Exempted Micro Enterprises

In South African law, Exempted Micro Enterprises (EMEs) are businesses that are exempt from measurement in terms of the DTI's codes of Good Practice for Black Economic Empowerment (BEE).

They are required to prove to the client that they qualify, which commonly takes place through the presentation of an exempt certificate.

In terms of codes of good practice, BEE-exempt certificates can be issued by verification agents or auditors/accounting offices if enough supporting evidence is available to prove exemption.

EMEs obtain an affidavit from an accredited verification agency to ensure that they qualify, which should signed by the commissioner of oaths.

The affidavit is used in place of the BEE certificate and is valid for 12 months from the date it is signed by the commissioner.