Some businesses operate without a fixed business address. This type of business is called itinerant trade, which involves selling commercial or handicraft products on a mobile basis.

Below, we explain what it involves and what formalities are required to become an itinerant trader in France.

What’s in this article?

• What is itinerant trade?
  
• What activities can be carried out as itinerant trade?
  
• What activities are excluded from itinerant trade?
  
• What legal form does an itinerant business take?
  
• What are the requirements for setting up an itinerant trade?
  
• How do I obtain an itinerant merchant card?
  
• How do I obtain a temporary public occupancy permit (AOT)?
  

What is itinerant trade?

Itinerant trade involves commercial or artisanal activity carried out in various public places (such as markets, fairs, festivals, or streets) away from the business’s main premises. This type of mobile activity is characterised by frequent changes of location and considerable flexibility in management and operation.

What activities can be carried out as itinerant trade?

Itinerant trade is ideal for a variety of activities involving the sale of services and products in public spaces, including:

• Takeaway catering from a food truck

• Trade stands at fairs and markets

• Fairground activities (e.g., shows and attractions)

What activities are excluded from itinerant trade?

Certain activities cannot be carried out as itinerant trade:

• Taxicab transportation

• Door-to-door sales (e.g., literature sellers)

• Sales from permanent establishments (such as delivery or breakdown services)

• Sales of pets as part of an exhibition not specifically devoted to animals

• Sales of alcoholic beverages from groups 4 and 5 of the Public Health Code

Note that beverages from group 3 can be sold with a takeaway licence

What legal form does an itinerant business take?

You can choose the legal form that suits your business best. This could include a sole proprietorship (e.g., micro-business) or a company (e.g., single-shareholder simplified joint-stock company [SASU], single-shareholder limited liability company [EURL], limited liability company [SARL], etc.). It must be registered with the Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés (RCS) for traders or with the Registre national des entreprises (RNE) for craftspeople.

Professionals must also register their business by creating a personal account on the business formalities portal to establish the legal status of their itinerant activity. To learn more about the different legal forms available in France, read our article on the subject.

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What are the requirements for setting up an itinerant trade?

In addition to registration, you must determine whether you need an itinerant trader card (carte de commerçant ambulant) and a temporary public space occupation permit (autorisation d’occupation temporaire de l’espace public, or AOT).

It’s important to note that itinerant vendors who sell food must comply with health regulations and undergo food hygiene training.

Itinerant merchant card

An itinerant merchant card is mandatory for individuals without a permanent or professional address who wish to operate outside their own municipality.

However, professionals who operate within their own business location are not required to apply for an itinerant merchant card. This also applies to professionals who travel to customers’ homes. Art sellers and businesses with a fixed location, such as those operating in a market, are also exempt from the requirement of an itinerant merchant card.

AOT

Itinerant vendors are required to obtain an AOT. This permit is specific to the location the professional is occupying and outlines the specific locations, dates, and times of sales. The table below summarises the key differences between the three types of AOTs.

How do I obtain an itinerant merchant card?

To apply for a merchant card, businesses can contact the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), and artisans can contact the Chamber of Trades and Crafts (CMA). To apply, fill in cerfa form no. 14022, and pay the €30 fee.

You will be issued a provisional certificate until your official merchant card is issued. The card is usually issued within one month. It is valid for four years and must be renewed after this period.

Note that if you do not receive a response, your application is considered denied, but you have the right to appeal.

How do I obtain a temporary public occupancy permit (AOT)?

The type of permit you seek determines who you should contact to obtain your AOT:

• Market location: Reach out to the town hall, municipal market supervisor, or event organiser. You’ll also need to pay a site fee if you’re accepted.

• Parking permit: Contact the town hall or prefecture.

• Street permit: The town hall can also help you obtain a street permit.

The application for a street permit or a parking permit is made using cerfa form no. 14023. You will receive an acknowledgement of receipt of your application. As with the merchant card, if you do not receive a response, your application is considered denied.