How to Get an Enhanced Digital Certification (EDC) in South America

South America is full of innovation, resilience, and opportunities. From Brazil’s booming markets to Colombia’s growing enterprises, businesses here are increasingly sought after by corporations worldwide. But to stand out, you need more than passion — you need credibility.

That’s where SupplierGateway's Enhanced Digital Certification (EDC) comes in. This digital certification proves that your business is legally registered, diversity-owned, and verified — making it easier to build trust and win new partnerships. Best of all, the process is simple, fast, and 100% online.

What is EDC?

The Enhanced Digital Certification (EDC) is a credential that confirms:

• Your business is legally registered in your country.
• At least 51% ownership and control belong to diverse individuals (women, minorities, veterans, LGBTQ+, or persons with disabilities).
• Owners are verified through identity checks.
   

It’s a powerful trust signal that makes your business more attractive to buyers seeking reliable, diverse suppliers.

General Eligibility (All South American Countries)

To apply, your business must be:

• Legally registered in your country (sole proprietorship, partnership, or company).
• At least 51% owned and controlled by individuals from a recognized diversity category.
• Able to provide government-issued photo ID for qualifying owners.
   

Required Documents (Typical Across the Region)

• Proof of business registration (e.g., Articles of Incorporation, Business License, or Registry Certificate).
• Tax Identification Number (NIT, RUC, CUIT, or equivalent depending on the country).
• Government-issued photo ID for qualifying owner(s).
• Partnership agreement or incorporation documents (if applicable).
• Ability to complete biometric identity verification (camera-enabled device).
  
   

Tip: Double-check that the name on your registration, tax ID, and owner ID all match exactly to avoid delays.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Create a SupplierGATEWAY account and select your country.
2. Open the EDC application.
3. Provide company and ownership details, and select your diversity category.
4. Upload the required documents.
5. Complete biometric identity verification.
6. Pay the certification fee ($25 for 1 year / $70 for 3 years, or waived if you have sponsorship).
7. Submit and receive your certification — often within minutes!
   
    

Country Highlights

🇧🇷 Brazil

• Documents:
  • Cadastro Nacional da Pessoa Jurídica (CNPJ) certificate.
  • Contrato Social (Articles of Association) or Estatuto Social. 

Tip: Make sure your CNPJ status is active with Receita Federal before applying.

 

🇨🇴 Colombia

• Documents:
  • Certificado de Existencia y Representación Legal (Chamber of Commerce).
  • Número de Identificación Tributaria (NIT).

Tip: Have a recent Chamber of Commerce extract (no older than 90 days).

 

🇨🇱 Chile

• Documents:
  • RUT (Rol Único Tributario).
  • Escritura Pública de Constitución (Incorporation deed).
  • Registro de Comercio (Commercial Registry extract). 

Tip: Ensure your RUT matches your incorporation paperwork exactly.
 

🇦🇷 Argentina

• Documents:
  • CUIT (Clave Única de Identificación Tributaria).
  • Estatuto Social (Articles of Incorporation).
  • Registro Público de Comercio documentation.

Tip: Keep your CUIT registration certificate updated before applying.

 

🇵🇪 Peru

• Documents:
  • RUC (Registro Único de Contribuyentes).
  • Escritura Pública de Constitución.
  • SUNARP registration certificate.

Tip: Check that your RUC is active with SUNAT before submission.

(Other South American countries like Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay follow similar requirements: incorporation documents, national tax ID, and proof of ownership/control.)

Validity & Renewal (All Countries)

• EDC certification is valid for 1 year (or 3 years with extended term).
• You’ll receive reminders when it’s time to renew.
• Renewal is quick — just update your documents and redo identity verification.
  
   

Helpful Tips for Success

• Prepare clear, legible scans of all documents before starting.
• Make sure your tax ID is active with your country’s revenue authority.
• Use good lighting for biometric verification.
• Organize your documents in a dedicated “EDC” folder so renewals are stress-free.

 Registration Link

Apply for EDC – South America