Table of Contents
Food Retail Licences
All food retail establishments must be licensed in order to operate. Each licence application is assessed on its own merits. Here is a self-checklist [PDF, 152 KB] for easy reference on the licensing conditions to fulfill. They will be verified through a pre-licensing check of the premises upon the completion of renovations and installation of equipment
Submission of relevant approvals and supporting documents
- Approval from the land agency e.g. URA and HDB (referred to as planning permission from land agencies)*
- Tenancy agreement#
- Details of applicant – one of the following (where applicable):
i. Individual – Both sides of NRIC
ii. Company – Information Business Profile from Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA)
iii. Society – Certificate of Registration from Registrar of Societie - Food Safety Course Level 1 Statement of Attainment (SOA) of foodhandlers
- Food hygiene officer certificate (for Food caterers, Restaurants, Foodcourts and Canteens only)
- Cleaning program
- Layout plan of premises (in scaled metric units)
- Letter of authorisation (when submission of application is not done by intended licensee/director of company holding the licence)
- Pest control contract covering the control of rodents, cockroaches and flies during the year-long licensing period. The inspection frequency of the food shop premises covered in the contract shall be at least once a month to detect any sign of pest infestation.
- Supplementary Information form to capture business name, type of food sold, business operating hours, etc.
- Food Safety Management Plan (with critical control points identified) or proof of registration for the “WSQ Apply FSMS for Food Service Establishments” course. (For Food Caterers & premises with permission to cater only).
- Photos showing the interior and exterior of the catering vehicle
- Vehicle log card or tenancy agreement for rental vehicle to prove ownership of catering vehicle
- Cleaning program for catering vehicle
*Please note that this is potential pitfall for applicant. Applicant should ensure the relevant planning permission is obtained, prior to signing any tenancy agreement and investing in renovations/equipment for the premises.
#Please notes that the submission of a tenancy agreement is not required during the initial stage of application for a licence. The tenancy agreement will only be required at the final stage, before SFA approves and issues the licence. You are advised not to sign any tenancy agreement, until the land agency concerned has approved the relevant use for the premises, and you are reasonably confident you can meet with the licensing conditions by also verifying with the owner/landlord on the necessary renovations like installation of exhaust system, pipings for sinks etc.
New Licensing Condition
In addition to the new licensing condition, during the period of COVID-19 pandemic, operators are required to adhere to the additional requirements stipulated under COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020 and any other applicable laws.
Modification of Conditions of Food Licences of Nightlife Operators which have Pivoted to F&B Operations
SFA, pursuant to Section 99(12A) and 99(12B) of the Environmental Public Health Act (EPHA), has included a new licensing condition to the food licences, i.e. licences issued under section 32(1) of the EPHA) of nightlife operators who have pivoted to F&B operations, under the measures introduced on 6 November 2020. The licensing condition requires the operators to comply with safe management measures or other measures to prevent, protect against or otherwise control the incidence of COVID-19.
The new licensing condition that has taken effect from 29 May 2021 is as follows. Operators who do not comply with this new licensing condition are liable to have their food licences cancelled.
| This licence is granted on condition that the licensee comply with any safe management measures or other measures to prevent, protect against or otherwise control the incidence or transmission of COVID-19, including any such measures in any control order issued under Part 7 of the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020 or any advisory, guideline or circular issued by any public authority. Any breach of this condition can result in the cancellation of the licence under s 99(13) of the Environmental Public Health Act (Cap 95). |
Wearing of Masks or Other Forms of Physical Barrier
SFA has put in place new requirements for all personnel engaged in the sale and preparation for sale of food and drinks must wear masks or other forms of physical barrier.
This is to notify that SFA, pursuant to Section 99(12A) and 99(12B) of the Environmental Public Health Act, will be introducing new licensing conditions for all personnel engaged in the sale and preparation for sale of food and drinks must wear masks or other forms of physical barrier.
This new licensing condition takes effect from 13 April 2020, and are applicable to both new and existing licensees. After 13 April 2020, operators who do not comply with this new licensing condition are liable for a penalty of up to $5,000 and/or suspension/cancellation of their licences.
In addition to the new licensing condition, during the period of COVID-19 pandemic, you are required to adhere to the additional requirements stipulated under COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020 or any new regulations promulgated. Every individual must wear a mask over the individual’s nose and mouth at all times when the individual is not in his or her ordinary place of residence.
Operators must continue to comply with all other existing measures for safe distancing. Food handlers and employees who are unwell must not work in the premises. Food handlers and employees must also continue to implement the practices in the Sanitation and Hygiene Advisory for Food Establishment issued by NEA and SFA.
Renewal of Licence
Upon expiry of licence, operators are required to renew the licence if he/she wishes to continue with the business. Renewal of the licence can be made as early as two months before the licence expires by GIRO, AXS or GoBusiness portal. Operators will not be able to make payment and renew once the licence is expired and will be required to make a new licence application.
