Food business operating permit or notification

Where this applies

This record is scoped to Switzerland. Scope is part of the claim: a rule that binds one part of a country does not bind the whole of it, and this library states the scope its sources state.

Instrument

Lebensmittelgesetz (LMG), SR 817.0, Art. 11

Who it binds

Food and utility-article businesses in Switzerland

What it requires

Art. 11 splits food businesses into two tiers: slaughterhouses and businesses handling food of animal origin need a cantonal operating permit (Betriebsbewilligung); other businesses producing, processing or distributing food need only notify (melden) their cantonal enforcement authority. The Federal Council may grant exceptions for pure primary production or low-risk activity. Routine food control is generally fee-free (Art. 58); a fee applies only after an official objection.

Related records and requirements

• Food business registration (United Kingdom) — A food business in England, Wales or Scotland — including home-based, mobile and online traders — must register with its local authority at least 28 days before opening; registration is free and cannot be refused.
• Food business registration (Ireland) — A food business in Ireland must register with the relevant registering authority (HSE, DAFM or SFPA) before starting operations, even from home.
• Food business registration (Türkiye) — A food business operator in Türkiye outside the scope requiring approval must hold a Registration Certificate from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
• Food business framework (LFGB) (Germany) — EU Regulation 852/2004 Art. 6(2) requires registering a food business with the competent district food-safety authority in Germany.
• Food business registration or approval (Norway) — A food business in Norway generally registers with Mattilsynet before starting, implementing EU Regulation 852/2004 Art. 6(2) via the EEA Agreement.
• Food premises registration (Malaysia) — A food premises owner in Malaysia must register through the Ministry of Health's FoSIM system across four categories (manufacturing, catering, restaurant/retail, mobile vendors); operating unregistered risks a fine up to RM10,000 or up to 2 years' imprisonment.
• Food business registration (Taiwan) — A food business in a category and scale designated by public announcement in Taiwan may commence operations only after applying for registration with the competent authority.
• Food business notification (NSW) (Australia) — Every food business in New South Wales must notify its local council, or the NSW Food Authority for higher-risk sectors, before beginning to trade.
• Food premises registration (Victoria) (Australia) — Every business selling food or drink in Victoria must register with its local council before trading, with the lowest-risk Class 4 needing only a free notification.
• Food business licence or notification (Japan) — A food business outside the 32 sector types named in Japan's Food Sanitation Act Enforcement Order must instead give prior notification to the prefectural governor.
• Food business approval — animal-origin food (Ireland) — A food business within the scope of EU Regulation 853/2004 (animal-origin food) needs approval from the registering authority, not merely registration.
• Federal Inspection Service (SIF) registration (Brazil) — A business trading animal-origin products across Brazilian states or internationally must register with MAPA/DIPOA under the Federal Inspection Service (SIF), via a simplified or full approval track.
• Food business registration or approval (Norway) — A food business handling animal-origin products in Norway generally faces a stricter approval (godkjenning) tier from Mattilsynet rather than plain registration.