CIPC Co-operative Registration Online for E-Services in South Africa

In its efforts to ease the process and reduce the filing burden of South African companies, the CIPC has introduced new eservices for co-operative registration online. Earlier, the new application of co-operatives was lodged by a third party on behalf of the co-operative, wherein the following documents were required to be submitted physically to the CIPC:-

● Form CR1/COOP1

● A constitution needs to be submitted as a part of the main application form.

● Certified id copies

● Name reservation confirmation COR9.4

However, with this new e-services introduction by the CIPC, co-operatives can now register online without the need of a third party.

Check: CIPC eServices Login

Who is Eligible for this new eservice cooperative registration?

The following types of cooperatives are eligible to file for registration via the E-services portal:

• Non-specific Model Constitution: General cooperatives that do not fit into a specific category.
• Agricultural Model Constitution: Cooperatives focused on agricultural activities, including farming and agribusiness.
• Social Model Constitution: Cooperatives aimed at addressing social issues and providing community services.
• Worker Model Constitution: Cooperatives owned and managed by workers to provide employment and improve working conditions.
• Housing Model Constitution: Cooperatives involved in housing development and management.

Learn – How to register a co-operative in South Africa?

Learn – How to Register a Cooperative in South Africa

Requirements for Cooperative Registration

When registering a cooperative, the following requirements must be met according to the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC):

• Document Submission: All cooperative members must upload signed pages of the Co-op1 form, the constitution, and certified ID copies.
• Retention of Originals: The CIPC will not return copies of the submitted constitution after the registration process. Therefore, cooperatives are advised to keep an original copy of the constitution for their records and safekeeping.

Exceptions

• Financial Services Cooperatives: These cooperatives must obtain permission from the Co-operative Bank Development Agency (CBDA) and are not eligible to file for registration via the E-services portal.

Note: Compliance with these requirements is mandatory from the date the new E-services online functionality becomes available.

How to Register a Cooperative

To register a cooperative in South Africa, follow these steps:

1. Prepare the Required Documents: Ensure all cooperative members sign the necessary pages of the Co-op1 form and the constitution, and obtain certified copies of all members’ IDs.
2. Access the E-Services Portal: Visit the CIPC E-services portal to begin the registration process.
3. Upload Documents: Submit the signed Co-op1 form, the constitution, and certified ID copies through the portal.
4. Record Keeping: Keep the original copy of the constitution for reference and safekeeping as the CIPC will not return submitted copies.

Note: These requirements need to be complied with from the date of the new e-services online functionality.

For further information concerning the new application process, please refer to the CIPC website.

To stay up-to-date with the changing requirements of the CIPC and expert guidance for iXBRL service, speak to our expert @ +27-10-446-9061. Please follow the DataTracks blog for more updates.

FAQs on E-Service Cooperative Registration in South Africa

Who is eligible to register a cooperative via the E-services portal?

The following types of cooperatives are eligible to register through the E-services portal:

• Non-specific Model Constitution
• Agricultural Model Constitution
• Social Model Constitution
• Worker Model Constitution
• Housing Model Constitution

What documents are required for cooperative registration?

To register a cooperative, you must upload the signed pages of the Co-op1 form, the cooperative’s constitution, and certified copies of all members’ IDs. Ensure all documents are prepared and signed as required.

Will the CIPC return the submitted constitution after registration?

No, the CIPC will not return copies of the submitted constitution after the registration process. Cooperatives should keep an original copy of the constitution for their own reference and safekeeping.

Are there any exceptions to the cooperatives that can register via the E-services portal?

Yes, financial services cooperatives must obtain permission from the Co-operative Bank Development Agency (CBDA) and are not eligible to register via the E-services portal.

When do the new requirements for E-service cooperative registration come into effect?

The new requirements must be complied with from the date the E-services online functionality becomes available. Ensure you are prepared with all necessary documentation to meet these requirements.