Company stamp maker for South Africa

The Companies Act 71 of 2008 removed the common seal requirement in South Africa, so a stamp is now a convention rather than an obligation, though it is still widely expected on commercial paperwork.

Open the stamp maker

South Africa dropped the requirement with the 2008 Act, which replaced the 1973 Act under which a common seal was standard. Companies registered before the change often still have one; companies registered since frequently do not, and nothing turns on it legally. Practice has been slower to move than the statute.

What a company stamp in South Africa usually carries

Why make it digitally

Questions

Is a company stamp required in South Africa?

Not since the Companies Act 71 of 2008, which removed the common seal requirement that existed under the 1973 Act. It remains common in commercial practice, particularly in tendering and with banks, so many companies keep one for convention rather than compliance.

What should a South African company stamp show?

The registered name as it appears at CIPC and the registration number in the standard format. Companies that invoice often add the VAT number, and address stamps carry the registered office.

Do I still need one for tenders?

Check the tender documents, because it varies by issuing body. Many still ask for a company stamp on submission forms, and it is cheaper to have one than to have a bid set aside over it.

This describes common commercial practice rather than giving legal advice, and practice changes. Where a specific document matters, check the requirement with the body receiving it.

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