1What is it?
A glossary of the acronyms and terms used across South African trade compliance, written in plain language rather than regulatory language.
2Who needs it?
- Anyone reading a compliance requirement for the first time.
3Who doesn't need it?
- Nobody — keep it bookmarked.
4Registration categories
CIPC
Companies and Intellectual Property Commission — registers companies.
SARS
South African Revenue Service — tax authority.
TCS PIN
Tax Compliance Status PIN — lets a client verify your tax standing online.
COIDA
Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act — employee injury cover.
Letter of Good Standing
Compensation Fund letter proving your COIDA assessments are paid.
CoC
Certificate of Compliance — electrical or plumbing sign-off by a registered person.
CoC (gas)
Certificate of Conformity — gas installation sign-off by a registered practitioner.
PIRB
Plumbing Industry Registration Board — registers plumbers and CoC authority.
Wireman's Licence
Registered Person status allowing an electrician to issue electrical CoCs.
SAQCC Gas
The body registering authorised gas and refrigeration practitioners.
PSIRA
Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority.
RPL
Recognition of Prior Learning — qualifying experienced workers without formal training.
QCTO
Quality Council for Trades and Occupations — oversees trade qualifications.
SETA
Sector Education and Training Authority — funds and administers training in a sector.
FICA
Financial Intelligence Centre Act — the reason banks demand ID and proof of address.
POPIA
Protection of Personal Information Act — South Africa's data protection law.
Public liability
Insurance covering damage or injury your work causes to third parties.
Annual Return
The yearly CIPC filing that keeps a company registered.
5Why is it important?
Compliance documents assume you already know the acronyms. Most providers do not, and that is where costly mistakes start.
6Benefits
- Read any requirement with confidence
- Ask suppliers and officials the right question
- Avoid buying the wrong registration
7Step-by-step guide
- 1Search for the term you need.
- 2Follow the link to the full guide for that topic.
8Supporting documents
- None.
9Costs
Government fees
None.
Training costs
None.
Other costs
None.
10Expected turnaround time
Immediate.
11Renewal requirements
Updated as terminology and regulations change.
12Official website
There is no single official regulator for this topic — see the contacts below.
13Official contact details
- FIX IT Compliance Team: admin@empowr.co.za
14Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a CoC and a Letter of Good Standing?
A CoC certifies that a specific installation is compliant. A Letter of Good Standing certifies that your Compensation Fund account is paid up.
Is a trade test the same as a licence?
No. The trade test proves competence; the licence grants legal authority to certify work.
15How FIX IT verifies this
- This is a reference page. Verification processes are described in each individual guide.