Fishmonger
A 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).
Required Qualifications
- Accepted diplomas: CAP specialty "Fishmonger", Professional baccalaureate "Fishmonger-scaler-caterer"
- Alternative experience: 3 years of effective professional experience in an EU/EEA state as manager, self-employed or employee
- Effective control: Possibility to practice under the effective and permanent control of a qualified person
Procedure and Formalities
- Free provision of services (LPS): Prior declaration to CMA, proof of at least 1 year practice in last 10 years if profession not regulated in state of establishment, 1 month response time
- Freedom of establishment (LE): Professional qualification certificate issued by CMA within 3 months, possibility of compensation measures (adaptation period max. 3 years or aptitude test)
- Integrity requirements: No prohibition from managing a company or ban from practicing
Insurance
- Professional liability insurance: Optional for employees (employer subscribes for employees), recommended for self-employed