We strongly encourage operators to sign up for GIRO auto-payment as it is the most convenient way to pay licence fees. Once the GIRO arrangement is made, the operators do not need to track the licence expiry date or enquire how to renew the licence. Please download the GIRO Application Form and send the original form to SFA.
Please be reminded that it is an offence to operate a food establishment without a valid licence under the Environmental Public Health Act. Offenders may be fined up to $10,000 for operating a food establishment without a valid licence.
Cancellation of Licence
If operators no longer require the licence as they have stopped operation, they are required to cancel their licence in GoBusiness. We encourage operators to cancel their licence promptly upon cessation of operation to avoid deduction of licence fee for operators on GIRO. If operators encountered difficulty in cancellation of licence in GoBusiness, please send the request to us via SFA’s Online Feedback Form. Cancellation of licences will be processed within 3 working days. If operators wish to terminate their GIRO account with SFA, they are required to terminate the affected GIRO reference with the Bank directly. Please ensure that the operators provide the correct GIRO Billing reference number to the Bank when they terminate their GIRO account.
*Please note that all existing licences issued by NEA before 1 Apr 2019 will remain valid till the stated expiry date
Related Resources
Student Loans in South Africa: How to Apply and What to Expect
For many young South Africans, accessing higher education is a dream that often comes with a financial challenge. Fortunately, several student loan optionsstrong> are available in South Africa to help fund university, college, or TVET studies. Whether you’re looking for a government loan like NSFAS or a private student loan from a bank, understanding the process is essential for success.
What Are Student Loans?
Student loans are a form of financial aid provided to eligible students to help cover tuition fees, books, accommodation, and other study-related expenses. In South Africa, these loans can come from government institutions like NSFAS or private banks such as Nedbank, Standard Bank, FNB, and Absa. Most loans offer repayment flexibility and low-interest options until you graduate.
Types of Student Loans in South Africa
- NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme): A government-funded loan/grant program for students from low-income households. Covers tuition, housing, transport, and meals.
- Bank Student Loans: Offered by most major banks. These are credit-based and require a guardian or parent as a co-signer.
- Private Loan Providers: Companies like Fundi offer educational loans covering various costs such as school fees, gadgets, and textbooks.
Requirements to Qualify for a Student Loan
Each provider has its own criteria, but most South African student loans require the following:
- Proof of South African citizenship or permanent residency
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a recognised tertiary institution
- Parent or guardian with a stable income to co-sign (for private loans)
- Completed application form with supporting documents (ID, proof of income, academic records)
How to Apply for a Student Loan
To apply for a student loan in South Africa, follow these steps:
- Identify your loan provider: Choose between NSFAS, a bank, or a private lender.
- Gather necessary documents: ID copies, academic transcripts, acceptance letters, and income statements.
- Complete the application form online or at a branch.
- Await approval: Some banks offer instant decisions, while NSFAS can take a few weeks.
- Receive disbursement: Funds are typically paid directly to the institution or your account, depending on the lender.
Loan Amounts and Repayment
The loan amount you can receive depends on your chosen lender and financial need:
- NSFAS: Covers full tuition, residence, books, and a personal allowance. The loan becomes a bursary if you pass all your courses.
- Banks: Can provide up to R120,000 or more annually, depending on tuition costs and credit history.
Repayment usually starts after graduation or once you start earning an income. Bank loans may require interest-only payments during your studies. NSFAS repayment only begins when you earn above a specific income threshold.
FAQs on Student Loans in South Africa
1. Can I apply for a student loan without a parent or guardian?
For government loans like NSFAS, yes. But most banks require a financially responsible co-signer, especially for students without an income.
2. Is NSFAS a loan or a bursary?
NSFAS starts as a loan, but it converts to a bursary if you meet academic performance requirements. This means you may not have to pay it back.
3. What is the interest rate on student loans?
Private banks offer competitive rates between 5% and 12%, depending on the applicant's credit profile. NSFAS charges a much lower interest rate, usually linked to inflation.
4. What happens if I fail my courses?
If you’re funded by NSFAS and fail, your loan won’t convert into a bursary, and you’ll need to repay the full amount. Banks may continue charging interest, and your co-signer may be held liable.
5. Can I use a student loan to pay for accommodation and laptops?
Yes. Both NSFAS and many bank student loans cover costs beyond tuition, including housing, meals, textbooks, and electronic devices like laptops or tablets.
Final Thoughts
Student loans in South Africa offer a much-needed financial lifeline to thousands of students every year. Whether you're applying through **NSFAS** or a private bank, ensure you understand the **terms, interest rates, and repayment conditions** before signing any agreement. Make informed decisions today to secure your academic and financial future tomorrow.