance, as failure to do so can have serious consequences for the company.

For any additional inquiries, directors can log a ticket via www.cipc.co.za/enquiries, ensuring that the communication process with the CIPC remains smooth and transparent.

The CIPC’s move to enhance the verification process for company addresses aligns with the broader industry trend towards bolstering security measures and preventing fraudulent activities. By validating the physical addresses of companies, the CIPC aims to foster trust and reliability within the business landscape of South Africa.

In conclusion, all directors of companies should be prepared to provide confirmation or evidence of their company’s physical address when applying for specific services through CIPC’s electronic platforms. This proactive approach by the CIPC will not only safeguard businesses against potential fraud but also contribute to a more robust and dependable corporate environment. Directors are encouraged to respond to the requests promptly and with accurate information to ensure compliance with the Companies Act, 2008, and Companies Regulations.