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CIPC: Processing delays in business and company reservations
- 27 February 2026
- CIPC
- South African Accounting Academy
Summary:
The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) has advised the public, customers, and stakeholders of temporary delays in the processing of business and company name reservation applications.
Article:
A substantial increase in application volumes has resulted in extended turnaround times for the adjudication and approval of name reservations. Customers are therefore requested to allow between 5 to 10 working days for the processing and finalisation of name reservation applications.
In light of the foregoing, clients are hereby advised not to submit duplicate name reservation applications across any of the CIPC’s filing platforms during the period. Clients are further reminded that the prescribed name reservation filing fee is non-refundable, and accordingly, no refunds will be issued for duplicate submissions.
The CIPC has apologised for any inconvenience caused and expressed their appreciation for customers’ patience and understanding during this period.
Click here to download Notice 8 of 2026:
https://www.cipc.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/NOTICE_IN_DELAYS_OF_BUSINESS_AND_COMPANY_NAMES.pdf
Relevance to Auditors, Independent Reviewers & Accountants:
- The Companies Act is yet another piece of legislation that your clients must comply with, and which you must assess compliance with. If they don’t comply with the relevant laws and regulations, you have certain reporting obligations in terms of NOCLAR (NOn-Compliance with Laws And Regulations) – this could include reporting to management, qualifying your audit opinion, reporting a Reportable Irregularity, etc.
- As an auditor, independent reviewer and accountant, you also need to monitor your client’s compliance with the Companies Act and all relevant notices/enforcements/practice notes/customer letters issued by CIPC as the regulator.
- Where you perform these compliance tasks on behalf of your client, you need to ensure that you comply with all relevant notices/enforcements/practice notes/customer letters issued by CIPC as the regulator.
- As an auditor, independent reviewer and accountant you need to consider the impact of the Companies Act Regulations on your service offerings, as well as known delays in business and company registrations.
Relevance to Your clients:
- An entity (company or close corporation) has a duty to comply with the Companies Act, and all relevant notices/enforcements/practice notes/customer letters issued by CIPC as the regulator.