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Informal trading<h2 class="sectHeading">​​​​​Set up your informal trading business</h2><div class="infographic bg-font-adjust-bg">​​​​​​<figure><img class="responsive" alt="placeholder" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Inline%20Images/Informal_Trading_FAQs.JPG" /></figure><figcaption> <p> <span class="infoGraphicSpan"><strong>frequently asked questions</strong></span><br><br>View or download our Informal Trading FAQs document:</p> <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Informal_Trading_FAQs.pdf" target="_blank">English</a> | <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Informal_Trading_FAQs_Afrikaans.pdf" target="_blank">Afrikaans</a> | <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Informal_Trading_FAQs_Xhosa.pdf">isiXhosa</a></figcaption></div><p>​You can find out more about how the City regulates informal trading by reading our <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Bylaws%20and%20policies/Informal%20Trading%2c%202013%20-%20%28Policy%20number%2012664%29%20approved%20on%2026%20September%202013.pdf" target="_blank">Informal Trading Policy</a> – 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.</p><p>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.</p><p>The cost of a permit depends on the type of trading you will be doing and your trading needs. Monthly <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/local%20and%20communities/meet-the-city/the-city-budget/city-wide-tariffs">tariffs​</a> can range from R69 to R1500 for a lockable container.</p><p>Our useful Dos and Don'ts Guide provides more information about what you can and can't do with your informal trading permit. </p> <span> <div class="infographic bg-font-adjust-bg">​​​​​​​​​​ <figure><img class="responsive" alt="placeholder" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Inline%20Images/Informal_Trading_Dos_and_Don%27ts.JPG" style="width:76px;" /></figure><figcaption> <p> <span class="infoGraphicSpan"> <strong>DOS AND DON'TS</strong>​</span><br>​​<br>View or download the Dos and Don'ts Guide</p>(<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Informal_Traders_Dos_and_Donts_English.pdf" target="_blank">English</a> | <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Informal_Traders_Dos_and_Donts_Afrikaans.pdf">Afrikaans</a> | <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Informal_Traders_Dos_and_Donts_Xhosa.pdf" target="_blank">isiXhosa</a>) </figcaption> </div></span> <h2 class="sectHeading">Events</h2><p>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.    <br> <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/general/information-sessions-and-events-for-informal-traders" target="_blank">View the schedule</a>.</p><h2 class="sectHeading">Informal trading permit</h2><p>​​<span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-0">If you want to become an informal trader, the first thing you need to do is apply for an info​rmal trading permit which will allow you to sell your goods within the Cape Town municipality.</span> </p><div class="notification with-heading white-copy yellow bg-darker-grey"><div class="graphic"> <i class="info citycard">​​</i></div><div class="desc"><h4>City Connect</h4><p> <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Licences-and-permits/Business-and-trade/Apply-for-an-informal-trading-permit">Apply for an informal trading permit​</a><br></p></div></div><p>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.</p><div class="notification with-heading dark-copy pink bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border"> <i class="info note"></i>​</div><div class="desc"><h4>Please note</h4><p>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. Refer to the <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Arts_Culture_Busking_guidelines.pdf" target="_blank">Public Art and Busking Guidelines </a>for conditions of busking and performing in public spaces.</p></div></div><h2 class="sectHeading">Temporary structures</h2><p>​​If you want to erect a <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/work%20and%20business/planning-portal/regulations-and-legislations/temporary-structures">temporary structure</a> then you will have to apply for certification from the <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Departments/Development%20Management%20Department">Development Management Department​</a>. </p><div class="notification with-heading white-copy yellow bg-darker-grey"><div class="graphic"> <i class="info citycard">​​</i></div><div class="desc"><h4>City Connect</h4><p> <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Planning-building-and-development/Building-plan-applications/Apply-for-a-temporary-structure">Apply for a temporary structure</a></p></div></div><h2 class="sectHeading">Selling food as an informal trader</h2><p>​​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 <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/work%20and%20business/doing-business-in-the-city/business-compliance-permits-and-licences/business-licences-and-permits">business licence application</a>. The cost of a hawking in meals licence is R10.​</p><div class="notification with-heading dark-copy pink bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border"> <i class="info note"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Please note</h4><p>Ask for help if you are stuck. You can visit your closest <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Forms%2c%20notices%2c%20tariffs%20and%20lists/LIST_ENVIRONMENTAL_HEALTH_OFFICES.pdf" target="_blank">environmental health office</a> 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 <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/work%20and%20business/doing-business-in-the-city/business-support-and-guidance/the-business-hub">The Business Hub</a> for help.</p></div></div><p>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 ​i​s 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 <a href="https://www.gov.za/documents/foodstuffs-cosmetics-and-disinfectants-act-regulations-governing-hygiene-requirements-food" target="_blank">national regulations governing food hygiene and transport<i class="icon link-external"></i></a>.</p><div class="notification with-heading white-copy yellow bg-darker-grey"><div class="graphic"> <i class="info citycard">​</i></div><div class="desc"><h4>City Connect</h4><p> <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Licences-and-permits/Business-and-trade/Apply-for-a-certificate-of-acceptability">Apply for a certificate of acceptability</a></p></div></div><p>We have also compiled a number of <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Rules%20for%20Informal%20Food%20Traders%20Pamphlet.pdf" target="_blank">guidelines</a> to assist traders in keeping their food safe and hygienic.</p><h2 class="sectHeading">Informal beach trading</h2><p>​​For the City, informal beach trading contributes to the creation of jobs and has the potential to expand its economic base. Go to <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Licences-and-permits/Business-and-trade/Apply-for-an-informal-trading-permit">City Connect </a>to download and complete the application form.</p><p>Read our <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Bylaws%20and%20policies/Informal%20Beach%20Trading%20and%20Management%20Framework%20Policy%20-%20approved%20on%2027%20August%202003.pdf" target="_blank">Informal Beach Trading and Management Framework Policy</a></p><h2 class="sectHeading">Contact us</h2><div class="mobile-scroll">​​ <table style="width:595px;"> <caption>Area offices:</caption> <thead><tr><th style="width:70px;">Area</th><th>Address</th><th style="width:260px;">Contact number</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td style="width:70px;"> <strong>Central</strong></td><td>Goodwood Administrative Building, <br>Corner of Voortrekker and De Villiers Roads, Goodwood</td><td style="width:260px;"> <em><a>021 417 4043</a> </em></td></tr><tr><td style="width:70px;"> <strong>East</strong></td><td>Block C, Stocks and Stocks, Khayelitsha</td><td style="width:260px;"> <em> <a>021 400 5942</a></em></td></tr><tr><td style="width:70px;"> <strong>North</strong></td><td>44 Wale Street, Cape Town</td><td style="width:260px;"> <em> <a>021 400 5379</a></em></td></tr><tr><td rowspan="1" style="width:70px;"> <strong>​South</strong></td><td rowspan="1">​Plumstead Municipal Office, <br>Corner of Victoria and Main Roads, Plumstead<br></td><td rowspan="1" style="width:260px;"> <em> <a>021 417 4043</a></em>​</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="1" style="width:70px;">​<br></td><td rowspan="1">​Mitchells Plain Town Centre, City of Cape Town Block (First floor)<br></td><td rowspan="1" style="width:260px;"> <em> <a>​021 417 4069</a></em><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div>​​​ <h4>Alternatively, you can contact Area Economic Development directly :</h4><ul><li>Telephone: <a>021 417 4043</a><br></li><li>Email 1: <a href="mailto:informal.trading@capetown.gov.za">informal.trading@capetown.gov.za</a> </li><li>Email 2: <a href="mailto:Informal.economy@capetown.gov.za">Informal.economy@capetown.gov.za</a></li></ul>GP0|#dd241767-2dad-475e-b940-517ec5fc1937;L0|#0dd241767-2dad-475e-b940-517ec5fc1937|Informal trading;GTSet|#ef3a64a2-d764-44bc-9d69-3a63d3fadea1;GPP|#cc673c3e-f34b-48a5-86c7-713aa556fb7a;GPP|#ce2f744d-a7d0-4f70-9e09-6cef4e0b7eb4;GPP|#e88ff549-973f-4e3c-a46c-cfbe61bd6a24;GP0|#93297a35-0779-4809-a827-2e9a7b84414e;L0|#093297a35-0779-4809-a827-2e9a7b84414e|Informal trading;GPP|#1db563fe-1258-4206-8c65-6991cb22da7d;GP0|#3b0e60f4-8e83-4aa7-9b2d-a66eddf27a93;L0|#03b0e60f4-8e83-4aa7-9b2d-a66eddf27a93|Informal trading;GPP|#be37894f-e5da-4b67-8127-0263d3de57a3What you need to know to set up your own informal trading business.0

