How to get BEE certification for your products

Are you a South African business owner who wants to take advantage of the benefits that come with having a BEE certificate? Look no further! In this blog article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of getting BEE certification for your products.

Firstly, let’s understand what a BEE certificate is. BEE stands for ‘Black Economic Empowerment’ and is a South African government initiative aimed at promoting economic transformation and growth opportunities for previously disadvantaged individuals. A BEE certificate is issued to companies that have undergone a verification process and are deemed to be compliant with the BEE Codes of Good Practice. This certificate serves as proof of compliance and can be used as a marketing tool to showcase your company’s commitment to transformation.

Now, let’s go through the steps involved in getting a BEE certificate for your products:

Step 1: Determine your BEE status

Before applying for a BEE certificate, it’s important to know your current BEE status. This is determined by various factors such as ownership, management control, skills development, and enterprise development. There are various online tools and consultants available to assist you in determining your BEE status.

Step 2: Create a BEE scorecard

Once you have determined your BEE status, you will need to create a BEE scorecard. This scorecard will outline your company’s performance in the various BEE elements.

Step 3: Prepare supporting documents

In order to verify your BEE scorecard, you will need to provide supporting documents such as bank statements, financial statements, and proof of ownership.

Step 4: Get verified

The verification process involves an independent and accredited BEE verification agency verifying your BEE scorecard and supporting documents. This process can take between 1-3 months depending on the complexity of your business.

Step 5: Receive your BEE certificate

Once you have been verified, you will receive your BEE certificate which is valid for 1 year. You can then use this certificate to market your company as BEE compliant.

In conclusion, getting a BEE certificate for your products is a great way to show your commitment to transformation and access more business opportunities. By following the steps outlined above, you can obtain a BEE certificate and set your company up for success.