Business-licence annual renewal underway

ALL businesses operating within the eThekwini Municipality are reminded and encouraged to renew their operating licences. Businesses have until January 31, 2024, to renew their operating licences to continue conducting business for the new year. The renewal season commences annually on December 1,  and businesses are given until the last day of January the following year.

eThekwini mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda said the renewal is free of charge but mandatory for businesses to continue operating. An application for a new licence requires a fee.

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“Renewal is a statutory requirement and ensures compliance as well as proper management of businesses. The business licences that need to be renewed are within the sectors of Food Establishments (ITEM 1) and Health or Entertainment Facilities (ITEM 2),” said Mayor Kaunda.

Businesses can renew licences from the comfort of their own homes via the online Business Licensing Portal, under e-Services, on the Municipality’s website: www.durban.gov.za. Alternatively, they can visit their nearest Business Licensing Offices, where they initially applied for the trading licence.

This process is conducted annually and is very critical in terms of the Business Act 71 of 1991, under Section 15 of Business Regulations.

The act requires that every licence holder must confirm, every year, that the business for which the licence was issued is continuing to be conducted from the premises specified in the licence. Also that no other business for which a licence is required, in terms of the act, is being conducted from the same licensed premises.

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Industries and traders are urged to start the renewal process while there is still time because, after the deadline of January 31, 2024, Licence Inspectors, with other law enforcement agencies, will be conducting random inspections of all businesses that did not renew to enforce compliance.
For more information, contact 031 311 4535, email licensing@durban.gov.za or contact your nearest regional office.

Mayor Kaunda also encouraged businesses that are trading illegally to apply for licences as it is a criminal act to trade without one. For food and accommodation establishments, a licence is only R574, while a licence for running an entertainment venue is R2 842. You only pay once for a licence that is valid for as long as the business is operational.

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