What Does a CSD Number Look Like? MAAA Format Explained
What a CSD (MAAA) number looks like, where to find yours, what it's used for, how it differs from your CIPC and SARS numbers, and what to do if you've lost it.
A CSD supplier number always starts with the letters MAAA, followed by seven digits — for example, MAAA0123456. You're issued one automatically once your Central Supplier Database registration is approved; there's no separate application for it.
Where to find your CSD number
It's in the confirmation email CSD sends once your registration is approved, and it's shown on your profile every time you log in at secure.csd.gov.za. There's no public directory to look up someone else's number — it only appears to you, once you're logged into your own profile.
What your CSD number is used for
- Tender submissions — most SBD forms ask for it directly.
- Contract awards — a buyer cannot legally award you a contract without an active CSD registration behind your number.
- Direct RFQs — buyers search CSD by commodity code and invite registered suppliers to quote without a public tender.
- Payment — it's how National Treasury's systems confirm who they're paying.
CSD number vs. your other business numbers
- CIPC registration number — issued when you register the company itself at CIPC. Your CSD application is verified against this number, but it isn't the same number.
- SARS tax reference number — your tax number, checked automatically by CSD to confirm your tax-compliance status. Also not the same number.
- B-BBEE certificate/affidavit number — a separate compliance document entirely, not generated by CSD.
In short: CIPC registers the company, SARS taxes it, B-BBEE scores it, and CSD (MAAA) is the number buyers actually check before they pay you.
Lost your CSD number?
Log in at secure.csd.gov.za to see it on your profile. If you can't log in, fix that first — see our CSD login help — then check your profile. If you're still stuck, National Treasury's CSD support can help: csd@treasury.gov.za or 012 406 9222.
Paste your CSD number in and we'll confirm it's a valid MAAA format before you rely on it.
Frequently asked questions
What does a CSD number look like?+
MAAA followed by seven digits, for example MAAA0123456. Every valid CSD supplier number follows this exact format.
Is my CSD number the same as my CIPC registration number?+
No. CIPC registers your company and issues its own number; CSD verifies against that registration but issues a separate MAAA number once your CSD application is approved.
Can I look up another supplier's CSD number?+
No. There's no public CSD lookup — a supplier's CSD number and status are only visible to that supplier (logged in) and to buyers through the restricted CSD system, not to the public.
I can't find my CSD number — what do I do?+
Log in at secure.csd.gov.za and check your profile. If you can't log in, resolve that first, then check your profile, or contact CSD support at csd@treasury.gov.za / 012 406 9222.
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