Street vendors
Occupying the public domain for itinerant traders
By Yasmine EDDAM17 April 2025Itinerant commercial activity takes place mainly on public land. This occupation is subject to strict rules. Traders must obtain prior authorisation and comply with the conditions laid down by the local authorities. Different types of permit Occupation of the public domain requires a specific administrative permit. Parking permit This permit is for occupation without a footprint. It applies to easily movable installations: stalls, demountable stands or sales vehicles. The competent authority varies according to the location: Communal roads: the mayor Departmental or national roads in built-up areas: the mayor Departmental roads outside built-up areas: the president of the departmental council National roads outside built-up areas: the prefect The permit is personal, precarious and revocable. Permission de voirie This authorisation concerns occupation with a footprint. It applies to installations fixed to the ground: kiosks, enclosed terraces or light constructions. The competent authority is the road manager: Voirie...
Itinerant trade: a complete guide to legal and administrative obligations
Commercial, business and competition law, Travelling salesmenItinerant trade offers flexibility and autonomy. It also involves specific obligations. This guide sets out the essential rules for carrying on an itinerant commercial or craft activity legally. Who is affected by the rules governing itinerant trade? The legal framework distinguishes between two categories of professionals. Itinerant traders They...Specific arrangements for fairground workers: travel permits and local authority
Commercial, business and competition law, Travelling salesmenShowmen are governed by a separate administrative regime from itinerant traders. Their status implies additional obligations linked to the absence of a fixed abode. The legal definition of a fairground dweller One essential criterion defines a fairground dweller: the absence of a stable place of residence. Legal definition A showman is a person with no fixed abode or...The health obligations of itinerant traders in the food sector
Commercial, business and competition law, Travelling salesmenIn addition to obtaining a professional licence, itinerant food sales require compliance with strict health regulations. These obligations protect consumers and make traders liable. Failure to comply can result in severe penalties. The applicable regulatory framework The itinerant food trade is subject to a precise framework. The...Travelling salesman's professional card: obligations and procedures
Commercial, business and competition law, Travelling salesmenhtml Operating an itinerant commercial or craft business involves specific administrative obligations. The first document you need to obtain in order to practise legally is a business card. Failure to obtain one can result in severe penalties and jeopardise the regular exercise of the activity. The obligation to declare your activity in advance The French Commercial Code requires you to declare your...Itinerant and fairground traders: definitions and general legal framework
Commercial, business and competition law, Travelling salesmenItinerant commerce plays an important role in the French economy. These commercial activities, carried out away from fixed premises, are subject to a precise regulatory framework. Although itinerant traders and fairground stallholders are often confused, they have distinct legal definitions and are subject to specific obligations. The legal distinction between...
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