Opening and operating a food truck in France requires compliance with a precise regulatory framework: legal status, itinerant trader card, HACCP training, insurance, VAT and location permits. This guide covers all current legal obligations for 2026, with official sources and practical advice.
TL;DR — Key Takeaways
The first step to launching your food truck is choosing the right legal status and registering your business. This choice impacts your taxation, social protection and growth potential.
Registration is done through the INPI one-stop shop (guichet-entreprises.fr). You will receive your SIRET number and APE code 56.10C (fast food service). Registration with the Trade and Companies Register (RCS) is mandatory for commercial activities.
To estimate your costs and profitability based on your chosen status, use our food truck break-even calculator.
Source: service-public.fr
The carte de commerçant ambulant (itinerant trader card) is an essential document for any food truck operator working outside their registered municipality. It certifies your right to practice itinerant trade throughout France.
Any trader or craftsperson conducting mobile business outside the municipality where their business is registered must hold this card. If you only sell in your registered municipality, it is not required.
Not having the itinerant trader card during an inspection can result in a fine of €1,500 (5th class offense). Always keep it in your vehicle.
Food hygiene is at the heart of food truck regulations. European regulation (EC) No 852/2004 and French decree No 2011-731 impose strict obligations regarding training and hygiene practices.
The PMS is a mandatory document describing the measures taken to ensure food safety. It includes:
The Departmental Directorate for Consumer Affairs (DDPP) can carry out unannounced inspections. In case of serious non-compliance, you risk temporary administrative closure, fines, or even criminal prosecution. Keep your records up to date and your PMS accessible in the vehicle.
To automate stock tracking and traceability, discover FoodTracks inventory management.
Source: agriculture.gouv.fr
Insurance is a cornerstone of protecting your food truck business. Some policies are legally mandatory, others strongly recommended to cover risks specific to mobile catering.
Include insurance costs in your fixed charges calculation. Our break-even calculator helps you determine the revenue needed to cover all your costs.
Source: service-public.fr
Food truck taxation has several specificities, particularly regarding VAT. The applicable rate depends on the type of product sold and the nature of the sale.
Under micro-enterprise status, you benefit from VAT exemption as long as your revenue does not exceed €91,900 (2026 threshold for sales activities). You do not charge VAT and cannot reclaim it on purchases. Beyond this threshold, you become liable for VAT.
FoodTracks simplifies tax tracking by automatically importing your SumUp sales and scanning your supplier invoices. Your revenue and ingredient cost data are always up to date for your filings.
Source: impots.gouv.fr
Parking a food truck on public roads or private land requires specific authorizations. Rules vary from one municipality to another, making regulatory monitoring essential.
Each municipality has its own rules. Always check with the urban planning department or market services of the relevant town hall before setting up.
Source: service-public.fr
Your food truck is both a transport vehicle and a food service premises. It must therefore meet a dual set of standards: road traffic regulations and kitchen installation safety requirements.
To learn more about overall food truck management, see our complete food truck management guide.
Source: DREAL / ecologie.gouv.fr
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Learn moreThe choice depends on your projected revenue and personal situation. The auto-entrepreneur (micro-enterprise) status is ideal for starting with annual revenue under €188,700 thanks to its administrative simplicity. Beyond that threshold, or if you have a partner, opt for a SARL or SAS which offer better personal asset protection and more tax flexibility.
Yes, the carte de commerçant ambulant is mandatory as soon as you operate outside the municipality where your business is registered. It is issued by the relevant CFE, valid for 4 years and renewable. Without this card, you risk a fine of up to €1,500 if inspected.
At least one person in your establishment must have completed a minimum 14-hour food hygiene training course, in accordance with decree no. 2011-731. This training covers HACCP principles, the 5M method, and temperature management. It is delivered by approved organizations and costs between €200 and €500.
Professional Liability Insurance (RC Pro) is essential to cover third-party damages (food poisoning, accidents). Professional vehicle insurance is also mandatory. It is strongly recommended to add multi-risk professional insurance (theft, fire, equipment damage) and legal protection. Expect to pay between €1,200 and €3,000/year depending on coverage.
VAT for food trucks depends on the type of sale. On-site and takeaway prepared meals are subject to 10% VAT. Unprepared food products (non-alcoholic drinks, packaged desserts) benefit from the reduced 5.5% rate. Alcoholic beverages are at the standard 20% rate. Under micro-enterprise status, you may benefit from VAT exemption (franchise en base).
To set up on public land, you need a Temporary Occupation Authorization (AOT) or a road permit from the relevant municipality. The fee ranges from €5 to €30/day depending on the commune. For markets, you must register with the municipal market manager (placier). Processing times range from a few days to several months depending on demand.
The vehicle must pass a technical inspection every 2 years (UTAC). Gas installations must comply with NF standards and be checked annually. A suitable fire extinguisher is mandatory on board. The ventilation and extraction system must meet current standards, and electrical connections must comply with NF C 15-100 standards.
The total startup budget ranges from €30,000 to €120,000 depending on the vehicle type (new or used) and fit-out. Main costs include: the fitted vehicle (€20,000–80,000), kitchen equipment (€5,000–15,000), administrative fees and training (€1,000–3,000), initial stock (€1,000–3,000), and insurance (€1,200–3,000/year). Use our break-even calculator to plan your investment.
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