Retail & Shop
3 permits in France
Permits and registrations for retail businesses, shops, and commercial services. This broad category includes licenses for selling regulated goods, security services, real estate agencies, insurance brokerage, private investigation, antique dealing, and many other commercial activities. If your business involves selling products or providing commercial services to the public, check here for applicable permits.
Butcher
NationalThe butcher registration is required for anyone opening a butcher shop in France. It applies to professionals who buy, prepare, and sell meat and meat products to consumers, whether from a fixed shop or market stall.You must register with the Chambre de métiers et de l'artisanat (CMA) and hold a qualifying diploma (CAP boucher, BEP, or equivalent) or have at least three years of professional experience. You can also operate under the supervision of a qualified person. Strict food hygiene and traceability rules apply to all meat handling.
Issued by: Chamber of Trades and Crafts (CMA)
Fishmonger
NationalA fishmonger registration is required for anyone opening a fish shop or seafood counter in France. It covers professionals who buy, prepare, and sell fish, shellfish, and other seafood products to consumers.You must hold a professional qualification (CAP poissonnier-écailler or equivalent) or prove at least three years of experience in the trade. Alternatively, you may operate under the permanent supervision of a qualified person. You register with the Chambre de métiers et de l'artisanat (CMA), and if you handle products of animal origin, you must also file a sanitary declaration with the DDPP (Direction départementale de la protection des populations).
Issued by: Chamber of Trades and Crafts (CMA)
Seed Shop – Garden Center
RegionalIf you run a seed shop or garden center (graineterie-jardinerie) in France, your activity becomes regulated as soon as you sell plant protection products or treated seeds. To sell these products, you need a personal Certiphyto certificate and your business must hold an agrément (approval) as a distributor, issued by the DRAAF.No specific diploma is required for general plant and garden supply sales. However, if you stock phytopharmaceutical products, your responsible and sales staff must each hold a valid Certiphyto. You can only sell products bearing the mention "usage autorisé dans les jardins" to non-professional customers. A garden center may also include a pet shop activity, subject to separate regulations.
Issued by: Regional Directorate for Food, Agriculture and Forestry
