Informal Trader

Apply for an Informal Trader Permit?

All informal traders who operate in the greater Knysna area need to be registered and be in possession of a trader permit issued by the Economic Development Department at the Knysna Municipality. This includes anyone trading on sidewalks, in containers, spaza shops, public open areas, etc.

You can apply for a permit in a specific trading area, e.g. African Craft Market or for permission to trade as a house shop, etc. Containers are only allowed in designated areas. If there is no available space your name will be placed on a waiting list.

If you are interested to trade in a specific trading area, please apply as space is limited. All applicants will be screened according to the Informal Traders Policy and Street Trading By-law. Various trading areas have a committee which assists in the management of the area.

Trading areas:

  • Main Street Market
  • African Craft Market
  • Sedgefield Taxi Rank
  • Knysna Taxi Rank
  • Buffalo Bay, etc.

Cost:

A trading permit will cost R100 for a three month period and will be renewed if traders comply with code of conduct and following routine inspections.

Requirements to trade:

  • Proof of address
  • Identity Document (ID)
  • Details of type of goods or service
  • Completed application form
  • Receipt of permit fee (Customer Care)
  • Garden Route District Health Certificate if required

Complete the official application form, submit it with a copy of your ID, proof of residence and a copy of Health Certificate (if application is for eatables). For more information, or to submit your application, please email business@knysna.gov.za

The application will be processed and payment instruction will be forwarded. Once the proof of payment is submitted a permit will be issued which will be renewable within a month or 3 months, depending on the application.

For more information please contact us:

Economic Development Department
2nd Floor, 3 Church Street
Old Main Building, Knysna, 6570
E-mail: business@knysna.gov.za
Tel: +27 (0)44 302 6360

Click here to download the Informal Trader Application Form