Informal trading
Informal trade is a very important part of Cape Town's economy and offers good employment opportunities for traders, as well as affordable goods and services to locals. The informal sector is the fifth largest employment sector in Cape Town.
Set up your informal trading business
You can find out more about how the City regulates informal trading by reading our
Informal Trading Policy – in this document we detail how we manage trading locations, types of legal trading, operating hours, permits and licences, and the responsibilities of the traders. Our policy provides a clear indication of what we expect from informal traders.
Unemployed South African residents qualify for an informal trading permit. You will need to provide a copy of your Identity Document when you make your application. If you’re a foreign national, you will need to provide proof of your legal residential status in South Africa.
The cost of a permit depends on the type of trading you will be doing and your trading needs. Monthly
tariffs can range from R69 to R1500 for a lockable container.
Our useful Dos and Don'ts Guide provides more information about what you can and can't do with your informal trading permit.
Events and opportunities
Our Informal trading information sessions will provide you with relevant information to ensure compliance with the City’s Informal Trading Policy and By-law, as well as various business support initiatives that could help you develop your business.
View the schedule.
The City offers various opportunities for registered informal traders to showcase and sell their products at local markets and events around Cape Town.
Informal trading permit
If you want to become an informal trader, the first thing you need to do is apply for an informal trading permit which will allow you to sell your goods within the Cape Town municipality.
Depending on the kind of trading you want to undertake, you may also need to apply for additional certifications. Please see the sections below for details.
Please note
A busker or public performer is not allowed to trade in a public space. You cannot provide goods or services, or do any one-on-one consultations for money, a fee or reward. Buskers may give audiences an opportunity to provide voluntary donations.
Selling food as an informal trader
To prepare and sell food, you will need to obtain a hawking in meals licence. This application will form part of your overall application for an informal trading permit, which is part of a
business licence application. The cost of a hawking in meals licence is R10.
Please note
Ask for help if you are stuck. You can visit your closest
environmental health office if you are unsure of where to start. Remember, you will need to submit your application at an environmental health office too. You can also contact The Business Hub for help.
You will also need to obtain a certificate of acceptability. The application must be in the name of the person responsible for the food premises and/or the owner of the food premises. The certificate is not transferable from one person, or premises, to another. Food safety is very important to us and to our communities. Licence holders have to comply with the
national regulations governing food hygiene and transport.
We have also compiled a number of
guidelines to assist traders in keeping their food safe and hygienic.
Contact us
Alternatively, you can contact Area Economic Development directly :
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