 

 

Environmental Health Offices Contact List194617GP0|#8c7d6035-e7ea-4e28-a6e6-082bc1988a7e;L0|#08c7d6035-e7ea-4e28-a6e6-082bc1988a7e|Contact list;GTSet|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP|#3a03f9b9-d2e9-49b1-92e1-37b654747f82;GPP|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e2023-04-10T22:00:00Z
Informal Beach Trading Application Form (2018-2021)124955GP0|#f0b069a9-84bd-4629-943b-3e3dfa0685a7;L0|#0f0b069a9-84bd-4629-943b-3e3dfa0685a7|Application form;GTSet|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP|#3a03f9b9-d2e9-49b1-92e1-37b654747f82;GPP|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e2017-12-31T22:00:00Z
Informal Trading Policy486599GP0|#ecf0e702-25db-4c12-bbc2-be85db2304fd;L0|#0ecf0e702-25db-4c12-bbc2-be85db2304fd|Policy;GTSet|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP|#2d2209ac-5bcc-4d2a-9da9-05fb21c94ea1;GPP|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e2013-09-25T22:00:00Z
Informal Trading Tariffs2101108GP0|#fe9c9791-d3b1-479c-9447-8be3f4d5e139;L0|#0fe9c9791-d3b1-479c-9447-8be3f4d5e139|Budget annexure;GTSet|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP|#6f477a30-54ff-4877-a387-889f32ddb0f9;GPP|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e;GP0|#cd8d1412-d058-4a6b-aecb-9c6bd8dbc168;L0|#0cd8d1412-d058-4a6b-aecb-9c6bd8dbc168|Tariff;GPP|#3a03f9b9-d2e9-49b1-92e1-37b654747f822023-07-01T10:00:00Z
Rules for Informal Food Traders Pamphlet420666GP0|#63522a5c-a6fd-40ae-a313-2b363ab1ec33;L0|#063522a5c-a6fd-40ae-a313-2b363ab1ec33|Guideline;GTSet|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP|#d8892104-ce90-493e-b813-93c488f4b1d3;GPP|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e;GP0|#367c7831-4239-4ad6-824a-c4325897c033;L0|#0367c7831-4239-4ad6-824a-c4325897c033|Pamphlet;GPP|#5340fe0b-73a7-472c-bef7-04e450fb5c4f2015-12-31T22:00:00Z

 

 

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