How To Renew a BEE Certificate
Is your BEE certificate approaching expiry?
Honeycomb can help you determine the requirements for your next BEE verification and guide you through the renewal process.
A BEE certificate is generally valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Once it expires, it is no longer current proof of your BEE status, which can be a problem if you need valid BEE documentation for a tender, procurement process, customer or supplier requirement.
If your business requires a valid BEE certificate, it’s important to start the renewal process before your current certificate expires. Renewing your BEE certificate involves reviewing your current business information, preparing the required supporting documents, and completing the applicable B-BBEE assessment and verification process.
When Should You Renew Your BEE Certificate?
It’s best to start the renewal process before your current certificate expires. This gives you enough time to prepare your documentation, complete the required assessment and address any outstanding requirements.
Honeycomb’s standard B-BBEE verification process generally takes 6–8 weeks, depending on the information and documentation submitted. Starting the process early can help avoid a gap between your existing certificate and your new BEE certificate.
Do I Need to Renew My BEE Certificate?
If your business requires a formal B-BBEE certificate, you will generally need to complete the verification process again once your current certificate expires.
However, not every business requires formal B-BBEE verification. Depending on your turnover, ownership structure and other applicable requirements, your business may qualify to use a BEE affidavit instead.
It’s therefore worth confirming which BEE documentation your business currently requires before starting the renewal process.
Your business may need to renew its BEE certificate if:
- You require formal B-BBEE verification
- Your customers or suppliers require a valid BEE certificate
- You need a current certificate for a tender or procurement process
- Your business falls into a category that requires formal verification
If you’re unsure whether you need a new certificate or an affidavit, Honeycomb can help you determine the appropriate BEE route for your business.
Does the Renewal Process Assess My Business Again?
Yes. A new BEE verification assesses your business based on its current circumstances and the applicable B-BBEE requirements.
Your previous certificate provides evidence of your BEE status during its previous validity period, but it is not simply extended for another year.
The new assessment may consider information such as:
- Your current turnover and business classification
- Ownership structure
- Management control
- Staff compliment
- Skills development
- Enterprise and supplier development
- Socio-economic development
- Other applicable B-BBEE elements
The specific requirements depend on the B-BBEE scorecard and sector code applicable to your business.
What Documents Do You Need to Renew a BEE Certificate?
The documentation required for renewal depends on your business and the B-BBEE requirements that apply to you.
You may need to provide updated:
- Business and financial information: Company details, financial statements or management accounts, and current turnover information.
- Ownership information: Shareholder records, ownership documents and supporting information for relevant shareholders.
- Employee information: Employee records, payroll information and other evidence relating to management and staff, where applicable.
- BEE supporting evidence: Documentation relating to skills development, procurement, enterprise and supplier development, socio-economic development and other applicable BEE elements.
The documents used for renewal should reflect your current business position. If your ownership, financial information, employees or BEE activities have changed since your previous verification, the relevant information will need to be updated.
The BEE Certificate Renewal Process
Renewing a BEE certificate isn’t simply a matter of extending your existing certificate. Where formal verification is required, your current BEE status needs to be assessed based on the applicable requirements and evidence for the new verification period.
1. Review current certificate
Check the expiry date and identify any changes to your business since the previous verification.
2. Confirm BEE requirements
Your turnover, ownership, industry and other business circumstances can affect the BEE requirements that apply to you.
3. Prepare updated documentation
Gather the financial, ownership, employee and BEE-related evidence required for the assessment.
4. Submit your information
Your business information and supporting evidence are submitted for assessment.
5. Complete verification
Where formal verification is required, your evidence is assessed against the applicable B-BBEE requirements.
6. Receive your new certificate
Once the verification process has been completed, your final B-BBEE certificate and report are issued.
What If My Business Has Changed Since My Last Certificate?
Changes to your business may affect the requirements or outcome of your next BEE assessment.
For example, your business may have:
- Increased or decreased in turnover
- Changed ownership or shareholders
- Increased or decreased its staff compliment
- Changed its management structure
- Changed its BEE initiatives or expenditure
- Started operating under a different or additional sector code
These changes don’t necessarily prevent you from renewing your BEE certificate, but they should be reflected in the information and evidence provided for your new assessment.
If you’re unsure whether a change will affect your BEE status, it’s best to establish this before beginning the verification process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my BEE certificate expires?
Once your BEE certificate reaches its expiry date, it is no longer current proof of your BEE status. This can be a problem if you need to provide a valid BEE certificate for a tender, procurement process, customer or supplier requirement.
If your business relies on its BEE status, it’s therefore important to start the renewal process before your existing certificate expires.
How often does a BEE certificate need to be renewed?
A BEE certificate is generally valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Businesses that require formal BEE certification will therefore generally need to complete the applicable verification process again each year.
Can I renew my BEE certificate before it expires?
Yes. It is advisable to start preparing for renewal before your existing certificate expires, particularly if your BEE status is required for tenders or procurement.
Do I need a new BEE certificate if my business hasn't changed?
A formal B-BBEE certificate is generally issued for a specific 12-month validity period. A new verification may therefore be required even if there have been no major changes to your business.
Can I use a BEE affidavit instead of renewing my certificate?
Some qualifying businesses may be able to use an affidavit instead of formal verification. Whether this applies depends on your turnover, ownership, industry and other applicable requirements.
How long does BEE certificate renewal take?
Honeycomb’s standard verification process generally takes 6–8 weeks, depending on the information submitted. Businesses should allow sufficient time to prepare documentation and complete the verification process before their existing certificate expires.
How much does it cost to renew a BEE certificate?
BEE certificate renewal costs vary depending on your business size, turnover, ownership structure, staff complement, industry and verification requirements.
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