CIPC to Publicise Entities Failing to Comply with Compliance Notices

Posted 13 March 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category CIPC

Brought to you by SA Accounting Academy: The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) has issued Notice 15 of 2026, stating its intention to make public the names of entities that have failed to comply with the requirements of issued Compliance Notices.

In terms of section 171 of the Companies Act, No. 71 of 2008, the CIPC issues Compliance Notices to entities to correct specific instances of non-compliance. This latest notice targets entities that have failed to effectively remedy these issues and where the Companies Tribunal has not modified or set aside the original Compliance Notice. This follows the regulatory framework established by Notice No. 65 of 2016 regarding the modification of an entity’s compliance status on disclosure certificates.

Under section 170(2) of the Companies Act, No. 71 of 2008, the CIPC may, at its discretion, make an inspector’s report public. The Commission has indicated it will exercise this power for entities that remain in breach of section 171 requirements. Furthermore, the CIPC is in the process of approaching courts of competent jurisdiction to request the imposition of administrative fines on these non-compliant entities.

The financial implications of continued non-compliance are governed by section 175 of the Companies Act, No. 71 of 2008, which stipulates that a court may impose administrative fines of up to:

  • 10% of the company’s turnover during the period of non-compliance; or
  • R1 million, whichever is the greater amount.

Entities are strongly advised to verify their most recent disclosure certificates and ensure all requirements outlined in any outstanding Compliance Notices are fulfilled immediately. Enquiries regarding non-compliance status may be directed to the CIPC via email at Cor135.1complaints@cipc.co.za.

Click here to download CIPC Notice 15 of 2026.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: Ensure your professional records and directorship disclosures are accurate to avoid being associated with an entity publicly named for non-compliance with the Companies Act, No. 71 of 2008.
  • For your business: Conduct an immediate review of the firm’s CIPC disclosure certificate to confirm no section 171 notices are pending, as failure to comply risks a public listing of non-compliance and administrative fines of up to 10% of turnover.
  • For your clients: Identify and notify clients who have received section 171 Compliance Notices that they must remedy the breach or file a challenge with the Companies Tribunal to avoid public disclosure and potential court-ordered fines of at least R1 million.

Originally published at https://accountingacademy.co.za/news/read/cipc-non-complying-entities-with-issued-compliance-notices

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