Is a Certificate of Acceptability the same as a food handler's licence?

No. The COA covers the premises (stall or truck). A food handler's certificate covers the person handling food. Big events often require both.

How long does the COA process take?

Usually 2 to 6 weeks including the on-site inspection. Municipalities like Cape Town publish target turnaround times on their websites.

Do I need a COA for a school cake sale?

Once-off, non-profit sales on private school property are usually exempt, but check with your municipality's Environmental Health office if you are unsure.

Can I use one COA in different municipalities?

No. Each municipality issues its own COA. If you trade in multiple metros you need separate certificates.

What foods are most tightly regulated?

High-risk foods — chicken, seafood, dairy, meat pies and any perishable food that needs temperature control. EHOs pay these the closest attention.

Business & Trading

Temporary Food Stall Permit & Certificate of Acceptability

In plain English

To sell prepared food from a stall or food truck in South Africa you need two things: a Certificate of Acceptability (COA) from the municipal Environmental Health Officer under Regulation R638, and a temporary trading permit from your local municipality. The COA covers food safety; the trading permit covers where you may trade.

View requirements Visit official website

Who needs this permit

Anyone preparing or selling food to the public — food stalls, food trucks, market vendors, pop-up caterers, spaza shops and fete stalls where cash changes hands.

When is it required

Every time you sell prepared or perishable food to the public in a public space. A once-off private family function does not need a COA; a paid public event does.

Eligibility

You are 18 or older
Your food premises (stall, truck or gazebo) meets R638 hygiene requirements
You have a confirmed trading location with landowner or municipal permission

Documents you need before applying

Certified copy of ID or passport plus valid work permit
Completed Certificate of Acceptability application form (from your municipality)
Site plan showing food prep, storage and washing areas
Water source and waste disposal plan
List of foods to be prepared and sold
Written permission for the trading site
Temporary trading permit application form
Food handler training certificate (recommended, and required by some metros)
Public liability insurance certificate
Application fee proof of payment

Download a printable checklist

A one-page PDF of everything you need to bring with you. Tick items off before you go.

How to apply — step by step

1
Apply for the Certificate of Acceptability
Contact your municipal Environmental Health Officer (EHO). Complete the R638 application form and submit it with your site plan and food list.
2
Prepare for the EHO inspection
The EHO will inspect your stall or truck for handwashing facilities, hot/cold storage, waste bins, pest control and safe food surfaces. Fix any issues before re-inspection.
3
Apply for the temporary trading permit
Submit the trading permit application to your municipality's business licensing office along with the issued COA.
4
Pay the fees
COA is typically a once-off R150–R500. Temporary trading fees range from R30 per day up to a few thousand rand for premium event venues.
5
Display both permits at your stall
The COA and the trading permit must both be visible. Environmental Health Officers do spot checks and may close a stall on the spot.

Where, how much, how long

Where to apply

Municipal Environmental Health department for the COA; the Business Licensing office for the trading permit. Both usually sit in the same municipal building.

Fees

COA: R150–R500 once-off. Temporary trading: R30–R500+ per day.

Processing time

COA: 2–6 weeks including inspection. Trading permit: 5–21 working days.

Validity

COA is valid until the premises, owner or menu changes. Trading permit is for the period applied for.

Renewal

Update your COA if you change vehicle, gazebo, menu or owner. Re-apply for a trading permit for each new event or period.

Common mistakes to avoid

Trading before the COA is issued — this is a criminal offence under R638
Not having handwashing water and soap at the stall during inspection
Storing raw meat and cooked food in the same cooler box
Using an untested generator for hot-holding — EHOs check temperatures
Assuming a food truck COA from one municipality is valid in another

Tips to speed up your application

Book the EHO inspection at least 4 weeks before your event
Keep a probe thermometer and daily temperature log — inspectors ask to see it
Complete a short food handler course (many are free online through the Consumer Goods Council)