Composite Food Shop Licence
A Composite Food Shop Licence in Hong Kong is necessary for shops selling a combination of different food types, such as cooked food, siu mei (roast meat), lo mei (braised meat), and seafood. This licence is issued by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) .
Here are some of the benefits of having a Composite Food Shop Licence:
It allows you to sell a wider variety of food items under one licence.
It can be more cost-effective than obtaining multiple individual licences.
It simplifies the licensing process.
To apply for a Composite Food Shop Licence, you will need to submit an application form along with other necessary documents, such as:
Final layout plans
Final ventilating system layout plans
Electrical installation certificate
Food supplier's certificate
Certificate of Compliance (Cat. 1 Requirements) and Certificate of Compliance (Cat. 2 Requirements) for Building Department (BD)'s requirements (if required)
How to Apply for a Composite Food Shop Licence
Applying for a Composite Food Shop Licence in Hong Kong involves several steps and requires approval from multiple departments. Here's a breakdown of the process:
Preparation:
Review Lease Conditions: Check your shop's lease agreement for any restrictions on food businesses. You might need to modify the lease with the Lands Department before proceeding [refer to FEHD licensing guide for details].
Plan Your Shop Layout: Design a detailed layout plan outlining the shop's functionality, including food preparation areas, customer service areas, and ventilation systems. Prepare multiple copies for submission.
Government Approvals:
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD):
Obtain the application form (FEHB 94) from the FEHD website FEHD licensing guide.
Submit the completed form along with required documents like:
Proposed layout plans (3 copies)
Final ventilating system layout plans
Electrical installation certificate
Food supplier's certificate
Certificate of Compliance (Cat. 1 Requirements) and (Cat. 2 Requirements) for Building Department (BD)'s requirements (if needed)
Building Department (BD) (if applicable):
Depending on your shop's layout or renovations, you might need approval from the Building Department for compliance with building regulations.
Additional Considerations:
A third-party certification system is used for issuing the full licence. You'll need a Certificate of Compliance issued by an authorized person or registered structural engineer to confirm adherence to health requirements [refer to FEHD licensing guide for details].
This information is for general guidance. It's advisable to consult the latest FEHD licensing guide and consider seeking professional advice from a qualified consultant familiar with Hong Kong food licensing procedures for the most up-to-date and specific details.
You can find more information on the application process and the required documents on the FEHD website.
Standard Processing Time
Processing Steps | Standard Response Time |
To conduct Site Inspection | within 7 working days of acceptance of the application for further processing |
To issue Letter of Requirements for Provisional and / or Full Licence | within 7 working days upon receipt of confirmation from the departments concerned that the premises are suitable for licensing z |
To issue Full Licence at the Licence Issuing Office | within 1 working day upon receipt of acceptable Certificate of Compliance with all health requirements for the issue of Full Licence from the applicant |
To issue Provisional Licence a) If the Certificate(s) are submitted to the Licence Issuing Office | within 1 working day upon receipt of acceptable Certificate(s) of Compliance with all relevant licensing requirements for the issue of Provisional Licence from the applicant |
To issue Provisional Licence b) If the Certificate(s) are submitted by post | within 7 working days upon receipt of acceptable Certificate(s) of Compliance with all relevant licensing requirements for the issue of Provisional Licence from the applicant |
Licence Fees
The various licence fees for the full Composite Food Shop Licence and provisional Composite Food Shop Licence are listed in A GUIDE TO APPLICATION FOR COMPOSITE FOOD SHOP LICENCE Appendix L.
Fees associated with the application process will vary depending on your shop's size and location.
(I) Composite Food Shop Licence
Annual Fee is by reference to floor area of premises. Annual Fee is $4,460 for 100 m2 floor area to $223,300 for 5,000 m2 floor area.
(II) Provisional Composite Food Shop Licence
Licence Fee (valid for 6 months) = Half of the annual fee for Composite Food Shop Licence with the same floor area of premises
Resources:
How Bestar can Help
Bestar is able to help with a Composite Food Shop Licence in Hong Kong:
Application Process Guidance: Bestar advises on the application procedures, including filling out the forms and compiling the necessary documents.
Documentation Assistance: We help with collecting and preparing required documents like final layout plans or supplier certificates.
Liaison with FEHD: Bestar is able to communicate with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department on your behalf to ensure a smooth application process.
Regulatory Compliance: We advise on adhering to regulations related to food safety, hygiene, and ventilation systems.
To find out how Bestar can help:
By contacting Bestar, you'll get the most accurate and up-to-date information on how we can assist you in obtaining your Composite Food Shop Licence in Hong Kong.
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