Informal trading
Informal trade is a very important part of Cape Town's economy and benefits both traders ...
Set up your informal trading business
frequently asked questions
View or download our Informal Trading FAQs document:
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.
City Connect
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.
City Connect
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.
Temporary structures
If you want to erect a temporary structure then you will have to apply for certification from the Development Management Department.
City Connect
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.
City Connect
We have also compiled a number of guidelines to assist traders in keeping their food safe and hygienic.
Informal beach trading
For the City, informal beach trading contributes to the creation of jobs and has the potential to expand its economic base. Go to City Connect to download and complete the application form.
Read our Informal Beach Trading and Management Framework Policy
Contact us
| Area | Address | Contact number |
|---|---|---|
| Central | Goodwood Administrative Building, Corner of Voortrekker and De Villiers Roads, Goodwood | 021 417 4043 |
| East | Block C, Stocks and Stocks, Khayelitsha | 021 400 5942 |
| North | 44 Wale Street, Cape Town | 021 400 5379 |
| South | Plumstead Municipal Office, Corner of Victoria and Main Roads, Plumstead | 021 417 4043 |
| Mitchells Plain Town Centre, City of Cape Town Block (First floor) | 021 417 4069 |
Alternatively, you can contact Area Economic Development directly :
- Telephone: 021 417 4043
- Email 1: informal.trading@capetown.gov.za
- Email 2: Informal.economy@capetown.gov.za
Document downloads
Would you like to print this page?!