What does a caterer need in South Africa?
The key document for food premises is the certificate of acceptability issued under the R638 hygiene regulations of 22 June 2018. A municipality's conditions say it must be displayed, cannot be transferred between people or premises, and covers only the handling it was issued for. Each point links to the conditions.
By Horn Dev. Background, not legal advice. Last checked 24 Oct 2026. How we check our pages.
What applies, and where it comes from.
Every point quotes its source and shows when we last checked it. If a source has changed, the source wins, and we want to know.
Display the certificate
It must be displayed in a conspicuous place on the food premises for the public, and where that is impractical a copy must be made available on request.
The source says: Municipal conditions for a certificate of acceptability under R638 of 22 June 2018 state it must be displayed in a conspicuous place on the food premises for the information of the public, and where display is impractical a copy must immediately be made available on request.
Source: Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality: Conditions for a Certificate of Acceptability under R638 of 22 June 2018 · checked 24 Oct 2026
It does not move with you
A certificate cannot be transferred from one person to another or from one premises to another, and a new person in charge must be reported to the municipality in writing within 30 days.
The source says: The conditions state the certificate is not transferable from one person to another or from one food premises to another, and that a replaced person in charge must inform the municipality in writing within 30 days of the replacement.
Source: Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality: Conditions for a Certificate of Acceptability · checked 24 Oct 2026
It covers what you applied for
The certificate is valid for the nature of handling set out on the application, and the municipality can add or remove restrictions at any time.
The source says: The conditions state the certificate is valid for the nature of handling set out on the application, and may at any time be endorsed by the municipality with further restrictions or with the removal of restrictions.
Source: Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality: Conditions for a Certificate of Acceptability · checked 24 Oct 2026
It is not the only rule
Holding a certificate does not exempt you from other laws and by-laws, including town planning schemes, that apply to the business or premises.
The source says: The municipality states that issuing a certificate of acceptability does not exempt the holder from complying with any law or legal requirement connected with the business or premises, including any town planning scheme, by-laws or regulation.
Source: Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality: Conditions for a Certificate of Acceptability · checked 24 Oct 2026
What to put in front of customers.
- Your certificate of acceptability details, only if you hold one
- The kitchen or premises it covers
- What you prepare, consistent with the certificate
- The areas you deliver to
Check with
- Your municipality's environmental health office, for forms and requirements, which differ by municipality
- The conditions we quote (Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality)
Asked most often.
Where does a certificate of acceptability come from?
A municipality issues it for specific premises. The conditions we quote are from one metro, and application requirements vary between municipalities, so ask yours.
Do I need a new certificate if I move to a different kitchen?
The municipal conditions say a certificate cannot be transferred from one food premises to another, so ask your municipality before you move.
Does the certificate cover everything I cook?
It is valid for the nature of handling set out on the application, and the municipality can endorse it with further restrictions. If you add a new type of preparation, check whether your certificate covers it.
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